Feature Friday with Matt Taylor

Happy Friday, y’all! This is our last FF for a few weeks while we are traveling out of the country, and it’s a good one. Matt discusses growing up as a gay male in his small town (1500 people!), how it felt for him coming out, and who his biggest inspiration is (hi mom!). We had fun getting to know him a little better, and we think you will, too. Take a look below to see what we mean…

Name: Matt Taylor

Where are you from? I’m from Colorado! I was born and raised in a house my parents built between Elizabeth, colorado and Parker. I live out “in the country” as people like to call it. 

Where do you live? I live between two different towns, Parker and Elizabeth. Parker is a larger town, filled with more urban and diverse cultures. Elizabeth on the other hand has a population of about 1,500 and has a much more country feel. That’s where I actually go to school. 

Instagram: Matttaylor.14

On his favorite place he’s ever travelled: Asking where my favorite place I’ve traveled to is hard. My parents have made it very important to our family to travel and see different parts of the country and world. This past summer we just took a trip to Italy and Sweden. They were the prettiest places i’ve ever seen and getting to experience the different lifestyles were incredible. 

On what made him want to come out: From probably 5th or 6th grade I had a feeling I was gay. Once I figured it out for sure, I hated that I couldn’t tell people or openly be who I am. Honestly, social media had a large part in why I had the confidence to come out. Seeing openly gay, happy, confident men on Instagram really gave me the courage and strength to finally come out. 

“I stress about little things too much. Coming out was something I thought about 24/7, 365 days a year, and now that it’s done, it seems like I could do it 100 times over.”

On his coming out experience: Coming out for me has been amazing. Before I came out I thought I would be judged and harassed a lot, but it was truly the complete opposite. All my friends and family members have all been extremely happy and supportive to me. I actually came out to my whole family about 3 hours before we left for Italy. I sat them all down and told them together. we all cried together and hugged. I could feel their unconditional love for me. 

On what he learned in the coming out process: I’ve learned so, so much about myself in the process of coming out. 1st things first, I stress about little things too much. Coming out was something I thought about 24/7, 365 days a year, and now that it’s done, it seems like I could do it 100 times over. The second thing I learned about myself is that I, like all LGBTQ+ people, am strong. Before coming out you go through so much! From the first “am I gay?” to “I am gay,” so so much goes through your head, and the ability to admit that to yourself and open up to others about it takes a great amount of strength and courage. 

On facing backlash since coming out: I haven’t really faced any backlash since coming out. I know there are a few people in my school don’t agree with with my sexuality, but that’s okay. I know there will be people throughout my life that are too ignorant to see more than just black and white. I have nothing to apologize for, but I hope they find the love in their heart to open their closed mind.

On his experience growing up as a gay male in his hometown: Growing up where I did, I didn’t have any older males to look up to that were also gay. I was also raised in a Christian household, so it was pretty hard trying to figure out everything. Once I got a little older and realized I wasn’t the only gay kid in my school or in my area, it definitely eased my nerves a little bit.

On religion: I think religion is a tough thing. Do I believe in a higher power? Yes. Am I dedicated to a specific religion at this point in my life? No. Trying to figure out what branch or specific religion you’re a part of is hard while being gay.

On his true passion: Making films for me probably stemmed from being into photography as well. I’ve only just in the last year or so started to make films. I’m apart of my schools advanced Audio Visual Production class. In my films I like to touch into real, serious topics or creative, more aesthetic themed ones. I’m not 100% sure, but I would like to go to a film school when I graduate to further my passion for film.

On his biggest inspiration: This may be clichè, but my mom is hands down my number one inspiration. She’s the hardest working, most love-filled, wholesome person I know. She is the type of person to drop everything no matter what to be there for you, and I really admire that about her. She has also built her own business from scratch and works hard to keep it going. Her work ethic is outstanding. She has always supported me through every decision I’ve made and I couldn’t have come out without her. I’m very grateful.

Thank you Mom for inspiring me everyday!