Shermont – Standing Tall With his Sexual Preference
Many more, like Shermont, share similar struggles to be accepted in society.
Identifying himself as a gay man was a risk for Shaheel Shermont.
Mr Shermont had survived a suicide attempt. In 2017, he had overdosed himself because of the load he carried.
One was being mocked by people because of his sexual preference.
“I used to be a very sensitive person, and I used to be called a lot of words like ghandu, qauri,” he said.
Overtime, Mr Shermont has mastered ignoring derogatory terms uttered towards him.
He has now become an internet sensation, raking millions of views on his TikTok fashion show videos. He has also made headlines in international media because of his entertaining videos.
The story of Mr Shermont is not uncommon. Others we interviewed also spoke of the struggles they encountered when revealing their sexual orientation.
They say customs, religious beliefs and fear of bringing shame to their families are reasons they find it difficult to be accepted.
It’s even tougher for Indo-Fijian Lesbians, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Inter-sex Life (LGBTQI) in Fiji, and how their sexual preferences are received by their families and society.
A thesis written by Kris Prasad titled: Right Hai?!: A Qualitative Study on the Mental Health Experiences of Queer Indo-Fijians highlighted that:
At least 80 per cent (four out of five) of all attempted and completed suicides involved Indo-Fijians. This is a disproportionately high rate considering the Indo-Fijian population is currently estimated to be at 33 per cent.
Scholarly research indicates that the LGBTQI community face a high risk of mental depression and suicide. In his experience as a queer activist, Mr Prasad said in 2019 there were 14 completed suicides within his extended queer networks, out of which 12 involved queer IndoFijians.
In a statement issued on April 4, Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network chief executive officer, Isikeli Vulavou called on Pacific islanders to learn more about transgender individuals and communities and their lives.
“We need to treat transgender people with love, respect and dignity and we all have a responsibility to seek diversity, value equity, and embrace inclusion – whether in the workplace, community, government or industry,” he said.
THE STORY OF SHERMONT
Mr Shermont, 24, knew he was attracted to men when he was a kid. At that age, he had no knowledge of the LGBTQI community.
There was no education or awareness of LGBTQI, he said.
“Most times we are asked why you are acting like a girl or a tomboy because we are not educated on this matter.”
Mr Shermont admitted it was not an easy journey for him. There has been a lot of mocking, he said.
He faced this in school and outside as well. While society was cruel, his mother accepted his sexual preference. He had opened up about his sexuality on social media.
“I have many friends who have gone through mental depression because of their sexual orientation,” he said.
“Most of the time for us when we date a guy, it would have to be a secret relationship, guys would say we will be boyfriends and girlfriends, but we will be bros and cousins in
public.”
Mr Shermont prefers to stay away from such pretentious relationships.
MORE TELL
The story of Mr Shermont is not uncommon.
The three other people we interviewed also told their struggles.
They spoke on the condition of not being identified. One said fathers were usually the stringent ones.
“There are instances when children must be chased out of the house because for being gay, a queer, transgender etcetera,” he said.
“There are instances where my friends become mentally depressed because of their sexuality.”
He said accepting the child’s sexual preference also depended on the family background.
Another interviewee said there were instances where brothers supported their fathers.
“I have friends who have tried to commit suicide. I have had friends who were told to leave the house and fend for themselves. Some end
up emotionally and mentally depressed,” he said.
His family was surprised at first when he had informed them.
“It all comes down to the families, the beliefs, values, and customs, they also affect their children.
“Sometimes, we must hide what our true sexual identity is because we fear bringing shame to our families, and if your families are businesspeople or well-known in society, it’s even more difficult.”
Another, who identifies as a queer, said his boyfriend had encouraged him to be open about his sexuality.
It was his friends who knew about it first because it was difficult for him to open up to his family. His sisters were emotional.
“Growing up, I had developed a liking for men, but it was always hard to come out and be open about it.”
He said others in his circle of friends were bullied because of their sexuality: some even chased out of their homes.