Embracing Authenticity: Overcoming Challenges in the LGBTQ+ Community with Mandoh

Off The Cuff with Danny LoPriore

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1y ago 50:02

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You can only be who you are in this world; at some point, you must face that reality. Sounds simple enough, but when you’re a gay man and son of immigrants who see living in this country as evidence of sacrifice, being who you are can be challenging, to say the least.

“When I go there and everybody was shopping and doing all these other things, I was like I had no idea because that was never a part of my world.” – Mandoh

My guest today is celebrity stylist Mandoh Melendez. His style is unmistakable, but his road, the one he travels daily being an openly gay Hispanic male is filled with challenges. Today, we’ll discuss growing up in poverty, overcoming drug addictions, the uniqueness of his style, and the daily battles he faces with acceptance.

“I showed up to a space and realized, I had never experienced something like this.” – Mandoh

His story is one of inspiration and persistence that will resonate with you regardless of your sexual orientation. The willingness to be transparent while never missing an opportunity to grow are admirable qualities. They’re also qualities that Mandoh truly embodies while graciously allowing them to shape his life.

“I came out at 21, but I knew I was gay at age 3.” – Mandoh

In This Episode

(1:24) – The infamous face regimen is reviewed.
(4:58) – The mall experience taught Mandoh about poverty.
(7:08) – Exploring the different types of gay in America.
(8:55) – Fear of homosexuality and immigrant parents.
(11:54) – Family rejection leads to drug use.
(12:09)- Mandoh reveals being molested by a family member.
(12:30) – His mind becomes his escape from the cruelties he faces.
(14:00) – Depression enters his life.
(16:28) – Mandoh hits rock bottom.
(17:40) – Losing control and accepting his broken life.
(19:00) – When everybody loves you, but you hate you.
(20:05) – Being impoverished taught him how to style.
(31:45) – The importance of stopping to smell the roses.
(33:51) – The exhausting existence of living gay.
(39:00) – The ingenuity of low-income fashion.
(45:14) – A sense of humor is required.

Our Guest

Mandoh is a trailblazer, in fashion and life. As an openly gay man of color, he bravely traverses the world making connections, stylishly influencing lives, and spreading his personal message of owning your space and being unapologetic in the process. He’s a highly sought-after stylist whose undeniable imprint is fast becoming one of the most unmistakable looks on the fashion scene today.

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Mandoh

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