ed and discouraging him from participating in afterschool activities. While in high school, he did not openly admit his homosexuality to his family and friends, as he was just starting to deal with it himself. He suffered several periods of what he later believed was depression during this time, but he was not diagnosed or treated.
Upon graduation, Christopher decided to move to New York City. He enrolled in a liberal arts program at a small local college, though he dropped out during his first year. During this time, he began to acknowledge his homosexuality to his new friends, though he still did not discuss it with his family. He experimented sexually and participated actively in the substantial gay community in the city, finding for the first time a large group with which he could feel at ease. At this time, he also began to explore his African American heritage. His dress and speech in particular started to reflect his new-found sense of freedom; on his limited trips home, he censored his speech, modified his wardrobe, and tried to hide his ho
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