Pretty Boy Magazine by Isaac Hall

WELCOME

welcome you to the world of pretty boy! The long-awaited and greatly anticipated Pretty Boy magazine has arrived with excitement and fanfare. It is the beginning of a legacy in the entertainment genre and, it joins the family of established Pretty Boy Enterprises Inc. traditions.

The magazine will feature original illustrations by cartoonists and cutting-edge articles by the most intriguing up-and-coming writers on the literary front. Our photographers will capture genuine pretty boy beauty, which will be presented in content-driven layouts in the magazine.

Joseph J. Rockaitis III Editor-in-Chief

I invite you and every pretty boy admirer to explore the newest realm of visual and literary delight and to experience ﬁrsthand the stimulating pretty boy phenomenon. I know that you will appreciate what Pretty Boy magazine presents to you, the reader. I look forward to providing many future tantalizing issues to satisfy your pretty boy tastes. I anticipate the response to Pretty Boy magazine to be enthusiastic and create an overwhelming demand for more of what Pretty Boy Enterprises Inc. has to offer. Congratulations on participating in the historic launch of this soon to be classic publication. Enjoy!

t is with great pleasure and excitement that I welcome you to the premier issue of Pretty Boy magazine. It’s no mistake that the launch of this magazine was speciﬁcally scheduled to coincide with the city’s most colorful event: the Pride Parade.

Every June, Pride gives us a chance to celebrate our identity as a community, our struggles as a community, and our good times as a community. Pretty Boy magazine is just that, a celebration of our outstanding community of pretty boys and their lifestyles. Aside from stellar good looks, a pretty boy has charm, humility, and a sense of direction. He is the new-age Renaissance man who has an appreciation for culture and a varied social life.

Terrence Chappell Editor-at-Large

This magazine will tell his story through features on Chicago’s hottest restaurants and boutiques, interviews with the city’s most sought-after, talented professionals and tastemakers, contributions from local authorities on fashion, nightlife, and culture, and of course glossy photo spreads of pretty boys around the city. We hope you enjoy this personalized glimpse into the life of a pretty boy.

Toys R Boys Pretty Boy Magazine’s premiere Boy Toy reveals all. Find out this cutie’s worst date ever story and why you just can’t be living home with yo momma.

T-Pan Wants You The fight for HIV/AIDS is not over. Since 1997, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS in Chicago has increased by about five-hundred people every year. Find out how you can make a difference.

Could You Add Some Pepper To That Catch an intimate look into famous recording artist Pepper Mashay’s climb to success, why the gays love her, and how Queer As Folk changed her life.

Brunch at Tiffany’s Breakfast is overrated. Brunch has always been the most important meal of the day. Check out these scrumptious picks that would woo any food enthusiast.

Who Spiked The Punch Mini Bar Ultra Lounge and Café introduces a creative, tasty alternative to bottle service that is sure to whisk those taste buds to summer ecstasy.

Editor-in-Chief

Joseph J. Rockaitis III Editor-at-Large Terrence Chappell

Director of Marketing Jackie Potoczek & Public Relations Director of Advertising & Sales

here’s no secret that Chicago has always been a rich city of music, talent, and of course food. One local DJ and fellow pretty boy we might add has his finger on the pulse of what makes party goers, even those wallflowers, just get on the dance floor.

Art Director Roberto Balderas

Vern Cocroft

General Manager & Leigh Stern Photographer Contributing Writer Jesse Gomez

Pretty Boy Enterprises, Inc. P.O. Box 641245 Chicago, IL 60664 773.507.0566 info@prettyboyenterprisesinc.com

CONTENTS TPAN GETS YOU

TOYS R BOYS

PRETTY BOY’S SUMMER ESSENTIALS

PEPPER MASHAY

PRETTY BOY’S BRUNCH PICKS

SPIKED PUNCH

DJ Phil DaBeatz is a staple in the city’s nightlife. My ﬁrst time hearing him spin was on a Saturday night at Mini Bar Ultra Lounge. A true pioneer, his music whisks ears to popular, familiar tunes while still managing to place a creative license on it that makes the track his own. Forever charming and always with a smile, Dj Phil DaBeatz knows good music. Be sure to check out his new beach themed residency for Pretty Boy magazine at J Bar inside the James Hotel on the last Tuesday of every month starting June 30. -Terrence Chappell, Editor-at-Large

