Daniel Vosovic's Blog

A Crush and the Fledgling

August 30, 2006

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You know those days when you wake up and you just don’t feel good? I’m not trying to be deep or philosophical, I’m talking plain ol’ vanity here. Fat, unfashionable, unmotivated, bad-hair day, nothing to wear … you know those mornings. Well, here I was checking to see if my newest blog was posted here on OUTzone, and to my surprise I see a message for me from the OUTzone boys on the front page: “Psst, Daniel … Jesse has a crush on you.”

Well, damn! What’s a boy to do but blush! Jesse, thanks for the love, hot stuff, it couldn’t have hit me on a better day! I mean c’mon, you’re a personal trainer AND a chef -- I know at least 20 guys right off the top of my head that would kill to have you in their lives.

danielv_jesse_320x240.jpg

It was interesting reading your interview though, because it’s amazing how strange this life can become if you get wrapped up in it. As far as bad press, the message boards, people’s opinions about your personal life, etc… f**k it. You came to do a job and to do it the best you can do. I’ve learned that people love to support someone who is talented and who believes in their craft, but there’s also people that want to tear you down for it. EVERY TIME I come across a malicious piece of gossip, or horrible words or lies written about me, I try to remember what Donna Karan once said in regard to glowing reviews she had received about her latest fashion show: “If you believe the good press, you also have to believe the bad.”

Ain’t that the truth, my friend. I’m sure you can agree to having to work so hard at proving yourself, only to have people find the one thing you didn’t cover, or complain that you did this wrong, or some other petty thing. Forget all of it. Playing damage control can be a bitch, but remember who is really typing those messages and saying those things … do they truly know you? Oh, and I have to give you props for rejecting the “straight-i-fication” that the movie execs were pushing on you. Just because they’re afraid of taking a risk doesn’t mean that you have to be. I’m proud of you and I don’t even know you!

To shift gears slightly, I want to share with everyone an email I received a few days ago from a young guy who is coming into his own as a gay man. We love him, we support him, and know that -- even though it’s 2006 -- for each person who decides to show who they really are to their friends, family and to the rest of the world, it can still be a very difficult step.

Hello Daniel,

…This year I finally 'came out' to my parents. Let's just say 2005 was a very traumatic yet life-changing year. Last year after graduating from college in Australia I went to Vancouver in Canada on a working holiday visa. This was the first time I had ever lived out of home. It was during this time I had my first relationship with a guy, the first time I fell in love. The first time I finally admitted to people that I was gay. Considering I am 24 -- it was a big step for me.

Anyway, I arrived back in Australia in April this year and now faced my next big step -- telling my parents and friends. I have done this -- and my family and friends have given me their support. I am who I am and I am proud to be gay.

My next hurdle is finding some direction in my life, career-wise. I have completed a bachelor’s degree in marketing and public relations but I am not too sure if that is the path for me. I love reading and writing and am obsessed with books so I am considering a career in librarianship. You probably think that is nerdy (as do many of my close friends). I definitely know I am sick of retail -- I have worked at "The Gap" as a visual merchandiser and as a sales assistant in a bookstore (I loved the books, hated the rude customers).

On a positive note, I do have an interview coming up to work in a local art gallery as a gallery services assistant. I think it could be fun. I love art and art history. Whatever direction I take I know I want to do more traveling -- London, Paris, New York and Montreal. Let’s just say while I love Australia and it’s great (though sometimes unbearably hot) lifestyle, I still want to experience living in other countries and meeting new people.

Anyway, I just wanted to let you know that I think you are a fantastic person and a great designer. You have inspired me to find my passion in life and so thank you. You are a great gay role model. I know you probably receive many letters like this, so I do not expect you to respond. But if you find the time, you have my email address. I have always wanted to have a pen pal friend. Ha ha (does that sound gay?)

Kind regards,
Justin

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Comments

Austin Malaski wrote:

I routed for you on project runway, i thought for sure that you and rebekka would win over chloe, it is nice that you have this blog (please email back =))

posted at August 30, 2006 04:52 PM

Jaxx wrote:

Great job Daniel for being positive and very supportive of young people dealing with their sexuality. I have a lot of respect for the way you carry yourself and help others. God Bless!! :)

posted at August 30, 2006 08:13 PM

Zach M wrote:

Daniel, I just had to smile throughout reading this post. First of all you and Jesse are two of my favorite people to watch on TV, so to just see you interacting is really neat. The story from Justin was great too because I've always wanted to Travel to London and New York, (my two dream places)so to see someone with the same passion struggling with the same problems as I was superb. Thanks for being true to yourself, it brings hope to the future. I love reading your blogs, they're very entertaining. Love from Missouri, Zach.

posted at August 30, 2006 09:06 PM

Raymond wrote:

I do have to say, I am just in awe of you Justin and Daniel. I am still in the rut of not coming out to my parents. I know it my mind that I may be able to do it. But it's just the dramatic change in the way the home siuation is. Don't get me wrong, I love change as much as the next person. I just want to have my own safe heaven away from them, to fall on. I guess in time, the right time will come.

