Humans of New York has hit the road: The popular photo series recently went to Macomb County, Michigan, to talk with residents from the Detroit suburb.
Among the subjects from Macomb County is a gay man living in the closet out of fear he’d be rejected by his family and community.
“I’ve known since I was thirteen. It wasn’t a struggle for me. I didn’t question whether it was ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’ I just knew it was me,” he explains.
“But I’m still completely closeted. I’m part of a very religious community. Even my choice to go to college was questioned. It’s seen as not trusting in God. If my family knew I was gay, I’d be cut off completely.”
“Listen, they’re not bad,” he adds. “They aren’t bad people. It’s just what they believe. I’m not angry at them. I’m angry at the situation. If I choose to fall in love, then nobody that I’ve ever known will speak to me again.”
The story has been viewed more than 100,000 times and has over 3,600 comments.
“My daughter came out to me just a little over a year ago. I was completely shocked. I am also more proud of her today than ever,” said one Facebook user.
“Remember that no matter what happens in the future, there is an old white guy in Texas that cares about you, just because you are a precious child of God, and exactly who he made you to be.”
HONY creator Brandon Stanton is visiting Macomb, which went for Trump during the election.
“I didn’t ask anyone who they voted for,” he explains. “Very few of the stories even touch on politics. And while the series cannot presume to be representative of an entire region, hopefully it will introduce you to a few of the people who live there.”
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