As a North American, I never knew much about Latin America’s LGBT rights issues, or any issues for that matter, so choosing this as my project was an eye-opening experience for me. The courage of Patria Jimenez, especially to leave her own flesh and blood in order to pursue a greater cause, astonished me. Her dedication to her work was so strong that when it conflicted with her family, she chose it over family and never regretted the decision. Her turning point taught me that nothing should get in the way of following the greater good. Nothing can obstruct you from achieving your passions. Furthermore, Jimenez was leading hundreds of thousands of people throughout her life to their ultimate freedom. This kind of leadership isn’t for everyone. The fact that she was able to do this confidently – and even obtain a seat in Congress – stuns me. It takes an incredible amount of energy and courage to find your footing in the world and launch yourself into the sea of people, but Jimenez accomplished this and became loved and cherished by the lives she touched and changed. Studying Jimenez made me realize that it is important to take a stand against what is wrong, to make the world right. She also made me discover that my blood relatives aren’t the only family that I can have – Jimenez found the familial love she needed from the public that supported and loved her. She is an incredibly influential woman who I have come to admire due to the intensity and determination to achieve victory over ignorance.
LGBT and Mexico: A Unification by Patria Jimenez |
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