I Wish I Knew

I WisH I KnEwgensdexelorve ggee crush lonvoermaggl ee ggsseeeenxnxddee sseexxuu Written by: James Araña, Kai Mercado, and Francine Navarro Illustrated by: Faith Griffin, Beah Martin, Nadine Moreno, and Shieryll Tan



\" I Wish I Knew\" is a story about growing up and the newness and unfamiliarity that comes with it. We have all gone through the same things Basti and Cali have experienced. But unlike Basti and Cali, some of us were too shy or embarassed to talk about it. Read along so together, we can create a safe space where both children and adults can talk more freely about love, sex, and sexuality.

CHARACTERS Amanda Eldest sister who has a lot of experiences as a woman Basti Eldest brother who is part of the LGBTQ+ community

CHARACTERS Cali Diana Cali and Diana are twins who will later on seek the advice of their older siblings on things they are curious about.



As we grow, we learn many things about the world. We go to school for science and math, for arts and music. But what about love? Where does it come from? Where does it lead to? What happens when you find someone you like and what do you do when you REALLY like them?

Cali, as young as he is, starts to ask these questions.

Calcium Hey Diana! So x + 2 = 3x I was thinking… Crush Love Diana Board games

He goes to his twin Diana, wondering if she thinks the same. Learning about the world is difficult, but knowing there is someone he can go to for his questions is comforting. But little Diana is as young as his brother, and does not know much more than he.



I have no idea... All of those things seem a little complicated, but I’ve also been thinking about it. Hmmm… let’s see.

Do you think Kuya and Ate might know?

The two children have many questions, and yet no answers. Contemplating more on possible explanations, they soon realize they have another option. Burning with curiosity, they hope their older siblings Amanda and Basti know a little more.



Kuya Basti, I have a question to ask!

What is it, Cali?

I keep having feelings for someone that I have never had before. I have no idea what this is either. I think I like someone, is that what you call a crush? Crush? I’m also confused. My classmates keep bringing up topics I don't understand such as love and even sex. Is it okay for me to say that? That word is bad, isn’t it?

Well, it's normal to be puzzled at that age. You do not need to feel pressure from anyone or your environment. I too experienced having a crush when I was your age. I had a better understanding of my emotions because of that. Also, sex isn’t a bad word, Diana.

Really? Like what Ate?

I’m also glad that you two asked. Knowing at that early age is much preferable than learning later or never. To be honest, there are a lot of things I wish I had done and known when I was younger.

I wish I knew.... that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes

And that we don’t have to follow society’s beauty standards

I wish I knew.... that I am worthy of love

And that someone will come at the right time

I wish I knew.... how to love myself before others

So I would know my own worth and share my heart to someone who respects it

I wish I knew.... that dating is not a race

Because finding true love is not meant to be rushed

I wish I knew.... that I can love whoever i want

Because love knows no gender

I wish I knew.... that the word \"sex\" is normal

And it is the reason of our existence

But ate, kuya, what should Cali do to approach his crush? Yeah what should I say?





Yes! That’s right, Trust yourself and sincerity and your feelings, be mindful of your confidence is the words, and be your key. true self.

But what if they don’t feel the same way?

Yes and someone who Don’t be discouraged. will feel the same way That just means that a as you do, will come romantic relationship is one day. Remember, not for the both of you dating is not a race. but you can still be friends with each other.

Wow that just Yeah! I am grateful that we answered a lot of have our ate Amanda and our questions didn’t kuya Basti to tell us what to it Cali? do.



THE END

I WisH I KnEwgensdexelorve ggee crush lonvoermaggl ee ggsseeeenxnxddee sseexxuu Written by: James Araña, Kai Mercado, and Francine Navarro Illustrated by: Faith Griffin, Beah Martin, Nadine Moreno, and Shieryll Tan