COMMUNITY

THE CURRENT

DEAN JOHN TRANTALIS

OCCUPATION: MAYOR OF FORT LAUDERDALE PREFERRED PRONOUNS: HE/HIM/HIS LGBTQIA+ IDENTIFICATION: GAY

COMMUNITY OUT AND ABOUT

THREE LAUDY LGBTQIA+ ICONS TELL US WHY THEY’RE NOT GOING TO HIDE THEIR PRIDE

BY TIMUR TUGBERK

Coming “out of the closet” is a process that starts with personal acceptance. Even afterwards, it can take an individual years to fully settle into their authentic truth among family, friends, colleagues, and society. In honor of National Coming Out Day on October 11, Fort Lauderdale Illustrated asked three prominent members of the local LGBTQIA+ community to share their coming out stories.

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I grew up in Norwich, Connecticut, and ultimately was able to identify as a gay man during my mid-to-late 20s. I don’t remember my exact age, but I came out to myself first. I had to be comfortable with and know my true self. When I went to college in Boston, that’s when I was able to really start to identify with other gay people. I come from a Greek Orthodox family who rarely speaks of such deeply personal things such as sexual orientation. Back then, we didn’t know what “gay” really was; it wasn’t a part of quotidian culture.

I moved to Florida in 1982 to open a small law firm. South Florida in the ’80s was far more accepting of gay culture; I felt immediately at home and never looked back. I kept my personal life very private. It wasn’t even discussed at my law office, but I think they knew. With my family, they put the pieces together and discovered it. I never came out to them in any sort of official sense. But once they realized it, they were not comfortable with it—at least in the beginning. They came around to accept me over time. My parents have since passed, but it was a delicate acceptance with them. My folks were born in the early ’20s. LGBTQIA+ issues just weren’t talked about then.

I find it extremely important that LGBTQIA+ representation is seen and heard at every level of government. It’s one of the reasons that I choose to stay in public office. Our people need to stay in positions of leadership to have our voices as a pulpit to speak out against those who choose to do our community harm. Throughout Florida and the nation, it’s crucial that our LGBTQIA+ leaders keep their seats at the table and build the bench for young leaders to join and to take over one day. (trantalislaw.com)

ROSARIA VIGORITO

OCCUPATION: ARTIST AND BOARD DIRECTOR, ARTSUNITED PREFERRED PRONOUNS: SHE/HER/HERS LGBTQIA+ IDENTIFICATION: LESBIAN

I was aware of being different as early as age 7. I always developed crushes on girls. I used to rationalize it within me as wanting a best friend, but I also was selfaware that it was more than that. I came out at age 19, when during an argument I admitted to my mother and for the first time openly to myself that I loved a woman (who then turned out to be my first partner).

The hardest part about coming out for me was acceptance. I was the perfect daughter, student, and young person to the outside world. But I had these feelings inside of me which I kept tightly hidden. I grew up feeling that behind the mask of my outer perfect persona; the inner one was awful and, quite frankly, some sort of monster. This turned into incredible feelings of lightness, freedom, and authenticity after coming out when I began my path toward self-love, honor, and respect for who I am/was.

Since coming out, I have been visible, out, and open. Early on, I became very involved in what was then called the Gay People’s Union. I marched in many pride events, even the first National March on Washington. I have lived my truth, being openly out since 19. I have always seen my role as to be a sort of role model; that is, to positively impact against any misconceptions, biases, or prejudices with all those who I interacted with, and thereby help others grappling with their sexual orientation and acceptance. Of course, with the amazing progress that has been made since I came out, all this has gotten easier.

I say to my past self and all those coming into their truths to love and honor your authentic selves; God loves you unconditionally. (rosariavigorito.com) I CAME TO THE U.S. BELIEVING NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE AND HOW YOU PRESENT YOURSELF, WITH THE RIGHT DRIVE, DETERMINATION, EDUCATION, AND TALENTS, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.”

—Arianna Inurritegui-Lint

ARIANNA INURRITEGUI-LINT

OCCUPATION: ATTORNEY AND FOUNDER, ARIANNA’S CENTER

PREFERRED PRONOUNS:

SHE/HER/ELLA

IDENTIFICATION

(LGBTQIA+): TRANS WOMAN

Growing up in Peru, I felt it challenging to show my true personality and self. I had set a goal to one day move to the United States, where I could live my truth freely. As a child, I endured a lot for being different. [But] the bullying didn’t bring me down or force me to retreat. At 8 years old, I was walking with my teacher while other school children were screaming mean things at me and I asked, “Why are they bullying me? I haven’t done anything.” My teacher replied, referencing Don Quixote: “‘Let the dogs bark, Sancho. It’s a sign that we are moving forward.’ They are those dogs.” I learned to own my differences and have empowered my authenticity ever since.

Like many trans people, I had two coming outs. I had initially thought I was gay during high school. I was effeminate, and I recall a professor in one legal class saying, “Don’t speak that way! In Peru, lawyers don’t speak like faggots.” I replied, “Then I’ll be the first faggot lawyer in Peru.”

I didn’t feel resolved from my initial coming out, however; something was off. Later in college, I came out for the second time as a trans woman. The hardest part of coming out as a trans woman is the disparate support of the other letters of the LGBTQIA+ rainbow. It is important we support each other despite our internal differences. The best part is living truthfully and authentically as you are!

My mission and life’s work are to empower the trans community in South Florida and beyond. I came to the U.S. believing no matter who you are and how you present yourself, with the right drive, determination, education, and talents, you can do anything. And that’s the message I ingrain in those I support through Arianna’s Center and our LGBTQIA+ family. (ariannas-center.org) «