Evan Laurence is a singer, songwriter, milliner, creator of couture costumes and accessories, and member of Jersey City Pride. He recently presented his fourth yearly Jersey City Pride show in Van Vorst Park in the gazebo with Felipe Rose as a headliner. The original Indian from The Village People premiered his new dance hit and the show featured fabulous established nightlife performers from the New York and New Jersey area. Evan is our latest feature in our partnership with the Hudson Pride Center that aims to amplify local LGBTQ+ voices. Read on to learn more about Evan Laurence.
HG: Tell us a little about yourself.
EL: I’m a singer/songwriter who performs originals and parodies. I am also a milliner and creator of couture costumes and accessories.
HG: What is your sexual orientation?
EL: I am gay.
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HG: What is your coming-out story?
EL: I told my mother when I was 16 and didn’t get much of a reaction, but her fourth husband kicked me out when I was 17. I had already come out to my friends when I was 15 and we were already hanging out at NYC bars.
HG: What advice would you share with someone who is planning to come out?
EL: If it’s someone in their early teens, find a gay youth group. For anyone else, find someone you can talk with who’ll help show you the way. I’m willing to do that.
HG: What is your favorite thing about the Queer community?
EL: The unique way we can reinvent ourselves.
HG: What has been the highlight in your life so far?
El: The wonderful amount of new songs I’ve penned and costume creations during this quarantine time.
HG: What LGBTQ+-related issues do they hope to see change within the next year?
EL: Protection and rights for our trans brother/sisters and sister/brothers,
HG: What do you love most about your LGBTQ+ identity?
EL: The spirituality that comes with being Two-Spirited.
HG: Who is your role model and why?
EL: My father. Even though he comes from a less accepting time, he really strives to be accepting and receptive to how it is for me as a gay man.
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HG: What is your favorite local LGBTQ+-owned business?
EL: It was LITM, but we’ve lost a lot of venus during this COVID time.
HG: What is your favorite outdoor place to spend time in Hudson County?
EL: I love our little Van Vorst park and biking through Liberty State Park.
HG: What is your favorite restaurant in Hoboken or Jersey City?
EL: Ani Ramen.
HG: Where do you go out with friends in the area?
EL: Usually Barcade.
HG: What is something you think needs to come to Hoboken or Jersey City?
EL: More LGBTQ performance spaces that are reliable.
