On Mekahel Makes a Splash With his Swim Collection and Blazing New Summer Song
On Mekahel is an entertainment powerhouse. He is a model, actor, fashion designer, and social media influencer with nearly three million followers. He is best known for starring on the reality show Putting On, which ran for two seasons on Revry TV. The show followed the ups and downs of his personal and business life, with viewers watching as the underwear model built his Mounderwear fashion empire from the ground up.
Mounderwear continues to thrive today, with On Mekahel recently unveiling the company’s summer 2024 collection. He’s also adding one more title to his resume this summer: pop singer. This month, On Mekahel is debuting his first music single, “Play with Fire.” Produced by DJ Ran Ziv, the song is a European house and dance-pop record that captures the energy and excitement of the dance floor. We caught up with On Mekahel from his home in Los Angeles.
Congratulations on the new song! Thanks! This song is just the beginning. I’m working on an entire EP!
Is singing a new thing for you?
Not really. Growing up, I was that kid who performed in every school and community event, the one who put on a show wherever he was. The world has always been my stage.
Why was now the right time to release a music single?
There is never a better time than now to do absolutely anything. That’s my life’s motto! Also, I just felt ready and like I couldn’t hold it in anymore. I feel more confident now than ever before: ready to make the transition from shirtless boy on Instagram to someone who is creating a body of work that goes deeper. I know the direction I want to take my music,
and I’m not afraid of opening myself up to judgment.
Is that why you exited your show after two seasons? Did you grow tired of the judgment from viewers?
No, it was more due to creative differences with the network. While I loved the process and the results of doing the show, filming two seasons took a lot of time and energy. We won the Queerty Award for best streaming series in 2021, and after that, we sort of hit a plateau with the network and decided it was in everyone’s best interests to go out on top.
What did you learn from shooting the reality show?
I learned about the art of storytelling and all that is involved in the process of sharing your life with the world. It’s not nearly as simple as turning on the camera and filming. In order for the audience to engage with the show, the story has to make sense and grab interest. As the person whose life is under a microscope, you want to make sure that certain elements of who you are and what you stand for shine through, but it’s hard to do that when you have producers twisting the story to fit their narrative.
What were the best parts of doing a reality show?
Working with my husband every day. There is nothing I love more in life than spending time with him. The show also kept me extremely busy, which I loved. I’m a better version of myself when I’m busy.
Worst parts?
Having cameras in your face when things are not great in life. Like when my first love broke my heart or when my husband and I were struggling with our
relationship. Those were really personal moments, but when you’re on a reality show, you’re required to show up and film, no matter what. But man, having a camera crew in the room with you makes life’s problems so much more difficult.
Would you do it again?
I don’t know. I’m forever thankful that I was given the opportunity, and I will always cherish the many messages I received, especially after the first season, about how simply sharing my story had inspired men to come out, follow their hearts, and chase their dreams. That made everything worth it.
Do you credit the show with the success of your Mounderwear brand?
I believe that it helped in some ways, absolutely. It shined a spotlight on the brand, the creative process, and the hard work we put into it. My social media channels also deserve credit.
How has the Mounderwear brand evolved in the last few years? We grow a bit with every new collection
we put out. Our customers are vocal, and we listen.
Your tattoos… You like?
Oh, yes. There are so many! Do you have a favorite?
I have two. I love the Eiffel Tower tattoo because my husband and I got married in Paris, and we had what I can only call my dream ceremony. The second tattoo that has major significance would be my dog paws. My dog babies are my world. They are my rocks. My soul. I put their paws on my leg so we can walk together forever.
On Mekahel’s debut single, “Play with Fire”, is available on Apple, Spotify, and all major streamers.
Follow On Mekahel: Instagram: @iamonmekahel
TikTok: iamonmekahel
Facebook: on.mekahel
X: iamonmekahel
Make a Splash with Mounderwear
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Swimwear: Making a Splash with Style
Getting Ready for the Ultimate Pool Party
Summer is here, and it’s time to dive into the season’s most anticipated event: the pool party. Whether you’re hosting or attending, the key to standing out and having an unforgettable time is all in the preparation. Here’s your ultimate guide to getting ready for a big pool party, with a focus on sexy swimwear, the perfect fragrance, sun protection, and must-have accessories.
