Jobert E. Abueva Inspires Readers with His Global Coming-of-Age Memoir Boy Wander

PHOTO: Jobert E. Abueva, author of Boy Wander, photographed at his home in New Hope, Pennsylvania, reflecting on his global journey of identity and self-discovery.

Embracing Identity Courage And Cultural Discovery

Jobert E. Abueva reflects on his international upbringing, dual identities, and the writing of Boy Wander, sharing insights on resilience, self-acceptance, and the transformative power of vulnerability and storytelling.

Jobert E. Abueva reflects on his international upbringing and the writing of Boy Wander, a Lambda Literary Award-winning memoir, sharing heartfelt insights on resilience, vulnerability, and the liberating power of telling one’s truth.

“Awards validate my personal journey and inspire me to keep writing with honesty and vulnerability.” – Jobert Abueva

Global Experiences Shaping Identity

Abueva’s childhood across Manila, Kathmandu, Bangkok, and Tokyo profoundly influenced his personal journey. Each city contributed unique lessons—resilience, spirituality, adaptability, and discipline—which now enrich his memoir and his global perspective.

Navigating Dual Lives

Balancing life as a high-achieving student with a clandestine existence at Tokyo’s Imperial Hotel, Abueva developed a complex, resilient identity. He notes, “Navigating those contrasting identities was like walking a tightrope between two distinct, yet equally vital worlds.”

Exploring Sexuality Before AIDS

Abueva recalls adolescence prior to the AIDS epidemic, noting that early experiences offered a window into his evolving identity. These moments shaped his understanding of the intertwining of sexuality and self-awareness.

Time and Self-Acceptance

Growing up during the 1960s and 70s, Abueva tested boundaries and forged self-acceptance through introspection and defiance of societal expectations. Arriving in America added new complexities and opportunities for authentic self-expression.

Recognition and Impact

Accolades, including the Book Excellence Award and Reader’s View Bronze Award, validated Abueva’s personal narrative and encouraged him to continue sharing his story. Awards also foster connections with readers and writers worldwide.

Journalism and Memoir Writing

Abueva credits his freelance journalism experience with honing narrative clarity and precision. His reporting background allows him to blend personal memory with historical context, giving Boy Wander both authenticity and depth.

Stage Versus Page

For Abueva, live storytelling and writing complement each other. Stage performance provides immediate audience connection, while writing offers a solitary, reflective space to craft nuanced, enduring narratives.

Advice for Aspiring Authors

Abueva urges writers tackling personal and challenging experiences to embrace authenticity, allow themselves space to feel and reflect, and seek supportive communities. Vulnerability, he stresses, is transformative and a gift to readers.

Originally published in Reader’s House Magazine.