I never thought I’ll ever come to Australia.
I grew up in a very conservative society in Peru where being gay wasn’t acceptable.
On top of that I decided to become a contemporary dancer after years of gymnastics and I had to fight against everything and anyone to be able to follow my dream, my passion in life.
One day – after injuring my low back – was my own body telling me that I wasn’t able to keep dancing professionally.
That’s when I met Franc, my current fiancé.
He was visiting Peru from Australia to do the Inca Trail in Cuzco.
He spent a month in Peru and at the end of that month he asked me:
“So, when are you moving to Australia?”
After months of thinking about the idea, I decided to give it a go and I arrived to Australia the 28th of June 2008.
No English.
No friends.
No family.
No job… nothing! just Franc and his beautiful dogs.
I quickly learned the cultural differences between Peru and Australia:
I quickly learned to not to kiss or hug anyone when I am being introduced.
On my first week in Australia we went to a party when no one danced (?).
In South America – especially in Peru – you move all the furniture against the wall, play music and dance!
Australia seemed very organised and clean compared to Peru. You don’t see dogs on the streets, garbage or pollution.
Just the fact that I can hold hands with my partner in public makes a huge difference for me.
It was wonderful to be able to get my citizenship (May 2013) as being in a de facto relationship with my male partner and sad at the same time because that is not possible in my own country.
Since my first day here in Australia my English has improved, I met wonderful friends and I got a family that involves Franc, his children and our beautiful dogs.
I also got the qualifications I wanted and be able to work in welfare. Now, I am working with elderly people and people with dementia.
In 2011 I had the chance (and the privilege) to represent Peru in The Mr Gay World finals competition held in Manila, The Philippines.
In one week of competition I got more than 5,000 messages on my facebook account from gay kids all over the world saying ‘Thank you.’
If I succeeded anyone can do it.
So, thank you very much Australia for giving me the opportunity to make a difference in the world.
Were you born overseas? We’d like to hear about your first impression of Australia as a new migrant. Whatever your background, tell us your story in words, pictures or tweets.
Contact us on sbsnews@sbs.com.au or via Twitter @SBSNews using the hashtag #Day1SBS