The first thing to consider is your swimwear. This is your chance to make a bold statement, so don’t shy away from vibrant colors, unique patterns, or a sleek, fitted design that highlights your best features.
Bold Patterns: Floral prints, geometric designs, or tropical motifs can make your swimwear pop. Brands like Charlie by MZ and Rufskin offer eye-catching options that are perfect for poolside flaunting.
Cut and Fit: Choose a cut that complements your body type. Trunks, briefs, or swim shorts with a shorter inseam can accentuate your physique and give you that sexy, confident look.
Fragrance: The Subtle Art of Attraction
A well-chosen fragrance can be your secret weapon. It’s not just about smelling good; it’s about leaving a lasting impression. Opt for something light and refreshing that embodies the essence of summer.
Versatility: Consider swimwear that can double as casual shorts. This way, you’re ready to transition from pool to party without missing a beat.
Accessories: Finishing Touches for the Perfect Pool Party Look
Citrus and Aquatic Notes: Fragrances with notes of citrus, marine, and fresh herbs are perfect for the pool. They are invigorating and convey a sense of effortless cool.
Long-lasting: Go for eau de toilette or cologne with good staying power. You want to maintain that fresh scent throughout the day without constant reapplication.
Sunscreen: Protect and Serve Looks
Sunscreen is non-negotiable. It’s not only about avoiding sunburn but also about maintaining your skin’s health and appearance.
Don’t forget the accessories that elevate your poolside style and comfort.
Towels: Invest in a large, plush beach towel. It’s not just practical but also an opportunity to add another layer of style. Look for bold designs or your favorite brand logos.
Shades: A pair of stylish sunglasses is essential. Choose frames that suit your face shape and offer UV protection. Aviators and wayfarers are classic choices that never go out of style.
Hats: A trendy hat can provide extra sun protection and add a fashionable touch to your look. Consider wide-brimmed hats or sporty caps depending on your style.
Hydration: Don’t forget to stay hydrated. A chic, reusable water bottle can keep your drinks cool and ensure you’re refreshed all day.
Extras: Small Details that Make a Big
Broad-spectrum SPF: Ensure you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Water-resistant: A water-resistant formula will keep you protected while you swim and sweat. Reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.
Invisible Finish: Look for sunscreens that don’t leave a white cast, such as those from brands like Supergoop! or La Roche-Posay.
Difference
Beach Bag: A spacious, stylish bag to carry all your essentials. Look for waterproof options that can handle wet swimwear and towels.
Portable Speaker: If you’re allowed, bring a portable Bluetooth speaker to keep the vibes going with your favorite summer playlist.
Floaties and Games: Fun floaties and pool games can add an extra element of fun and provide great photo opportunities.
QUEER
Margaret Cho returns in Yen Tan’s ‘All That We Love’
Gay filmmaker Yen
Tan’s indie dramas
“Pit Stop” and “1985” have earned him a reputation for intimate, characterdriven movies that aren’t afraid of being earnest. His latest, “All That We Love,” premiering this month at the Tribeca Film Festival, looks to continue that tradition as Margaret Cho takes the lead as a grieving woman facing an empty nest and a desire to deepen connections with her family and friends. Co-written by Clay Liford with Tan, the film costars “Modern Family” vet Jesse Tyler Ferguson, rising stand-up comic Atsuko Okatsuka, Kenneth Choi (“9-1-1”) and Alice Lee (“Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist”). Since “All of Us Strangers” inspired audiences to leave theaters sobbing, it may be that heartfelt is the next wave mood of queer filmmaking. Look for this one to make the festival rounds before hitting an arthouse or streamer later this year.
Andrew Scott joins the new ‘Knives Out’
sequel
“Ripley” star Andrew Scott is the latest buzzedabout actor to join the list of potential suspects in Netflix’s “Wake Up Dead Man: A ‘Knives Out’ Mystery” from filmmaker Rian Johnson, alongside “Priscilla” star Cailee Spaeny and Josh O’Connor (the bisexual churros-loving tennis dude of “Challengers”). Scott is also hot off the heels of the queer heartbreaker “All of Us Strangers” and he’ll be joined by Kerry Washington, Jeremy Renner, Mila Kunis, Daryl McCormack (“Good Luck to You, Leo Grande”) and, of course, Daniel Craig, reprising his role as queer sleuth Benoit Blanc. It goes into production in the coming weeks, for an unspecified 2025 release. Now, since we like to make public requests, we’d really enjoy a return cameo from Craig’s “Glass Onion” romantic partner, Hugh Grant, if that’s possible. And why shouldn’t it be?
