Alan Ezequiel Ruiz is 21, HIV-positive, and has divisive opinions on contemporary LGBT issues. It is not surprising that someone so young would be sorting through layered identity issues, but Ruiz often seems ahead of himself, taking hard stances and sharp turns on issues that engage many.

“I struggle with being gay still… I can’t stand gays,” Ruiz said. “But I can’t stand most people —  most people are disappointing.” 

When I met Ruiz on a Saturday, he was walking dogs in Midtown. As we talked, he mentioned plots to get rich and famous; and he was quick to say that he wasn’t afraid of anyone hearing anything. At one point, I reminded him he was on the record.