Embracing My True Self: A Journey of Identity and Community

Written by Aimee Huang

Growing up, I felt like I was wearing a mask the whole time - another version of me that meets all the expectations around me in terms of how to act, speak, and present myself to others. It was not because I did not know who I was deep down; rather, I was afraid of letting people be disappointed in me. The fear of being judged and discriminated against consistently kept me away from embracing part of my identity openly. When I was in high school, I knew that I would probably never express my true self as my sexual identity did not align with the social norms. Even though I fully know my family loves me and will always be supportive, considering that I grew up in a traditional family and country, there are unspoken rules on who I should love. Therefore, hiding myself to act “normal” is obviously the safest way for me, as I do not wish to risk losing my relationships and connections. I hid and pretended for a long time until I moved on to university - something had shifted in my first year. In the beginning of second semester of my first year, I attended the Q+ annual conference - The Queer Perspective.

This was my first time attending a conference and being surrounded by so many queer people. Walking into the Q+ conference felt like stepping into a world where I could show my true self and not have to hide anymore, as the energy, inclusivity, and authenticity made me realize that I am not alone. Seeing how queer leaders create impacts at school and in the workplace and hearing stories from students who had experiences similar to mine was empowering and touching. The conference provided me with a sense of community, where everyone was welcoming, supportive, and inclusive. It allowed me to network with 2SLGBTQ+ professionals and students, share my struggles and celebrate every moment together.

For the first time, I started thinking about what it would mean to live more authentically and felt like I could see a future where I could do the same and be a queer leader one day. Therefore, my first step after attending the conference was to join the Q+ executive team, as I wish to contribute to creating the same sense of belonging to others. Being a part of Q+ has been a journey of both professional and personal growth. Professionally, I gained hands-on experience in leadership, collaboration and event planning. I had the opportunity to organize and execute Q+’s annual conference, which prioritized empowering students through professional development, community, and allyship. Seeing the impact of our efforts in the community was incredibly fulfilling; reinforcing why I had joined the team in the first place. Personally, I have met a bunch of talented and kind friends that I can call family. Even now, there are still moments of doubt and hesitation where I find myself second-guessing how much of myself I can safely reveal in certain spaces. But, the friendships I’ve built through Q+ have become a constant source of support, reminding me that I’m not alone in this journey.

Looking back, attending the Q+ conference was a small step in my journey, but it was truly a pivotal moment in my life. It has marked the beginning of my transformation - from someone who was hesitant to embrace her true self to now someone who feels empowered to live authentically and be inspired to become a queer leader. My time with Q+ has shown me the power of community, and I’m committed to carrying that forward in everything I do.