Luis Velasco Jr. is an 18-year-old freshman at UF. He is studying English. And he is gay.
After growing up in a strict family and attending a Catholic school in Ft. Lauderdale, Velasco said he didn't want to hide his identity anymore.
Velasco is one the many students at UF who experienced an accepting and supportive environment when they left their hometown and stepped onto campus.
The month of April is Pride Awareness Month and is run by a committee within the Pride Student Union.
Evan Lauteria, vice president of education for the union, said this effort is about bringing awareness and education to the UF community.
Coming out is not always easy, but there is always someone here to talk to, Velasco said.
"Back home, I felt I could never be as open about myself," he said.
At 14, Velasco told his parents he was gay. They were not accepting.
His parents will not welcome him back into their home if he continues to live as an openly gay person, but he said being part of the LGBT community lets him know he does have a family.
"This is a part of me," he said. "I don't want to hide it."
Many students like Velasco find comfort in attending the month's events and talking to other students who have experienced similar struggles.
But the issues surrounding their lives don't disappear after April, Lauteria said.
"There should always be discussions about combating homophobia and creating acceptance on campus," he said.
Velasco said UF is already a more accepting environment than he was used to, but he does experience times when he feels like an outcast.
Walking to class one day, he made his way through Turlington Plaza when he was bothered by protesters, he said.
"There were these super religious people who were condemning everybody," he said. "That day I was really outraged."
When it comes to opposition, Velasco advises students to find somebody to talk to who supports them and not to take it too seriously.
Pride Awareness Month will end with closing ceremonies on April 20.
In the weeks that remain, socials, forums and performances will be sponsored by the Pride Student Union, Multicultural and Diversity Affairs, Greek Pride and several Greek organizations throughout campus.
