By: Rachael Jackson
Staff Writer

The Triangle Alliance and Multicultural Student Union hosted a panel discussion on the experiences of being queer persons of color. The five-person panel consisted of those of Japanese, Latino, and African American backgrounds.

Natasha/Nathan Mireles, a junior biology major, seemed excited for the panel to begin.

“I am eager to know about the intersectionality of lives of people who are persons of color and who are also queer,” Mireles said. “For me, I don’t identify as a person of color and I want to know how their experience differs from mine.”

Intersectionality is an identity that lies within another identity. For example, a woman might identify as bisexual but also as Chinese-American.

The panelists were asked questions varying from issues coming out to parents, dealing with ideals set by the media, and finding a balance between the many intersections of identities.

Ty Lewis, an ASL interpreting major and senior, described how he feels about his own intersectionality.

“If I waltz into a classroom, and I’m white presenting, my queer identity takes over,” said Lewis. “I do feel like I present one part of myself depending on the place.”

If you’re interested in exploring this topic or others within the LGBTQ+ community, stop by Ackerman 141 for a Triangle Alliance meeting on Tuesdays from 4 to 5 p.