Going into this interview, I already knew a good deal about my subject. A tall, lanky teen with a passion for hair and art. I’ve known him since his birth 15 years ago. My cousin, Jonny, became one of the first supporters of this project, which makes it fitting that he should be my first subject. Though I knew of his love for Lady Gaga, his infatuation with Stepehnie Meyer novels, and his keen appreciation for fashion, I found that my cousin is a much deeper body of water than the surface I had skimmed.

Interview conducted at the Furtado residence in Bradford, MA on 7/18/09

Jessica: Your interview is difficult, because I know so much about you already, having grown up with you for 15 years. Try to tell me a little bit of general info. about you that I may not know.

Jonny: My favorite color is purple. I only wear skinny jeans. I dye my hair all the time, but I would never dye it green intentionally. I hope to one day donate a lot of money to charity when I am rich and famous. I can eat a gallon of ice cream in one sitting and I believe that I have the world’s largest belch.

Jessica: You love fashion. What is one trend that you hate?

Jonny: I can’t stand shorts that are so big that they look like capris.

Jessica: If you could change any law in the U.S., which law would it be and why?

Jonny: I would change gay marriage laws in every state to allow gay marriage everywhere. Being a gay man, I think that I should be able to be with the person that I love – just because we would not be able to reproduce should not matter as long as we are happy and in love.

Jessica: If you could travel anywhere, where would it be?

Jonny: I would go to Los Angeles, California because the people there live out a lifestyle that I would like to live. They have the beach, great weather, and Paris Hilton!

Jessica: What is your worst fear?

Jonny: I fear being alone or not having love.

Jessica: What do you hope to achieve in life?

Jonny: I have wanted to do hair since childhood. When I was younger I loved Barbie dolls because of their long blonde hair. I would cut their hair and use food coloring to dye it.

Jessica: And if hairdressing doesn’t work out?

Jonny: I would love to model.

Jessica: Why?

Jonny: Appearances are important. Knowing that I look good enough to represent a company would make me feel powerful.

Jessica: What is your ultimate goal?

Jonny: To find that special somebody.

Jessica: And lastly, what is one thing that you’d like to learn in your lifetime?

Jonny: I would like to learn not to care about what other people think of me.