DJ Phil DaBeatz Chicago’s own Phil Roush, aka DJ Phil DaBeatz, was selected as the winner of 2009’s Mid-West DJ Search for the best up-and-coming mix-masters. With his signature DJ style described as HOT, high energy, and big sound; he is, in one word – POPularTM! DJ Phil DaBeatz was also recently voted “Best Club DJ” by Chicagoans and holds residencies at several local hotspots including Minibar Ultra Lounge and J Bar inside the James Hotel. His love for music is apparent in every aspect of his life and he shares his passion with club goers and music enthusiasts every time he spins, creating dance ﬂoor energy and an outright party atmosphere. The collection of songs featured on “POPular Vol. 2TM” include nine that have reached the top spot on Billboard and several others that are still on the climb.

Allan Spiers Photography

You’ll recognize the words to every one of these radio hits, and just try to stop yourself from singing along. Included on “POPular Vol. 2TM” are high NRG dance remakes of Flo Rida’s “Right Round”, Kelly Clarkson’s “My Life Would Suck Without You”, The Pussycat Dolls “I Hate This Part”, Kanye West’s “Heartless”, September’s “Cry For You”, Boston’s “More Than A Feeling”, Chicagobased White Tie Affair’s “Candle (Sick And Tired)” and the WWF theme song “Let It Rock”. In the words of Phil DaBeatz, “music’s gotta have Beatz to be POPularTM.”

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

TPAN GETS YOU

magine: you just found out you’re HIV positive. What are your options? Who do you talk to ﬁrst? What’s the next step? For many people in Chicago, this situation isn’t a hypothetical; it’s all too real. Thankfully, there’s an organization in Chicago that offers free testing, counseling and treatment for those who are HIV positive. Founded in 1987 by Chris Clason, Test Positive Aware Network or TPAN, is a peer-led organization that focuses on support services, information dissemination, and a range of other services meant to increase HIV knowledge and reduce the risk of infection.

HIV AND AIDS DOESN’T MEAN DEATH ANYMORE. IT MEANS

HOPE.

TPAN does such a phenomenal job at what they do, so we at PBM decided to stop by. We met up with Rhett Lindsay, associate director of special events, Brad McLaughlin, director of development and Positively Aware editor Jeff Berry. These are dedicated folks with a passion for HIV and its treatment. Jeff told me he and a few others started as just volunteers years ago back in the late 80s and since then, he has invested so much time peer leading and aiding the organization that he became an official part of it. They have a passion for this, as I quickly found out when I was basically bombarded with HIV/AIDS statistics and info. Since 1997, the number of people living with HIV/ AIDS in Chicago has increased by about fivehundred people every year. The number of deaths reported per year due to HIV/AIDS evens out to around three-hundred cases a year. Without organizations like TPAN, we could see numbers we saw during the early 90s, when reported deaths reached well into a thousand every year. These people know so much, but they’re not licensed doctors, nurses or state officials. They’re people who understand what it’s like to have HIV. “There’s still a stigma regarding HIV, but I think the real problems with that are cultural. For example, a young, white male gets HIV and there’s 6

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less anxiety from the community. But for young, African American males, the stigma seems to be much harsher in their community and culture,” says Positively Aware editor Jeff Barry.

