Differently oriented? What does that mean? By differently oriented we mean those individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer and those who choose not to accept a label or prefer other identities such as hijra, kothi, meti, men who have sex with men (MSM) or women who have sex with women (WSW).

South Asian. What we have in common is direct experience with or exposure to South Asian cultural heritage and diaspora. And of course, the societal pressure to fit into that norm. On the one hand, our self-realization of being differently oriented can be liberating and make us whole. On the other hand, our self-realization can leave us empty for a community who accepts us as we are.

Our gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation. When we're not struggling with our own internal questions, feelings of isolation, xenophobia and/or homophobia, or relationship issues, we're undoubtedly dodging pressure from our families to get 'married' to a nice boy/girl (opposite gender, of course). And many of us do hide our same-sex attractions or alternative sexualities in favor of a more traditional, heterosexual marriage (often, through an arranged marriage). Others create open marriages that more fully integrate the free expression of our gender and sexuality, and still others find a happy medium between duty and freedom by marrying another differently oriented South Asian of the opposite gender. Some live openly in these relationships, while others are more private about their arrangements. And there are some of us with the privilege and/or opportunity to seek or live openly in same-sex relationships.

Come as you are. Whether you identify as differently oriented, heterosexual, family, friend, spouse, or ally, we hope our website will have something in it for you. Our aim is to create a community space that encompasses Washington, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Vancouver, BC. We also welcome those of you around the world reaching out from your computers to explore and visit the Pacific Northwest's queer South Asian community. Our community is as diverse as the natural beauty that we live in. As the mountains stand alongside the rainforests, deserts, islands and oceans, we also aim to stand side by side with each other, respecting the contributions we each make to our landscape.

Building a more inclusive community. It will no doubt be challenging to build a community inclusive of all of the manifestations of gender, sexuality, sexual orientation, religious, linguistic, cultural and geographical diversity. But we rise to the challenge and seek to provide a supportive, empowering, and affirming community for differently oriented South Asians in the Pacific Northwest and we envision a safer world where differently oriented South Asians and their allies can fully express themselves.

Our website. Websites can help bridge the mythical and geographical divides: the myths that we hear about our lives and the geographies that disperse us or bring us together. So here we map part of our story, and as you read, we hope you will be inspired to map yours, too.