I’m a warrior in the battle that has been through a lot. My life has been very difficult since I was born. I’ve always dressed and acted like a man. My family rejected me because of my gender identity, and I’m alone in the world, battling for my life in order to be a great human being.
I was on the honor roll, delivered the graduation speech at my high school, and was a leader in LGBT clubs in school. All my life, I have been discriminated against by family, co-workers, and the state of Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. I have been on the news speaking about the discrimination so that other people would not have to go through that same situation.
I became a model in commercials and have spoken to the public about trans people being discriminated against. Now I live in Boston, Massachusetts, proud to be in this beautiful state that feels like my second home. I have been reborn, officially the man that I am. I’m a barber and stylist, graduated from the best barber school in Puerto Rico. Once I am in a better financial situation, I’m going to study what I like best, TV Communications. I look forward to continuing what I started, being a model for the LGBT community.
One day my case manager showed me the application for the Jim Collins Foundation. I was excited when she explained what it was about, and I asked her when we could submit the paperwork because I wanted to do it as soon as possible. I got everything submitted. I told myself that maybe I would be a finalist, but if not, I had to do something… I declared that 2014 was going to be my year. I’m here.
The Jim Collins Foundation makes dreams come true. JCF, keep it up!
Omar Yadielle