Monthly Archives: March 2013

Derek and Ken, Film-maker and Graphic Designer, New York City

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

Derek and Ken in their own words: “Being gay is like the universe. It’s everything and nothing. It’s political yet personal, spiritual yet secular, radical yet everyday. And it’s a community we feel deeply blessed to be a part of.

We grew up being told there were things we couldn’t have because we were gay: a husband, a family, a loving household. We’ve been a couple for 13 years, and in that time the global shift in attitude has been monumental. Sure, the world has a long way to to go, but the mere idea of a gay couple being allowed to marry just a few years ago was unthinkable.

So our wedding is this June. Our two families are becoming one. We’re each getting a new niece and nephew. And we’re going to have things we once never even allowed ourselves to imagine. But mainly we’re going have the chance for our love, that doesn’t need validation but will most likely be strengthened by it, to be openly, publicly, and legally celebrated.”

A Note from New York City…

“Hi Kevin –

I just stumbled upon The Gay Men’s Project and I just wanted to reach out and congratulate you on this inspiring and creative endeavor. I can only imagine the number of lives you’ve touched (and saved) by making this resource available and letting people everywhere — young, old, gay, curious, bi, transgender, transsexual, etc. — know that there is a community that loves and supports them. It was particularly encouraging for me to see such a wide range of perspectives; having come out pretty recently, I had always thought that my sexuality pre-disposed me to certain behaviors or styles or ways of speaking, and I was happy to see the contrary reflected in your work.

I would love to participate in the project, though I’m only a college student and I’m not sure how much I could offer. Still, I’d be honored to share my story and add it to this diverse collection of narratives that you’ve posted so far.

If you’ll be in the New York City area anytime soon, please let me know so that we can talk more about the project.

Thanks so much and, again, congratulations.

J”

(Thanks, J. That note really meant the world to me.. xoxo kev)

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

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong


photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

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. ”