Jadewin Fortuin a professional nurse in the health department says he lived a double life for far too long. Fortuin says for years, he struggled to reconcile his personal and professional identities, feeling like his living two separate lives. Fortuin who is a member of the LGBTQI community says at work, he had to suppress his true self, fearing judgment and discomfort from patients and coworkers. Fortuin explains that he hid his sexuality to fit in, afraid of being ostracized or stereotyped. He believed that being gay meant he will be seen as promiscuous or unprofessional. He says he however learned that his sexual orientation doesn't define his character or work ethic........ Insert - Jadewuin Fortuin   Fortuin says the pressure to conform to societal norms took a toll on my mental health he elaborates. He says he ended up in a mental institution, feeling suffocated by the need to pretend. 

Journalist: Murial Meintjies
Email: intern2@radioriverside.co.za