Category Archives: Panama City, Panama

Guille and Alvaro, Panama City

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

Alvaro and Guillermo, in their own words: “So we saw each other at the gym, made eye contact, never spoke and each of us went on his way. A few days later a combination of a common friend and Facebook made its magic and after a friend request we started chatting. A couple of weeks after that we had our first date and the rest is history. To this day we’ve been together for 3 and a half years, not without facing a lot of obstacles and learning how to deal with them as we go. From time management to learning to support each other on their personal endeavors, sharing friends (and families), facing homophobia together and the series of extra “coming outs” that being in a relationship triggers.

Each of us has his own way of thinking and facing life, and most of the time we show each other different perspectives. You could say we balance each other out in a very positive way. Besides, considering your partner in every decision you make is not easy but it’s important to do it if you want to be in a real relationship.

As long as you’re partners (as in a team) and you’re willing to evolve your relationship into something new you can make it. In our country there’s a lot of homophobia and many gay couples behave like friends when they are in public. A lot of people react to the way we behave and to how open we are when it comes to being a couple, but in the end we get mostly positive reactions from straight and gay people. So we like to think that by working hard in our relationship and keeping it real we contribute to the cause.”

Ivan, Freelance Producer, Panama 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

Ivan, in his own words: “I dont want to feel different for a simple label. We must educate ourselves and know that we are all one family. Just remember: Everyday there’s a new bridge to cross! ;)”

Guille,Communication and PR Advisor / Dancer, Panama City

photo by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

Guillermo, in his own words: “I was fortunate to be able to develop my career and alongside my real passion which is dancing. I always say that I studied to be a Communicator (PR, Advertising, Marketing, etc.), but I was born to be a dancer. Since I can remember I have danced, even when my mom tells stories from my childhood, most of them describe me dancing. Choreographing with my cousins and neighbors for parties was something I used to do while growing up. My first dance partner was my sister who supported me in all my follies, and still does!

I remember my dad telling me when I was still very young: “My dear son, be whatever you want to be, but always be the best.” To this day, that was my North Star, be the best PR and Communications Advisor, be the best dancer, be the best son, the best brother, the best boyfriend, in short, be a better person every day.

Obviously there were many obstacles, being gay in a country like Panama isn’t easy. First off, in a country the size of a lentil, everyone knows you or your family (which means that being in the closet 100% is virtually impossible). Secondly, the religious and macho culture ingrained in my family has made it more difficult. It was not easy trying to figure out who I was, especially while going through my parents divorce, which was very traumatic for our family.

It has been an extensive process of assimilation, acceptance and growth for both me and the people close to me. Doubts, insecurities and fears have slowly dissipated. I feel proud of each and every one of these experiences and feelings, good and bad, because they have made me the man I am today.”