“The biggest hurdle for us isn’t getting our information out, it’s funding,” says associate director of special events, Rhett. This response rings true for everyone in the room. Although TPAN does many events over the year to get funding into the organization, it’s still tough. “With Ride for Aids, TPAN organizes it and the money collected from it goes right into TPAN. We need people to come and help, as well as participate and donate,” added director of development, Brad. As we wrapped up, Brad dropped a ton of material on my lap regarding the latest treatment and drugs on HIV. These are treasure troves of information, most notably the pullout HIV drug chart in the Positively Aware magazine. The best part is

that you too can take advantage of this material just by stopping by and taking a quick HIV test. This summer, make sure to support TPAN and its mission. Check out rideforaids.org and to ﬁnd out how to participate June 6th and 7th. HIV is a serious illness that’s gaining ground, but thanks to the tireless work of TPAN and other organizations, HIV and AIDS doesn’t mean death anymore. It means hope. For other chances to donate and help TPAN, visit www.tpan.com today. —Jesse Gomez

Toys R Boys

ALEk

here’s often a misconception that beauty comes with aloofness, superiority and special treatment. However, for premiere Boy Toy Alek his serene energy complements his pretty boy charm and looks. He moves with an adorable grace and has a smile that defies gravity. To label his look exotic would be not only a cliché but an insult. His look is his own —a fusion of Puerto Rican, Dominican and Greek with a dab of those good ole Midwestern manners. Alek exemplifies the elite qualities that every pretty boy should have. His drive, education, and character landed him as Pretty Boy Magazine’s Boy Toy. And let’s face it, he’s just so damn pretty! Where are you from? I am originally from Chicago. How was growing up for you? Growing up for me was difficult. We moved around a lot, so I couldn’t really get situated. But I got to see a lot of the U.S. and got to meet others from very diverse ethnicities and backgrounds at an early age.

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Globally, where do you associate yourself with most? Which cultures speak the most to you and why? I am Puerto Rican, Dominican and Greek I love the food, the music and the people. However, I was born and raised in the U.S. and identify most with being an American but cannot forget my own heritage.

What’s your favorite way to pass the time? My favorite way to pass the time is to read or write, or just listen to some good, relatable music. What are you really passionate about? I am very passionate about my dreams and goals, and I will not stop until I get them. Also, I am extremely passionate about H.I.V/AIDS research, don’t you think it’s time we found a cure? I also volunteer my time to help others through many charitable organizations. Do you have any special talents you’d like to tell us about? I am a master of the arts including modeling (as you can see), acting, dancing, and character performing. I also blog as if I were writing a book, so check out my blogs at www.myspace.com/onyxxyno1. What did you study in college? While attending college I was taking some business management classes. I would like to own my own business one day.

I LOOK FOR CONFIDENCE. SOMEONE WHO GOT THEIR LIFE TOGETHER OR AT LEAST TRYING TO MAKE SOMETHING OF THEMSELVES Tell us where you see yourself in ten years. Ten years from now I see myself living comfortably somewhere warm preferably, living my dreams. Who are your heroes? Why? My heroes are my late grandmother and mother. Most importantly myself because I’m the only one who is going to make something of myself. What’s your idea of a perfect date? A perfect date in my eyes would be something fun and memorable that will make a lasting impression. Tell us about your best or worst date. Worst date ever having to pay for everything and the person saying “Oh I lost my wallet” then come to ﬁnd out that he was not that interesting.

What do you look for in a potential someone? What turns you off about a person? I look for conﬁdence. Someone who got their life together or at least trying to make something of themselves. Someone mature who knows what they want and most importantly gets it. Looks aren’t everything but they help. Gotta have a job and your own place, can’t be living with yo momma! What turns me off is a liar and a cheat. PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

Pretty Boy’summer Essentials

o pretty boy should be without any of these absolute essentials that are sure to keep you looking good for the summer and all those lake front get-a ways.

Armani Exchange Sporty Shield Sunglasses $70

Abercrombie & Fitch’s Classic Leather Threads $50 For years Abercrombie & Fitch has been the leader in quality leather ﬂip ﬂops with a stylish longevity. These dark brown threads can go perfectly with your favorite pair of jeans for a night out or even some cargos to wear during the day at the parade. Available online at the Abercrombie & Fitch website or in store at any Abercrombie & Fitch.

Armani Exchange’s eyewear has been a staple in the store’s success and draw. Protect your eyes from the beaming sun as you scope out ﬂoat and street level hotties during Pride. Available online at the Armani Exchange website or in store at any Armani Exchange.

