Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati recently shared the negative reactions she received from men who strongly disapproved of her decision to embrace her natural grey hair. In a candid conversation, the 58-year-old revealed her non-binary identity and preference for ‘she/they’ pronouns, a realization that came later in life but brought a sense of self-acceptance.
Having portrayed Sunita Alahan on the soap for over a decade, Shobna expressed feeling liberated by defining herself as non-binary, a term that resonated with her experience of not conforming to traditional gender norms. Despite facing criticism and judgment, particularly about her appearance, Shobna remained steadfast in her choice to let her hair grey naturally, a decision met with resistance from some individuals.
In detailing the challenges she encountered, Shobna highlighted instances where her worth as a woman was measured by societal standards of youthfulness, leading her to distance herself from those who failed to appreciate her authenticity. Despite the backlash, Shobna remains committed to being true to herself, emphasizing that age should not diminish one’s value or identity.
In addition to her personal journey, Shobna also shared insights into her romantic life, expressing openness to relationships with individuals of any gender. Reflecting on past experiences, including a Hindu marriage at a young age and subsequent relationships, Shobna’s evolving understanding of her non-binary identity has been a process of self-discovery and acceptance.
As she navigates this newfound awareness, Shobna embraces the opportunity to redefine her identity on her own terms, free from societal expectations and stereotypes. By openly discussing her non-binary identity, Shobna hopes to inspire others to embrace their true selves and challenge conventional notions of gender and identity.