I have never been super open about my sexuality. I guess, in a way, my upbringing never allowed me to be very comfortable with speaking about that topic. Not because I wasn’t sure or comfortable with who I am, but because my family has never been very open and comforting to those of the community. So, I have always supported from the sidelines.
This year, my first year of college, I decided I had to participate of Pride Parade. I settled it with my friends; we were going to make epic signs and paint our faces for the parade I told my father, one of the most important parts of the plan. My dad knows about my sexuality. I had admitted it to him about five years ago, even though I have always stood by the idea of not needing to “come out of the closet” because heterosexuals do not have to come out as “straight”. My father was resistant and not very happy about it, but he saw no other option than to accept my decision, and that was all I needed.
Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 came along. I was excited and extra motivated. I felt a sort of exhilaration. I was finally going to participate in the fight for our rights; I wasn’t going to simply show my support on social media, I was going to be part of it all. I woke up early that day because my friends and I were going to catch the train and get to the starting point of the march. I touched up my sign, painted my face and I was ready to go.
DID YOU THINK THE “B” IN LGBTQ+ MEANT BEYONCÉ? #bi-sivility
I have always felt judged, even within the LGBTQ+ community, because I am bisexual. A lot of people believe that being bisexual is being confused. This causes a rupture between the different sexualities in and outside the community, instead of everyone being supportive and understanding about bisexuality. So I felt it was my responsibility to represent my sexuality and battle for my rights. I even painted the bisexual visibility flag on my cheek and everything!
On my way there, seeing all my friends that were dressed and made up to show their pride, I felt a sense of accomplishment; a certain sense of belonging filled me. I had never felt so proud of myself. For once, I was standing up for myself and battling for my rights.
UPR CUIR
It was an amazing and beautiful experience altogether. We are a generation that has broken all expectations. We have gone from standing in the sidelines, watching as things flow, waiting for things to get better to the people that act, the people that go out there and fight for people’s rights and their own. The community is like a family. During pride I felt so much closer to my friends; I supported them and they supported me. The experience was like no other, so, my advice to everyone is that if you get the chance to show your support, even if you are not part of the LGBTQ+, do it, do not be afraid. Love is love, let’s never ever forget that.