KIQUE

Age: 18Hometown: Miami, FLResident: Miami, FLKique was born and raised in Miami in a very loud Cuban family, yet he started talking very late in childhood. It was difficult for him, until his parents put him in speech therapy and, eventually, music therapy. Music therapy allowed him to learn how to shape words and literally gave him a voice. Kique went to an all-boys Catholic school and never really "came out," but being queer, Kique didn't fit the mold there, which made his school experience tough. He started performing in school concerts and recording songs in his music class. Kique got his first job at McDonald's, then decided to work at a local pet shop, where he fell in love with reptiles. He now has over 30 reptiles, including seven snakes and numerous geckos.