Jose, Journalist, Madrid, Spain

photo by Kevin Truong

Jose, in his own words: “Being gay should not be anything special. For me being gay does not mean anything. I’m just simply. It is not a value in itself, nor a curse or blessing. It is another feature, such as red hair or as being tall or short. However, I understand and am glad that many people who felt persecuted by their sex lives celebrate their homosexuality with pride, and I like to see people who have not felt persecuted celebrate their sexuality against the intolerance of others.

My greatest success is being happy and being able to create a bubble in which the pettiness and pessimism is out. That is my greatest success over any professional achievements. Apart from that, as a professional, I am proud to have published in the largest newspaper in my country, having written a book, having shot a short film that defined my way of seeing the world.

I did not leave the closet because I’ve never been inside. I have been lucky to have always been who I am. I remember the first time I felt excitement seeing a man was watching Kurt Russell in Big Trouble in Little China.

The gay community in Madrid, and very much the protest and street fighting for the rights of all, is very funny and open to people of all communities. The gay who comes to Madrid, after only a few days, feels born in Madrid. Madrid is a place where anyone who feels persecuted in his small town or village can come and be happy.

(Advice to my younger self) Be patient and work hard.”

1 thought on “Jose, Journalist, Madrid, Spain”

jem July 24, 2015 at 4:32 am

Jose, thank you so much for sharing. It is a complete revelation to me to read what you have said, and it is the first time I have ever really seen the gay issue put into such a clear perspective. Those like me who struggle against it, because of the culture and the expectation of it or the religious attitude or whatever else, don’t see being gay in such a clear light. You made me see how natural and normal it is. I hope I can grasp this better and accept my gayness for what it is and just enjoy being me. It was so refreshing to read what you had to say.

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Jose, Journalist, Madrid, Spain

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