Ermino, Andre Jose A.

English for Academic Purposes

12 - G. Zara March 29, 2022

"Chrysalis"
By: Andre Jose A. Ermino

I never fully grasped what it meant to be gay as a kid. I've never understood the strong
differences between pink and blue, dolls and race cars, pretty gowns, and sports-themed
t-shirts. I never understood why these lines were drawn, or why I was on the "wrong" side of the
fence. Nonetheless, I persisted, and I evolved into who I am now: a mentally and emotionally
strong someone who loves himself and is willing to help others love themselves as well.

Hi! My name is Andre Jose A. Ermino, and I am an 18-year-old student from Batasan
Hills, Quezon City. I lived in a simple house with my family that consists of my parents and my
two sisters. When I was a kid, I enjoyed talking and playing with my female sisters and cousins,
and as a result, some of my male cousins called to me as "beki," which means gay. I grew up
thinking I was different as a gay person. Hearing other kids refer to anyone who deviates from
standard gender expectations as a "fag," and being labeled a "gay" and mocked with words
when I entered as a freshman in high school. I hadn't told anyone about my sexuality and had
no idea what it meant, but I knew it was an insult.

As a high school student, I encountered some bad experiences as a member of the

LGBTQ+ community. Despite these difficulties at school, I am still largely accepted, for which I
am grateful. The most difficult challenge I've faced as a "gay student" over the last four years
has been the stereotypical judgments made by my male classmates, such as "All gay guys are
insanely flamboyant and overly dramatic," and the occasional peer who uses homosexuality to
make bad jokes about my physical appearance and characteristics. Even though these issues
are infuriating, I know not to take them seriously. Being gay has never been easy, but my
experience has been aided by my friends, teachers, counselors, and especially my family who
point out anything they believe can help me, such as joining some clubs and groups about the
true meaning of sexual orientation and the LGBTQ+, reading books about acceptance within the
sexuality, and of course the confidence that I build up through meditation and welcoming myself
to a great me, I wouldn't be who I am today if it weren't for them, and I wouldn't be happy. And to
my parents, who helped me work through my problems, from dealing with emotions to finding
places where I can be myself. I am truly blessed to have them in my life.

At this point, I know that the determination and ambition of others, combined with my
own courage, can change how people perceive us as different people because of our sexual
orientation. And by that, this goal is not far from becoming a reality. I'm sure I'm not alone in
having this experience, and I'm excited to see how far we can go in making this dream a reality.
I believe that if we work together, we can tear down the wall and speak out. Lastly, my wings like
a beautiful butterfly is my weapon to achieve my goals and dreams as a LGBTQ+ citizen. With
pride. For pride.