Friend: You can't just self identify as a Tamilian. That's not even a thing.
Me: Why? People are choosing their pronouns and gender. I can't even choose my identity or community?
Friend: Will Tamilians accept you as a Tamil? You don't live there, or read and write Tamil.
Me: Then I suggest you read up about Shivaji Rao Gaikwad. A man born to a Maratha family in Bangalore, who attained great fame in Chennai.
(twist in the tale - thalaivar can read Tamil)
Me: Why? People are choosing their pronouns and gender. I can't even choose my identity or community?
Friend: Will Tamilians accept you as a Tamil? You don't live there, or read and write Tamil.
Me: Then I suggest you read up about Shivaji Rao Gaikwad. A man born to a Maratha family in Bangalore, who attained great fame in Chennai.
(twist in the tale - thalaivar can read Tamil)