Student discusses reactions after coming out
Staff Writer
Jake Sanchez of Beach Park , Ill.
Sanchez has attended CLC for three semesters studying business administration. His ultimate vocational objective is to operate his own small business. He has been an employee at Best Buy in Gurnee for over three and a half years and is a member of View Point. Sanchez has received several promotions throughout his employment and is a valued team member.
Things haven’t always been smooth sailing when it comes to the workplace though. While he explains that his coworkers are tolerant, others have not been. He described an incident where a customer harassed him using a pejorative term and was eventually removed from the store. This sort of blind repugnance is what Sanchez and many other gay and lesbian people experience.
“Freshman year when I first came out, I got phone calls to my house, death threats, letters slipped in my locker, and hateful messages on Myspace,” Sanchez said.
Sanchez has identified with being gay since middle school, but has been romantically involved with women in the past.
“I had a couple of girlfriends when I was younger and knew something was wrong,” he said.
Sanchez was sexually abused as a child and explains that this experience led to confusion. It didn’t turn him gay but it raised questions about his sexuality. He explained that, sexually, it’s more appealing. His belief is that one is born gay; it is not a decision.
One might think relations between heterosexual and homosexual couples are different, however, Sanchez explains otherwise.
“Relationship dynamics are the same,” Sanchez said. “You give yourself to someone and hope they give themselves back.”
Sanchez is biracial and claims that the Hispanic community is not as liberal. His religious affiliation growing up was Lutheran but he is Agnostic. He added he believes society stereotypes because of religion.
“You have religious influence that says homosexuality is wrong and impure,” Sanchez said. “If you remove religion from the equation, the world would be a lot more accepting.”
The greatest misconception of the gay community, he added, is that everyone has AIDS and sleeps around with one another. In the end, everyone makes their own choice, regardless of sexual orientation, Sanchez said.
He outlined another false impression about homosexual couples.
“Gay men can’t have a successful relationship because we’re men, we’re dogs by nature,” he said. “I’ve seen couples that have been together for a long time.”
While he has never been in love, Sanchez said he would enjoy seeing Proposition 8 revoked. The law states that marriage between a man and a woman is the only union California
When questioned about Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, Sanchez said he understands the reasoning behind it, but it’s unfair, adding that, if one is willing to serve their country, we should let them. DADT is the policy restricting the United States
Pushing past stereotypes, Sanchez said he is a successful individual who intends to make a difference in the community through government and education.
“I would like to help our government realize they need to stop cutting spending on public education,” he said.
Sanchez said he finds college to be tolerant and considers CLC an unprejudiced environment. Like many other openly gay individuals, he has experienced flack for his decision, yet added his family and friends are an amazing support system.
“You feel more comfortable with yourself after coming out,” Sanchez said. “You don’t have to put on a show. You’re no longer masquerading.”
Sanchez said others ought to be more open minded, hoping that people will get to know someone by who they are rather than their orientation.
