MO-SS086 Story Pitch H3102 Paglinawan E. (2)

1. Story Pitch Write your story’s headline in this box: Headline: Reflections of Us ONE PARAGRAPH SUMMARY I One paragraph summary of your story: "Reflections of Us" follows 19-year-old Mia Garcia, an aspiring photographer in the conservative town of Brgy Milagrosa Calamba City, as she grapples with her identity within the LGBTQIA+ community. The primary conflict centers on Mia's struggle for self-acceptance amidst societal expectations and the fear of rejection. As she navigates her relationship with Alex, a non-binary artist returning to confront their past, Mia faces pressures from her community and the prospect of leaving for a prestigious art school. The art competition serves as the climax of the story, where Mia must confront her fears and societal norms. Obstacles include community resistance to LGBTQIA+ representation, personal doubts about her artistic abilities, and the challenge of revealing her identity through her art. Ultimately, Mia's participation in the competition becomes a transformative experience, inspiring her to embrace her true self and encouraging others in her community to do the same. CHARACTER(S) Who are you including in your story? And why are they ideal for your story? What do you want MO-SS086 Gender and Society Adapted from: https://www.story-maker.org/library/pitch-your-story/#overview

2. to ask them? Character’s Name: Mia Garcia Title (or student): Aspiring Photographer / High School Senior What role do they play in your story and why are you including them? Mia serves as the protagonist, embodying the struggles of self-discovery within the LGBTQIA+ community. Her passion for photography symbolizes her journey to capture both external beauty and her internal conflicts regarding identity, self-acceptance, and love. Interview questions you want to ask: 1. What does photography mean to you, and how does it help you express your identity? ● Photography is my voice; it allows me to communicate my feelings and experiences without words. Each image I capture reflects a piece of my identity, showcasing my perspective on the world and my journey as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. It helps me express my emotions, struggles, and triumphs, making my internal conflicts visible to others. 2. Can you describe a moment when you felt most conflicted about your identity? ● A particularly conflicted moment occurred during a family gathering when I felt immense pressure to conform to traditional expectations. Surrounded by relatives who held conservative views, I feared that revealing my true self would lead to rejection. This internal struggle made me realize how deeply societal norms can affect personal identity and the importance of finding the courage to be authentic. 3. How has your relationship with Alex influenced your journey of self-acceptance? ● Alex has profoundly impacted my journey. Their non-binary identity and artistic expression have inspired me to embrace my uniqueness. Through our MO-SS086 Gender and Society Adapted from: https://www.story-maker.org/library/pitch-your-story/#overview

3. conversations and shared experiences, I’ve learned that it's okay to be different and that authenticity is something to be celebrated. Alex's support has encouraged me to confront my fears and accept myself fully. 4. What do you hope to achieve through your participation in the art competition? ● I hope to achieve empowerment and validation through my participation in the art competition. By sharing my story and the stories of others in the LGBTQIA+ community, I aim to inspire acceptance and understanding. I want my art to resonate with those who feel marginalized and encourage them to embrace their identities, fostering a sense of community and support. 5. How do you envision your future in art and your identity after this experience? ● After this experience, I envision a future where my art continues to serve as a platform for advocacy and representation. I hope to further develop my skills and use photography to tell diverse stories, including my own. I aspire to create a space where everyone feels seen and valued, and I want to be a role model for others navigating their identities, encouraging them to embrace their true selves. (copy and paste the above if you have more than one character) NEWSWORTHINESS Why does this story matter? Why tell it now? Why do you care about this story? I care about this story because it reflects the personal journey of many individuals who grapple with their sexual and gender identities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and acceptance in the face of societal norms, and it aims to provide solace and hope to those navigating similar experiences. MO-SS086 Gender and Society Adapted from: https://www.story-maker.org/library/pitch-your-story/#overview

4. Why will others care about this story? Readers will connect with this story as it presents relatable themes of love, identity, and the desire for acceptance. As society progresses toward greater inclusion, the challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals remain highly relevant. This narrative aims to shed light on the importance of community and support, resonating with anyone who has ever felt different. What will people learn from this story? People will learn about the nuances of identity, acceptance, and love. The story provides insight into the experiences of LGBTQIA+ individuals and highlights the significance of self-acceptance. It encourages readers to embrace their true selves and the beauty of diversity, fostering a sense of empathy and understanding. How can you make the story surprising in some way? To create surprising elements, the story can introduce unexpected plot twists, such as a revelation about a beloved character's hidden past or an unforeseen alliance that challenges preconceived notions within the story’s conservative setting. Additionally, Mia could discover new artistic techniques that allow her photography to evoke powerful emotional responses from the community, amplifying her voice in ways no one anticipates. Why tell this story right NOW? Telling this story now is crucial as discussions about LGBTQIA+ rights and representation continue to gain momentum worldwide. With increased visibility and recognition of diverse identities, this narrative has the potential to contribute positively to ongoing conversations about acceptance, love, and community. By sharing Mia's journey, we can inspire current and future generations to embrace their identities boldly, fostering a culture of inclusivity and understanding. MO-SS086 Gender and Society Adapted from: https://www.story-maker.org/library/pitch-your-story/#overview