Pride month spotlight, Mr. Hispanic

about it over and over again,” Salmeron said. “And it really pushed me to pursue it because again, I really wanted to use my platform and really use my voice to advocate for who I am and what I care about.”

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Thirteen-year-old Wilson Salmeron packed a bag in preparation for coming out to his parents.

Salmeron was ready to text his parents that he was gay. He hit send, grabbed his bag and rushed out to his friend’s grandmother’s car after sending his parents the life-changing message.

“But luckily, or fortunately, they reacted really well,” Salmeron said. “They were really supportive and loving of me. So, that’s been a really great privilege that I have that a lot of other queer members don’t. So, I am thankful for that.”

Now, Salmeron, a Ph.D. student at OSU, aims to help other members of the LGBTQ+ community. Originally from Maryland, Salmeron selected OSU to help him pursue his dream of counseling psychology. Salmeron said he was drawn to psychology by his own history with mental health issues.

He hopes to provide therapy to marginalized communities as well as those with disordered eating habits and body image issues.

As Salmeron prepared to make the transition from University of Maryland, where he got his undergraduate degree, to OSU, he searched for ways to find a community at OSU as a Ph.D. student.

One opportunity stood out: the Mr. Hispanic Pageant.

Salmeron was eager to find his place at OSU but knew he would be busy with his studies.

“But I just kept thinking

Salmeron not only ran for Mr. Hispanic, but he won, and he’s done exactly what he said he would do.

Salmeron identifies with two different communities: the gay community and the Hispanic community. Salmeron said he has always felt he had to “choose.” Was he gay, or was he Hispanic?

Salmeron’s family didn’t understand his experiences as a gay man, and Salmeron’s friends didn’t comprehend his experiences as a Hispanic man. As Salmeron’s family and friends tugged him between two identities, Salmeron said he struggled with authenticity. In light of his own experiences, Salmeron promotes mental wellness and authenticity as Mr. Hispanic.

“I am really happy with my platform,” Salmeron said.

“And I’m really excited to kind of showcase what I plan to do with mental health in the Hispanic community as well as other marginalized communities this upcoming year.”

Salmeron said he also hopes to be a resource to others at OSU and encouraged all to reach out to him with any collaboration ideas or suggestions.

Salmeron has pushed himself to pursue his true identity and interests throughout his life.

It paid off.

Salmeron is in school preparing to help those who struggle with issues similar to the ones he’s overcome, and he’s found a community within OSU through Mr. Hispanic.

“And so, it’s been a really amazing journey participating, meeting so many cool people and really being connected with the community.” entertainment.ed@ocolly.com