Out and Successful Interview: Kevin Huang 7/30/11
Who? Name, age, what you identify as (or not)
Kevin Huang, 42 Gay, Asian and Proud
What? What do you do for a living or things you would like to do.
I make sculpture in glass or fiber. My work is influenced by textiles: a 1950's era Japanese kimono, an Italian embroidery, a Persian carpet. It is inspired by the dialog of scale that is required to convey ideas in space. This is seen in the way Le Corbusier enlivened and cavernous space with small colored glass windows in Notre Dame du Haut in Ronchamp or the way, so I have read, visitors to Herat, Afghanistan used to be greeted by the glistening light of the sun reflected in millions of tiny pieces of glass mosaic covering mosque minarets that, together, created a cohesive whole.
During the day I am the Executive Director of ASIAC an organization that has connected Asians and Pacific Islanders to health care and social services for 16 years. Our primary focus is to ensure that A&PI in Philadelphia have linguistically appropriate access to HIV testing and medical care.
When did you come out? Any stories?
By the time I was twelve I was playing around with my male friends. At that time I knew something was different between me and others. What that difference was is hard for me to say today.
I didn't "come out" until I was in my sophomore year at college. Although my friends at school knew I didn't tell people at home until then.
How did coming out impact your career or relationships with others?
Coming out has put a damper on my relationships with family members. Although this does sadden me, I would prefer it this way than to live a perpetual lie.
Advice you can give to other Asian, Gay & Proud readers.
Be honest for yourself. The world around will react accordingly.