TM
october
sac m a g a z i n e
The q20
N o m i n at i o n s a r e i n
who made the cut?
exclusive with
MR. BEAR L.A.
BIG RABBIT
Stefano Vincent Saltalamacchia
(Yeah That’s his name)
the bear necessities
Oso featuring
CAZWELL
kevin roux is off the box
+the best of
red dress & MORE! community • culture • lifestyle • fashion music • art • film • events • people
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#hung
show
...a word
from the editor Q Sacramento Magazine [Editor
Luis Barrera
in Chief]
& [creative
Director]
Lemuel haynes
[Fashion
& Event Editor]
Luis Barrera Photography [Photography]
Neil Pople
[Political correspondent] [editorial contributor]
Luis Barrera
Ramon araujo
[Editorial
[JR.
Assistant]
Photography Editor]
Armando Flores
[Hair
& Make-up Stylist]
Winnie StackZ [Fashion
Stylist]
Charlie Rocafort [contributing
writer]
Kevin Roux
[contributing
writer]
we are Currently accepting resumes and cover letters for the following positions: Event Photographers freelance Writers stylist assistant editors for more information www.qsacramento.com
comments?
suggestions? ideas? contact q sacramento e-mail theluisbarrera@gmail.com
Hello! It’s October! time for Halloween! It’s such an amazing time of the year for me, I love dressing up and pretending to be someone else for one night. This edition is dedicated to the bears of Sacramento! We had a great time shooting one of my favorite bears of Sac, the very handsome Oso Lalo. If you follow Lalo, on his instragram or facebook you know he loves showing off all of his bear assets. He was such a great person to shoot, and while many might think he’s not the typical size of a bear he helps us understand that being part of the bear community is not all about sizing. In fact that’s what the bear community is not about, its not about labels, rather is about being inclusive of others and also celebrating those differences. Our LGBT world has always wanted to be accepted more and more into main culture. Yet I always found it amazing as soon as I came out, people within the gay community started to label me, and others around me with labels like, jock, twink, bear, cub, top, bottom, fem, straight acting and more. Let’s face it, even how we refer to our community “LGBT” is in it self labeling people. So how do we try and fix it? We add more letters to the alphabet soup like Q,A,S and well you can guess its endless. Yet I think is a generational thing, as expressed by Raven-Symone in a recent interview with Oprah. I believe our younger generations do not want the stereo types that come with labels. Which I believe is what we wanted all along, to not be identified as gay or black or white or short or fat, but rather as brothers, sisters, friends, Americans. Talking about labels, check out the first of many promo ads for Sacramento Fashion Week on the next page! We are excited for this year’s show so visit sacfashionweek.com for more info and save the dates! In other news, YOU NOMINATED and now its time to VOTE for your life. Well not for your life but defiantly for your favorite 20 great places and people in our gay community in Sacramento. You have until the end of the month and the winners will be announced on our Q20 award party next month. Have a great and safe Halloween and we hope you enjoy this edition of QSAC Magazine!
write 2320 X Street Sacramento Ca 95818 www.qsacramento.com
Some editorial content made possible by the contributions of Jeff Dorta PROJECT PUBLICITY
Special thanks to the following businesses Published & Created by
Lu s Barrera i
P u b l i s h i n g
s t u d i o s
editor in chief
Day
Night
Until someone builds a time machine, this tour is as close as you’ll ever get to reliving the history of Las Vegas (in all its weird, wonderful glory).
If you’re more intrigued by the “darker side” of our past, our after-hours tour gives you a peek into the late night world of this city that never slept.
BOOK A TOUR
NeonMuseum.org
faces
no cover
before 10:Pm
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Vania
performing live
performing live
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latIn dIva Show @11:Pm
night of terror L at i n S t y L e
$1,000 In caSh and PrIzeS
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2000 K Street, Sacramento w w w . f a c e s . n e t
SPecIal GueSt PerformerS
8
the bright guys behind by lemuel haynes Every time you venture into the Gayborhood, it is more then likely that you’ll glance at the incredible Interior Design display on the corner of 21st & K. As a staple in Midtown for ten years, Lumen’s Light and Living has been showcasing their illuminating displays for some time, giving the area a San Francisco/New York like feel. In addition to their obvious assortment of lighting and furniture options, they offer an assortment of unique personal accessories and gift options. It is definitely the place to go for those that value lighting and the comfort of a beautifully designed home interior, as they feature an incredible customer service team that matches the great options they feature. Owners Ken & Peter started Lumens after purchasing a local lighting boutique, then known as Bennings, in 2004. Prior to, Ken had built a health care information services company and Peter, a former model, worked at Bennings. With a shared interest in design, they decided to expand to more then just offering lighting. A visit to Lumens now is like visiting a home interior design art gallery with their Subzero 50-Light Chandelier by AXO Light for $48,000, Diesel Pipe Floor Lamp for $3,000, Eames Lounge Chair and Chaise for $6,700, Qlocktwo W Watch for $850, and Gents Flip Business Card holder for $17.99. In addition, Lumens Lighting and Living is the only store/showroom in the Sacramento region focused on modern design, and with the huge online reach of their website, their business reach has expanded across the country. Even with responsibilities of a flourishing business, Peter and Ken stay active in the community. They support the arts and community groups through Studio Tour with CCAS, B Street Theatre, Sacramento Pride and by sponsoring several other community events. They recognize the importance of Midtown, specifically, the Lavender Community and continue to do their part to uplift it personally and professionally. Make sure to visit their incredible business the next time you have a lighting or interior design need or are looking for a unique personal accessory item. We guarantee that you won’t be disappointed.
