AYLA
ALASKA | SERIES #3 | SHE/HER
Ever since I’ve known what homosexuality is, I have supported it. I have always thought that love is love, and that everyone had a right to it. The earliest memory I have of being attracted to a female is when I was about 6. I was playing Mario Kart and saw Rosalina. I didn’t understand it then, but I had a crush on her. I have had the privilege of being a member of an extremely accepting and supportive family. Once I understood the entire LGBTQ+ community, I knew I was a part of it. When I was 12, I realized I was bisexual. I came out to parents shortly after. My mom and dad both already knew, and accepted me.
I am so glad my mom met my dad for a multitude of reasons. Of course, they had me and my sister, but my mom helped my dad think progressively. She was raised in a very conservative family in North Dakota, and he was raised in a Southern Baptist household in Texas. My mom had feelings for boys and girls for a long time, but she was told that her feelings were wrong. However, she stayed open-minded and loved everyone. My dad, on the other hand, wasn’t so accepting. His parents told him being gay was a sin, and he believed them. However, my mom helped him see that love is love, in every form. So they both support everyone now, regardless of sexuality.
“My mom had feelings for boys and girls for a long time, but she was told that her feelings were wrong.”
When I told my friends that I was bi, most of them didn't care. Some didn’t understand, but after I explained it, they were supportive. One friend in particular, however, wasn’t so accepting. He told me the Bible said it was wrong. He stopped talking to me. That was the first and only time that I, personally, have experienced homophobia.
I have had some significant role models in my life, one of which is Rebecca Sugar. She is the producer of one of my favorite cartoons, and she’s the first female producer of Cartoon Network. She’s also bisexual. She’s an incredible artist, and has inspired me to be an animator when I grow up. I use art as an outlet for myself. I usually draw characters from shows, or even games, that I look up to. I can draw my feelings, and no one will judge me.
The first pride event I went to was the Rainbow Run in 2016. Since Alaska’s a red state, I never imagined that many people here were part of the LGBTQ+ community. I especially didn’t think that events like this were successful. After hearing all these stories from teens my age, I feel guilty. These people are all different, like me. However, their parents don’t support them. They have to stay in the closet, meanwhile I don’t.
Now, my desire is to be there for all my LGBTQ+ friends. I want to help them come out, or help keep them safe. Everyone deserves to be happy with who they are. If they aren’t, I want to help. I want to be there for them. I want every queer teen, like myself, to live in a safe, supportive environment.
