JASON C

This young man is making quite a storm in the modelling industry within Northern Ireland and has just had recently had the courage to come out.

WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND WHEN DID YOU FIRST ARRIVE TO NORTHERN IRELAND?

I’m from the Philippines, I first arrived in Northern Ireland when I was eight years old. I remember how the kids used to tease me as I looked and spoke different, I go back to visit the Philippines every couple of years to see family, go to the beach, have some Jollibee spaghetti lol but I don’t remember much about living there. When growing up I blended in, and now I still stand out, all for the right reasons lol.

TELL US ABOUT SCHOOL LIFE AND WHERE YOU STUDIED.

I went to Longstone School in Dundonald then North Down Training College in Newtownards where I studied Catering, Art, Maths and English. I was bullied at times in both school and college, others would call me gay, faggot etc, at the time I was so young and unsure myself. Catering interested me as I wanted to learn how to really cook but then modelling came along which I am passionate about.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT BELFAST?

I love to go to Kremlin and whenever they play Ariana Grande or ‘Crazy in Love by Beyoncé, I’m straight up onto the stage to dance. Often random people will come up to ask me to dance with me and take pictures, I admit it makes me feel like a celebrity, though I guess I maybe stand out, not many Filipino’s rocking the Kremlin. I can’t wait until it opens again.

WHEN DID YOU COME OUT? AND HOW WAS IT RECEIVED BY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS?

I came out when I was around nineteen. Well, I didn’t come out exactly, I was pushed out, I had confided in a girl at college, she told a friend of my sister, who told my sister and then she asked me about it, if the rumours were true. Before I could answer, she started telling me how it was Ok, that she supports me no matter what. Perhaps she always sort of knew.

My mother also always knew I was gay. I don’t

know if my sister spoke to her about it, but she didn’t need to, and I never needed to tell her either. As a kid I was always especially crazy and funny, always making up dances and performing them for people, just being silly all the time. My mum understood for a long time, but my dad, he didn’t.

MY ADVICE IS NEVER LET ANYONE CHANGE YOU FOR WHO YOU WANT TO BE, STAND UP FOR WHAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU BUT BE PREPARED FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF REACTIONS, EVERYONE MAY NOT HAVE THE SAME VIEW OR OPINION AS YOU DO THOUGH DON’T LET THAT STOP YOU BEING YOURSELF.

WHAT ABOUT YOUR FATHER? HOW DID HE RECEIVE THE NEWS WAS HE’S SUPPORTIVE?

All my mannerisms and behaviour as a child was Ok because I was a child. But when I got older and still had the same personality, it was less OK, and I could feel him starting to pressure me to be more like how he wanted me to be. Asking me if I had a girlfriend, stuff like that. I don’t think my sister told him, or my mum, they must have known how he would have reacted. I’m basically out to everyone except my dad.

It’s odd I have been with my boyfriend for years, living with him and my dad has met him, I’m not sure if he thinks we are just friends, but we never actually spoke about it. I don’t know if we ever will, but I guess it’s fine the way it is.

HOW HAS COVID AND LOCKDOWN BEEN FOR YOU?

Covid hasn’t been too bad, I was able to do some modelling work when restrictions allowed it, my regular job though stopped and started so much with all the changes.

Last year in June or July worked in my favour, as the city was quiet, I was able to do photoshoots in places that would normally be very crowded, though to be safe I always made sure I had hand sanitizer and I showered after photoshoots to keep myself and my family safe.

To pass the time I done work outs in the house, learned TikTok dances to entertain myself lol and like everyone binged allot on Netflix’s shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race. I would also facetime my friends and family back home in the Philippines to see how they were all doing and if they were safe. It was a weird time and still is because nobody knows when we are all going to do back to normality.

TELL US OF WHAT PERSUADED YOU TO EMBARK ON A MODELLING CAREER

AND WHO ARE YOUR BIGGEST SUPPORTERS ARE?

My biggest supporters are my mum, sister and boyfriend, they have always been there to support me and have my back through everything.

HAVE YOU EVER PERSONALLY FELT JUDGEMENT WITHIN THE INDUSTRY?

I haven’t felt judged in the industry because of my sexuality but when I started modelling, I didn’t think anyone would take me seriously enough, I do get judged for my height when applying for modelling agency. Overall though everyone I have met me in the industry has been supportive and embraced me for who I am.

I am very thankful that there are so many people willing to help and guide me on my journey becoming a better person and a better model.

ARE YOU PURSUING MODELLING FULL TIME OR HAVE YOU A JOB ON THE SIDE?

I have a full-time job in the Hospitality and Catering at the Cloth Ear, I’ve been there 6 years now, modelling has been part time but would love to get into it professionally full time.

WHO HAVE YOU WORKED FOR AND WITH?

My first break was with Liam Campbell we did a photoshoot and he published it to Elska Magazine, I was also featured in Attitude Magazine.

I’ve worked with Ash Khosla where we did 12 hours shoot in one day to help me build a portfolio, we created so many styles and looks, we done an outdoor shoot in Bangor and Belfast then and a studio shoot.

I’ve been lucky to work with so many talented photographers, models and Makeup Artists. I’d love to work for brands like Topshop, Remus Uomo and Ralph Lauren to name a few. I want to be able to share the message that gay men can wear a brand clothes and represent the modelling industry.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO YOUNG GAY MEN WISHING TO ENTERTAIN A CAREER IN THE MODELLING INDUSTRY WHO MAY BE PUT OFF BECAUSE OF FEAR OF PREJUDICE BECAUSE OF THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

PHOTO CREDIT: TEREZA DRAŠNAROVÁ

My advice is never let anyone change you for who you want to be, stand up for what’s right for you but be prepared for different types of reactions, everyone may not have the same view or opinion as you do though don’t let that stop you being yourself.

Not all the journey is a happy, be brave, be strong and tell your story to the world where they can hear you and relate to you, you are not alone, young or old we all go through the same things. Don’t be afraid to speak and remember you don’t have to act in a certain way.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE CAREER PLANS?

My dream is to be in the modelling industry full time and be able to travel to different countries to do fashion shows, commercial work and walk the runway with some of the biggest named models and designers out there.

My goal is to be a successful model and show the world what I’ve got. I want the opportunity to bring my passion and diversity to the modelling industry.