Youth Stories: Diego Gonzalez, From Online Identity to Real-World Impact

Like many young adults carving their identity in a largely virtual world from 2020-2021, Diego Gonzalez found himself embracing his queerness primarily online. “At that point in time, I was mainly queer online,” he recalls, reminiscing about his interactions on social media. 

But what paved him towards Rainbow Labs was through an Instagram story from his high school’s after-school program that he discovered the One Bold Summer Program—an opportunity to explore and connect with the LGBTQ+ youth, mentors and honestly the first of its kind.

Drawn to the idea of learning more about himself and finding a space where he could meet others like him, Diego applied. What he didn’t realize at the time was that this titular decision would lead to a further transformative journey over the course of 4 years.

Diego’s first year in Rainbow Labs was mostly virtual, with only a few in-person meetings. Initially, he was apprehensive to attend them. “I was scared of meeting new people,” he admits. But as the program progressed, he became more comfortable, ultimately showing up for the final gathering.

Since then, Diego remained engaged with Rainbow Labs, taking part in the first Youth Council program and becoming an integral part of our Sports Lab program since he was an athlete as well. Having been a part of our program from the very beginning he witnessed firsthand the growth of these initiatives and its impact. “The first Sports Lab I went to was just a few of us making it work,” he shares. “The last one I attended, we were at a school with middle schoolers, and it was awesome—everyone was engaged and having fun.”

As an athlete, Diego understood the unfortunate complexities of being queer in the realm of sports. “In sports, it’s kind of like a ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ situation,” he explains. While his teammates know he’s gay, there’s an unspoken understanding that keeps conversations about identity at a distance. Despite this, Diego embraces his presence in sports as a means of representation. “I want people to see that you can be competitive and also be queer. Being queer doesn’t diminish your abilities or your passion for a sport.” Ultimately his dedication to Sports Lab stems from that belief. 

Every session he attended was an opportunity to redefine preconceived notions of LGBTQ+ athletes, proving that queerness and competitiveness can coexist harmoniously. But beyond validation and visibility, Diego recognizes the larger impact sports programs have on youth. “Sports kept me out of trouble. They were a structured way for me to stay engaged and on a positive path,” he says. His continued involvement ensures that other young people can experience that same support and affirmations within these spaces where queer people may feel limited.

Among Diego’s most cherished memories with Rainbow Labs is his experience with the Youth Council. He fondly recalls an overnight event where he and his best friend, Dani, stayed up talking until 3 a.m. “That conversation opened a door of vulnerability,” he says. “Since then, I’ve been able to talk to Danny without fear—it’s a relationship where I feel completely understood.” And just like that,Diego found the connectivity that they've been looking for. 

Beyond developing friendships, Diego’s role in Rainbow Labs had taken him to new places—literally. He traveled to New York with the organization, attending a film festival and speaking on a panel entailing our programming. “I had never been to New York before, and it was an amazing experience,” he says. From Broadway shows to conversations with LGBTQ+ activists, the trip solidified his passion for leadership initiatives and overall representation. And during his final years at Rainbow Labs Diego became a front-facing youth in our programming. Even after his time at Rainbow Labs, now a college freshman at Loyola Marymount University, he still finds time to volunteer and advocate for Rainbow Labs personal mission… because he is a success story.

Looking back, Diego sees the growth within himself. “In my first One Bold Summer Program, I never spoke, never turned on my camera, and didn’t go to events,” he reflects. “I felt like I didn’t fit the archetype of a queer person—like I wasn’t flamboyant enough. I thought I had to be a certain way to claim my identity.”

Over time, Rainbow Labs helped him diminish those doubts. The community he found, and inevitably found him,  allowed him to embrace who he was/is without needing to fit a mold. “Now, I’m out, but I don’t feel the need to announce it to everyone—I just exist as me.”