By Ediberto Garza
As local citizens of Laredo, we’re raised with a mix of Mexican heritage and American beliefs, the foundations our dual culture. Our geographical location has a strong effect on morality and values, where the machismo, or patriarchal mentality prospers throughout our community. From an early developmental stage, we are predetermined to identify with a specific gender. We are raised to follow specific roles, which have altered throughout the years. However, we have slowly become more opened minded: we are free to express ourselves, choose our identity, and follow what we believe in and love. Yet, we are still bound to some basic gender identifications.
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