Today’s post is dedicated to Queer People of Color that grew up in immigrant families. June is Pride month to commemorate 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. It is a month where we recognize and honor the impact of LGBT individuals have had historically, locally, nationally and internationally.

The intersectionality of being LGBTQIA+ and growing up in an immigrant family is complex and cannot be ignored. Immigration is a strong part of all of our history and has a lasting influence in the stories we make about ourselves and the world around us. Regardless of how old you are, the decisions that you make are not done without thought of how it can impact your loved ones or how they will receive it. Sexual orientation is not a choice that is made. The choice is in who and when do you choose to invite them into your world, do you feel safe with them, will they embrace you completely and not ask you to be hetero normative in scenarios for the benefit of their own comfort?

The process of coming out to your family members is unique to each culture. It can vary from being disowned to being celebrated and embraced. The uniqueness of immigrant families comes from the migration story itself where a person grows up knowing what their parents sacrificed in hopes of providing opportunities where their child will achieve success and happiness. Sometimes, that definition of success and happiness may come from the parents which may be counter or aligns with what their child wants. No matter what…the process is unique to each person.

Sadly, for some, you may feel betrayed or rejected by your family. Many of us will say that your worth is not determined by your family. But how do you go from having your identity so intertwined to your family’s to creating your own separate from them? It is normal to feel alone, anxious and depressed. However, it doesn’t have to stay this way. Seek out support from people you feel safe. It may not be obvious right away who you can trust but they are out there. There are people who will CELEBRATE you. Not all people are an ally, but at least you know I am one of them.