By
Nick Kroll and Andrew Rannells star in ‘I Don’t Understand You’
There is nothing quite as entertaining or satisfying as watching gays behave badly while smugly thinking, “I’d never be like that.”
But in “I Don’t Understand You,” the gay/straight actor alliance of Andrew Rannells and Nick Kroll (from “Girls” and “Kroll Show” respectively, but also the animated series “Big Mouth” as a team) star as a married couple on a disastrous anniversary vacation in Italy, during which bad decisions and fish-outof-water entitlement might be what saves them. The story, loosely based on writer-director team David Joseph Craig and Brian William Crano’s life together, also involves the men wanting to adopt baby from an ambivalent woman (Amanda Seyfried). The film took its bow at South By Southwest and is currently making the festival rounds, with early reviews praising the dark-yetheartfelt comedy of errors and the great comic chemistry of its leads. Look for it to show up somewhere near you later this year.
‘Harry Potter’ star Harry Melling submits to Alexender Skarsgård
If the last time you saw Harry Melling was when he grew up in the “Harry Potter” film series as Dudley Dursley, you’re in for a bit of a shock. The now-adult Melling has been taking on daring roles lately, particularly in 2022’s oddball indie musical “Please Baby Please” which took his character into a decidedly queer sexual awakening. Now, in “Pillion,” the upcoming feature debut from filmmaker Harry Lighton (and co-written by British novelist Adam Mars Jones), Melling will star opposite Alexander Skarsgård as a meek, shy man who has a different sort of queer sexual awakening when he falls for a handsome and dominant leader of a motorcycle gang. Yes, that kind of dominant. As in he becomes a fulltime BDSM submissive. Now, it’s rare to see that particular queer subculture depicted authentically on screen — see the British indie “The Duke of Burgundy” for a thrilling lesbian variation on the subject — but we live in hope that this time around a contemporary film gets it right, with all of its inherent complexity, for all the Doms and subs in the audience. Shooting now, so wait for it. Beg for it, even.
Romeo San Vicente
Photos: KathClick, Jon Keng, Lowell Meyer, IMDB, PR
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Clinical HIV care in a supportive, confidential, and gender affirming environment. Available at three Centers located in Duluth, Decatur, and Marietta.
Now offering Injectable HIV treatment.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
BARS & CLUBS MIDTOWN
BLAKE’S ON THE PARK blakesontheparkatlanta.com 227 10th St NE
BULLDOGS 893 Peachtree St NE
FRIENDS NEIGHBORHOOD BAR friendsonponce-atl.com 736 Ponce De Leon Ave NE
BARKING LEATHER AFTER DARK barkingleather.com 1510 Piedmont Ave NE
CHESHIRE
SOUTHERN NIGHTS VIDEO 2205 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE
ANSLEY
BOY NEXT DOOR MENSWEAR boynextdoormenswear.com 1000 Piedmont Ave NE, Ste A
GCB & PLEASURES brushstrokesatlanta. com 1510-D Piedmont Ave. NE FITNESS MIDTOWN
URBAN BODY FITNESS urbanbody tness. com
500 Amsterdam Ave N
CHESHIRE
GRAVITEE FITNESS graviteeatl.com
2201 Faulkner Rd NE
SPAS/BATHS
ADULT
FLEX SPA exspas.com 76 4th St NW
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
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The 4th of July this year felt more like a going-out-of-business blow-out.
I will say bless you when you sneeze maybe twice. Beyond that not getting involved your dramatics.
I will annoy you just because I love you. Itʼs my love language.
I don’t enjoy “outdoor living” – it’s why I have a house.
I know I called you bro – I was trying to flirt…
Oh, to be young again and think you’ll end up with a man over 6’!
Everything he says is a lie, so of course he has veneers.
Why are gay parties always advertised as everyone is 6’2’’, jacked, and tickets start at $125?!
