Getting Naked to Embrace Acceptance: Jeff Perla on 'The Travelin Bum'
For many in the LGBTQ community, the process of coming out is frightening. Jeff Perla wants to make the process less stressful through creating "The Travelin Bum," an Instagram account in which individuals proudly share their coming out stories while wearing only their birthday suit.
Since Perla first posted his own photo last August, the account has close to 50,000 followers and has become a viral phenomenon.
EDGE spoke to Perla about "The Travelin Bum," his own coming out and the meaning of self-acceptance.
EDGE: How and when did you first realize that you were gay?
Jeff Perla: I have always know and but I repressed it for so long because there were no gay role models that I could relate to. It was very hard for me to finally come to terms with my sexuality.
EDGE: What was your coming out story?
Jeff Perla: The first person I told was a friend while in the middle of grad class. It was the day after my 21st birthday and I woke up with a guy in my bed and a friend took a picture of us. The photo then got passed around my social network. After the first person found out, telling everyone else was smooth sailing.
EDGE: How did "The Travelin Bum" Instagram account get started?
Jeff Perla: It started while I was in grad school. A friend and I would dare each other to do crazy stuff. I had all these naked photos of myself on my phone, so I posted one on Instagram and my first photo got over 1k likes. People started asking me questions about my coming out and then I started sharing their photos and stories and that is how "The Travelin Bum" started.
EDGE: How important is self-acceptance?
Jeff Perla: The one thing to remember is that there is not one type of gay man. We are not carbon copies of each other. Every gay person has their own story. I think that reading others coming out stories helps you to relate to others and it also builds a community of people that can help each other. Once you have accepted who you are, you are able to grow as a person and hopefully help others along the same journey.
EDGE: What would be your advice for anyone who is struggling with making the decision to come out?
Jeff Perla: First, figure out what is holding you back. It is so important to be able to stand on your own, that way if there are any setbacks after you come out you won't have to rely on anyone to move forward. If you are afraid to come out to family or friends, come out to a stranger first. As previously mentioned, once you come out to one person it really does make all the difference when coming out to others.
EDGE: Have you ever received a story/post that concerned you? How do you handle those?
Jeff Perla: It happens more often than you think. I always offer to FaceTime with the person, so they will have someone to talk to and someone who will not judge them. I am someone who will just listen.
EDGE: Who has been your greatest inspiration in life and why?
Jeff Perla: My grandmother! My favorite quality about her is that you can tell her anything. She doesn't judge, she listens and most importantly, she loves you no matter what. My wish is that everyone gay or straight can have someone like my grandmother in your life. She always says, "Don't judge others for their stories, but judge them for their actions."
EDGE: Which celebrity would you love to have post their bum and coming out story?
Jeff Perla: I would love to have Lance Bass post his story and bum. I loved him as a child. Although we do have some mutual friends, we have never met or spoke, but I feel like someday it could happen.
EDGE: What has your personal satisfaction been since launching this?
Jeff Perla: It's been an amazing ride. It started as something fun, but it has really turned into something rewarding. I am so happy to have contributed to this community and seeing others who have struggled with coming out and finding connections and peace.
EDGE: What is the future of "The Travelin Bum?"
Jeff Perla: I have had a few offers. Everything from turning it into a TV show to a dating community. I think for this year, I am going to keep all my options open and just see where it goes.
You can follow "The Travelin Bum" on Instagram and Twitter at @thetravelinbum or visit the website.
Photos from "The Travelin Bum" Instagram account.