Jerry Curl

[ Editor's note ] Today is National Coming Out Day . To celebrate, here is a touching coming out story written by Hylan Elias Kornfeld , once my boyfriend and now a very dear friend: One thing that I think sets us gays apart is our undoubtable strength and ability to endure enormous pain as children and adolescents and make art from that pain as adults. It's no wonder we excel in nearly every area and are especially well-represented in entertainment and media; however, to many young people, the future looks bleak and without hope. I'd like to share my personal story in hopes that I can help even one person see that life really is what you make of it, and nothing is too much to bear when you lean on those who love you and give them the benefit of the doubt once in a while. I grew up in a very tolerant household with parents who are self-described organic-vegetarian-alternative folks. We never fit the traditional mold that society says families should be; for instance, my par...

My beautiful and talented girlfriend Cindy Sosa has written a thought-provoking piece on the hybridization of Cuban and American cultures . The reality of what would become my life was forged on October 2nd, 1970. That date marks the day my grandfather brought his wife, along with my mother and his 3 other daughters to the United States from Cuba. Like so many before him, my grandfather was after opportunity and a better quality of life. His pursuit for betterment resulted in a successful business which laid the foundation for our family in a new country. Fast forward to present day: With the first generation of American-born children in my family flourishing, I can’t help but notice the giant caña de azcúar in the room, namely the hybridization of both cultures. The kids of my generation are bilingual speakers, but not really. We dominate English while Spanglishing our way through conversations with parents and grandparents. On Thanksgiving, an American holiday through and through, ou...