Scotch and Soda Swimming Trunks $50 Anthony Logistics For Men Sun Kit $35 Anthony Logistics For Men always carries an array of products for men who take pride in their presentation and personal regime. Anthony’s Sun Kit is a great way to protect yourself from the sun. The kit includes an SP5 15 sun spray, a sun stick, an SPF15 oil free facial lotion, and two bonus after sun soothing cream samples. For all under $35, this is a great summer deal. The Sun Kit is available online at the Anthony Logistics For Men website or at store near you.

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

Of course the beach is always a popular destination for not only Pride but also summer as a whole. Scotch and Soda specializes in vintage surf menswear and is for all the guys out there who will always do what they want to do. Get swept away on the beach with these bright reds from Scotch and Soda. These trunks can be purchased at www.yook. com. The brand can be found at any Urban Outﬁtters store near you or their webstore at www.webstore.scotch-soda.com.

lthough I did not get a chance to actually see Pepper Mashay for our interview, it was as if she was standing right in front of me. Pepper’s voice is assuring, collected and cool — things I expected from an accomplished musician. But it was the sincere warmth in her voice that stood out to me, like sweet syrup over some buttered hot cakes in the morning. An hour before our interview I was listening to her work, and I expected her to belt out “Hey there honey!” while a drum track played an upbeat rhythm. Of course, that never happened, but there’s a youthful sweetness in her music that’s probably packaged in her DNA. For a 56-year-old artist Pepper does a great job of staying fresh in the minds of many party folks, both young and old. Not all older artists can say the same. Pepper’s young at heart, and that’s the key to her durability. Like when she told me about Napster when it first came around, her voice jumped when she spoke about it, as she recalled the excitement of finding so much of her favorite music (and of course her own). Pepper represents a part of the music industry we rarely get to see; a powerhouse diva that’s down-to-earth. Did you always want to be a singer and songwriter? Always, ever since I was 12-years-old. You know, we were always glued to the radio. I kind of jumped into it at school, but really, it was my family. My family was and is still into music. My folks were huge into jazz and big bands and all that, so we listened to that. I also had an aunt who was an accomplished violinist in college. I was surrounded by it, so you could really say I was born into music. I couldn’t escape it. How did you get your first break? Well my first big break was Dive in the Pool. It feels like a novelty fluke on how it came about. I was asked to come to the studio, after I started working with Chris Cox and Barry Harris, DJ producers working with Jennifer Holiday. I was taking Theo Austin’s place. My opportunity came with Barry. We started messing around with some ideas and we got out “Dive in the Pool.” He knew guys with the production company that was making Queer as Folk and they didn’t have a theme song 12

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

yet and Barry got it over to them. They decided to use it. The song and the show got really popular after that. That was my ﬁrst big break. You’ve done so many collaborations with other artists over the years. Which stand out to you? Tina Turner’s “What’s love got to do with it.” Rob Neval. Right now, he works on High School Musical. He came up to me and I said anything you got I’ll do it. We had just worked together where he had me do back up vocals on Rick Jagger’s solo album. Tina Turner needed background singers while she was working at Disney’s studio with actors. I got the call from Rob. Some of my friends and I did backup vocals in the movie. In the movie, during Tina’s early years, that’s our voices signing. What was the transition like from doing mostly back-up vocals to being the solo star? It wasn’t so hard to do. I had reached an age, early 40’s, when record labels saw an older artist as unsophisticated. But I don’t know why that is.

I remember when the record labels didn’t have an age thing with them. I always thought it was weird why there is no room for older artists today. I always loved older artists: Ella Fitzgerlald, The Beatles and what not...I loved them. When I was younger there were older artists, and I thought they were the best. But I was once rudely told by Lela Halthaway that my time was limited in this country. I was told to go to Europe and sign for DJs. I started doing that and

Tell us a bit about your creative process. Right now I do a lot of work with DJs around the world. I’m known for asking for tracks. If I like something, I’ll e-mail a DJ and usually they’ll send me the stuff. From there I have a 16-track studio in my house and come up with ideas. With “Does your Mamma Know,” I got a call from a writer of the track and he played something a little retro. Because he put it together, we built it up even more to where I added another track, added to

