Learning to Belong: Gay Multiracial Filipino Man Shares Journey

In a heartfelt reflection published last May 30, Nicholas Turton, a Los Angeles-based advocate and proud gay, multiracial Filipino, shared his remarkable journey of finding belonging amidst overlapping identities and growing up in a world often quick to judge difference. Raised in the small military town of Abilene, Texas, Turton candidly described the challenge of never quite feeling at home, either in his brown skin or in the queer spaces he yearned to call his own. “True belonging, however, is not always something others grant us: it’s something we must claim for ourselves,” he wrote, underscoring the truth so many in the LGBT+ and multiracial communities know intimately.
Read Turton’s story on GLAAD.

Claiming space, finding purpose

Turton’s journey took on new dimensions when he found purpose as a communicator and advocate with organizations including The Trevor Project, Stop AAPI Hate, and AAPI Data. Through uplifting stories from communities that mirrored his own, he discovered a deeper sense of self-acceptance. “In fighting for belonging for others, I discovered deeper belonging within myself,” Turton reflected, emphasizing how advocacy can empower not only those served but also the advocate themselves.

Belonging in a time of division

But Turton’s journey has not been without obstacles. He notes the deepening divisions in the U.S., citing a wave of legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights and a troubling spike in anti-Asian hate since the 2024 presidential election. Filipino Americans, he highlights, are still reeling from a violent attack in Vancouver during Lapu Lapu Day last month, a stark reminder of the continued dangers faced by intersectional communities. These moments of fear and loss have only deepened his resolve to speak out and create a sense of hope and solidarity for those who feel pushed to society’s margins.

“I belong. And so do you.”

As Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander Heritage Month drew to a close, Turton’s message rang out loud and clear: “You have every right to be here.” His story offers a beacon for anyone caught between cultures, identities, or expectations, and especially for young queer Filipinos searching for their place in the world. In reflecting on grief and resilience, Turton’s voice joins a mix of #AAPIHeritageMonth stories dedicated to healing and visibility for the queer Asian diaspora. See reflections and more on his journey on
GLAAD’s Instagram.

Turton’s journey is a powerful reminder that true belonging is an act of courage, and that in claiming space for ourselves, we help others do the same. As more Filipino LGBT+ voices rise up to share their stories, the mosaic of our community grows brighter, richer, and ever more resilient.