Ray C

I was born in Hammond Indiana and realized I was attracted to men in my sophomore year. I met others SGL (Same Gender Loving) teens at school and started going into Chicago and meeting other teens in Grant Park and that became my social circle. I was fortunate to have been taken under the wings of mature SGL mentors who provided me with guidance and safe spaces.

I have done volunteer work in a number of LGBTQ+ organizations over the years, facilitating workshops, providing training and being on their boards, including:
CBGMC (Chicago Black Gay Men’s Caucus
ADODI (Yorba for ‘men who love men’)
N.T.A.C. (New Town Alano Club)
M.O.I.P. (Minority Outreach Intervention Project)
TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network)
TPAN (Test Positive Aware Network) / BUS (Brothers United in Support)
G.L.A.S. (Gays and Lesbians at Sears)
Open Hand Chicago and Pantry
Horizon Community Services


Why did you decide to join this project? To continue being active in the LGBTQ+ communities and sharing my experiences, supporting other as well as being supported.