I recently gave a presentation on Undocuqueers in a NYC public high school. My audience was composed of students who were either LGBTQ or Immigrants and weren't familiar with this particular branch of their community. It was a great experience and I was able to tell my immigrant story and introduce these wonderful students to many new terms and people they hadn't known before. This community finds itself in the middle of two current movements fighting for equal rights in a challenging time and government.Recognizing this identity takes time and soul searching within yourself as well as an understanding of the politics and social parallels that surround our nation. Remembering where we come from and how we got where we are is always a good start.
I sincerely hope I inspired them to become more active and involve in their school and community and cherish their "coming out" stories, when they are ready to do it.
The following are some of the points I addressed during my presentation:
- A person can be Undocumented or Queer regardless of their nationality or ethnicity.
- They're both communities that have been attacked, ostracized and oppressed because of their sexual orientation or Immigration status.
-they have both at some point lived while hiding who they were, and eventually came out about it.
-If you're part of the movements then you have used your coming out story as undocumented or queer as a way to promote compassion, respect, tolerance in our communities and equality under the law.
What does it mean to come out? Its an act done to recognize within yourself who you are as a person. We are all individuals made up of different layers and flavors and we want the world to take us as we are not how we should be.
It's a gateway used to liberate yourself from the shadows or the closet you have been in. Some people write about it, others tell their stories publicly, but the process is different for everybody.
Can anybody tell me what are some of the major political achievements in both communities in recent history?
Queer: DOMA is struck down. Gay marriage is now possible in 13 states. And civil unions in 17. DADT was also struck down last year. Celebrities coming out gay recently.
Undocumented: DACA is put into effect last year. California allows undocumented to practice law, get a drivers license. Senate gang of 8 pass a CIR bill in june. Still waiting for the house's bill.
None of these achievements would be possible if it wasn't for the pressure that activists are putting into our government: I will now show you an example of some of them.
Jose Antonio Vargas: Writer. Journalist. Founder of Define American and Undocumented Philipino-American.
Julio Salgado: Visual Artist. Activist. Undocuqueer Mexican-American from California. Check out his Tumbler for more of his work.
Prerna Lal: Activist. Immigration Attorney and Undocuqueer from Washington DC. Follow her on twitter @prernalal
After I was done with my presentation and my story we spoke about the Immigration movement in NYC and the nation today. Though my presentation was brief, overall we had time for ice breakers and questions which helped us connect with the students a bit more.
