“‘How was it?’ I asked.”
“Terrible! You can’t imagine how awful it was,” said my friend.
“What’s wrong? Tell me!” I urged him.
“My dad just broke a glass and tossed it over the table. My mom is crying and calling for a Vietnamese shaman to chase the ‘spirit’ out of my body,” he sighs.
“A shaman? Wow, that sounds really bad. But why a shaman?” I asked curiously.
“Mom thought being gay is because a spirit is following me, but the worst part is that they both think being gay is a disease! This family is messed up!” His face turned red as he grew furious.
Joey, my friend, came out to his family as gay and his parents reacted with aggression, a conflict that is still present today. Joey’s story is not happening just because of an ordinary conflict in a family, it demonstrates something more serious than that, which are the beliefs of many parents in Vietnam. This story left a fear in me that if I came out to my family, I would receive the same reaction.
During my childhood in the countryside of Vietnam, where there are only rice fields, rivers and tombs between the houses, I noticed people’s traditional thoughts on different genders and sexualities. In superstitions, people who are part of the LGBTQ+ communities are seen to have a spiritual flaw; However, in recent years, the cities of Vietnam have begun to show respect, acceptance, and inclusivity to the LGBTQ+ community. When I moved to the United States, I felt the open-minded beliefs and acceptance that I had not experienced in the Vietnamese countryside. The US has many opportunities for LGBTQ+ people and offers them a chance to live their true lives.
Although the US is more open, my mother still has a traditional perspective about the LGBTQ+ community. After listening to Joey’s story, I hesitated for years to talk with her about different gender and sexualities. I decided to ask her indirectly about my friend’s story, to see what she thought. At the beginning, she seemed uncomfortable when I mentioned homosexuality and her answer was, “Mẹ không thích mấy người như vậy, kì lắm.” I don’t like people like that, it’s weird. That disappointed me and stuck in my head for years later. The conversation created a distance between us and I hid myself.
When I started high school, I met caring adults who encouraged me to be myself. I felt courageous when I learned about LGBTQ+ events. At the same time, I was thrilled to receive support from teachers and students in the school. In my senior year, I had the chance to participate in my school’s Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The time we spend together gives me a chance to further express myself. I love having a place like GSA, and having an inclusive space for LGBTQ+ communities is a factor that I am looking forward to in college. I would love to be a source of support and energy for those who need it, a role I intend to pursue in my own future career.
The more I grow, the more I learn to respect other peoples’ perspectives. I respect my mom’s perspective, and this helped me to learn how to handle difficult conversations with those whom I love. I cannot say that I have tried to have this conversation with her, but I am confident that in college I will gain the knowledge necessary to keep learning about putting words to my experiences. Belonging to two cultures is difficult, especially when one is not inclusive of who I am. My dream is to study the psychology of child development, because I want to be a companion to children throughout the confusing teenage journey. I want to help them to find their meaning of life while feeling included and respected by those they love.
by Camille, 826LA
A student finds her wings in unexpected places in this piece about the transition to college.
by Jesus Sanchez, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative short horror piece explores the mysteries and danger of a night in the woods.
by Kailyn Espinosa, 826NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares how essential workers’ courage and compassion center her during these hectic times.
by Alanis T., Age 17, 826 Boston
A student reflects on how her relationship's with her parents has influenced her life.
by Tina N., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student describes their shark like imaginary friend.
by Sarah X. Age 18, 826Boston
A rousing public narrative from an author coming to terms with their identity as a young Chinese American woman and what they represent: the community of Boston's Chinatown.
by Sian Laing
When Instagram becomes an unsightly battlefield.
by Matthew Inoa, 826 NYC
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student describes how essential workers are the pulse of New York, fueling the city’s hope.
by Franny, 826CHI
A student spins through space and a treasure trove of memories in this poem.
by Jonas K., 826 National
A student explores the paradox of how technology is used amongst teenagers.
by Jordan, 826 New Orleans
Crawfish, crayfish, or mudbugs. Whatever you call them, the writer of this poem doesn't like them.
by Colin Y., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student describes how volunteering saved him from his online prison.
by Kaleo V.C., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student looks back on their first day of kindergarten and how they've changed.
by Johnny Vasquez, 826 MSP
A family interview reveals a mother's painful past and shines a light on her persistence.
by Sally Phan, 826 Boston
A memoir that questions the idea of home and how it changes with time.
by Karina Centeno, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
This poem takes an honest look at two sides of the writer's culture.
by Kayla, 826 Boston
This poem offers a very-real answer to "What do you want to be when you grow up?"
by Jazlyn Moses, 826 National
One student explores their online persona and the lasting importance of conscientious social media practices.
by Katya Torres, The 826 Dallas Project
This bilingual poem explores the harrowing story of a boy working while in school to save his mother.
by Sarah X., Grade 12, 826 Boston
A student shares how they've uplifted their community.
by Ryan, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student illustrates the hardships his uncle has faced to argue for a path to citizenship.
