Family. Life.

Bits and Pieces

José Márquez

Brooks Institute

Michael Moffatt, 17 recently went through the coming out process with his family and has been in a constant struggle because of his sexual orientation. Half of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) youth are experiencing a negative reaction when they come out to their parents, and a fourth of them are being kicked out their homes after coming out.
Michael is a junior at Buena High School in Ventura, California, Vice President of the German club, Team Manager of the Mock Trial club, member of the Rowing team, volunteers at the Sailing Center plus President and co-founder of the We Stop Hate club.
We Stop Hate is a club dedicated to anti bullying and anti-hate. “It doesn’t have a specific group that it’s targeting but we try to hit every single group possible” Michael explains. It’s a club very dear and close to Michael, he’s been there since the conception and wants to see it grow and flourish into an empowering club open to everyone. “I am the type of person that really likes helping other people. I think that’s one of the things that I try to use as a life mission that I help as many people as possible”
Despite being an excelling student and part of many clubs, sports, and volunteer work, Michael feels the support he needs from his parents isn’t there. “I think at some point we drifted a little bit. I think it was once a loving relationship but I think things have gotten cold and a little bit distant, “Michael says.
A month ago when Michael came out, he was asked by his parents to leave his home. Feeling distraught, Michael was ready to leave but his parents stopped him at the door and kept him from leaving. This has become a routine in the Moffatt household.
Not feeling accepted at home for his homosexuality has drifted Michael to seek support elsewhere. He discovered Rainbow Umbrella through a friend who had recently joined the support group. Rainbow Umbrella is an anonymous support group for the LGBTQ commu
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  • Michael Moffatt, 17 recently went through the coming out process with his family and has been in a constant struggle because of his sexual orientation. Half of the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) youth are experiencing a negative reaction when they come out to their parents, and a fourth of them are being kicked out their homes after coming out. Michael is a junior at Buena High School in Ventura, California, Vice President of the German club, Team Manager of the Mock Trial club, member of the Rowing team, volunteers at the Sailing Center plus President and co-founder of the We Stop Hate club. We Stop Hate is a club dedicated to anti bullying and anti-hate. “It doesn’t have a specific group that it’s targeting but we try to hit every single group possible” Michael explains. It’s a club very dear and close to Michael, he’s been there since the conception and wants to see it grow and flourish into an empowering club open to everyone. “I am the type of person that really likes helping other people. I think that’s one of the things that I try to use as a life mission that I help as many people as possible” Despite being an excelling student and part of many clubs, sports, and volunteer work, Michael feels the support he needs from his parents isn’t there. “I think at some point we drifted a little bit. I think it was once a loving relationship but I think things have gotten cold and a little bit distant, “Michael says. A month ago when Michael came out, he was asked by his parents to leave his home. Feeling distraught, Michael was ready to leave but his parents stopped him at the door and kept him from leaving. This has become a routine in the Moffatt household. Not feeling accepted at home for his homosexuality has drifted Michael to seek support elsewhere. He discovered Rainbow Umbrella through a friend who had recently joined the support group. Rainbow Umbrella is an anonymous support group for the LGBTQ commu

  • Michael Moffatt sits out side of the Pacific View mall in Ventura, Calif., October 6, 2014. Ever since Michael came out he’s been in a constant struggle with his parents due to his sexual orientation. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt post flyers for his We Stop Hate Club at Buena High School in Ventura, Calif., October 6, 2014. Michael is the Vice President of the German Club, Team Manager of the Mock Trial Club, part of the Rowing team and he’s President and co founder of the We Stop Hate club. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • We Stop Hate club is a club dedicated to anti bullying and anti-hate. “It doesn’t’ have a specific group that it’s targeting but we try to hit every single group possible” Michael explains. October 6, 2014. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael has set some very high goals for when he graduates. He wishes to study law and find a career that allows him to help people. October 6, 2014. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt walks through the hallways of Buena High School in Ventura, Calif., October 6 2014. Michael spends ten to eleven hour days at school either in-group meeting or studying. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt closes his locker after a day at Buena High School in Ventura, Calif., October 6, 2014. “My main goal is to make sure we make Buena a safe place for kids. Maybe just a safe world in general where you don’t have to deal with hate form different people and we can just be our selves” Michael speaks about his school.(© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt prepares to volunteer at the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center in Ventura, Calif., October 21, 2014. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt volunteers and prepares to sail away at the Leo Robbins Community Sailing Center in Ventura, Calif., October 21, 2014. “I am the type of person that really likes helping other people. I think that’s one of the many things that I try to use as a life mission that I help as many people as possible” Michael says. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt and his friends Andres Miller and Sarah Burgh attend the Models of Pride event in Los Angeles, Calif., October 11, 2014. Not feeling accepted at home for his homosexuality, Michael has drifted seeking support elsewhere. He discovered Rainbow Umbrella, an LGBTQ youth support group. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt enjoys some time with his friends from the support group he attends, Rainbow Umbrella in Los Angeles, Calif., October 21, 2014. Rainbow Umbrella is a anonymous support group for the LGBTQ community that meets every Friday. (© 2014 José Márquez)

  • Michael Moffatt waits for the local bus after school in Ventura, Calif., October 6, 2014. Michael believes one day his parents will accept him. “I know there are bits and pieces that I show them but I feel like a huge part of me is missing and I’m hoping that things will get better and I think they will.” (© 2014 José Márquez)

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