June is pride month, an opportunity for members of the LGBTQ community to openly declare their love. In many parts of the world, however, they face discrimination, legal sanctions and even violence. In solidarity with them, we celebrate pride.
In a small town near Mexico City, one incredible jewelry artisan feels all the love. Oscar Figueroa is an openly gay man, and when he looks around him, he feels hopeful for the future. Attitudes and perspectives around sexuality are changing every day. That positivity energizes him and infuses his work with tremendous creative potential. He says, “Being LGBTQ is beginning to be seen as normal. Gay or straight – we all get along together.” When asked about what he’d like to see moving forward, his sense of inclusion extends beyond the LGBTQ community. What he’d most like to see is businesses who offer work opportunities to those living with disabilities.
Fernando Angel Meza lives by a beautiful motto: “When you give love, you receive love.”
With everyone else in his life, the process of coming out felt natural. It was only with his mother that Fernando felt the need to tread carefully. But with time came acceptance, and their relationship has reached a deeper level of honesty and connection. While Fernando lives openly with his partner, Juan Carlos, he looks forward to the day when sexuality is not an issue. “Times are changing. In the future, people will be appreciated for who they are, and what they contribute, regardless of gender, ethnicity, body size, etc. We’re all human beings. We should simply be treated as equals.”
Cristian Davila has a great answer when asked about coming out. “I never declared that I am gay because, honestly, I don’t remember hearing my brothers asked to declare their heterosexuality. I didn’t consider it something I had to declare. It was more important to accept that I am gay, and that there’s nothing wrong with that, nor does it make me different or less than anyone else. Human beings are diverse and very complex – and that’s what’s beautiful.” One of the best aspects of celebrating Pride in Cusco, is that it happens to coincide with the city’s festivities. And as Cusco’s flag also happens to be rainbow-colored, the streets are lined with them. He says, “This makes it seem like the entire city celebrates Pride Week, sending a subliminal message for those who understand.”