Pepper mashay

eventually here comes calls from London. I was offered to write on songs like “Not Much Heaven.” I was hired to work on other projects, some produced by Richy Jones. Nine songs came from that. So really, it hasn’t been so hard for me. Why do you think the gay community has embraced you and your music? I think it’s a two-fold situation. When I was involved with the community, I was a little bewildered. They were all accepting of me right off the bat. I didn’t come in with any preconceived notions on how to deal with them. I have gay people in my family, so it’s not a big deal. But in this situation (Dive in the Pool), doing a huge song that basically wanted to show you what gay life is all about. It was all consuming because I had the song that blew up Queer as Folk and being such a new subject matter showing how gay people lived. The truth of the matter is no one had ever seen gay people living their lives before. It was a new thing. Not to mention, it hit me kind of hard because when was the last time I saw ﬁve-hundred naked men screaming at me? I mean, the most I get to see is my husband! But I was very excited. And then to come off stage and have people hug and kiss you and say that you meant a lot to them and you had literally changed their lives. It means a lot to me. There’s no negativity when people are so warm and kind to you. I had to take a second look at the community. Who are they and who were they? When I talk to parents who have gay children, it becomes personal to me. I began thinking to start giving back.

the drums, rearranged what he had and took the track home. I got the idea (for Does your Mamma Know) from watching the news on CNN, watching Paris Hilton and Brittney Spears acting a fool. I was wondering, “Are their parents watching these folks?” Does your mamma know came from that. Who are your early inﬂuences? Mahalia Jackson, gospel artist. She had this big, bombastic, voice and I loved how she looked and dressed. Of course I love Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole...all those singers. We would go to the local music store and get our 45’s. My mother would bribe me with house work, so I could get my 45’s. At the time there was no stereo, just mono, but hell, we didn’t know the difference. We had to have it. It was one of the best times of my life. Besides a busy schedule, what do Pepper fans have to look forward to this year? I feel that right now I’m getting ready to get involved with a new label, Cap Records out of San Francisco. They are ready to release “Freeway of Love.” The people behind Culture Beat decided to come on. That should be coming out in April going into May. I’m still working on “Does Your Mamma Know.” I have a record from England called “Burning.” It’ll take me back to my two-step garage days in London. I love that whole scene, and of course I’m working with Eddie, world class producer. I can’t wait to get back to Chicago and perform. Of course check out my sites at www. peppermachay.com, Facebook.com/peppermashay, myspace.com/peppermashay53 and I even have a youtube page at youtube.com/user/ pmashay54. Check them out! PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

PRETtY BOY’S summer Brunch Picks

ummer has in store two of the most anticipated festivals for Chicago: The Pride Parade and Market Days. Both are times to celebrate your identity as a gay man, a lesbian, a transgender, or an ally of the community. Raise a glass to being you. However, before you have a toast for yourself, let’s be honest, before you have a few several toasts for yourself, be sure to keep your body nourished and ﬁt with these scrumptious Pretty Boy brunch picks. —Terrence Chappell, Editor-at-Large

Ann Sather

The Bongo Room

Always a popular choice, Ann Sather has been a deﬁnite go-to for all things delicious in the a.m. With four convenient locations, one on Broadway, Belmont, Southport Avenue and Clark Street, Ann Sather is sure to prepare the body for daytime adventures with its Swedish cuisine. Feel free to start early with a BYOB and a recession proof menu of $9 - $15 at the Belmont and Broadway locations. Great place for those with little kiddies.

One of my personal favorites, The Bongo Room boasts a hearty brunch. The South Loop location, 1152 South Wabash has a colorful chic vibe with intimate seating and an open dining area. Right off the Roosevelt red line stop, The Bongo Room is just a 20-minute train red from the parade. Enjoy an intriguing spin on some of your most treasured breakfast foods such as Oreo cookie ﬂapjacks and their famous cilantro-jalapeno and scrambled egg infused breakfast burrito. Of course, there are made-to-order eggs and omelets for the breakfast conservative. There is also a Wicker Park location at 1470 North Milwaukee Avenue.

