João, in his own words: “I had my sexuality stamped on me by other people when I didn’t even had traces of some kind of sexual drive. When I first noticed that I was different from the other boys, when I finally understood the looks, the giggles, the bullying I had nothing to do but to deny to myself who I was and do my best to fit in that world that I had been told that I didn’t belong to. I had to be straight. That goal made me put so much effort and energy trying to be something different that I ended up stuck in an unhappy middle.
My coming out was a long and calculated process. It started with me proving to myself that I was no worse than anyone else based solely on being gay and ended after some tequila shots in the arms of a polish guy in a club in Barcelona. That moment, when I finally allowed myself to touch a man in a sexual way, that was my coming out. I was 22 and I finally felt free.
Telling my friends and family that I was gay wasn’t hard. Again, it took me a little while and some planning to absorb everything that was I going through before spreading the word. I was happy and I wanted to share that. I have the most amazing supporting family and, as I predicted, they could not have had a better reaction.
During my so called coming out process, I surrounded myself with friends that I knew that wouldn’t make a big deal out of my sexuality. Most of them weren’t surprised and some couldn’t wait any longer for that moment.
For people to deal with my sexual orientation naturally I also try to deal with it as naturally as possible. In Rio, especially in Ipanema where I live, I feel safe and always walk hand in hand with my boyfriend. I never hesitate to hug or kiss him in public places. In these moments, the “I don’t belong here” feeling that I mentioned vanishes completely.
When you asked me if I could give any advice to myself before coming out, I’d say:
Man, surround yourself with kind people and be kind!”
What a great testimonial. Congratulations to you and your very lucky boyfriend.
Stunning, OMG man your seriously beautiful.
Love from the UK xx
It was a pleasure participate of your project, Kevin!
Hope to see you soon 😉
I couldn’t be more proud of you, honey!
Love you VERY MUCH!!
Kisses, Bela Taylor!
We need more people like you man! Thanks for the inspiring words 🙂
Man, surround yourself with kind people and be kind!”….. good words hope your words will give inspire to many of the guys family in india. thank u . i enjoyed ur photos nice….
I agree….good words!
Wow!! These photos are absolutely STUNNING! What incredible use of light! Are these all completely natural light? Just wow. Amazing, amazing work.
Yes! I got really lucky, it was a cloudy day and then all of a sudden part of the clouds broke and sun light came beaming through…like a natural spot light 😉
wow. just amazing. you are truly a gifted photographer. I love your work!
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AMAZING, AMAZING, AMAZING! Love you!!! <3