"The Truth About Who We Are..."

Jason, Photographer, Portland, Ore.
by thegaymenproject
photo by Kevin Truong

Jason, in his own words: "I grew up in Pleasanton, California, a relatively conservative suburb outside of San Francisco. My family was deeply involved in the catholic community and I was a Boy Scout all the way through Eagle Scout. The boy I was then would hardly recognize who I have grown into.

I first knew I liked men at age 10, but as an awkward, overweight, computer geek, I did not feel like I fit into any social clique. That same awkward kid stayed with me until only recently when I met my second family - my gay family - while working as a photographer for CC Slaughters Nightclub in Portland, Oregon.

I came out when I was 21, but have only started to appreciate what it really means to be an “out” male and how it manifests itself in many different parts of my life. CC’s has provided me with a diverse melting pot of strong, queer role models that have accepted me for who I am. With their support, I have been able to grow into the proud, outgoing and confident person that I have become today. I look forward to growing and learning more about myself as I continue to meet new people and widen the circle of people I can call ‘family’."