'There's a stigma that is like we can't be parents or we shouldn't be parents': LGBTQ+ New Yorkers on Pride

storytelling

To mark Pride Month, WNYC is spotlighting the diverse experiences of LGBTQ+ New Yorkers. Our Community Partnerships Desk recently visited Destination Tomorrow, an LGBTQ+ center in the Bronx, to talk with people about their challenges, triumphs, and the meaning of pride in their lives. Bronx resident Heaven Torres shares her story.

The transcript of Heaven Torres's story has been lightly edited for clarity.

Heaven Torres:

I am from Bronx, New York. I am 35. I identify as lesbian. I am a parent of four kids, and their ages are 8, 9, and 12, and 20. A lot of the times in the community, there's a stigma that is like we can't be parents or we shouldn't be parents. Someone else who is not a part of the LGBTQ+ community does not get questioned for having a child.

I shouldn't be questioned either, or any other LGBTQ parent should not be questioned on how they have their children or what process they went through. That should be something personal between the couple and whoever decides to have a child. That should be their own personal story and how they did whatever they needed to do to create a family.

You know, everyone has a set way of how it should look like it has to be a man and a woman or whatever the case may be, maybe because of religion or maybe because of culture. I just feel like that stigma shouldn't be there because we are parents, and we are awesome, and we are great at being parents, and that is something that we should be proud of because we can have families, and we can create families, and we can raise amazing, beautiful, intelligent children.

Pride means to me loving each other, no matter what, being who we truly are and being proud, and happy to express ourselves exactly as who we are and not being ashamed, not being scared, not letting anyone stand in our way, and just being bold and strong and powerful to just be us.