Gay and in Love at an Evangelical Christian College | Op-Docs

Summary

Santiago Gonzalez, a student at a Christian university, grapples with his identity as a gay man within a conservative institution. He navigates the complexities of faith, family, and societal expectations, seeking acceptance and love. His journey is further complicated by his relationship with Austin, who faces his own family's disapproval. The story explores themes of self-acceptance, the struggle for identity, and the quest for harmony between one's faith and personal truths.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Santiago Gonzalez is a student at a Christian university struggling with his faith and his identity as a gay man.
• 🌊 Santiago found comfort and acceptance among his Latina female friends where he could openly discuss his sexuality.
• 🏫 Santiago's university, Point Loma Nazarene University, operates under strict Nazarene ethics which include rules about sexuality.
• 👨‍❤️‍👨 Austin, Santiago's boyfriend, faces a dilemma as his parents do not support his relationship and want to convince Santiago it's wrong.
• 👪 Santiago's family is important to him, and he hopes that by meeting his boyfriend, his parents might come to accept their relationship.
• 😔 Santiago feels conflicted as he tries to reconcile his Mexican heritage with his American identity and his sexual orientation.
• 💬 Santiago's father had traditional views on masculinity, which complicated his acceptance of Santiago's sexuality.
• 🎓 The script discusses the anticipation of graduation and the potential for family gatherings to become contentious due to Santiago's relationship.
• 😢 Austin's parents' refusal to have dinner with Santiago and him highlights the emotional toll that familial disapproval can take.
• 🌟 Despite the challenges, Santiago and Austin find strength in each other and hope for a future where they can be fully accepted.

Q & A

What is Santiago Gonzalez's struggle with his faith and sexuality?

Santiago Gonzalez struggles with reconciling his Christian faith with his sexuality. He feels conflicted because his Christian university and community have certain views on homosexuality that he is wrestling with, while also trying to accept and love himself as he is.

Why does Santiago feel the need to pray and what does he pray for?

Santiago prays to find acceptance and understanding of his feelings for other guys, which he started noticing in eighth grade. He also prays for the strength to navigate the complexities of his identity as a gay man in a Christian environment.

What is the significance of Santiago being the first in his family to graduate from college?

Being the first in his family to graduate from college signifies a major achievement and a breakthrough for Santiago. It represents not only personal success but also a source of pride and hope for his family.

How does Austin's relationship with Santiago affect his affiliations on campus?

Austin and Santiago's relationship is kept somewhat closed due to Austin's involvement with campus groups that abide by the university's handbook rules, which include regulations on sexual orientation and sexuality.

What is the dilemma Austin faces regarding his parents and his relationship with Santiago?

Austin faces a dilemma where his parents want to meet Santiago not to accept their relationship but to try to convince them why they shouldn't be together. This puts Austin in a difficult position where he has to choose between his love for Santiago and his relationship with his parents.

What is Santiago's perspective on the church's role in accepting people?

Santiago believes the church should be a place where people are fully loved and accepted as they are. However, he feels that the church's teachings sometimes create tension and division between Christians and non-Christians, particularly regarding sexual orientation.

How does Santiago feel about his identity as a Mexican and an American?

Santiago struggles with balancing his Mexican and American identities. He feels more connected to his parents' experiences as immigrants from Mexico, even though he fits the definition of a Chicano, someone born and raised in the United States with Mexican roots.

What challenges does Santiago face in terms of his cultural expectations of masculinity?

Santiago faces challenges with cultural expectations of masculinity that dictate how men should dress, act, and behave. He feels these are just boxes that society tries to put him into, and he is trying to break free from these stereotypes to be true to himself.

How did Santiago's family react when he came out to them?

Santiago's family was initially confused and disappointed when he came out to them. His father, in particular, had traditional views on masculinity rooted in Mexican culture, which made it difficult for him to accept Santiago's sexuality.

What is the outcome of the planned dinner between Austin's parents and Santiago?

The dinner between Austin's parents and Santiago does not take place as planned. Austin's parents make it clear that they do not support the relationship and that they would use the dinner to try to convince them to end it, leading to the decision to cancel the dinner.

How does Santiago envision his future in terms of faith and self-acceptance?

Santiago seeks truth and reconciliation between the parts of himself that seem to conflict. He believes that as he gets closer to God, he is guided to let go and accept himself, indicating a journey towards self-acceptance and inner peace.