Todd, Realtor, Portland, Oregon

photo by Kevin Truong

Todd, in his own words: “Being gay to me means being a man who is attracted to and loves men, but also masculinity in its many iterations. I hear many gay men say that they feel like being gay is not that big of deal. For me it is still a fairly big deal, I feel that we are a special variation in the human species and are unique, both biologically and socially.

I feel like I have had very few obstacles as a result of coming out. Quite the contrary, it has opened doors that I otherwise never would have passed though and my life has been enriched as a result.

I came out 20 years ago this year. My parents read a college paper I wrote while I was studying abroad in Germany, in which it was obvious that the author was gay. It ended up being the ideal situation since they had a whole year to process it while I was overseas. They never said a word about it until I came out to them after I returned home to Portland. I felt compelled to come out when I did being that we were fighting one several anti-gay ballot measures that popped up in the 1990s, all of which were defeated at the ballot box by Oregon voters, thankfully. These events, although trying, did have the positive effect of compelling many people to come out. Portland has become more and more gay friendly ever since.

My advice to a younger version of me would be to be patient and enjoy life as it unfolds. It’s important to have goals but ultimately life is a process, not a plan. It’s an awesome journey and everyone has something to contribute that adds value to this world.”

7 thoughts on “Todd, Realtor, Portland, Oregon”

Jem September 12, 2014 at 6:29 am

Lovely pics. Thanks, Kevin, for the great job you do. And lovely man I have to say! You look very relaxed, Todd, in what seems to be a rural setting almost. Love the dog too! Thanks for sharing a little about your gay person, though very little about your life here, whether you are single or married, etc. I do find it interesting though, because living in a country where sodomy is illegal and often equated with homosexuality, to see the freedom you have in the USA is so refreshing.

Manuel Cardoso September 12, 2014 at 6:52 am

Always a pleasure to read your portraits. I thank you very much for this kind of intervention, since, from this, people may become more aware how we are all the same, being different!
This is a blessing!
Manel

mmarkroy53 September 12, 2014 at 7:08 am

Another great portrait. Love the chickens and the marigolds to prevent garden infestations withou the use of herbicides. Todd, you are a lucky man to live in Portland, one of the few remaining human cities in the United States. Great narrative also.

Bob Trevor September 14, 2014 at 11:40 pm

Hi Kevin, I live in Russia, randomly found on the net this site. Although I very badly know English language, but I understood that you’re cool man. I would like to talk with you, write!

John Lowe September 15, 2014 at 7:30 pm

Love the pictures and the article. It truly highlights the kind and sincere person you are. Thank you for sharing your story.

che2lu April 26, 2015 at 12:50 am

Hey todd,I am from China.i really want to make friends with you.my email is 15945685107@qq.com.really hope to receive your email.I will appreciate it.

Kenmark Kamuri October 16, 2017 at 7:35 am

Hi I’m Kenmark from Nakuru Kenya searching for a true love someone honest, trustworthy serious caring and understanding I’m 28yry

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Todd, Realtor, Portland, Oregon

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