Santiago and bullying: “Telling my story is the best thing I could do”

“The worst thing about the oppression suffered was the indifference of the people around. That hurt me more. ‘ Santiago he was haunted by four boys. They called him Billy Elliot for his love of dance. During a meeting he told his story about him which became part of Luca Pagliari’s book, #heartsconnected. Cyberbullying, bullying and online life stories. The courage to look up.

#hearts is a project promoted by Unieuro in collaboration with the State Police which since 2016 has been carrying out an awareness raising, prevention and in-depth campaign on the phenomena of bullying and cyberbullying and forms of online abuse. The way chosen to fight fake news, sexting and body shaming it is that of telling true stories different for dynamics, cultures and territories. All are united by a common denominator: the relationship of young people with technology and the network. “Telling my story is the best thing I could do. What I would like is to help and be able to spread my message. You are not alone. Love each other. Love each other every day as if it were your last. We are unique and at the same time authentic. And no one has the right to change us, ”says Santiago.

Sensitivity is key in this story: limit or added value? How much was weight and how much was strength?
Sensitivity is a gift that not everyone has. Being sensitive is an authentic quality that helps you to fully understand yourself and the person in front of you. Many believe it is a limitation but in reality, sensitivity and empathy go hand in hand.

Were you contacted by others after telling your story, did you expect it? Did he feel loneliness first?
After telling my story I had a lot of solidarity from a lot of people, people unaware of all this because I was very good at hiding the harm they did me. I didn’t think I would receive so much affection. Loneliness has always appeared in my life. Loneliness often leaves you that world where you are able to reflect. Of the good and the bad. Loneliness is bad when you have skeletons in the closet to rearrange. Loneliness is a way to dedicate time to yourself and understand each other

How important was the school?
School was tough. It wasn’t easy to go and be targeted, but over time I learned to find the strength to continue and get the better of me.

Besides being a passion, was dance a foothold?
Dancing was my biggest outlet. Being able to channel all my emotions into a single discipline. Always feel alive and full of emotions. Music is part of me … rhythm is part of me. Without it I am not able to stay there.

Do you think you made the boys who persecuted you change?
I don’t think I made the guys who stalked me change. I believe that Karma and life will take care of it. I have changed and surely this has meant that they have changed towards me.

Strong people are fragile people who, however, have decided to fight: do you feel that way?
Absolutely yes, I’ve always struggled. In life we ​​can’t give up, it’s not fair. Who surrenders is lost! After so much fragility, a great strength comes from within. You just have to have self-confidence and believe in your dreams all the time.

Source: Vanity Fair

You may also like