Aiite, so let’s skip the political correctness n’ get 
down to business. What’s really the skinny on being 
gay, Latino, and living in Watsonville?
For me, it’s more than my sexual orientation. I’m 
actually writing thiz because I know a lot of people 
look up to me and they want their voices to be heard. 
Let’s see if I can speak for them.
Personally, my outlook on the gay community as a whole 
is that it’z too much drama! It’s like High School 
cheerleaders with all the backstabbing, cheating, and 
intrigue. It’s worse because we’re men and we want it 
our way or no way at all.
I’m more than just a gay kid. I define myself as a 
leader striving for success. If anything I thrive on 
success; being on top and making a difference really 
gets me going. All the stereotypes you see on TV like 
Will & Grace or Queer As Folk are common but not 
completely true like most stereotypes. Let’s face it, 
not all Mexicans are greasy, lazy field workers and 
not all gay people are dramatic and feminine. Gay 
people are just like you, trying to make the best of 
their lives. They don’t all fit into a narrow 
stereotype.
Growing up here and being a gay kid has been an 
interesting experience. Some of my closest friends in 
Watsonville claim they knew I was gay before I did.
A lot of people ask me if I’ve had to deal with fights 
or bullies n’ stuff but you know what, I really 
haven’t. I’ve been lucky to have a group of friends 
who back me up: 
Like freshman year at WHS, people were always trippin’ 
on me and all that but Big Drew n’ all the guyz were 
always there to cool people off n’ tell them to give 
me a chance. That’s a lot ‘cuz people started 
respecting me more and wanted to get to know me.
I think I’ve also done a lot on my part to stay out of 
trouble. I try to meet people a lot and get involved 
at school. I’ve done it all, from fashion shows, to 
the MATA Club, even the Sierra Katz at WHS.
For those of you who identify yourselves as gay, 
lesbian, bisexual, questioning, just curious, 
exploring, or whatever, and you feel lost or left out, 
I recommend you get involved. Join the clubs, sports 
or activities at school. People are more accepting 
than you think they are. Trust me. You can’t expect to 
make friends and fit in without trying.
And for those of you on the other side, you know, 
the ‘normal’ onez or whatever, then try to educate 
yourself. Be open-minded enough to meet new people and 
be accepting of their differences. When you go out 
into the real world you’re going to meet many 
different people, and if you stay open to whatever is 
out there, then you can be ready to handle anything.
And for y’all who made my experience here so much fun: 
Thankz for all those good timez. Party on n’ stay up…
I’m Out.