College students express views on sexual preferences
Chantel Martin
Section: News
In recent years, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community has become more accepted into society. However, young adults who have non-traditional sexual preferences still have a hard time coming out to friends, family and peers.
Angelica's Story
"There are not a lot of people that know that I am gay, however they are really shocked and surprised when they find out," TJC student Anjelica said. "I do not wear a billboard or dress like the stereotypical gay girl."
Anjelica said she knew she was gay when she was 9 years old.
"I thought girls were cute and attractive, just as how my friends would describe boys," she said. "The first girl that I had intense feelings for, I met when I was 16. We dated for about a year and a half."
Between the time she was 9 and 16, Anjelica said she would investigate on the Internet why she was the way she was.
"I was involved in church, I went to counseling and talked to teachers, family members and youth pastors," she said. "They would tell me 'don't worry,' it's just a phase' and 'pray about it.' A part of me wanted to believe them because it was acceptable in society to be straight while another part of me thought that I was not going to grow out of it. I tried to fix it."
When she was 14, Anjelica said she told her family that she was a bisexual.
"I grew up in Ector, which is a really small town," she said. "When I told them I was bisexual, it was hope for them that there's a part of me that may like guys."
Over time, Anjelica said she tried to figure out if she was gay or bisexual.
"For three weeks straight, I would sit in hallways, the cafeteria or anywhere on campus," she said. "I tried so hard to find a guy who I thought was attractive and that I wouldn't mind dating. It didn't happen. But I found about 10-20 girls."
In September 2009, Anjelica said she came out to her family when she was 18.
"My dad and uncle were very accepting and said they already knew," she said. "My mom said that it was my decision and that she supports me and that she would never stop loving me. She said it like she was being supportive, but Anjelica said she also came out on Myspace and Facebook.
Angelica's Story
"There are not a lot of people that know that I am gay, however they are really shocked and surprised when they find out," TJC student Anjelica said. "I do not wear a billboard or dress like the stereotypical gay girl."
Anjelica said she knew she was gay when she was 9 years old.
"I thought girls were cute and attractive, just as how my friends would describe boys," she said. "The first girl that I had intense feelings for, I met when I was 16. We dated for about a year and a half."
Between the time she was 9 and 16, Anjelica said she would investigate on the Internet why she was the way she was.
"I was involved in church, I went to counseling and talked to teachers, family members and youth pastors," she said. "They would tell me 'don't worry,' it's just a phase' and 'pray about it.' A part of me wanted to believe them because it was acceptable in society to be straight while another part of me thought that I was not going to grow out of it. I tried to fix it."
When she was 14, Anjelica said she told her family that she was a bisexual.
"I grew up in Ector, which is a really small town," she said. "When I told them I was bisexual, it was hope for them that there's a part of me that may like guys."
Over time, Anjelica said she tried to figure out if she was gay or bisexual.
"For three weeks straight, I would sit in hallways, the cafeteria or anywhere on campus," she said. "I tried so hard to find a guy who I thought was attractive and that I wouldn't mind dating. It didn't happen. But I found about 10-20 girls."
In September 2009, Anjelica said she came out to her family when she was 18.
"My dad and uncle were very accepting and said they already knew," she said. "My mom said that it was my decision and that she supports me and that she would never stop loving me. She said it like she was being supportive, but Anjelica said she also came out on Myspace and Facebook.
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Bill
posted 2/05/10 @ 11:55 AM CST
After reading these stories, it occurs to me that we have done a grave disservice to our gay and lesbian children.
Choosing instead our silly little gods over the safety and well-being of our very own offspring. (Continued…)
soukari
soukari
posted 2/10/10 @ 12:01 PM CST
I think it is really good that you guys covered the LGBT community. It's a very touchy subject but it needed some light shed on to it. It was well written with very touching stories. (Continued…)
soukari
soukari
posted 2/10/10 @ 12:03 PM CST
You are absolutely right. People are people and everyone is different. Just becaus ewe can not be robots in the eyes of God does not mean we do not belong
Laura
posted 2/14/10 @ 11:09 AM CST
Thank God that this is has finally been covered. It was very well written, however, I would like to make a correction. Sexual preference implies that it's more of a sexual "choice". (Continued…)
terry
posted 2/14/10 @ 11:57 AM CST
I'm a young man of 54. the first straight guy i told in 1974 said, "so what, i like pickles on my hamburger". and he was nearly 70 years old. it's amazing that someone in that age group didnt care about it, so why should anyone these days care. (Continued…)
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