In honor of Pride Month, we’re applauding the strength, talent, and unity of John Jay’s LGBTQ+ community by featuring some of their proudest members.
About Emily…
Pronouns: She/her/they
LGBTQ+ Identity: Pansexual/queer
Major: Forensic Psychology
Hometown: Franklin, Indiana
Service: Machinery Technician, U.S. Coast Guard, Six Years
At John Jay: Secretary, John Jay Veterans Association, and 2021 John Jay Heroine
Future Plans: I want to continue my education and earn a doctorate in clinical psychology. I’d like to specialize in working with child survivors of trauma.
Who inspires you in LGBTQ+ community?
The list of celebrities who immediately come to mind is long—Elliot Page, Ezra Miller, Harry Styles, YungBlud, and Kristen Stewart. They deserve recognition for the inspiration they’ve given to so many people, but there are some people I cherish even more because I actually know them. My cousin Amy came out to our family when I was a kid. She was the person I went to when my parents found out about my identity. She helped me push forward and supported me. I’m also inspired by every LGBTQ+ person I served with while I was enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. These brave men and women served our country when a portion of the population wouldn’t protect us because of our sexuality and preferences. At John Jay, I’m continually inspired and encouraged by Sam Ascencio, our current Student Council President, and everyone at Spectra who represents the LGBTQ+ community.
“Because of my negative experiences with coming out, I work hard to tell my son that he will never have that struggle with me. I encourage him to be who he wants to be. I encourage him to dress how he wants to dress.” —Emily Maria Diaz ’22
What are some of the biggest challenges you face as a member of the LGBTQ+ community?
I’ve known my sexuality since the fifth grade. One of my siblings outed me to our mom without my consent. My mom, who was very religious, was angry, scared, and worried for me. She threatened to send me to my dad’s house, which terrified me. Then she told other family members about my identity and that made me feel like an outcast. I had relatives using me as an example for my younger cousins, showing them how hard it was to be anything other than straight. My family told me it was “just a phase” and encouraged me not to tell my dad about my identity.
Years later, while I was in the military and at home for a visit, I took my dad to the local Olive Garden and told him that I’d been with both men and women. What sticks with me to this day is hearing my dad say that I was “a waste of his good looks.” Because of my negative experiences with coming out, I work hard to tell my son that he will never have that struggle with me. I encourage him to be who he wants to be. I encourage him to dress how he wants to dress. He loves to wrestle and play with dinosaurs, but he also enjoys getting manicures and pedicures with me. As long as my son is happy, I have zero concerns.
“I’m proud to be completely and unapologetically myself.” —Emily Maria Diaz ’22
What are you proud to say about yourself during Pride?
This year has been the biggest year of growth for me. I’ve been volunteering for the New York City Anti-Violence Project, and I’m proud to be completely and unapologetically myself.
