CultureStriker Julio Salgado made national news with a crew of other dedicated DREAMers last week, appearing in TIME Magazine as part of Jose Antonio Vargas’s feature story on undocumented youth, which coincided with some overtures toward reform from the White House. In support of Julio and the countless youth he represents, CultureStrike has created a pledge of support.
In this testimonial, Julio reflects on the “intersectionality” between his two previously hidden identities–being queer, and being undocumented–and the challenge of “coming out twice.” He admits that finding his place in American society has been complicated by a “love and hate” relationship with the institution of citizenship and the laws that govern it. But like countless other migrant youth, he’s grounded in his belief that he belongs here, that there’s no turning back, only going forward.
To join CultureStrike in solidarity with Julio and all other undocumented youth, add your name to our pledge for Julio by signing our petition page now.
Here’s another video of TIME’s Undocumented Americans series. Educator and activist Gaby Pacheco: