Who knew the Ecuadorian census would be the moment I came out? Picture this: you’re in your living room with your family, casually answering a series of generic personal questions for the census. Everything is routine until you hear: “What is your sexual orientation?” What would you say?
Born in Canada but raised in Ecuador, my life felt like it was split between two worlds. With my family divided between countries, I spent summers in Canada, where I experienced a freedom from judgment and homophobia that was absent in Ecuador. As I grew older, the contrasts between these two worlds became more apparent. In Canada, I could truly be myself. I could openly embrace who I was without fear of being perceived differently—as if revealing my orientation could somehow alter who I was. The constant duality became confusing and exhausting.
If I could go back to my living room, I would have spoken my truth, embracing my identity without hesitation or compromise. Along the way I’ve come to realize that my authenticity is what makes me memorable.