I moved to Orlando in 2014 when I was 26 years old. I come from a humble family in Puerto Rico, and my rural roots have always been a fundamental part of my identity. I tried living in different places, like Pennsylvania, but, as a good Gemini Puerto Rican, I couldn’t handle the winters. Florida, despite having its cold moments, has been the state where I’ve felt closest to home. J and I met one afternoon at the Starbucks on East Colonial Dr. Like many gay people in this country, our story began on an online app, and we eventually decided to bring our connection into the real world. From the very first moment, I knew we had a deep connection– I related to his story. He is from Caracas, Venezuela, and just like me he packed his things, and moved here without anyone from his family. He is a very creative soul with the same American dreams as me. I developed a great appreciation and affection for his authenticity and his desire to thrive. For almost a year, we remained friends until we decided to formalize our relationship. Finally, on November 11, 2023, we got married.
On J and my anniversary in November 2024, we watched the election results, and it was devastating for us. We never anticipated that so many of our fellow Americans, not to mention a big number of immigrant voters, would support Donald Trump. I work for a nonprofit organization, and prior to the election, I was very involved in mobilizing our people to vote. Since I work in this field, the election results were extremely difficult for me to process. I felt betrayed by my own community.
On J and my anniversary in November 2024, we watched the election results, and it was devastating for us. We never anticipated that so many of our fellow Americans, not to mention a big number of immigrant voters, would support Donald Trump.
After the elections, we saw strong anti-Venezuelan and anti-immigrant backlash, which became evident on social media, members of the Latinx community were attacking Venezuelan culture. The uncertainty created by mass deportation policies and the use of social media to spread fear has affected not only undocumented people, but those of us who love them. J is waiting for the possibility of obtaining asylum, and we became extremely concerned that Trump’s election would impact this process.
Both of our mental health has been deeply affected by this. Some days I can’t get out of bed. The uncertainty is the hardest part, wondering what would happen if J were deported, how I could handle rent alone, or even small things, like the well-being of our dog. Another major concern is the possibility of losing our health insurance, which could impact our access to essential mental health services. I’ve been in therapy for over six years to help me cope with the challenges of life in the U.S., but after the election, I sought more professional help, started a new psychiatric treatment, started medication for ADHD, and had my blood pressure medication adjusted, as the stress was taking a physical toll on me. J has also gone through difficult episodes and struggles with insomnia and stress. Despite it all, we keep moving forward one day at a time.
To cope with the challenges, we have sought resources within our community. We avoid focusing on social media and news that only generate anxiety. Instead, we have found small pockets of happiness: going to the Farmers Market on Sundays, listening to music, enjoying our time together. I continue with my psychiatric treatment, something I’ve learned to see as a necessity, not an option.
My message to those facing similar situations is that you are not alone. As queer people, we have learned to resist from an early age. We have faced bullying, homophobia, and violence, and we have transformed those experiences into strength. Today, hate uses disinformation to confuse and distract from the fact that we are the ones organizing and creating change. In less than 50 years, we have progressed more than they can handle. I want those reading this to know that, while the road is difficult, there is a majority of people using these experiences to build a better future for the next generations, for trans people, and for all communities of color. The fight is not over, and together, we keep moving forward.
My message to those facing similar situations is that you are not alone. As queer people, we have learned to resist from an early age. We have faced bullying, homophobia, and violence, and we have transformed those experiences into strength.
