Shauna’s Story
Why is the Phantom of the Opera is so important to me? Growing up in a small town that dislikes different has made me an outcast. I’m an introvert who loves music and the arts. I feel like Erik a lot because he is thrown into a world that doesn’t understand him and fell in love with the one person who understood him. The Phantom of the Opera is one of my favourite stories for its storytelling and characters. Christine is a strong female who refuses to let anyone tell her how to live her life and has a bigger heart than she knows what to do with. Raoul only wants to protect those he cares about even when he can’t understand them. Meg is curious about everything and wants to do right by her mother. This novel has given me a world beyond my own to escape my own life. I’ve always been a daydreamer and this story holds truth in our world while still being fantasy which gives me hope. There are those who believe there really was a “ghost” living under the Opera House in Paris; I am one of these people. There are things we can’t explain in this world; strange and mysterious things. This novel has taught me to always wonder about the world around me.
--My gay story? I found out I was bisexual at a young age when I had a crush on Anne Hathaway in Ella Enchanted. I’ve never been afraid of who I am but have had lots of people not understand it. My mother is ashamed of me because she believes bisexuals are greedy and want to make love to everyone. I’m an artist and have used acting, writing, singing, and drawing to express the struggles I’ve dealt with. I’ve never been “in the closet” so I can’t say I really have a “story”. I’m just a human being trying to live my life and follow my heart. I want to make the world a better place and I have hopes and dreams. I wanna be an actress, Opera singer, writer, director, and artist and none of that has to do with my sexuality.
--I’ve been bullied by kids and adults for my sexuality so I’ve had to learn how to hold my head high even when I’m being hit mentally over and over again. Its hard at first but it does get easier to cope with one’s own sexuality. I found acting really helped me plus my theatre family has been completely accepting and loving. You will find your support group and you are NEVER alone. If you feel alone because of your sexuality; know that people out there do care and I care. Never be afraid to be true to yourself.
