Jonathan Flores Rodriguez: “Coming Out Was Something I Never Thought I Was Going to Be Able to Do”

Meet Jonathan Flores Rodriguez, Operations Supervisor at the East Coast Columbus Distribution Centre (ECDC) for lululemon. Jonathan shares about his experience of coming out and words of wisdom to those considering coming out. Read on below.

I was born in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico and moved to Columbus, Ohio, at the age of seven. Coming to the United States without knowledge of the language or culture was a big shock for someone that young. At school, I learned the English language and understood more of the American culture, but still felt that I was living two different lives. During my sophomore year of high school, I was introduced to theatre. This was the moment where all my worlds could collide into one, I felt a sense of belonging and that people understood who I was. At the age of 16, I came to realize that I liked men and that I was different from the vision of what my parents wanted me to be. 

I hid from my true self all through my high school years, passing by as the heavy-set Mexican kid who did not fully look like he belonged. Even though I did theatre and had like-minded friends, it was not easy speaking about sexuality, as even in theatre, there was a norm of having male and female roles. It reminded me of when I first came to the country, feeling isolated and alone. I eagerly awaited graduation as I thought it was going to be different heading into university - a fresh start, living into who I really was. However, that did not happen as fast or as easily as I thought it would, but I did make great friends along the way that helped me become the person I am today.

Shortly after high school, I met my friend Daniel, who dealt with the same issues as I did during his high school years, as he was also gay. He helped me figure out who Jonathan was and who Jonathan could be. He was the very first person that told me that I was gay. I guess you can say he was my Simon from the series “Love, Victor”. Coming out to him made me believe that sharing with my family would be easy, I just had to find the right opportunity, which unfortunately didn’t happen. At the age of 19, during a photography class, I was feeling super anxious and did not feel like myself. I left my class and drove straight to my mom’s house. I was in tears when she saw me, and she herself felt nervous about what was to come. After we both calmed down, she asked me what was wrong, I told her, “I am sorry, and I didn’t mean to do it or be it and am sorry if this changes our relationship us, but I am gay”. She was quiet for a while but sat down, hugged me, kissed my forehead and said, “You are my son, and I love you no matter what.” After hearing that, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my back and I was a bit closer to being me and speaking to my truth.

Coming out was an exceedingly difficult decision and was something I never thought I was going to be able to do. Mostly due to the fact that we have no idea of how someone will react, but one thing that I have noticed and learned as I started to come out to friends and family members was that if the bond of the relationship was strong and genuine, they are not going to care or wouldn’t see you any different from the person you already are to them. A piece of advice I would give for someone considering coming out is to - be yourself and accept yourself first; even though people may not, you do not owe them anything. Have a support system and good friends to help you along the way. And lastly, do it on your own terms until you feel comfortable doing it and having a conversation about it.

Fast-forward to today, I never thought that I would be able to say that I am a 31-year-old gay man who is happily married to my partner of 8 years. These years have taught me to care about myself and to be proud of the person I have become. I don’t hide anymore, and I am proud to be that heavy-set Mexican kid from high school that I used to be ashamed of.

At lululemon, we commit to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone has a sense of belonging, can thrive, make an impact, and be celebrated. We believe in IDEA: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Action. lululemon is a proud role near you. We can’t wait to meet you. partner of myGwork, the LGBTQ+ business community. Start your career with us now - browse our site today to find an open