One of my best friends since middle school is in a crisis situation.
Within the last two years, she has been in a relationship after being so untrustworthy of male figures in her life. She had an abusive father, ironically a Lutheran Ordained Pastor that she was forces to live with up until the beginning of her adult life. I was so proud when she was able to let someone else in. Now, my friend is one of those out there who doesn't necessarily identify as female, nor male. She is essentially existing, feeling both genders of characteristics.
I know there are many out there who would like to turn away after reading this, but please hear me out for the sake of both of these people.
Now, Miguel is a Honduras native who came state side to continue his education in a smaller college city in Minnesota, majoring in business to eventually take over his father's tourism company back in Honduras. He is so very intelligent, and picked up English rather quickly, now speaking more fluently at this point than most American children.
The happy couple moved in together and now have two dogs and their whole lives ahead of them. That is, until one thing changed. Recently, per usual, the couple went to Honduras to visit with Miguel's family for a holiday while classes were out of session. Feeling it was only right, as my best friend is a very truthful person who tries to be as up front as she can. She decided it was time to come clean about how she identifies.
It was hell. Miguel's mother, a strong Catholic, was completely okay with the information, but when Miguel's father, an atheist, heard of the news, the only thing that flashed through his eyes was the future of his company being disgraced. The irony there is astounding, and living proof that religious stereotypes are just that: stereotypes.
The issue with this now is that Miguel is only twenty years old, and per law he cannot come back to the states to further his education and be with my friend until he turns twenty one. The document to return takes both parental signatures, and he now has only one. He and my friend are beside themselves in grief, wondering why the beliefs and feelings of another could have caused this. I already know she is questioning herself in everything, and now they are thousands of miles away for the next six months. I don't know if this petition will work, but I am just praying that maybe it can make a difference.
