Shaneel Lal knew they were different from their peers from a young age. Born during the third fijian coup, they began to realise they were queer at about six years old. Not long after, they were exposed to conversion therapy; a religious exercise, which attempted to manipulate them into believing that if they did not change their sexuality, their family would disown them, their community would banish them, and according to these religious ideologies, they would burn in hell. They accepted the therapy, hoping it would be successful for the sake of their family.
When Shaneel and their family moved to New Zealand, they began a five year journey to see conversion therapy banned in NZ.
They share with Hamish Williams and psychotherapist Kyle MacDonald.
With thanks to NZ on Air.
