by Phoenix Bedolla
Senior Jaxx Gorans is an openly transgender student who’s attended Minarets High School for the past four years. His journey has been filled with high peaks and low valleys. When Gorans entered high school, he was already a part of the LGBTQ+ community, knowing his sexual orientation and preferences. Gorans explained how this led to ostracization from other students who decided to project their insecurities onto someone who was confident and open about themselves. Still, Gorans severely struggled to handle school, as it combined with tough home life and acute mental struggles. This led to Gorans hitting rock bottom during his sophomore year, not only needing to take time away from school but also requiring rehab and therapy. During this time, Gorans was introduced to the idea of being transgender, an idea that sounded promising but one he didn’t think would amount to much at the time.
Gorans soon came to an area of healing, discovering his gender idea and the name he wanted to go by as a transgender man. This provided a sense of comfort, finally understanding who he was and feeling confident enough to expose himself to the world in a new light. A short time later, Gorans sent an email to the staff explaining his newfound self, and most of them did their best to respect his name and pronouns, always apologizing if they messed up.
Coming out as transgender also required other sacrifices. Gorans has since had to let go of many friends, realizing that they didn’t support his true self. But as Gorans elaborated upon the disappointment of losing friends, he also added, “There’s nothing more refreshing than having those around you and not having to fear judgeful eyes.” Today, Gorans is finishing out his senior year, serving as an inspiration to all students who aspire to be their true selves. As a member of the Gay-Straight Alliance club, Gorans is staying involved within the LGBTQ+ community at the school, while also continuing to indulge in many other hobbies that make him who he is. Gorans’s story is one of inspiration and redemption, one that communicates the idea of just how important acceptance is.
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