Roberto and Nelson, Student and Business Manager, New York City

photo by Kevin Truong

Nelson, in his own words: “I have always known that I have an overwhelming attraction towards other guys since I was little. However, acknowledging that I am gay took many years. During the process, I hoped these feelings were “just a phase”. Being gay means to accept everything about myself, living life to the fullest without regrets. Being gay makes me appreciate life more, I gain more considerations and thoughts for others around me. Being gay taught me to be kind to everyone including myself , and always find a way out when life becomes a labyrinth.

In the Western world, ‘coming out’ is the final step of self revelation that you are homosexual, however, I still need to face “coming home’ as an Asian American gay man. The battle between my ethnic and sexual identity has been my biggest challenge in the past 10 years. To my mom, I am closeted. A kind, loving, and successful son who is living a busy life in the big city. To everyone else, I have a life where I live based on my sexual identity.

(How do you describe the gay community in New York?)
Friends, Fakes and Fabulous.

(What’s your coming out story?)
My best friend from college: Sup bro, how’s life?
Me: I’m good. I gotta something to tell you – I’m gay.
Best friend: Cool, just don’t hug me no more.
Me: Cool Cool. ”

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Roberto and Nelson, Student and Business Manager, New York City

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