photo by Kevin Truong
Kevin, in his own words “It is hard (to define myself); I usually joke and say; “I am never too much; always enough and a little more” I have been eccentric and overly zealous/energetic my entire life; thus my identity has always been identified with a lot of smiles, questions, impossible ideas, and tons of energy. I have been very fortunate to live a life where my sexuality has not defined me or limited me. Because I was always surrounded with love and support, I was able to focus on who I wanted to be and what I wanted. Sexuality did not play a part; happiness did. I am happy. It is a statement.
My family and friends (are important to me); staying true to myself. My family means so much; we are so different in how our paths have been driven/are going, but they have always supported me. I have always been defiant and insistent on being independent, but my family knows me, and everytime I go home; I have a lot of catching up to do, but it’s as I never left. I know everybody says friends are important; but friends to me are so important because, friends here in NYC are my family away from home. A lot of my friends know me on different levels than my family, so we can connect, learn, and grow from each other. They are my inspiration, they are my support system. “True to oneself” is also a popular response I feel; but I think genuinity is important; once you are content with yourself and who you are; you should exude that genuine confidence to help others experience it! I also think my hobbies are so important; my art and running. Hobbies are a release, self expression. If I did not run or collage, I would self destruct within moments.
(Being gay) means I am a man who likes other men; that is it. I am very old-fashioned; thus I love a romanticized, chivilristic concept; however, I do understand that I do not want to be tied to heteronormative rules of a boy/girl relationship. I want to make my own rules with the guy I fall head over heels for.
(With regards to the gay community in New York) To be honest; I work to much to comment on the community here. I feel as though because I have not been immersed in it; I am ignorant to the majority of its happenings. I do think that gay men are integral pieces woven into the fabric of New York past and present, and definately future. They are in every sector, field, neighborhoold, out or not. I do think there is an identifiable culture associated with the gay scene; I just unfortunately have never been able to experience it first hand.
(With regards to challenges I’ve faced as a gay man) This is a challenging question because I feel as though my sexualty has never been a factor in my growth/development. I think the one true challenge for me exists in fighting a stereotype. I do love fashion and do showcase that to the public; I do, on occasion, wear make up; but I feel as though many people feel they can stereotype a gay male into a specific category (meaning one). I am not sure our sexuality should factor into segregation. I felt before moving to New York City, in Rhode Island my sexuality was an apparant part of who I was because I did stand out a bit more. When I moved to New York, I seemed to fit in; and my sexuality mattered less, and who I was as a person came through more. I think if people look past their notion or concept of a stereotype and forget sexuality and look at the person; they would discover so much more. “
photo by Kevin Truong