Tadeo García is a versatile director, writer, producer, and editor known for his raw, intimate portrayals of life on the South Side of Chicago. His notable filmography includes the acclaimed drama On the Downlow (2004), as well as independent directorial projects such as Silent Shame (2009) and the character-driven narrative A Place to Be (2018).
The following narrative is from an interview with him:
Growing up as a first generation American on the South Side of Chicago in the 1980s was a world built on imagination. Before technology took over, we depended on our own creativity. My family grounded me in faith, work, and a strong tie to my spirituality. I have always been a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend, but my identity has truly been found by losing myself in my projects.
My coming out experience was not a positive one. During my teen years, there were no outlets for someone like me. I only had my siblings and friends for support. When I told my sister, she simply hugged me and told me she loved me. However, my time at Saint Laurence High School in Burbank, Illinois, was a constant struggle. From my freshman to junior year, I was picked on for being LGBTQ. I always wondered how they even knew.
The school administration was no better than the bullies. They were more worried about the reputation of the school than their own students. They overlooked the harassment happening right in front of them. That school should have been my advocate, but instead, it was my last resort. The breaking point came in the school bookstore, which was run by a priest. A student called me a slur, and that was it for me. I went home and told my father I was not going back. I told him I would drop out if I couldn't go to a public school. I didn't see the point in my parents spending thousands of dollars on a private institution that wouldn't protect me.
Leaving that environment felt like a huge weight was lifted off my shoulders. I was finally able to breathe. The stress was gone because I had the support of my friends and siblings. Since then, I have been forever evolving. I don't like other people defining me, and I refuse to pigeonhole myself. Some people make being gay the only thing they are, but I am filmmaker Tadeo García, not "gay filmmaker" Tadeo García. I don't find it necessary to announce my orientation any more than my heterosexual counterparts do.
After finding my footing, I got more involved in school, college, and film groups. I don't see myself as someone trying to make history for the world or a movement. I am just one man. My goal is to be an inspiration to those who feel like giving up. I want my gay nephew to have someone to look up to. I want him to know that there will be hard times, but they lead to good times in the end.
My advice to future generations is to just be who you are. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can’t. You have no idea how powerful you are. The only person you need to convince is yourself. Don't hide who you are, and don't compromise yourself for other people. As long as people aren't doing any physical wrong to you, live and let live. Respect yourself enough to be your true self.