My father’s Australian and my mother’s Brazilian. They met when he travelled to South America to work as a Christian missionary. Six days later, he proposed, and 28 years later, they’re still together. When I was 15, they decided to move from Brazil to Toowoomba, in Queensland.
I wasn’t that keen on coming to be honest, as I didn’t want to leave my friends. It took me a few months to adapt – I’d get headaches all the time from trying to understand English at school, even though I had been speaking it at home in Brazil. And I had a few issues, one being that I’m gay. Some friends knew, but I was in Toowoomba, a very conservative place, and I also have a very Christian family who did not embrace that, which was my biggest struggle.
Moving to Brisbane for uni was a good change though – I feel a lot more at home here. Now, I’m studying Economics, and volunteering full time for the Greens. I’m interested in the cost of Climate Change. I see a lot of Economics students who just want to be bankers or investment managers, but we have all this data about the environment that nobody’s using properly. For example, the transition from coal to solar – I think people don’t realise that although the cost appears higher in the short term, it’s a lot lower in the long term.
I came out to my parents a year and a half ago, and we still have a good relationship. I see them every now and then, and they still love me, but my sexuality is not something they’ve accepted. I like to hope that in the future they will.
The recent tragedy in Orlando really upset me. But there was one positive I could get out of it. I think people who have a problem with gay people on a superficial level looked at that and thought, ‘Would I be OK with that, do I think it’s OK that that happened? No, I probably don’t.’
People can hate you for the stupidest reasons. But humanity has always moved towards progress, at different speeds and different times, and that gives me hope, no matter what – we just have to give it time and keep fighting.
Steph
Brazil
Arrived 2007
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If you were my daughter I would be very proud of you. ????????
I grew up in Toowooomba, and totally understand what you mean.
Loretta Lauren Thought you’d find this interesting, you world-changing social working women, you!
From one human to another I am really proud of you. You seem to have that ‘light’ within you. It’s all going to be ok, give it time.
I love your innovative thinking about the environment. Your passion will take you far. Always follow your passion!
You Steph are the reason this country will thrive, I work at a Uni & it’s young people like you that make my heart sing….my kids future is secure because people like you are willing to make it so. Never under estimate your contribution…..I for one thank-you <3
I too grew up in Toowoomba and am now in Brisbane. You are welcome to come to our home for dinner, coffee or just some crazy family time.
I’m so glad my kids have two Aunties,they are growing up knowing they can marry whoever they want, man or woman. I hope your parents one day realise you were born the way you are and if they believe in God, God doesn’t make mistakes right. Sexual preference is not a choice people!
Your are gorgeous, keep studying your passion and help us save this planet! ????
Thank you for sharing your positive story Steph. Keep strong on your pathway in economics.
I used to live near Toowoomba too!! Spent a lot of time up there and sub-sequentially didn’t come out until I moved to Brisbane at 23 years old. It is quite unheard of being gay in Toowoomba! Brisbane is great though, such a lovely gay community. I hope you find the love of your life here like I have 🙂
Your sexuality does not define who you are as a person. Australia needs more people like you. X
I live in the Toowoomba region so I can understand it would have been a massive challenge in terms of both race and sexuality. Happy to hear you’ve found your groove.
I hope your parents move on and realise what a wonderful young women they have as a daughter. Stay strong
I live in Toowoomba and I don’t think being gay is a problem so much these days but I can imagine it was not many years ago. As you say it is conservative ! Being gay does not define you;what you do with your life is who you are.
Go Steph! Good luck with your parents. I hope their love for you will overcome their fear
You are gorgeous. Trendy. Smart and will succeed. I wish I was your age so I could study environmental studies. I teach international students who are being prepared for masters degrees at UNSW and I tell them how lucky they are to be living in an era with so many amazing subject choices. About your sexuality … People will come around. It’s a process and it needs to be processed. It’s more about them not getting what they hoped from you in the long term. Once your parents realise your happiness is the key, they will let go of their own expectations. God bless you. ????????????
So honoured to read your story Steph, hope Brisbane treats you kinder x
Stay strong and, hopefully, your parents will see the light.
Your beautiful no matter what your sexuality is, your parents should be very proud!
I had the misfortune of growing up in Toowoomba and I understand exactly what you’re saying, even though we have very different backgrounds. Unless you’re very conservative, you simply don’t fit in there and they’ll make sure you know you don’t belong. I’m going to University in Brisbane as well and have been out of Toowoomba for a few years and it’s honestly just so freeing to be away from the place. You’re definitely not alone, there are a lot of Toowoomba escapees who feel this way.
Anyway! I’m glad you’re here in Australia and have a found a part of the country that feels more like home with likeminded people who are accepting and tolerant and friendly. I hope you are able to use your knowledge to better our country and that you continue to do great things here.
Oh and really random, but your outfit is really cute, jsyk!
You’re So On this Steph, hold True to your core. I’m praying your folks come on board with your sexuality, it’s just such a silly attitude that only serves to put distance between you all.
Economics+Social Responsible change that sustains the planet in a positive fashion will I believe in a short time frame gain more and more credibility and mass commitment, so Please tough it out.
Wishing you All the Best for your future, and that the Lady that will hold your heart is just around the corner.
Steph, stay true to yourself. Your parents will come around. In the meantime, live authentically, be joyful, and pursue your dreams. For now, trust that life will get better. Here are two immigrant LGBT stories to help you take heart: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jQ6glT5TqJw, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6U52m6vDaU
Live your life sweetheart, you’re just what Australia needs. Xx
I would like you to know that being religious in Brazil does not necessitate being unaccepting of LGBT. I went to an Afro-Brazilian temple in Salvador and there were LGBT people there ( eu acho que voce ja ouviu falar sobre aquelas religioes, infelizmente seja numa maneira discriminatoria). I’ve also met Brazilians of various churches accepting LGBT people. In fact, I can see that faith in Brazil does not necessitate one perspective on LGBT or conservative or progressive values.
If you were my daughter i would be very proud of you. Your sexuality is irrelevant – your happiness is what should matter to your parents. You are on the right track too- we must start addressing how to create a new economic paradigm and stop burning fossil fuels before the worst effects of climate change hit.