Dear My Beautiful Rainbow Siblings, I am also rainbow… just like you. I know what it is like to feel confused by your sexuality, and even question about it. Asking yourself whether you are still “normal” or it is a “sin”? I know how stressful it is to be accused by our parents for being “too western” due to your sexuality. I truly to understand how painful it is to be shunned, shamed, abused, hit or even disowned by your parents just because of your sexuality. I can truly relate to how traumatising it is to be blamed or punished by our loved ones at home for the claim of your religion. I know what it is like to feel like as if you were born “different” from other people. I know what it is like that you have to “police” what you wear and act in order to conform with the “mainstream” gender norms, because you are afraid of your parents might shame or hit you... It’s frustrating. I understand what it is like to feel lonely and isolated from your family, parents, friends, loved ones and community, as if you are alone in this world. But, I’m writing this (open) letter to say you are NEVER ALONE. You are the MOST BEAUTIFUL and BRAVE person on earth; the one who is being true to himself/herself and themselves despite what society says. Yes, this might be the hardest time of your life, especially with your parents and family members. Some of you might have really supportive and accepting families, and that would be such a relief! For many of you, you might be struggling with how your families, religious or cultural community view sexuality and gender. But there is a community of us around you that can support you, that be your chosen family. You are just the BRAVEST, GREATEST and most BEAUTIFUL person in just the way you are. These challenges will there but we can be there for each other and we are in this together. Never give up. Never ever give up. Don’t forget to love yourself. You don’t need to “come out” and “fight against” your parents and others in order to demand for the acceptance from them. It could be risky. Instead, love and accept your “beautiful rainbow” self. Remember, you’re just like the “rainbow”, shining through the dark sky of grief. That’s why we call ourselves “rainbow”, because we are resilient and beautiful beings. Keep Smiling =) Love from your Rainbow Big Sister, Bloom For additional mental and cultural supports for LGBT migrant youth: 1. Shakti (if you Asian, Middle Eastern of African and are experiencing family violence, call 0800 SHAKTI) 2. Rainbow Youth, a charity a charity which provides advocacy and social supports for LGBT youth. 3. EquAsian (social support group for Asians) 4. OutLine (0800 OUTLINE: telephone counselling)
2 Comments
Ngaire Stewart
2/20/2018 11:52:28 pm
Bloom I love your words. I am so proud of you and how far you have come since I first met you when you were a shy quiet 15yr old.
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Bloom
6/5/2018 08:04:55 pm
Dear Kiwi Mum,
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