Hello! My name is, Luis, born and raised in Aurora, Illinois. I am
the eldest of 5 children, 2 brothers and 2 sisters and considered
the peacemaker of the family not to mention an uncle, a son, a brother,
a nephew, a grandson, a brother in-law, and a best friend. Being the
eldest, my responsibilities are to care for my family and to be a
positive role model.
Growing up with strong family morals and from a well disciplined
Texan, Latino background, I was taught to respect my elders and to
be proud of my heritage, as well as become a successful Latino male
in the community and to make my parents proud of me. Married at an
early age my parent dreams and goals were lived through me as they
molded me to become that someone and accomplish their goals. Needless
to say, I'm not the doctor or the lawyer that my parents wanted me
to be however, as of today I am a strong, professional, and mature
gay Latino male, with a mind of my own and one who can make his own
decisions now that I'm an adult.
Having survived the many obstacles growing up in my life, the first
obstacle that I had to overcome was the fact that I was gay, and how
would my family and friends think or even feel about me. I was in
denial about myself, and living a lie pretending to be someone that
I wasn't and tired of trying to meet everyone else's expectations.
I was unhappy with myself and afraid of what would become of me. I
started to rebel by drinking and using drugs, thinking this was the
solution; it was just only a figure of my imagination.
I finally came to the conclusion that drugs and alcohol were an artificial
form of happiness and I needed to do something before it was too late.
I finally accepted the fact that, "I'm gay!" and this who
I am and I'm not going to change, even if it meant that I had to pay
the consequences. I've had relatives and friends that were gay and
I could see that their families and loved ones accepted them with
loving arms and I seen no harm done, what's one more gay, right! Wrong!
Eventually, I came out to my parents and family. It was a great disappointment
for them all, however this is who I am and I could no longer be a
fake. I needed to have peace within myself and live a happy, healthy
life. Slowly, but surely my parents and family accepted my decision
in life and respect me as a human being. Loving me unconditionally,
my family and I have a mutual understanding that we were no longer
ashamed to express our feeling for one another if there should ever
be an issue or concern.
I had my family's approval however, it was only the beginning of
answering the questions: "Why?" and "How come?"
and all the negative remarks. This only made me a stronger person
and I educated myself about living a healthy gay lifestyle and other
issues such as, HIV/AIDS, etc.
MY LIFE : MI VIDA
I've known of HIV/AIDS and have had many dear friends and recently
a family member die from AIDS. In my mind, I never imagined that I
would become a victim of this deadly disease. HIV/AIDS does not discriminate.
It effects any age, race, or gender leaving behind its helpless victims.
With newer medicines and extensive scientific researches they are
determined to find effective solutions and hopes in finding a cure
for HIV/AIDS. There are also other reliable resources such as, Open
Door Clinic and other services to better help us and our family, friends,
and community to understand this deadly disease.
Now, my biggest obstacle to overcome is the reality that I am infected
with HIV as well as my family and friends. Without their unconditional
love and great support I would not be here today! After 4 long years,
I'm living proof that my life is not over, but only has begun! I look
forward to each day as a new beginning and a new adventure in coping
with others to continue to find the strength and courage in life's
race.
I'm proud of who I am and what I have become. I have set goals in
my life yet to accomplish and determined to fulfill them and have
someone tell me otherwise. I am also proud to represent my community
and to speak up for the victims of HIV/AIDS, that as long as I'm still
alive and kicking, my voice and opinions are yet to be heard.
"Together, we will get through this!" "Together, we
can make changes happen!" "Together, we stand united / unidos
and stand strong on our feet for our rights and beliefs as U. S. American
citizens! With the positive support from our families, our friends,
and our community along with the rest of this world, our dreams can
and will come true to make this a better place to live in! A disease
free world!
So, into conclusion, "let's support one another, love one another,
and do this in the loving memory of the many lives lost to HIV/AIDS."
"Stand loud and proud, show your pride!"
Salute to a better, healthier future for all. God Bless You!
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