Inconvenient Identity: Magnus’ Story

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Magnus has a heartbreaking conversation with their mom as she dices onions. In this video, created in a filmmaking workshop led by Outside the Frame and Oregon State University, Magnus tries to make their mother understand their desire to live authentically. “I just wanna live like you,” Magnus says. “Live as a woman and maybe just get a job.” But family rejection leaves Magnus feeling like an “alien” and leads them to self-harm.

Parental support and acceptance can make a lifesaving difference for LGBTQ youth, who are more likely than their cisgender, heterosexual peers to experience depression, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and other negative health outcomes. Organizations including PFLAG and Somos Familia offer support, training, and resources for parents, families, and allies who want to better support the LGBTQ people in their lives. In the U.S., The Trevor Project offers a 24-hour free, confidential hotline for LGBTQ youth who are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide (1-866-488-7386).

This film was produced with support from ENLACE, the “Engaging the Next Latinx Allies for Change and Equity” program at Oregon State University. ENLACE builds solidarity and amplifies youth voices, connecting Latinx and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning youth in fighting the epidemic of social isolation affecting our queer youth today. Learn more about how these videos give youth the opportunity to transform their experiences with isolation into powerful tools that help others in ENLACE director Jonathan Garcia’s commentary.