Represented

I remember the first time I truly saw LGBTQ+ representation which made me stop and think differently. It wasn’t something I actively went looking for, but I came across it while watching The Fosters. The show follows a diverse family with biological, adopted, and foster children, and one of the characters, Jude, really stood out to me. Jude was just a kid trying to figure out who he was navigating all those confusing emotions while growing up, and his storyline hit me in a way I hadn’t expected.

Jude was going through so much more than what I remember experiencing at that age. Not only was he dealing with the typical challenges of growing up, but he was also trying to understand his own identity and figure out where he fit in a world that didn’t always make it easy. What got to me was how often he seemed unsure if he deserved to be accepted, just for being himself. Watching him struggle with that, even though he was such a young kid, opened my eyes in a way that I hadn’t thought about before.

Growing up, I never really considered what it must be like for queer individuals to face that kind of inner conflict. Sure, I had heard about LGBTQ+ issues, but seeing it play out in The Fosters made it feel real, like something that could happen to someone I knew. It made me realize how much representation matters, and how important it is for young people to see themselves in the stories they watch and read. It’s about more than just seeing someone on the screen; it’s about feeling like you belong and that there’s nothing wrong with who you are.

That show changed how I thought about the world around me. It wasn’t some huge, dramatic shift overnight, but it planted a seed in me that kept growing. I started to think more about how I could be a better ally, not just by standing by and watching but by being an active part of creating spaces where people felt safe to be themselves. Whether it was through conversations, friendships, or even just small, everyday moments, I wanted to make sure that the people around me, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community, knew they were supported.

The more I reflected on Jude’s story, the more I realized how many people in my own life might have been quietly struggling with their identity without me ever knowing. It pushed me to be more present, to listen more, and to check in with people. In my family and community, we didn’t really talk much about things like sexuality or identity, but watching those kinds of stories made me realize just how important those conversations can be. They’re not just about educating yourself, they’re about letting people know they’re seen and valued for who they are.

That one piece of representation in The Fosters wasn’t just about making Jude visible; it was about opening a door for empathy and understanding. It made me more aware of how much responsibility I have as an ally to show up, not just in big, obvious ways, but in the quieter moments too. It’s about more than just accepting, it’s about actively supporting, creating connections, and being intentional with how I show up for others.

Since then, I’ve tried to be more mindful of how I engage with the LGBTQ+ community, whether it’s speaking out when necessary or just being a good listener. I’ve realized that being an ally isn’t about grand gestures

it’s about being there, being kind, and being a part of the change, even in the little things. That’s how we make the world a better place for everyone, and it all starts with understanding and showing empathy.