Community Voice: An Interview Between Two Queer Youth in Cicero
Image description: Illustration of a Pride parade down a street in Cicero that is linked with local businesses with signs that read “Pride” or “Love is Love.” There is one float the color of the rainbow with rainbow flags on either side of the float. There is someone on the float with a long blond ponytail and a pink dress. People are walking in the parade holding signs and Pride flags.
Illustration by E, a recent high school graduate from Cicero.
By Miguel
My name is Miguel and I am a ninth grader. This is my second year living in the Cicero community. One of the things that I noticed when I arrived in this country, and specifically at school, was the lack of LGBTQI representation, as well as the homophobia that exists. This is a problem that many young people experience when arriving in this country. In addition to dealing with a new country, they must deal with harassment from their peers and society. So, I decided to interview another Morton student, David, in order to make this beautiful community visible.
Miguel: Where are you from and how long have you lived in the U.S.?
David: I'm from Mexico and I've been living here for a year, a little over a year.
Miguel: How does your sexual orientation or being gay affect your school life? Did you suffer bullying?
David: Well… (people) always have something to say because of the way you express yourself or as you are, but I have never taken those too seriously.
Miguel: What advice would you give to teens who are part of the community and who have to deal with these homophobic comments every day?
David: Well, ignore them, don't take into account people who are not worth it.
Miguel: Do you think schools should be responsible for including these LGBTQ issues?
David: Yes, of course! I think it is very important to teach children about these topics so that they do not get confused between sexual orientation, gender identity and so that they know what to do.
Miguel: Do you think the Cicero community needs more LGBTQ representation? What could be done to help?
David: We could make a club to be able to talk about it, inform about the differences between sexual orientation, gender identity and all that, and then give support.
Miguel: What advice would you give to parents who have gay or trans children?
David: That they accept their children as they are, because at the end of the day they are family, they are human, they are people, no matter their sexual orientation you need to love them.
Miguel: What do you think about the people who say that there should be heterosexual pride day as well as gay pride day? Why is there no heterosexual pride day?
David: It doesn't exist because heterosexual people have never been marginalized, they have never been bullied for their sexuality because it is like “normal”. We should be proud that the world is progressing, we are exposing ourselves more, all that.
Miguel: Why do you think there is so much homophobia and transphobia?
David: Because of those beliefs that the church has taught. Unfortunately, there are ignorant people without knowledge.
Miguel: What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?
David: Sexual orientation is the attraction you have, whether emotional or sexual, for other genders or the same gender. Gender identity is how you would consciously define yourself whether it is male, female, or a neutral gender.
Miguel: Do you have a message that you would like to give to the community?
David: I would say don't let the bad comments get to you. You are beautiful!
Miguel is currently a high school student. This interview was produced during Cicero Independiente’s high school multimedia journalism class in collaboration with NEIU-Bilingual 21st CCLC.
Our “Community Voice” section gives Cicero and Berwyn residents an opportunity to share their thoughts, experiences and opinions. Information is fact-checked for accuracy. To contribute a “Community Voice” article email info@ciceroindependiente.com.
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