#07 – Trung Trần
- What motivate you to join the pageant? (don’t say, because my friends told me to do it , that’s just stupid)
As a Vietnamese American, I feel like I am starting to lose my Vietnamese root, especially going to school at UCSD where Caucasians are predominant. I would like to redefine my culture and my heritage, by entering this pageant. I feel like this would be such an experience because this is something new to me and I want to learn more about the Vietnamese culture and myself at the same time.
- What’s your favorite memory of Tet?
My favorite memory of Tet would have to be ngay 30 tet truoc mung mot Tet. That day is usually the busiest day for us. My mother and I would spend hours at the market to make sure we have everything ready. From the fruits like “Cau Dua Du Xoai” which means to wish for the flow of money to our family steadily , to “Day tien vang bac” ( joss money). I get very excited because I feel like I could start a whole new beginning after this day. I also love helping my mom get ready because I get to be next to her and bond , making up for all the time where I’m away for school.
- Your ideal gf would be….
Since I am a gay, I would change this question to who my ideal boyfriend would be. I do not require much because I believe no one is perfect in this world and there is always room for improvement. The person I am in a committed relationship with must have family values. He must love his family unconditionally no matter what. He also should have vivid goals and aspirations in life. He doesn’t need to be fashionable but please, don’t wear socks with sandals. He should be funny, have a good sense of humor, caring but not clingy, sensitive but not stingy. Last but not least, he should be confident with who he is.
- What would you consider a perfect date?
A perfect date should be filled with lots of laughter, eye contact, conversation over one topic after another. I remembered going on a perfect date during spring break last year when Angelo picked me up to go to Disney Land for the first time. ( I am a huge fan of roller coasters, I love that feeling of being thrown up and down everywhere ). We had a lot of fun getting to know each other while waiting for the rides. We had dinner in downtown Los Angeles at a beautiful Italian restaurant. The food was great but getting to know each other was even better. The date could not get any better when he surprised me with a tour on a private jet around town. The date ended perfectly.
- What are your future aspirations?
I have many dreams and aspirations. As a child, I have always wanted to be successful in the fashion industry. I want to make a name for myself, as a stylist. I believe that clothes don’t change who you are, but they definitely help you define who you are. If clothes aren’t important then people would not wear suits and ties to important events like interviews and parties etc. I have always loved fashion and after I graduate from UCSD, I would like to move to New York and further my education on styling. Another of my future aspiration is that I would like to take care of my mother for the rest of my life.
- What’s your favorite pick up line?
If I was a traffic light, I would turn red every time you approach so that I could look at you a little longer.
- People say money or love makes the world go around, what makes YOUR world go ’round? (that sounds more like a question for Q&A section…hmm haha)
The one single most important element that will make my world go round is my love for my family. To me, my mother is my family. She is the only reason why I wake up every morning, looking forward to live each day. My mother means everything to me. From the stories she told me when she only had a pair of pants to go to school to when it rained she had to wear them soaking wet. The story where there was no food in the house she forced herself to sleep so that she could forget about her hunger. Not only she plays the mother role but she also plays the father role. She has sacrificed so much and I would make sure nothing can ever hurt her.
- What are some of your pet peeves?
I have a lot of pet peeves. I dislike people that are disrespectful to their parents because no matter what they are the ones that gave birth to you and gave you shelters and food. Last but not least, I dislike people that wear socks with sandals.
- Do you have any phobias?
My phobia is that I am afraid of being alone. I am also afraid of getting old because I don’t want wrinkles…Therefore, I would recommend everyone to shop at Sephora once in a while at the age refining section.
- Instead of the title, money + prizes what do you want to get out of being a Mr. VN contestant?
I feel like the Asian community in general, and the Vietnamese community, specifically have always been unrepresented. Having said that, I would like to prove to everyone that we are are all equal, no matter the color of our skin. We are culture oriented, talented, intelligent and brave. I want to be the positive image and showcase those characteristics above.
Last but not least, I want to be the role model for all of those young kids out there because I know it is hard being gay in an Asian family, but your sexuality does not determine your future. Your intelligence, your drive, your passion and your heart are the elements that will make you the strongest and bravest Vietnamese man in America.
