Born and raised in Brooklyn, Jonathan began writing in high school. In the 80s and 90s, Jonathan was part of the flourishing New York City poetry scene. He frequented cafés and participated in readings throughout the city. Although this was a prolific and creative time, it also marked the beginning of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in the city.
In the spring of 1979, Jonathan was deeply impacted by the loss of his close friend, Ralph, to a mysterious illness. Although the disease had yet to be identified and understood, they now believe Ralph passed from HIV/AIDS. This was just the beginning of a very difficult time for Jonathan and all those affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Jonathan recalls the confusion and pain felt by his beloved community during these years: