Los Angeles, California | THE GAY MEN PROJECT

photo by Kevin Truong

Christopher, in his own words: “I have always felt that since (being a gay man) is a challenge to the societal norm, that it was an opportunity to push myself further. I have always sought the same level of respect that my straight friends, colleagues and family members receive. For me its a quiet resistance. I set myself apart by doing well (in the ways that i can) and want to be respected for the quality of my character and not my sexual identity.”

Brendan, in his own words: “Apart from political debates or social acceptance issues, I’ve always felt that being gay doesn’t automatically carry any meaning or weight to it. I don’t believe that being gay defines me on any level except for being attracted to other men. For many gay men, being gay becomes a lifestyle – culturally, behaviorally, everything. While I certainly understand and appreciate how much of an influence being gay can have on someone’s life, especially when that influence is positive, it’s never really had much of an influence on me. My day to day to life is the same as it would be if I were straight, bisexual, asexual, etc. The only difference is that at the end of the day, I look forward to spending time with someone who happens to be a man.”

photo by Kevin Truong

Ed, in his own words: “I came to the realization that I was gay in 1957, when I was sixteen, and immediately went into a suicidal depression that lasted fifteen years. The word “gay” didn’t even exist back then; there was no public acknowledgment of homosexuality, there were no support groups, magazines, books, organizations – nothing. I thought I was the only guy on earth who was attracted to other guys and my attraction was unspeakably perverse and evil.

Half a century and a thousand heartaches later so much has changed. I’m happy to have witnessed the revolution and in some small way, to have been a part of it. I know we still have a long way to go, and for many young people, being gay and coming out are still a nightmare – sometimes even a deadly one. But the progress we have made, just in my lifetime, is unmistakable – and inspiring. Being gay used to be the thing I hated most about myself. Now it’s something I value – the sensitivity, consciousness and the passion that are part and parcel of being gay are some of the most essential aspects of my life. And I’ve come to realize that coming out – the thing I dreaded most – is actually a process that validates and enhances my identity and sense of self worth. My worst fear has turned out to be one of my greatest blessings.I feel honored to have been given the gift of homosexuality.”

THE GAY MEN PROJECT

The visual catalog of gay and queer men around the world.

Category Archives: Los Angeles, California

Chris and Brendan, Interior Designer and Digital Artist, Los Angeles

Ed, Photographer, Los Angeles