Kristina Aquino

Tell us about yourself! What do you do for a living? What are your interests? What are your pronouns?

She/her. I am a screen printer and own a small business. A lot of my interests revolve around creating, whether it’s making new designs T-shirt’s, whiskey glasses, or phone cases. 

About how old were you when you came out? How was the climate you grew up in?

I can’t remember a specific age which 100% correlates to what kind of environment I grew up in. My parents are nothing but supportive of whatever I do and I’m so thankful for that. But I was going into my first year of college it definitely wasn’t a secret.

Did you make career choices that allowed you to feel comfortable being open about your sexuality? (Are you out or feel comfortable being out at your workplace?)

Being in the art world, you are surrounded by so many different people, and almost everyone is really open-minded. I’m out at work and it just never seemed like a big deal, because let’s face it, it’s really not. 

If you could tell your younger self something about yourself that you are proud of today, what would it be?

I would really just tell myself that as long as you’re happy, nothing can really stop you. Most people aren’t going to care who you love or who you’re attracted to, and if you do encounter someone who is like that, just distance yourself the best you can. 

Have you tried to surround yourself with like-minded peers/colleagues? If so, how? 

I really did surround myself with like-minded people all thru out high school and college. I never made it a priority, but it did just happen that way. 

Who were your role models growing up? What tv shows/movies allowed you to feel seen?

I didn’t have many role models growing up. But now I definitely consider my parent’s role models. The unconditional love and support that they have for not only me as their child but others around them is something I think everybody should aspire to be. One specific TV show does stand out to me though, and I recently went back and watched it again and that was South of Nowhere, it was on the N and it tackled so many issues from young pregnancies in high school, to drug and addiction issues and a gay daughter with a very conservative mother.

Complete the sentence, if I knew ____________ back when I was first figuring myself out, I would tell my younger self that _____________________? 

If I knew what life had in store for me back when I was younger, I would tell myself it’s all going to be just fine. Stay positive and keep a smile on your face always, even if it’s not for yourself, but you never know what it’ll do for other people. 

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