As I was growing up, I didn't really understand what it meant to be gay, but everyone else seemed to label me as such. I couldn't figure out what was wrong with me, but I always felt judged for the way I behaved. So, I just learned to hide who I truly was
My family had certain expectations, and coming from a conservative country and society like Peru, I struggled to figure out how to act. At 18 years old, almost without thinking, I came out to my family. Unlike the happy and welcoming families, I saw on TV shows from other countries, my family's reaction was the opposite. They were disappointed and ashamed, and I couldn't help but feel guilty for simply being myself.
Over time, I began to accept myself. Although my orientation remained a forbidden topic at home for many years, I came to understand that I wasn't "broken" and didn't need to be "fixed."
My family has accepted me and my orientation, and we're in a happier place now.
It took some conversations (and some fights), but they are now making a continuous effort to understand and learn. I never expected to have them on my side, but thankfully they're now proud of me and this new journey in a more accepting country like Canada, especially in the safe environment Centennial College provides, where they know I'll be able to keep growing.