Ray

posted at August 30, 2006 09:45 PM

azhan wrote:

hi daniel.
justin's case is really interesting. he is really brave and i admire that. its wonderful to know he gain support from others. well, i agree with him that you have inspired many compared to other designer. well you have inspired myself too, i mean the real people but not like the others who obsessed-wanting-to-now-you-like-mad-just-because-you're-celebrity-now.

coming out is a tough thing and not easy to be done. it takes a serious matter considering almost everything. big kudos to justin! and i love your hair, daniel! *giggles*

posted at August 31, 2006 02:46 AM

Sarah wrote:

le sigh. i miss europe. and i need a sweet, hot guy too!. unfortunately, theyre all dating other sweet, hot guys. maybe ill find one duing a party for frat rush next week. lol.

posted at August 31, 2006 03:55 PM

shelby wrote:

hey dan!!! i commented u earlier but u probably forgot bout it but anywho... well im from lowell(ur hometown)and i mentioned before that next time u come down u should show ur clothes and others at the high school!! i bet u probably think im a freaky person saying im from lowell to get ur attention but its not true! in the lowell ledger it said u just came to lowell the last week of july and of course i was on vacation even though i wouldnt have probably met u when u were there to ask u about the show at the high school..! i need to ask u something else to!! u should make a speech about how u got so far and how u kept trying! im in 9th grade and our grade is really really lazy and u should like tell them what made u so good and stuff!!! u get what i mean right?!? also if ya still dont beileve me that im not from lowell here is something else, my sister's best friend (in highchool)was kim seaman which she did gymnastics and u were her i think assistant coach! i hope u remember her lol!!! well please reply back asap!!!

posted at August 31, 2006 10:09 PM

Cheyenne wrote:

awww
what a great blog :)
you're my hero! [not to sound weird/creepy or anything haha, but it's true]

have a good day :)

posted at September 5, 2006 10:07 AM

Lauren wrote:

That has got to take some kind of guts, seriously.
And you have got to write more about your busy little life, it sounds too interesting for you to not write about it.
I'm still Team Daniel, by the way.

posted at September 5, 2006 04:55 PM

Nuv wrote:

Honestly, being a sophmore in high school and being surrounded by people who have "homophobia" can be tiring to the point if you hug a friend to long other people get skeptical. Reading your blog is a nice reprieve because atleast you're open with your sexuality. I know very few people who have actual come out and said that they're gay or lesbian and have been shocked when I said that I had more respect in them now than before because they weren't afraid of telling me the truth. However, because I go to a school that's only 3 yrs old we all know each other well enough that we now proudly have The Gay Straight Alliance CLub of which I am a proud member. Basically, I just wanted to say thanks for not being part of society's mold and being true to yourself enough that one can it in your blog. Peace.

posted at September 6, 2006 09:47 PM

Bruce wrote:

Seriously Daniel, who wouldn't have a crush on you? I thought you should have one last year and I am glad I discovered this blog, so I can keep up with what you are up to.

posted at September 9, 2006 12:31 AM

Brian wrote:

I wanted to leave a message to tell you how much you inspired me - just like Justin. Watching PR was more then just fashion. You were a great role model for so many people watching the show. you conducted yourself with such poise and class when it came to situtations that came up on the show. it was great to see someone speak so confidently about who they were and be so proud to be openly gay. i've been out to family and friend for over ten years but i did hold back when it came to my work environment. seeing you on the show inspired me to just be me no matter what environment i am in. i'm me and i'm someone to be proud of. at 32 i'm not ashamed and konw i'm not defined by my sexuality but there is so much more to who i am. thanks for being such a great role model and good luck with everything!

posted at September 11, 2006 07:14 PM

Elton Fernanez wrote:

hey Daniel,
ud be surprised that even people like myself in India find ur work n u inspiring. i think its easier in teh West to find strength bcuz of how progressive things are compared to what we experience here. n you guys shud b especially proud of what u do, n who u r. besides that, i think ur a complete hottie! lol. n OMG i love da hair n teh eyes n the laugh. ur great babes. kisskiss.

posted at September 13, 2006 04:29 AM

Andy wrote:

Hey Daniel,

As I watched the 2nd season of PR, I admired how poised and direct you were with your inspirations and muse of fashion. I was competely caught off guard when I watched the episode where you mentioned that you didn't come out to your parents until just before the show. I'm grateful to have a mom who respects me as an individual, as my own person. When I came out, she already knew. I was soooo heartbroken and torn inside that I would let her down; so incredibly pressured to find out if she would accept it or not. I couldn't be the outgoing, happy person I am today if it weren't for her. I was so sad to hear that you had a tough time telling your parents, but it seemed to make you stronger and I think we saw that in the show. just wanted to let you know that after that moment, I gained a deeper respect for you, not just as an exceptional designer, but as a unique individual who understands what he/she wants out of life. It's very awe-inspiring! Enough of the sap, I kind of just wanted to ask if you work with Rebecca, your model, anymore? I thought she was the BEST, kudos on working with her throughout the show! Anyway, I hope all is working well for you, and I'm sure you're SUPER busy, even though I am an elementary school teacher, being around kids all day probably doesn't come close to all the hardships that you face in the fashion business. Keep in touch if you would like!

Take care,

Andy

posted at September 20, 2006 05:55 PM

Chris wrote:

I so miss you Daniel on this season... at least Tim liked your season more than anything else I have seen. Hope everything is well!

posted at September 20, 2006 08:17 PM

Gary Wentzel wrote:

Hey Daniel, I immediately became smitten with you the first episode I watched. You seem to be someone who others would love to have as a friend. I would love to meet you someday and find out for myself.gary


posted at September 21, 2006 12:35 AM

DAVY wrote:

Hello Daniel, i loved the second season of project runway, you are a great designer and i hope that you have the opurtunity to design whole your live :) i hope that you understand what i said because i'm from belgium and don't speak English here but i realy liked to watch project runway, i think you have a great sense of style, humour,... and you are the one and only winner of the second season :p
bye bye xxx davy (a daniel-fan)

posted at December 5, 2006 07:04 AM

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