Adopted at birth by the Rinehart family, C.J. has lived all his life in St. James and has a younger sister who is his parent's biological child. Since middle school, he has been trying to live a lifestyle true to himself.

Surrounded by conservative attitudes common to some people in small town, C.J. continues to be himself and strives as a young male. His friends support his ‘difference’ and understand his constant struggle in his own hometown.

C.J. is not tied to the bitter incidents of his past, but focuses on his future. He is a graduating senior and plans to attend a cosmetology school and eventually would like to create a career as a hair stylist in Los Angeles, CA.

Here, Chris Jacob Rinehart, ‘C.J.’, left, and his good friend, Jessie Crider walk through the hallways of St. James High School on Sept. 25, 2008 in St. James, MO. As a small town High school, everyone knows about everyone else and sometimes being different can be challenging.