"The Truth About Who We Are..."

Jenabi, Architect, Singapore by thegaymenproject

photos by Kevin Truong

photo by Kevin Truong

Jenabi, in his own words: "At the age of 23, I accepted an offer to study in Krakow for a term and that turned my world upside down. I had never felt freer in my life – I knew no one and no one knew me. I allowed myself to be myself and uninhibited which went a little overboard at that time.

All my new friends were probably more shocked by the way I introduced myself as queer then the idea of me being gay.

Imagine, a conservative Asian man who came out with his eyes wide open, not blinking and whispering when I’m about to say the word ‘gay’.

However, it quickly struck me that this whole gay thing wasn’t going to be as big an issue as I thought! No one treated me or judged my abilities any differently. They probably love me more and are happy that I’m comfortable with myself. Lotsa positive vibes. My time in Krakow was magical and it was then I felt that I finally lived for the first time.

That was the first gift I gave myself after 23 years of living. I like to think I turned 1 y.o. that year ☺ It was my first step of self-acceptance.

When I turned 2, I was given another chance to study abroad in Copenhagen. I wasn’t as excited as last time but this trip I met a guy.

I’m usually very analytical and practical by nature, but with him, with his piercing baby blue eyes, his openness, and humor I could not resist this charming Viking descendant. Knowing that I had an expiry date in Copenhagen I still let myself fall deep into it. My time in Copenhagen was more like a fairy tale, lost in time, exploring the snowy city with him, on the bike by day and in his arms by night.

He was the second gift I allowed myself.

Cheers to uncertainty, spontaneousity and love.

We decided to make a trip to my hometown when my term ended, as a ‘best friend’.

Before going home, I planned a trip to Germany over Christmas knowing that he would be celebrating it with his family and I should not intrude. Something about Christmas in Hamburg, the Christmas markets, couples holding hands; the snow evokes a strong sense of loneliness in me. I saw Starbucks from a distance and immediately in my mind Starbucks = free wifi, I thought talking to a familiar voice would help until halfway through the conversation I blurted out.

Sis, u know the friend who is visiting next year? ya mum told me about it.

He is more than just a friend.

Dead silence. She was at a loss for words. What have I done? I assumed that she would be able to accept it. Everything from thereon went downhill and the news spread like a wildfire within my family. I was nowhere near to explain and was left no choice but to leave it suspended in mid-air. Nobody was happy about it and it was nerve breaking.

So it was official, I came out at the age of 3. Well to be fair, it wasn’t my plan to come out to the whole family. Thanks to my sis, I didn’t need to do it myself. However, coming from an Asian family, we don't talk about the issue and it became the taboo topic of the house that thou shalt not speak of!

I had a choice then. Either I could choose to turn away from my family and continue my solitary life or I could put my head down, be there until the waves passed. Tough times ... We all of us have a choice. But being gay..nope! Not a choice.

Unfortunately not all fairytales have had a happy ending. My relationship with the Viking ended before I turned 5. We’ve been through a lot, up and downs, our silly travels and hygge-ing around. I thank him for all the unconditionally love and happy memories he left me with. Thanks for shaping me into a better man and making me believe in same sex love.

I’ve now experienced love and being loved.

I've mattered to someone and I've been respected .  

We built a life together in each other’s warmth and embrace. 

The only thing is I shared all of this with a man.

I am 6 years old now. Now that I am out, I’m glad I came to terms with myself. I can see the dark times in my early life, the utter confusion, the crippling self- hate moments. I was so upset and wanted to end it all. All is good now and will get better.

I long for the day when my family will accept me for who I am but I shall not linger on that thought too much. We are not defined by our sexuality. We are much more than that; it’s just our natural attraction. I know things will come into places over time. Don’t rush it."

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"Fear Eats the Soul"