Raised in a very strict religious Pakistani household. Parents have physically and emotionally abused me since I was a child. Was never allowed to have friends, they constantly put me down, but I have come to realise that it is just a reflection of their own insecurities. I understand the difference between South East Asian culture and Islam, however I fully believe that they are intrinsically linked, control, fear and oppression is key, any belief system which takes precedent over their family (something that we KNOW is real) in my mind is disgusting. If I do ever tell them I don't believe in god they will without a doubt disown me, like most Muslim households they have an innate fear of what other people in the community would think and that to them is more important than their own son. Just trying to get my degree, get a job and leave. Worried for my brothers and sisters growing up, after years of abuse I had severe social anxiety, but since going to university I am now who I want to be, looking forward to what the future will have in store for me.