Daniel Nava
LightNews LightNews
dnava20.bsky.social
Daniel Nava
@dnava20.bsky.social
20 followers 22 following 39 posts
He/Him/His 👨🏽‍🤝‍👨🏼
Alphabet Mafia and Melanin Militia
📍San Francisco
🏳️‍🌈🇲🇽🇺🇲
BLM, 🏳️‍⚧️ Rights, 🍉🇵🇸

https://linktr.ee/dnava20
Posts Replies Media Videos
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 30 – I didn't choose to be gay but I did choose to be myself and not hide who I am. Thank you for following along with my journey. Happy Pride!

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
At 41, I’ve come to realize that I am not alone—and that it's okay to take time, to be patient with myself, and to lead with kindness and grace. My journey has had its share of pain, but it has also brought me deep joy. I carry my past with me—not as baggage, but as part of my story—as I keep moving toward a better future. Being visible and living my truth matters.
June 30, 2025 at 12:26 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 29 – I will not let ignorance and hate keep me from being happy, being my authentic self, and being in love.
These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.
#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Living in San Francisco, you’d think homophobia would be almost non-existent. But Jared and I have been targeted with homophobic slurs on two separate occasions—just for holding hands in public. Even in a city known for acceptance, fear for our safety still lingers in the back of my mind.
June 29, 2025 at 12:32 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 28 – Recall, I learned about gay people from a '95 movie but didn't learn about LGBTQIA+ history until nearly the 2010s. I had to actively inform and educate myself over the years.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Part II: Thank You, YouTube Thanks to YouTube, I was able to learn about the history of LGBTQ+ people—something completely missing from my upbringing. There were no spaces growing up that shared our stories. Through YouTube, I learned about PRIDE, Stonewall, same-sex union bans, anti-LGBTQ+ laws, famous LGBTQ+ figures beyond Hollywood, and current activism.
June 28, 2025 at 12:45 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
I am trying to not freak out over this. This is absolutely terrible.
June 28, 2025 at 2:26 AM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 27 – Not hating on my small town - I'm a social butterfly who likes meeting new people and experiencing new things.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Part I: Thank You, YouTube Through YouTube, I made friends from around the world while living in my small town for 10 years working with my parents. These friendships gave me an outlet and a sense of connection to a diverse community—something my small town just couldn’t offer.
June 27, 2025 at 12:35 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 26 – I don't often regret things in my life but I do wonder what my life would've been having friendships with the other gay guys in high school

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.
#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
In high school, I avoided classmates who might be gay and tried not to seem like any feminine or queer guys. I regret missing friendships with those going through similar struggles. Much love and respect to my LGBTQ+ peers from my small town still finding their way.
June 26, 2025 at 12:28 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 25 – Realizing I'm gay at age 12 but not coming out until age 20, it takes time break the walls I'd built

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
When I came out to friends and family, saying “I’m gay” was hard—I wasn’t ready to fully accept myself. Instead, I said things like “I like guys” or “I don’t want to date women.”
June 25, 2025 at 12:37 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 24 – At times I'd tell myself that no one needs to know and I can keep my male relationships a secret from everyone in my life.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Before high school, I realized I couldn’t change who I was—but I knew I couldn’t come out in my small town. I decided to wait until college. Still, denial and hiding made coming out in college just as challenging.
June 24, 2025 at 12:29 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 23 – You don't come out once, but multiple times. It's easy when you have experiences where you're not judged.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
When I came out to my childhood best friend, I thought she already knew. She was shocked and said she had no clue—but has always been supportive. When I asked how she didn’t know, she said, “You’re just Daniel. You were always different, so I figured that was just you.”
June 23, 2025 at 12:31 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 22 – My younger brother has always been super supportive with unconditional love – and so random with his humor.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
One morning, my mom woke my brother: Mom: “Joseph, I have something to tell you.” Joseph: “What, who died?” Mom: “No one… it’s about your brother. Daniel is gay.” Joseph: “That’s why you woke me up?! Don’t do that unless someone died. I already knew.” Mom: “HOW?!” Joseph: “When we were kids playing cowboys and Indians… he always chose to be the Chinese rail worker.” That’s my brother.
June 22, 2025 at 12:42 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 21 – I remember my dad being so pleased with himself for calling me out like that 🤣 Can we donate blood now?

