Kanako Otsuji became Japan's first openly lesbian politician when she was elected to the Osaka Prefectural Assembly in April 2003 at the age of 28 – making her the youngest person ever to be elected to the Assembly.

In 2007, Ms. Otsuji was an official Democratic Party of Japan candidate. She lost the Upper House election with 38,229 votes. If she had won, she would have been Japan's first openly gay national politician.

Over breakfast, she talked to Sayoni about being an openly gay politician in Japan.

What motivated you to get involved in politics?

The biggest reason is that I'm a lesbian. I have been a minority in society and it took me quite a long time to accept myself. I questioned myself over my sexual orientation for 4 to 5 years.

To commemorate our 2nd Anniversary, we go back to our roots and have a heart-to-heart with the author of the book that inspired us – Giti Thadani, author of Sakhiyani.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself

I was born in Delhi, 10-05-1961. Went to a typical convent school there.

Later, I got constantly into trouble because I refused to pray and believe in Jesus Christ. It was apparently compulsory even for non-Christians. Anyway, I dropped out. Otherwise I would have probably studied mathematics.

Instead, my life followed a course outside all institutions. I never had a career; this research became a passion as did traveling over 30 countries. I have lived between Europe and India for more than 25 years, more in India now.

I’ve been learning languages – 7 so far. Have done all kinds of work to pay the expenses; I try to keep them frugal so that I have my freedom, but now I am managing to survive through a mix of artistic and other work.