“Between 2010 and 2014 I studied communications at the Monteavila University (a private institution in Caracas founded by members of Opus Dei), where I was taught homosexuality in anthropology classes as a mental illness…”

“They took me to a nearby door that seemed to lead to a warehouse, and they told me they had to do a ‘body search.’”

“The thing that has always kept me strong in every decision I’ve made in my life is pursuing my own happiness, understanding that I don’t need to deny what I am or try to maintain an appearance of what I’m not before anyone and by no means in front of my parents.”

“They [her parents] took me to psychologists, psychiatrists and even a priest, searching for someone who could ‘change’ me. …they saw me like a confused and rebel little girl.”

“When I was 13 years old the entire school find out I am lesbian. It was a very distressing feeling and made me feel isolated and abnormal. But the students and teachers did know how to call me: ‘la cachapera’ (it’s an offensive way to say “dyke” in Venezuela). …but whatever you do, don’t give up: mostly, at some point and in some way, things get better, even if it’s just a little.”