(ARCHIVED) Weigh in: Hector Tobar | July 2, 2009

Luis: Inspirational essay. I also grew up in SoCal in a religious family, attended an eastern liberal arts college (Hamilton), decided to major in English, and am gay. As an Angeleno at Swarthmore, you will also be a minority. Embrace it (and write about it!). You will help shatter another stereotype (geographic), and develop an even deeper appreciation of your SoCal heritage. Hector: great column; would love to read a follow up in a couple of years.

Michael @ 6:22 PM PDT, Jul 6, 2009

Thank you for this. I would encourage a campaign to send this to as many schools in low-income neighborhoods. Although the story is about two things - Luis' successes and his courage - students struggling at many schools that are underfunded will find hope and someone to look up to with the article. As someone who graduated from such a school, I know I would have been inspired to demand a better education so that I too could be as successful as Luis.

elizabeth @ 9:03 AM PDT, Jul 3, 2009

Good story. As a teacher I loved how he realized he knew English and could read. El Salvador's loss is our gain. Yes, I'm sure he will contibute something very positive in the future. Good luck to him.

Armando Bernal @ 9:23 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

Hector, again a great article. Thanks for showing how sexuality issues may be closer than we think. You also have done this with race, but Guillermo would have you narrow your mind. Thanks for enlightening us by speaking truth. You are a light to the world, as is Luis. Los Angeles 310-812-5191

Ed @ 5:41 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

The young man deserves encouragement as any others. Yet, while we do need to see people more alike than different, we must not forget what strengthens the foundation of civilization, such as YES for 8. They are different issues. The parents are admirable in embracing the son as gay, but their saddened hearts won't be celebrating it. We know that is TRUE.

Hanyin @ 5:04 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

Great story. Don't narrow your scope as Guillermo suggests above. Understanding how Dr. King was inspired by Ghandi, freeing Indians from British oppression, connected me to others struggles, or the Irish struggle, inspired by the Civil Rights movement. Some may want caste hierarchies as on Spanish TV programming, here in the United States. Keep speaking truth to power and narrow minds. Supporters of “Truth & Justice” love being exposed to the connections that we all have regardless color. Knowing that to acknowledge others, does not take from ones self, struggles or ethnic group. You are a true love light to the world.

Ed @ 3:56 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

I am deeply touched by your story about Luis. Just think of all the good he could if he returned to his proper homeland.

DTS @ 2:35 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

Yawn. You should have considered Washington University in St.Louis. They have a very strong writer's program and a very welcoming and diverse climate. I don't think PA has that much to offer.

Geraoldo Velaquez @ 2:26 PM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

And? So? Good luck to the lad. But, it doesn't change my outlook. The guy seems like a fine guy. But, so what? One family's feel good story doesn't speak to the city's need for him to return.

C. @ 11:27 AM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

Hector, this was a very good peace. You should stick with local issues such as this, unlike you previous narrow and selected narratives of the civil rights history in America. Again, this was an excellent piece. You described a young person's personal struggle with the people who care most about him. I am schocked Luis would turn down Berkeley. It is a far superior school and a relative bargain. Good luck Luis.

Guillermo @ 10:27 AM PDT, Jul 2, 2009

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