"The Truth About Who We Are..."

Jose, Journalist, Madrid, Spain

by thegaymenproject

photos by Kevin Truong

Jose, in his own words: "Being gay should not be anything special. For me being gay does not mean anything. I'm just simply me. It is not a value in itself, nor a curse or blessing. It is another feature, such as red hair or as being tall or short. However, I understand and am glad that many people who felt persecuted by their sex lives celebrate their homosexuality with pride, and I like to see people who have not felt persecuted celebrate their sexuality against the intolerance of others.

My greatest success is being happy and being able to create a bubble in which the pettiness and pessimism is out. That is my greatest success over any professional achievements. Apart from that, as a professional, I am proud to have been published in the largest newspaper in my country, having written a book, having shot a short film that defined my way of seeing the world.

I did not leave the closet because I've never been inside one. I have been lucky to have always been who I am. I remember the first time I felt excitement seeing a man was watching Kurt Russell in "Big Trouble in Little China."

The gay community in Madrid, is grassroots and very much about protest and street fighting for the rights of all, is very funny and open to people of all communities. The gays who comes to Madrid, after only a few days, feels born in Madrid. Madrid is a place where anyone who feels persecuted in his small town or village can come and be happy.

(Advice to my younger self) Be patient and work hard."