My journey towards self-acceptance navigating both my Afro-Latino heritage and LGBTQ+ identity has been a prominent challenge in my life, tracing back as early as middle school. Attending a charter school highlighted the disparities between my peers and myself. As a child with tanned skin and a distinct afro, I often found myself the subject of glances and intrusive questions about my appearance. The discomfort I felt with my identity intensified as I transitioned into adolescence, as gendered uniform expectations failed to accommodate my evolving sense of self. Tight school shirts accentuated the curves developing with my body as I underwent puberty, and I constantly fought with my single parent (father) to reuse the one pair of school uniform pants we owned rather than the two skirts required for girls to wear, even if I got my uniform pants dirty. My identity as a whole was constantly put under a microscope. Girls didn’t want to socialize with me because I didn’t like the things they liked. Boys didn’t want to befriend me because it would mean they “liked me,” and I was just too boyish; they’d be made fun of. Though these are the more ‘simpler’ memories I’ve undergone regarding my identity, my struggles extend far beyond a paragraph. The binary constraints of boy or girl, Black or Latino, began to paint the narrative of my life, and I hated it. Despite these challenges, my determination to embrace my identity remained. Throughout high school, I turned to social media as a means of seeking understanding and validation regarding my identity. Discovering terms like “transgender” and “non-binary” provided a sense of belonging and reassurance that I was not alone in my experiences. In fact, I didn’t even know there was a whole community of people (especially Black people) dedicated to change within the LGBTQ+ community, especially the transgender community. My history should not just be something mentioned once then skipped over for the rest of the year, and it felt like throughout my life I haven’t been exposed to any of this. I felt a responsibility to be more involved in my community and those around me. My commitment to community involvement extended beyond the borders of my school. Not only did I earn the title of Senior Representative, where I was able to create cultural-based festivals where people could express their diversity, but I sought programs outside of school which enabled me to directly support my community and the neighborhood I grew up in. Volunteering at Montefiore’s HIV Prevention Center provided a platform to address critical issues such as food insecurity and HIV prevention within the Bronx community. My biggest life passion in life stemmed from my struggles growing up. Though I’m from a low-income family and my identity is a part of marginalized groups who historically have been told they couldn’t make it to college, I will continue to embrace who I am and create a safe space for others. Applying for this scholarship helps me progress in completing these goals, without the constraints of financial burdens. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, my identity has profoundly shaped my goals and dreams. It has instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to fighting for equality and justice. My experiences have taught me the importance of visibility and representation, and I am determined to be a voice for those who are often marginalized. This scholarship will not only support my educational pursuits but also empower me to continue making a difference in the lives of others.