Bi-Fierce, Bi-Free: my journey from silence to solidarity

By Dhritisha Bhagawati (she/her)
DEI Specialist for APAC, Criteo

Hi! I am Dhritisha, and I currently serve as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Specialist at Criteo for APAC. As someone who identifies as bisexual and comes from a small city in Northeast India, my journey has been anything but linear. But every step, every moment of doubt, discovery, courage, and clarity has led me to where I am today: proudly queer, proudly resilient, and proudly committed to building inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive.

Growing Up in the Quiet Corners of the Country

I was born and raised in a small city nestled in the Northeast of India—a place rich in culture, but with limited visibility or conversations around queerness. Even as a child, I always knew I was different. I was in third grade when I first realized I was bisexual. But growing up in a society where only heteronormativity was visible and accepted, I internalized the belief that my feelings were “wrong.”

So, like many of us, I hid.

Finding Myself in a New City

Everything changed when I moved to Bangalore, South India for college. I studied at Mount Carmel College, pursuing a triple major in Chemistry, Botany, and Microbiology. It was here that my world opened. For the first time, I met people like me, people who identified across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, each with their own beautiful story. Their courage and authenticity gave me the strength to accept myself.

I began volunteering with LGBTQ+ organizations and participated in Pride parades. Each moment was transformative. Slowly, I started peeling away the layers of fear I had lived with for years.

Coming Out, On My Own Terms

Coming out was a journey—one that began with telling my sister. Her support meant the world to me. My mother took a bit more time but eventually came around. My father, surprisingly, was supportive from the start.

One important thing I have learned as a bisexual person is that there are often unique challenges and misconceptions, especially around the idea that it’s “just a phase.”

Today, I am in a heterosexual relationship. But that does not—and will never—negate my queerness. My identity is not defined by the gender of my partner, but by who I am. Bisexuality is valid whether you are dating someone of the same gender, a different gender, or no one at all.

Sometimes people assume that because I am in a relationship with a man, I have somehow “moved past” my bisexuality or that I have “chosen a side.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. Queerness is not performative—it’s lived. It shows up in how I navigate the world, how I advocate for others, and how I show up in spaces that haven’t always been welcoming to people like me.

Just like a married gay person doesn’t stop being gay, a bisexual person in a heterosexual relationship doesn’t stop being bi. These lived truths need to be said out loud, especially in professional spaces where identity is often oversimplified.

Learning, Unlearning, Relearning

College not only gave me confidence in my identity but also sparked my passion for social impact. As I interned and volunteered across various causes, I realized I wanted to work in the development and inclusion space full-time.

I shifted paths and pursued a master’s in social work (specializing in Community Development) from Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Later, I completed a Post Graduate Program in Development Leadership from the Indian School of Development Management.

These years were transformative both academically and personally. They taught me resilience, empathy, and the importance of inclusive systems that leave no one behind.

Building Belonging Through DEI

Today, I am proud to be a DEI Specialist at Criteo, where I work toward advancing equity and inclusion across the APAC region. I am grateful to be part of an organization that not only celebrates diversity but actively works to embed inclusion into its culture and operations. My lived experience informs my work, reminding me every day why inclusive spaces matter, because for someone like me, they changed everything.

If you’re someone who's still navigating your identity, I want you to know there’s no timeline for coming out, and no one “right way” to be yourself. Whether you whisper it to a friend or shout it from the rooftops—your identity is valid, real, and beautiful.

Feel free to connect with me if you would like to chat about DEI, identity, or just share your story. 🌈