IV Pride: Gabe West
GABE WEST
(He/Him or They/Them)
IV Staff Writer
LGBTQ+
Queer
Jewel IV x Gabe West
Jewel IV: How was your “coming out” process?
Gabe: I would say the coming out process was and still is a work in progress. I became really obsessed with the idea of "coming out" to my family and friends, but now I'm indifferent to who knows and what they know. It really won't change who I am at this point.
Jewel IV: Does your lifestyle influence your art or creative process?
Gabe: I guess you can say I'm always going to have someone from the LGBTQ community in my stories. It doesn't feel authentic when I don't have at least one character that I personally identify with, and it makes the story seem flat because nothing that I'm writing represents me or a portion of the population in any way.
Jewel IV: How will you continue to contribute to celebrating your pride and what it means to you?
Gabe: The best thing I can do for my pride is to continue to write what I know, what I've experienced, and what I believe helps show the world that members of the LGBTQ community are no different than anyone else. We're all human beings, and that's something even I had to come to terms with within my own journey. I'm no different than my straight friend. I love the same, feel the same, and hurt the same, so when I think of pride, I think it's a matter of self-awareness and acceptance. I've accepted myself, and after the hurt and pain I went through to get to this point, I believe I deserve a chance to express myself in a healthy way. That's what pride is to me.
Jewel IV: Who is your favorite LGBTQ+ artist or creative, and why?
Gabe: I've been a fan of Kehlani for years now, and honestly, I don't know. It started off with just liking their music, then it became like how they used social media to uplift their friends or organizations that help the less fortunate, and then it grew into a little bit of everything. Mistakes and all, I have always respected the way Kehlani navigated the industry. I think they're one of the authentic ones, and that's something I latched onto early on.
Jewel IV: What would you say to a creative who is struggling with identity, self-confidence, or assurance?
Gabe: Embrace the struggle. Be okay with making mistakes, getting it wrong, and having to start over. There is no timeline, no countdown, and no one screaming at you to get it right by a certain age. You are allowed to be fluid and change your mind. The best part about this journey is that while it comes with hurt and confusion, it also comes with joy and growth and finding friends who will love you unconditionally for who you are or will be. Don't rush it. Even if you stumble or fall, trust in yourself to get back on your feet and keep going.
