“Being an LGBTQ student at Santaluces is a unique experience, to say the least. Throughout my years I have met fellow gay students, homophobic students, and allies. Mainly I’ve only met allies and fellow queer students though. Being a student at Santaluces who is not straight can come with challenges, but if you’re confident in yourself and have supportive friends then success will be easy. During middle school and still in high school I have been bullied and called many slurs. This happened a lot and eventually the memories all blurred together. At the time they upset me and made me wish I was born straight, but as I’ve grown up I’ve realized I shouldn’t have to hide myself to make others more comfortable with me, and overall I’ve learned that not everyone has to like me and who I am as a person as long as I like myself. My advice to anyone who is queer is just to be honest with yourself. You don’t have to be honest about your identify with everyone, but as long as you accept yourself, you will be just fine.”