PHOTO: NYT
The New York Times begins a week-long multimedia series on the experiences of LGBT teenagers entitled "Coming Out': Gay Teenagers, in Their Own Words." One of the first personal stories is from John Albuquerque, a 19-year from the Bronx.
John shares his coming out story and relates the pain of feeling "alone" in a city of 8 million people. He also discusses the pain of being gay-bashed and wanting to give up. "I started thinking this is going to happen to me again and again," says the teen. "Who wants that life? If I die, things would get better."
John did not give up and recently graduated from culinary school. The teen has now begun his career as a pastry chef. Bravo.
John's voice and story is bittersweet and the photojournalism is brilliant. Listen and watch HERE.
Bravo to him! Such a Brave young man.
Posted by: Isis | 23 May 2011 at 10:52
What an amazing young man.
Posted by: DFS | 23 May 2011 at 14:31
Is he is a Nuyorican? LGBT Latino youth are equally AND horrendously scrutinized.
Posted by: Account Deleted | 23 May 2011 at 14:56
So glad he is finding his way and is a pastry chef now. Hope he is able to connect to a strong, supportive community in the Bronx now that his story is being told to the public.
Posted by: Yoshi | 23 May 2011 at 19:10
It gets better. He'll open up and learn to trust (himself first, then other people) again.
Posted by: iceededppl | 23 May 2011 at 20:58
God Bless Him. He has a bright future.
Posted by: Distant Lover | 23 May 2011 at 21:04