The month of June is PRIDE Month. A month where we celebrate and commemorate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.
During PRIDE month, many organizations celebrate the diversity of the LGBTQIA+ community in many different ways. El Paso is known for its month-long celebration of PRIDE and a big PRIDE parade that El Paso Sun City Pride puts together every year.
Back in 2021 The Mijas participated in the annual EP Sun City Pride Parade and it was there that we met an El Paso teen who shared a story she had never shared before.
El Paso teen, Luna had lost her dad during Covid and wanted to be her true self around her mother and siblings, the thought of coming out was conflicted, however, she found the courage to come out to her family. For Luna, this was an unforgettable moment.
“It was really important for me because it helped me understand that it was okay and that I was going to be safe here and that I was loved,” said Luna holding back tears, “And it made me happy to know that she cared about me and that she didn’t mind me being gay and it was just a normal thing for us.”
Luna’s mother, Mayda Castro mentioned that being able to see her daughter break out of her shell made her realize that her once shy 13-year-old wasn’t necessarily shy at all, she hasn’t discovered her path, until now.
“You have to love your kids,” said Mayda, “And that’s all. Just support them because their happiness is what matters. We give birth to them for that reason, to make them happy.”
Mayda went on to tell her daughter Luna that she loved her and was so proud of her.
Regardless of the person you choose to love, one undeniable outcome prevails—Love emerges victorious every time!
Mija, Yes you can. 