Michael On Gay Latino/Hispanic Life

Name: Michael
Gay.com Member Name: Caliboy90505
Age: 29
Gender: Male
Ethnicity: Latino/Hispanic
Sexual Orientation: Gay
Birthplace: Lakeview Terrace, CA

As a Latino/Hispanic, do you have a "coming out" story specific to your culture? Or do you have any stories describing why you feel you cannot "come out" as an LGBT Latino?
I came out to my parents and family back in 2003 when I met a guy on gay.com and moved to Torrance, California. As I was there I felt like this was me and decided to call my parents back in Midland, Texas and tell them that I was gay and was happy. My mom was the first for me to tell and she said that she had already knew. I told her to tell my dad and of course being the "macho-mexican" that he is; he was not happy and didn't want to speak of the subject ever. Now that I'm back in Midland, he seems to not have a problem with it anymore, we just don't speak of the subject. So I'm proud to say that I'm completely OUT and have no shame or regrets.

Who is your favorite Latino/Hispanic icon? Why?
I like George Lopez. He's real, and I can relate to a lot of his comedy shows; and he doesn't forget where he came from.

Are you aware of any LGBT Latino/Hispanic celebrities or public figures, or can you name any that you know to be gay-friendly or pro-gay?
I'm not to sure, but I wanna say that maybe Jennifer Lopez is pro-gay.

How did you learn about sex and sexual orientation? Was it from family, friends, religion, etc?
I learned about sex, from friends and TV.

What are your perceptions of what makes a gay man (top/bottom or other roles?) and a lesbian in Latino/Hispanic culture?
I believe what makes a gay man or Lesbian in the Latino culture, is basically that we stand up for who we are and what we believe in.

Could you provide an experience where you were a victim of gay bashing/abuse from fellow Latinos vs. non-Hispanic people, whether you were "out" or not?
I'm very fortunate to this day to have not experienced this in my life. Occasionally I will hear someone say something under there breath; like "Fag". I doesn't bother me too much, its when they invade my personal space when it becomes an altercation. Living in "Bush Country" there are lots of conservatives, but I really haven't had an uncomfortable encounter; and I hope not to have one in the future.

How did you learn about STDs and safe sex? Was it culturally specific through organizations or just through personal experiences?
I learned about STDs from school and through people and basically just doing my own research on these topics.

If you are out to your family, describe how difficult/easy your "coming out" experience was. Was there any particular family member you felt most comfortable telling? Why? Was there someone you felt least comfortable telling? Why?
I came out to my parents and family back in 2003 when I met a guy on gay.com and moved to Torrance, California. As I was there I felt like this was me and decided to call my parents back in Midland, Texas and tell them that I was gay and was happy. My mom was the first for me to tell and she said that she already knew. I told her to tell my dad and of course being the "macho-mexican" that he is; he was not happy and didn't want to speak of the subject ever. Now that I'm back in Midland, he seems to not have a problem with it anymore, we just don't speak of the subject. So I'm proud to say that I'm completely OUT and have no shame or regrets.

If you are actively involved in the larger gay community, do you, as a Latino/Hispanic, ever feel either objectified or discriminated against by others because of your race or ethnicity?
Because Midland is a very conservative small city, there is really no gay activism here. I wish there were.

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