Alvin's story

In the beginning, I didn't know much about gay. The first memory I have of gay existing, and still not really knowing what it was all about, was when I was about 8 or 9. I was with my parents and younger siblings, on the Lower East Side at my uncle's fruit and vegetable store. I saw a teenaged latino, who was partially dressed in women's clothing, and acting in a very effeminate manner. Thinking about it, probably in an exagerated manner. Asking my father about this individual, he described him as a fairy.