Cincinnati, Ohio: In a powerful union of purpose, courage, and compassion, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, the world’s first openly gay royal, joined hands with Harold and Dancy D’Souza, global voices in anti-human trafficking advocacy, to inspire communities across Ohio. Their four-day visit — spanning from museum halls to prison walls — lit up lives with a singular message: freedom is a human right, and dignity is non-negotiable.
From survivor to symbol: Harold’s journey at the Freedom Center
One of the most profound moments unfolded at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. There, on June 22, Prince Manvendra experienced “Shine A Light,” an immersive installation showcasing Harold D’Souza’s journey from slavery to survival.
As light touched the panel, Harold’s voice emerged, telling his story in real-time. Moved to tears, the Prince called the experience “miraculous, inspiring, and soul-stirring.” Visitors, too, were visibly emotional, queueing to meet Harold in person — a living embodiment of resilience and justice.
Dr Yvan Demosthenes, Board Member of Eyes Open International (EOI), said: “Harold doesn’t just speak of survival — he radiates rebirth. His story is universal, yet deeply personal.”
Taking hope behind bars
The impact of this movement stretched into Erie County Prison, where Harold and the royal couple addressed inmates in a deeply emotional gathering. In collaboration with Brad Downing, founder of the Jail Life Recovery Program, the visit transformed prison walls into classrooms of hope.
Harold spoke candidly: “I accepted my mistakes. I changed my mind, my thinking, and I started from zero. Today, I stand not above you, but with you.”
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he left the inmates with four life-changing pillars:
“Be happy, think positive, never quit, and believe in yourself.”
Prince Manvendra and his husband DeAndre, Duke of Hanumanteshwar, also shared their personal struggles and triumphs. Their new memoir, A Royal Commitment: Ten Years of Marriage and Activism, includes a touching foreword by Harold, highlighting the emotional synergy between two worlds — one royal, one survivor — united in purpose.
Bridging hearts across institutions
The delegation also visited Bowling Green State University (BGSU), where Dr Lara Wilken and Tracy G. McGinley, President and Vice President of EOI respectively, arranged for the royal couple to meet students, faculty, and community leaders.
Sheriff Paul A. Sigsworth of Erie County, upon hosting the royal couple and Harold, remarked, “This is more than a meeting. It is a divine convergence of courage, truth, and humanity.”
From government officials to grassroots volunteers, each stop in Ohio revealed a profound impact: one that challenged stigma, celebrated authenticity, and seeded the spirit of justice.
Eyes Open International: A beacon of survivor-led advocacy
Founded by Harold and Dancy D’Souza, Eyes Open International is a U.S.-based nonprofit committed to ending human trafficking through education, empowerment, and survivor leadership. With board members spanning continents and sectors, EOI builds bridges of hope where exploitation once stood.
Prince Manvendra, who serves as both a Board Director of EOI USA and Trustee of Eyes Open Trust India, brings his voice as a global LGBTQ+ advocate and royal to amplify this mission worldwide.
“Slavery may have changed its face, but so has the fight,” said Harold, summarising the shared purpose behind the partnership.