Yamilet J., 826LA
A student reflects on the fear and wonder of becoming a mother.
by Michaiah Anderson, The 826 Dallas Project
In this poem, a student describes their family origins with an intimate point of view
by Vanessa Ramon-Ibarra, 826DC
Living in the digital world can create unwanted attachments, as one student laments.
by Earl Williams Jr., The 826 Dallas Project
A powerful poetic piece about the experience of being Black in America.
by Brandon R., 826LA
A student recounts the epic highs and lows of high school track and cross country.
Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
A trans student reflects on their desire to be male.
by Ryker, 826michigan
Liner notes that showcase the meaning and musicality of the Jimmy Ruffin song “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.”
by Shayne Williams
Discover what one student experiences when they tuck their phone away for a whole day.
by Melody Marcano, 826 Boston
In this poem, a student reflects on their roots and their desire to grow.
by Timothy T., Age 17, 826 Valencia
A student tells the story of how his family has influenced his life.
by Isaiah, 826 New Orleans
This student reveals the mysterious origin story of the king cake. Hint: it includes Big Freedia, DJ Chicken Wing, and a massive party.
by Salma Khalif, 826 MSP
A powerful poem that lifts up Black women.
Rosman A., age 18, 826CHI
Smells swirl about a student walking around an ice cream shop.
by Lisbeth M.F., 826NYC
A story about how Marcus becomes Marcela.
by Maria, Grade 12, 826 Boston
In this public narrative, a student makes the case for creating community change by building youth centers in her neighborhood.
by Jizelle Villegas, Grade 12, 826 Dallas Project
The stunning and vulnerable poem processes feelings of loss, grief, and hope for the future.
Annasian Walters, Grade 11-12, 826NYC
A student explores gratitude and love through sharing food.
Kenya G., 17, 826LA
A poet relates her experience as a queer woman in the closet to a peacock in the zoo.
by Izzy T., 826 Valencia
A student reflects on memories of home and what binds her special community together.
by Soraya, 826NYC
This student’s powerful piece reveals the essence of racial injustice.
by Lucas Hu, 826 Boston
A poem about staying true to yourself during a challenging transition
by Bianca Morcho, 826 MSP
A personal essay that explores the different shades of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Virginia Walker, age 18, 826 Boston
A student writes to a grandmother she never met.
by Julianna Cruz, 826 Dallas Project
This narrative piece contemplates the struggle of immigrants during the pandemic.
by Helen, Grade 12, 826 MSP
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a senior at South High School in Minneapolis offers words of support to healthcare workers across the country, including her own mom.
by Oriel, 826NYC
In this poem, an echoing question strikes a chord and reveals the tragic loss held within systemic injustice.
Cate H, Grade 12, 826CHI
A poet sets the stage to showcase her reflections on being trans.
by Jesus C., Grade 12, 826LA
A poet identifies with a trapped ocelot at the zoo.
by Henry F., Grade 12, 826CHI
In this poem, a student reflects on identity.
by Steysi Hailee, 826LA
A student reflects on a small moment and single sacrifice that transformed her outlook on giving.
by Cristina, 826CHI
A student recounts separation with a beloved friend through a nostalgic lens.
by Lukoiy V.R.G., Grade 12, Woodburn, OR
A poet speaks out as a voice for change and all those who cannot speak.
by Albin C., Age 18, 826 Boston
A student recalls how he was able to take charge and turn his life around.
by Sylvia C., 826 Valencia
A poet demonstrates their devotion to love.
by Jahruwach Hamilton, 826NYC
In this rousing poem, a student asserts her strength and worth as a woman.
by Gisel J., 826LA
The power of public speaking shines through this student's memoir.
by Terry Velasquez, Grade 12, The Bronx, NY
In this letter from the Essential Words lesson, a student shares gratitude for the dedication of nurses and gives “credit where credit is due.”
by Jennifer Alcocer, The 826 Dallas Project
This personal narrative addresses the struggles of students graduating high school during the pandemic.
by Kayla Wayne, Grade 11, 826NYC
In this poem, a student reflects on their first encounter with forced assimilation.
by Leydi Di Villanueva, The 826 Dallas Project
This creative narrative imagines how the coronavirus views humanity during the pandemic.