Karyn’s Raw Food For the health conscious in mind there is Karyn’s Raw Food at 1901 North Halsted Street. Karyn Calabrese, owner and head chef, serves up dishes that venture way past your typical caesar salad. Expect a diverse selection of soups, deserts, fresh juices and even a meatless meatloaf. Price range is $9-$15. Perfect for those who are in search of a light meal that will leave you feeling full, but not looking full. If the whole raw food craze intimidates you, then feel free to make a stop at her other restaurant, Karyn’s Cooked Food located at 738 North Wells Street.

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White Palace Grill No brunch pick list would be complete without your classic grease spoon spot. Located at 1159 South Canal Street in University Village, White Palace Grill has all the great eats with no fuss. Feast on the usual suspects such as powdered french toast, a stack, scrambled eggs and arguably the best coffee in town. As a 24-hour diner, White Palace Grill is a great spot even after the parade and clubbing for either a late night breakfast or a sandwich and fries.

From serving drinks to dancing, our Pretty Boys will make sure you have a good time at your next party or event. Pretty Boy Crew entertain in minimum of two to maximum of.... you tell us! Get more information here at : www.prettyboypresents.com contact jstern@prettyboyenterprisesinc.com PRETTY BOY CREW IS NOT AN ESCORT SERVICE.

Have a Happy Birthday

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

Ginger Pearl Ingredients Sliced Pear Piece of fresh ginger White wine Gray goose pear Canton ginger liquor White cranberry juice Sprite

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

The boys over at Mini Bar Ultra Lounge and Café have introduced a fun and ﬂirty spin to bottle service —the punch bowl. Decorated with delicious sliced pears, Ginger Pear is sure to ease off the palate while providing a fruity splash of Heaven. You and your party of four can enjoy other punch bowl drinks that include Strawberry Basil Lemonade, Mai Tai, and Minibar Sangria. Kudos to Minibar and mixologists Joe Blizzard and Brad Nitz for mixing up a bowl of retro goodness. Punch bowls start at $80.

LUIS

Ethnicity: Mexican Age: 21 Born: Chicago, IL

his art loving break-dancer is inspired by you, you, and you. Here at Pretty Boy, we love a cutie with a sense of self. But to more important things, those lips and phoenix eyes…

What are your interests? Cultures, spirituality, breakdancing, all kinds of music but mainly funk and ghetto house, graffiti art, films, tattoos, turntablism, cartoons, painting, world history, science and people. I’m also very much into languages, learning everything there is to know especially in the fields of astrology and metaphysics. I spend a lot of time researching in libraries and on the internet. Surprisingly, youtube has a lot of useful documentaries. What are you plans for the future? I have a lot… I’m on my way to becoming an art teacher, a professinal breakdancer, music producer and a tattoo artist as of now. Later I’d like to travel the world and learn herbal medicine and open up clinics in the US and South America. I also want the world to remember me as legendary graffiti artist as well as a political influence. How long have you been focused on your career/dream? Breakin I’ve been doing for almost three years. I just started school, so being a teacher might take a while, and tattooing I’ve been doing for only a year. I’m teaching myself basic herbology and learning from traditional folk doctors. Making music I just started as well, but learning at a fast rate. I’ve been painting graffiti for six years. 18

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I’m quite politically active, I help protest any cause I ﬁnd noble and I promote awareness of what the government is doing when we’re not paying attention. Describe yourself to me. I’m quite different. I love to learn new things and tie

I’M QUIET UNTIL I FEEL I’M IN MY ELEMENT, THEN I LET OUT MY ENERGY AND START HAVING A PARTY. them together with what I already know, and when I’m fascinated by everything I’m on a constant drive to seek out new answers. I want to learn everything about everything, I absorb people’s wisdom and read books all the time. I love watching ﬁlms, having deep conversations and appreciating good art. I’m probably the most open-minded person there is, I love trying out new things even if that means getting on stage in front of people. I appreciate and honor cultures of all kinds, I have great respect for historical ﬁgures and inventors. I’m quiet until I feel I’m in my element, then I let out my energy and start having a party.

