Thank you for being here, I know it's HARD!!!
Coming out can be a scary process. There can be fear of judgment, non-acceptance, losing your loved ones, or friendships. It can bring tension to families because of beliefs, ideologies and concerns of what others might think.
In the end, we all want to be seen, accepted and loved as we are.
Are you afraid to come out?
Have you been told that you can be cured or this is just a phase?
Did someone in your family come out and you are struggling to know what to do?
No matter what your situation, I’m here to support you and help you shine your light.
About me
My name is Dakshima Dilipani Haputhanthri. I am a Registered social worker in Alberta, Canada. I worked as an Attorney, in my home country Sri Lanka and moved to Canada in the Summer of 2016.
After creating "Dilipani" and sharing my lived experiences almost five years ago, I had the privilege to be the Key Note speaker, panelist and invited speaker in many National, provincial and Municipal institutions and non-profit organizations such as Jewish Community Centre, Distress Centre, Alberta Network of Immigrant Women and Immigrant Services Calgary. I was also the former Co -Chair at the Gender and Sexual Diversity Board for Calgary Police Services and Co-Chair for Immigrant Advisory Table member at Calgary Local Immigration Partnership. Right now, I provide my support as a mentor and peer supporter to many folks.
After struggling for many years to hide my sexuality, I now fully embrace my true self and am here to safely support you to embrace your true self and to find your freedom and peace.
Are you curious about the name Dilipani?
Dilipani means “a lighted lamp.” It also happens to be my middle name. I was drawn to Dilipani when choosing a name for my services, because I see myself as a guiding light, or a lighted lamp for you, your loved ones and community at large.
I’m here to help guide you to learn, accept and love yourself as you are, and others as they are, without judgment. I have been through this journey and come out the other side, stronger, wiser and filled with gratitude.
Together we are changing the world!
Dakshima in the media
Podcast
Refusing to be a Footnote in Other People Stories | Journey 29 w/ Dakshima Haputhanthri
Dakshima's Story
Radio Interviews
Calgary social worker offering counseling and support to South Asians who are ready to come out as gay to their families.
Shine your light with Dakshima Haputhanthri
Print Media
Finding your true self takes courage, and maybe a little help
Digital Articles
More resources needed for LGBTQ South Asians ready to come out as gay, advocate says
A guiding light and a safe haven for LGBTQ2S+ immigrants
© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved.
