Behind The Blogger: Alex R. Orue

That’s my blogger name, which is actually part of my complete name (as hispanic, I have two names and two surnames). Alex is my middle name, the R. is short for Ramírez (my father’s surname), and Orue (which is actually Orué, I just got rid off the “é” to just “e”) is my mothers surname. My first name? That I won’t tell. 

I was born in a Saturday afternoon in November 24th, 1990. I grew up in Mexico, as the first son of a successful entrepreneur and businessman, and a dedicated mother and housewife from whom I learnt to love languages. I have 4 little siblings: two brothers (Luis & Oscar) and two step sisters (Kathy & Aline).

I lived my first eight years in the suburbs, outside of the capital ( in the north) and till I turned 18 I lived in Mexico City.

I realized I was gay when I was 13 (I’ve worn a silver ring every since, to remind me of when I figured it out). And since then, I knew I had to leave my hometown in order to live the life I deserved. Unfortunately, for many LGBT people, living in Mexico represents a huge struggle. Thou as I grew up, things have gotten better, my interest of traveling and studying overseas had already grown within myself.

So I chose Canada. And with the support of my parents I made my way to move to Vancouver, BC, at the age of 18 (overage in Mexico, but still underage in Canada). I enrolled into Langara College for a Business Degree but later on I changed my mind and decided to get into Psychology. I volunteer for Friends For Life Society & for Vancouver Pride.

I started blogging since last July 5th, 2010. It all started as a little hobby but later shaped into something else. I consider myself a Blogger. Not sure what it means in tale, but surely is something else beyond sharing my ideas.

Blogging helped me to get through the hard process of “coming out” to my family and friends. And since then, things have radically changed for the better, cause not only I’ve gotten to meet amazing people, but also my opportunities to express my opinions and ideas have multiplied like I never imagined it would. And now, my blog is read by people in Saudi Arabia, China, in every European country, all across the Americas and elsewhere. Plus, my blog and Youtube videos gave me the amazing opportunity to be part of not only Dan Savage’s “It Gets Better Project”, but also gave me the chance to be in what is now a New York Times’ Bestseller, the “It Gets Better” book. And, according to Dan, we (the contributors) can call ourselves “NYT Bestseller Authors” now. 

As a new Vancouverite, my life is more simple than it used to be, thou I might be busier than I used to be.

I’ve had quite many influences in my life. Intellectually, the list goes from Christopher Hitchens, to Richard Dawkins, Stephen Fry & Dan Savage. My ultimate idol is Cher. And influences in my personal life? The list is rather shorter than I expected to be: My parents, Carlos, Sandra, Luis, Oscar, Richard, Stephanie, Natalyia, Chava, Caro, Joji & Ryota. But I wouldn’t change it for anything & I cherish them all.

I’ve always said that in friendships, you always end up counting all your friends with one hand. I guess I’m lucky.

“What do you most value in your friends? Their continued existence.” 
— Christopher Hitchens (Hitch-22: A Memoir)

I blog whatever I’m interested about. As an Atheist, it is not my intention to “convert” anyone nor to insult (most of my loved ones ain’t Atheist, I’m aware), but if I’m able to make people to question their own point of views, then my job is done.

I hope you enjoy my blog as much as I enjoy blogging.

Cheers!