Describe some of your hobbies Breakdancing is what takes up most of my time as of late, I train almost everyday either at the University of Hip hop or in my set up I have in my garage. I started a Hip hop crew known as SA Crew that’s been around for 3 years, all we do is practice breakin, grafﬁti and emceeing with each other and just recently have been doing shows. I draw all the time, I usually carry a sketchbook with me in case I see someone I want to draw or feel inspired. I love doing portraits, capturing a person’s real expression and personality is so hard but so

rewarding to me. And I also go to as many Chicago underground Hip hop shows as possible and see acts like Typical Cats, Dirty Digital, Jam One, Phero, Qwel, Robust and Glue. Who inspires you and why? Everyone, becuase the conscious is the source of all life. Are you gay.bisexual,straight, trisexual, or metrosexual? Bi, but I’m more into guys by far.

Sebastion

e are positive you’ve seen this pretty boy around town on someone’s stage. If he’s not acting, be sure to catch him on the lake front roller blading or at your nearest toy store collecting female action ﬁgures. Hey Sebastion, can we get an action ﬁgure of you? What’s your ethnicity? African American How old are you? 29 Where were you born? Chicago, IL. What are your interests? Fashion, Make Up, Acting What are you plans for the future? Moving to New York to do theater How long have you been focused on your career/dream? 4 years

Describe yourself to me. Outgoing, down to earth, funny, kind hearted, unique. Describe some of your hobbies. Video games, roller blading, working out, collecting female action ﬁgures. Who inspires you and why? Myself… cause in the end, the only person I can rely on is me. Are you gay.bisexual,straight,trisexual, or metrosexual? Gay

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

DAvid

ho said politics are boring? David is passionate about the right for gays to marry and civil rights. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter what your sexuallity is David, as longs if you’re doing with us… photo shoots that is. How old are you? How old do you want me to be J Where were you born? I was born in a suburb of Chicago. I never lived there, but it was the closest hospital when my mom went into labor. What are your interests? At the moment, I’m very focused on contributing to fight for marriage equality. In IL. there is only a fight for civil unions, which is not the same. It would allow for very similar rights, but the same rights by a different name is not equality. This is where my passion currently lies. Who inspires you and why ? Anyone that’s not afraid of being whom they truly are. I admire and respect people that are strong enough to tell the truth no matter how difficult. Even 20

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I’M VERY FOCUSED ON CONTRIBUTING TO FIGHT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY. if I don’t neccessarily agree with their opinion, it inspires me. Are you gay.bisexual,straight,trisexual,or metrosexual? WTF is trisexual? Is that like where you’ll try anything once? Um… no. I’m gay. I’ve always been pretty open about that, which has been a big problem in this industry. I can’t tell you how many people in this business have told me how talented I am and offered me deals as long as I “act straight” and don’t tell anyone I’m gay. But things are changing, ﬁnally.

Bubbles

his sassy sweetheart has love for mother earth and everything green. Bubbles, you can boss us around anytime.

What’s your nationality? Puerto Rican What are you plans for the future? To own my own business. I want to be my own boss. Describe yourself to me. I would say I’m smart and bossy. Find me on a good day, I’m friendly. Get me on an off day, I’m not. Describe some of your hobbies. I love to read while spending time with my plants. I love plants. Guys, girls...or both?

Super straight baby.

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009

Valentine

is number one inspiration is his mom. Awwwww, gotta love a mommaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s boy. Plus he likes to sing and swim. Not sure how we can combine the two but we like the thought of it.

What are your plans for the future? In the next 10 years I hope to have made it through college and have a stable career going for myself. What are your hobbies? My number one hobby is singing. I also like to swim, draw, and travel around Chicago.

Who inspires you? I would have to say my mom inspires me because seeing how hard it is by yourself and knowing she raised three wonderful kids by herself makes me want to be as strong as she is.

PRETTY BOY / JUNE 2009