stop the hate

By Melanie Nunez

What does the word “ discrimation “ mean to you ?

According to vox.com “ In only one state, is protected by people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, etc.” In most states, its legal for an employer to fire workers simply because they are gay, lesbian, biesexual, or trangender. Many LGBTQ people report altering their lives to avoid this discrimination and the trauma associated with unequal treatment.

Sherri Quintero a student at independence high school says “ discrimination to me means not feeling equality due to our differences as a individual “ when sherri first opened up to her parents about being part of the LGBTQ community she said “ opening up to my parents was easier than expected. I didn't really have a coming out story, just mentioned to my mother that I found my same gender attractive.” Before she came out to her mother she felt afraid of embracing herself, she denied to herself that she was attracted to the same gender. She was scared of feeling lonely and having no support from anyone.

“ The biggest ideal reason why people discriminate LGBTQ members is because it “doesn't look right”. Based on society and being part mexican she says “ a lot of family traditions like the latino community aren't supportive because it doesn't look right for them. it makes them “look weird” and throws off the value of the family.

As she started embracing herself she started getting upset by comments that she would get told at school and work. She says “ all the time, especially by heterosexual men “ whenever she would comment or explain that she was attractive to the other gender she would get really offsenive and disrepectful comments like “ i could make you straight again. '' Sherri says '' i don't think they understood how disrespectful that was to me. “

Going back to last year, when she started dating her girlfriend she talked about how they would get a lot of looks while being together simply holding hands or being affectionate in public. Once again dealing with rude comments like “ they're too young, they’re confused.”

Sherri and her ex-girlfriend ended up breaking off the relationship a couple months after, she says her past relationship made the biggest impact in her life during and after it because they were mature enough to break it off and they knew it wasn't going to make any justifications other than stay has best friends now.

Having to be treated unfairly could be worse than you could think of. Everyone has been treated feeling less than at least once in your life but on the other hand many people deal with it more than other people. Being in the LGBTQ community mean’s there's always the possibility of witnessing members of said community getting fired, verbally harassed, or sexually harassed as we could connect to sherri story.

“ I have been a witness this for myself and my friend I have been verbally harassed at a work space for being bi-sexual with inappropritate sayings like asking for trios and always asking and showing me inappropriate pictures of women. My friend has been verbally harassed as well with the same comments and actions. “

Females simply get harassed by putting on guy clothes because it makes girls feel more comfortable but getting slurs like “ dyke “ , “ you wanna be a guy “, or “doesn't look right .”

As time presents, Sherri has learned many things already and will continue learning. She has learned to be herself no matter what other peoples inputs are because at the end of the day it is her life and no one is going to live it for her. She gives herself the time she needs and to grow as a better person to love someone on the way. She says “ I am 100% comfortable with my identity. I never deny it, and I embrace it way more because it's who I am. “