LGBT youth seek support in Boyle Heights
In Latino communities, where conservative values and entrenched traditions can play a big role, young LGBT people are often left seeking support outside their families. When asked about his decision to come out at age 14, Antonio “Rooster” Cabrera, now 21, says the suicide of a gay friend pushed him to open up to friends and family. His family was more accepting than he anticipated. “My mom was very calm, and said ‘Ay mijo, are you sure?’ and told me to go clean my room.” Read about gay and transgender teens from Latino families, on Boyle Heights Beat.