What zip code are you
in?
53206
"Let Our Family Be an Example
to Others who Love Someone Gay or Transgender"
Gloria speaking:
This Gay Neighbor project is a good way to express
our support and to teach others about how to be supportive parents
to gay and transgender children. My husband (Oscar) and I wanted
to be a part of this project to show other families that our children
(Betty, Omara and Jonathan – as well as our other son who
isn't pictured) are just like anyone else. Timara is our
granddaughter – Omara's daughter, and she loves her
Aunt Betty. Betty is transgender and we all support her 100%.
We knew she was different from the time she was very little. It
took longer for her to know herself that she was different.
My advice to other parents who learn their child
is gay or transgender is to remember this is still their child
and they still need your support and love. Keep showing them the
same love and support – if not more support. It doesn't
matter how your child dresses or who they are dating. They will
always be the same person you brought into this world.
My husband and I encourage other parents to show
up for events or shows or outings just like you would another
child. Your gay or transgender child will teach you about things
you never dreamed you would learn about and you will be better
for it.
Our family is from Puerto Rico and all of Puerto
Rico is proud of Betty being chosen to be a part of the Gay Neighbor
project. Also Betty is a performer and was a part of the 25th
anniversary celebrations at LaCage. We were all proud of our Betty.
None of our family has ever given us trouble for having a gay
or transgender child.
I worry about seeing gay people attacked and harassed.
I think we all need to get to know our neighbors in a very warm
and welcoming way. I think we need to reach out, be closer, hug
one another and have more communication. That will lead to understanding
more than anything else. I want to see all neighbors be closer,
get to know one another and put aside our differences.
Betty
speaking:
A smile or asking how I am is enough to show me
you are supportive of gay or transgender people. My mother is
sure to hug and kiss my gay and transgender friends to show them
she supports them and accepts them. Everyone is welcome at our
house, at our parties and at holidays. Many wish they had parents
as accepting as mine.
I wish gay and transgender people didn't
have so much trouble around using our legal names. I have a male
name that my parents gave me but I always go by Betty. It is how
God Made me and I accept that. It isn't easy to accept that
you are different and someone who will not be treated fairly for
being oneself. In general I see transgender and gay people discriminated
against especially in terms of employment. I know many that would
like to work but cannot get steady employment.
My parents, Oscar and Gloria show up for events
I am involved with. You can find them at shows I perform in or
at Pridefest. If it is important to me they are there.
Just recently a friend tried to insult me by refusing
to use my girl name. That really hurt my feelings. Other than
that, most of my friends and neighbors support me.
When I was younger I thought I was gay. That was
hard to accept but overtime, I realized I was really a woman.
I knew in my heart that I am a woman and I believe god intended
me to be a woman. It has been a process of coming to my senses
and finding myself.
Omara speaking
My sister, Betty is talked about a lot. I think
she has a lot going for her and as long as she makes up her mind
about what she wants to accomplish she will succeed.
