I chose to do this topic for my Fire Project because there is still great inequality in this country and it has a direct negative impact on the lives of everyday people just like you and me. I believe that everyone should have the chance to achieve their hopes and dreams, have the same basic fundamental rights and securities under the law, and be able to celebrate their love as equal members in all aspects of society. It is the fire within me that I trust that sexual orientation shouldn't define a person for simply who they are, but rather accepted just like any other form of identity.
I hope to accomplish after doing this project that I educate others on how gay rights is a nonexistent issue, but that the real issue should be why are we still living in a time where people are still denied their basic civil liberties for something beyond their control, why are we still fighting the same battles as we were during the civil war.
As someone who is gay, it took me a long time until I learned the difference of living and surviving. A way I challenged myself during the Fire Project was when I violated a social norm for my AP Psychology class. That norm was “coming out” to all my friends and family on social media that I am gay. This norm acts as a mechanism of social control because identifying yourself as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) and disclosing this to other people is often referred to as ‘coming out’, which society tries to keep people from doing so - by creating gender roles or bringing up the subject of religion - is often referred to as ‘in the closet.’ I predicted that after posting, I’ll get a lot of people experiencing disbelief. I felt that others would be encouraging, supportive, and accepting. I also thought that some may also be rude, homophobic and look at me different after it. One of the most grueling parts of the closeted life would have to be the constant filter one has on their thoughts, words, and actions. Looking back, I’ve realized that the closet is a suffocating, exhausting and potentially the most fatal place to be in. After coming out, I’m no longer in constant fear of judgment. I’ve learned that people will have their opinions whether you do everything in your power to control them or not. I also have learned that one should never take into account of other’s opinions about yourself before you take into account of yours first. Lastly based on experience, finding a support system and community of encouragement can pretty much get you through anything, including coming out of the closet for which I found before, during and after breaking the social norm.
I believe that I did in fact educate others on how gay rights is a nonexistent issue, but that the real issue should be why are we still living in a time where people are still denied their basic civil liberties for something beyond their control. I dedicated countless hours of my school, home, and social life to this Project. For which is why, I strongly trust that I touched others in ways that I could’ve had if I chose a different topic to do my Fire Project on since it is Fire that I brought along with love.
Advice I’d give to a student who will be completing their Project next year would be to pick a topic that you’re passionate about that you want to see change in the world. To really look within themselves to discover what is their fire. To not procrastinate while instructions/ deadlines are given to you and set aside time to do each component as well. Lastly, to ask questions because never a question is a dumb question. It’s always best to know.