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Mom: “You should donate blood.” Me: “I can’t.” Mom: “Why?” Dad: “Let me guess—men can’t give blood if they’ve had sex with another man since 1977?” Me: “Yup.” laughs Mom: “OH!” And just like that, my parents found out I’d had sex.
June 21, 2025 at 12:23 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 20 – I stopped since COVID, but still have some good friendships from it.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
I always loved combat sports but used to think it was because I was gay. Later, I realized it was simply an interest of mine. In 2019, I joined a men’s wrestling team and embraced a whole new part of myself—while finding other gay men who shared the same passion.
June 20, 2025 at 12:38 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 19 – I tried to remain friends with her but her judgment and bigotry increased so I let go of the friendship.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
By the end of college, I had come out to most of my friends—except one. After graduation, we went to dinner to catch up, and I told her I was gay. She started to cry and said she didn’t want me to go to hell. Then she offered to have sex with me so I could become straight and save my soul.
June 19, 2025 at 12:35 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 18 – Interestingly, this week was followed by six weeks in an upward bound program where I had the best eye opening experience.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Summer 2001, I went to a week-long state conference for boys to run mock government. I had mostly grown up with female friends, so being surrounded by only guys left me completely out of my element. I felt awkward and didn’t know how to connect. I avoided most people, stayed in my room, and slept. Looking back, I realize I was depressed. I’ve always said it was one of the worst weeks of my life.
June 18, 2025 at 12:33 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 17 – I was self-sabotaging and had difficulty with intimacy. I'm glad I overcame those behaviors. I LOVE YOU Jared!

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
It took me until I was 37 to be in a relationship. I wonder if I was waiting for the right guy—or if it was internalized homophobia keeping me from being myself with someone. Probably both, but most likely more of the latter—that almost kept this relationship from happening. Five years later, he’s my happy place.
June 17, 2025 at 12:21 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 16 – Being openly gay for two decades and still breaking down the walls created to protect my younger self.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Walking down the sidewalk in San Francisco, my partner reached for my hand—but I pulled away. The fear of showing affection in public took over. He was hurt, and I was shocked that I couldn’t bring myself to do something so simple. Years of hiding aren’t easy to undo. Now, I proudly hold his hand without a second thought.
June 16, 2025 at 12:29 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 15 – I can happily say I'm a Gold Star Gay.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
In high school, a friend called saying he heard I liked his ex and wanted to set us up. I tried to dodge the conversation, but before I knew it, he was hanging up to call her. STRESSED—with a touch of anxiety. In the end, she wasn’t interested. Crisis averted.
June 15, 2025 at 1:19 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 14 – I couldn't figure out how to get out of these social situations, especially when in a classroom.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
I hated when people at school asked, “Who do you like?” or “Who’s your crush?” I’d name a girl I figured wouldn’t be into me. Still, it freaked me out if she found out—what if she wanted to date me? Luckily, that never happened.
June 14, 2025 at 12:47 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 13 – learning to love yourself is a journey that requires patience and compassion.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Through 7th grade and possibly into 8th, I remember the inner struggle of trying to suppress being gay. I cried myself to sleep many nights, wishing I’d wake up straight—wishing I could just be “normal.” One night, my mom walked in. I told her I was crying about my grandmother who passed the year before.
June 13, 2025 at 12:37 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 12 – Thank you To Wong Foo for the visibility I needed as a kid.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
Late 1995 or early 1996, I was 12, watching To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar with my cousin and aunt. I laughed and said, “Men dressing as women—can’t be real.” My aunt gently told me one of our aunts was gay and that people are like that. For the first time, my life made sense.
June 12, 2025 at 12:57 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 11 – I tried to hold on to the positive comments and let them drown out the negative ones.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
When I posted videos as TheCandyGuy on YouTube, the hardest part was staying on top of comments. I knew my family would watch my videos, so I made sure to delete any homophobic comments before anyone saw them. There weren’t many—but they showed up now and then.
June 11, 2025 at 12:46 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 10 – "But your hatred and fear and ignorance of the word gay, will silence those prayers. So, before you echo “amen” in your home and place of worship. Think. Think and remember a child is listening.” - Prayers for Bobby

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.
#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
One family dinner, the topic of shame around having someone gay in the family came up. My dad shifted the conversation, saying, “Statistically, one in ten people are gay—so if no one’s coming forward, I’ll have to volunteer.” We never talked about it, but I know he said it to protect me. An advocate.
June 10, 2025 at 12:36 PM
Reposted by Daniel Nava
npr.org
Despite pushback from California Democrats, the Trump administration sent the National Guard to support ICE operations. Rep. Nanette Barragán says the move is already escalating fear and tension.
As National Guard deploys, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sees 'sign of a dictator'
Despite pushback from California Democrats, the Trump administration sent the National Guard to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Rep. Nanette Barragán says the move is escalating fear.
n.pr
June 10, 2025 at 12:17 AM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 9 – I've always liked the message "parents should be the first heroes not the first bullies" and my parents embodied this message.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.

#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
One high school summer during harvest season, my dad said over lunch, “I love you both no matter what you do with your lives—if you’re gay or straight, no matter what.” I was still in denial then, so I didn’t think he was talking to me. But really, he was showing that his love came without judgment.
June 9, 2025 at 12:39 PM
dnava20.bsky.social
Day 8 – The level of anxiety and fear was always heightened during PE.

These stories are real, honest, and deeply personal.
#Pride #lgbtq+🌈
High school locker room—you’d think it’d be a point of interest, but it was the opposite. I kept my eyes on the floor or in my locker, changing fast, afraid someone would figure out my secret. I rushed to get dressed and get out of the locker room to avoid attention.
June 8, 2025 at 1:29 PM