Author Archives: thegaymenproject

About thegaymenproject

The Gay Men Project is a photo project by New York based photographer Kevin Truong. Truong received his BFA in from photography from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY, and has been the recipient of numerous awards, and his photo credits include the New York Times.

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. ”

I Gave A Speech Recently

Hey all, so this isn’t related specifically to the Gay Men Project, but I recently gave a speech for my school’s 125th Anniversary Gala. You can learn a little about my history, which ultimately lends itself to why I’m doing the project.