Alec Mapa to perform for HRC Gala May 21

Alec Mapa is a widely celebrated writer, comedian and actor. His credits range from Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty to co-host of the Gossip Queens. Mapa will perform at the Human Rights Campaign gala on Saturday, May 21 in Denver. As an openly gay entertainer and performer, Mapa spoke with Out Front Colorado about tolerance, parenting and making people laugh.

As an openly gay entertainer involved in supporting projects in the gay, lesbian and Asian American communities, do you feel that your efforts have changed people’s biases or stereotypes?
I know that our visibility as LGBT people in all media makes an enormous difference for the simple reason that it’s harder to discriminate against someone you know, like and enjoy. My personal experience of people since being on TV has been less of “Oh, you’re gay,” and more “Oh! You’re that gay guy on TV! I love you,” and this usually happens in the middle of nowhere in some redneck joint. I’m not saying that experience is gonna fix it for everyone, but if straight people can embrace someone as queer as me, it’s a start.

What is your involvement with HRC? You will be attending and speaking at the gala later this month, is that correct?
Yup. I’ve performed for at least 10 HRC functions dating back to 2006. I’ve traveled all over the country for them and I’m honored to be a part of their groundbreaking work.

How has your fame allowed you to promote your passion with regards to LGBT issues?
My biggest message has always been to be yourself. As the scrawniest, most effeminate kid, I was not only bullied by classmates, but I internalized their homophobia as well. I continued to treat myself cruelly long after the bullying had stopped because I was never taught to respect myself. I spent needless lonely years absolutely hating myself for being gay and it was an absolute waste of time. There is a core of good in all of us. We’re born with it. It’s always there. It’s our authentic self, and it’s our greatest gift. I’ve always used my visibility to promote causes I’m passionate about. I’m married to a man and I have a kid. If I don’t stand up for them loudly and publicly, I’m contributing to the ignorance.

You announced last year on Gossip Queens that you and your husband have adopted a 5-year-old boy. How has the experience of parenting changed you?
I’m the most exhausted and happiest I’ve ever been all at the same time. I love being a parent, and seeing my husband shine as a father makes me love him even more. What’s different now is I no longer sweat the small stuff. What my son needs for breakfast makes what I’m wearing on the red carpet completely inconsequential. I love being a father. And I love that my son is the only person in L.A. who can call me “Daddy” without giggling.

You have a long list of credits when looking at your career. What is your proudest career accomplishment?
Not having to get a real job for more than 20 years.

How was your experience of growing up gay in San Francisco? When did you come out?
San Francisco is a magical place. I was out in high school at age 14. I never got a sense of myself as a minority because everyone at my high school was Asian or Black and everyone I worked with at my after school job was gay. I was closely mentored by my friends, co-workers and teachers. If I have a shred of self-esteem, they and my mom who was very gay friendly, helped me form that.

Is there a message of hope or understanding that you’d like to offer out to the struggling youth of the LGBT communities nationwide?
The recent gay teen suicides broke my heart, not only because the loss was senseless, but because these kids honestly believed they had no other alternative. My message to struggling youths is that High School is NOT THE WORLD. It’ll be over real soon and you’ll have the rest of your life to be celebrated and loved for being your authentic self. Listen, if it could happen to me …

Do your goals as an entertainer fit in with your work as an LBGT advocate? How do they compliment each other?
Now, more than ever, people need to laugh. If I can give them that, color me happy. Better gay than grumpy.