Don't be afraid to break the mold-- I did

It's troubling when the fates of so many are a question. I don't know anyone that feels safe in an environment where legislation is passed with full support from one very conservative minority.

Allow me to clarify. I grew up with racists and homophobes. Xenophobia was number one growing up and because I had a tan and long brown hair, I gained the nickname Pocahontas. I was very young and didn't understand the gravity of gaining a moniker like that. It was the 90s and I had the wonderful privilege of growing up at a time when the story of Pocahontas and John Smith were propelled to large heights with the release of the animated film also called Pocahontas.

Now looking back, I can see that those names were only used because of limited access to information about different people that were not part of the dominant culture. The only real access we had to brown people were in the forms of gangsters and violent groups of people like in the 90s films Mi Familia, Blood in Blood out and other stories that took on the same tropes.

Because of the limited access to other entertainment that really showcased the modern Mexican American family, my parents were more than happy to cling to those stereotypes of Latino people.

But we weren't that.

It's damaging to everyone involved to hear these stereotypes repeated. We are wholesome people. Yes, there are some bad apples in the bunch, but the same can be said for any other group of people or demographic.

I remember walking through the halls of my high school and having to ignore dog calls from certain individuals who were reputed as having a powerful family from a certain sect.

I remember the racist undertones that followed me from grade 8 to 12, when I finally could leave the small town. Apparently, I was supposed to fit the mold and carry-on being dumb Someone who just went along with everything because it was easy. I wasn't supposed to be smart and actually do well in school and gain scholarships. I broke the mold. And I wasn't afraid of being different.

I also remember the casting glances and judgment when I would expressed opinions about the beauty of all people whether they be male or female. The town was not open to different sexual orientations or personalities that I had no shame in those orientations. At best they probably looked from a religious standpoint as projects to convert. But queer people there were many, all in a rush to get out of the area. I don't blame them and I embrace the community.