Lus Barrera
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featuring
Jaymes Vaughan from OK! TV
Chippendale TV Host Personality Singer CBS’ The Amazing Race
available worldwide
www.luisbarrera.com
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Luis BarreraŠ 2014 All Rights Reserved
the bear necessities
Oso lalo featuring
Lus Barrera
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the bear necessities
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the bear necessities
Oso lalo featuring
Whats your real name? Gerardo Ceja
Why did you change your name to Oso Lalo?
As a young one, family, friends and coworkers would say I looked like a teddy bear, hairy, soft and cuddly, younger I was a bit bigger yet I also have my limits and can be ferocious to protect myself.
What was your coming out story? I’ve never really “came out” officially, my
family has only suspected or heard rumors but I have never said, I’m gay! I love men! Hot sweaty, hairy, muscle, adorable dudes with booty! With new people who become friends I tend to tell them to be honest. Some have been ok with it, others have not. It’s almost 2015 but I can’t do much to change how others think, I can only respect it and never stop being myself.
What identifies you as a Bear?
I may not be a “typical bear” or what everyone may think makes a bear. But to me a bear is, tall, hairy or scruffy, strong, yet can be a bear like Winnie the Pooh, understandable, kind, cute, a friend to all and loves honey!! It’s why I got my belly!
Do you feel you fit in the Bear culture? I do, I may not be a “typical bear” but I like being scruffy, thick and bootylicious!
Since your a straight acting gay, more masculine than others, but also a bottom. Does that make it hard to find a guy to date? It does, I wouldn’t say I’m straight acting, I’m just myself, I’m a bottom vers. I get a lot of comments like, “oh, I didn’t think you were gay.” Or because I’m quiet and have a serious look people automatically have thought I was a top.
What do you look for in a guy? Honestly, someone with a good heart and that
knows how to use it! “Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.” And I’ve liked different styles of guys. Above all things, I believe in Love! In the end, someone who can treat me the same way I would treat them!
How do you view the pool of datable guys in the Sacramento region? I’ve lived here all of my adult life, met a lot of great guys, dated just a few,
missed out on more than I wish I did. But I’ve been single for about 3 years! I’m not perfect but always willing to adjust.
You’re very ‘showy’ in your instagram. Do you do it for the attention? or why? I share a variety, all types of my interest. I never post something
I would regret. If you pay attention to my post, you could really get to know me! I expose what others may fear to allow to be seen, like my emotions! I do love the male body, hello I’m gay! I’ve been working hard lately on my physique and love my ass! I post a few pics in underwear...ok a lot! Never to intend to be too inappropriate. If others think it’s too much, then again, I can’t change how others think. The only double tapping my ass gets, is on Instagram!
What will you be for halloween this year? What do you love about the holiday? I love the dark elegance, the beauty in the dramatic horror of the night! This year I will live up to my name!
There was a very public incident a couple of weeks ago involving you. Do you want to set the record straight on what happened? I accepted a drink from someone I didn’t know, it was naive of me. I disrespected some who are very close to me. Embarrassed mostly myself but I can’t change what has happened. Only attempted to make things right.
How has this incident change the way you view the scene? Is it
as safe as we think it is? Only to trust those who you know you can trust. And maybe let my friends taste my drinks for me!
What advise do you give to others to avoid what happened to you? Stay safe, be aware, never accepted a pre made drink! Stick to bartenders you trust!
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the bear necessities
Oso lalo Lus Barrera featuring
Lus Barrera Š
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1050 20th St / Ste 170
Sacramento, CA 95811
www.denimspot.com
1050 20th St / Ste 170
Sacramento, CA 95811
www.denimspot.com
off Box the by kevin roux
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Go-go dancing
, one of the many forms of visual pleasures brought to life. Go-going is the common term used in which a person is elevated, generally on a box or a platform, and dances to entertain the patrons of the club or party. Most are aware of these creatures because their seductive dance moves or lack thereof, if you’re not a good go-go, but what I will begin to disclose will be what happens behind the scenes, off the box, and in the life of a traveling go-go dancer. Most of the thoughts people have about half naked guys changing in locker rooms, staying in hotels sleeping in the same beds together, and hooking up with each other are basically, are mostly, are ultimately, true. You’re welcome for your confirmation on the fantasy. California is home to some of the hottest gay male go-go dancers around, comparable to New York City and Miami that is. It takes a certain type of person to be able to handle this gig (job). One must have the confidence to stand up there and allow people to stare and ultimately judge you, must have the sexual appeal to make tips, and also must be one of the popular gays in the community that people generally lust after (this is subjective but should be the case of resident dancers at popular clubs). There are plenty of elements that mold the image of a go-go dancer and those become important if the club wants to sell their “go-go dancers” as a product for patrons to come and be entertained by them. Some of the best clubs, located in West Hollywood, CA are homes to some of the “A-List” gays, which means that they are well known to the community and generally social media superiors. This allows the club owners to attract their following to the clubs, and it works. Patron frequent these clubs because their favorite go-go dancer is there and they want to get a picture with them. Every week, a club will promote their “party” along side their go-go dancers in order to entice patrons at attend by using the guys for leverage. So, it’s a known fact that generally there are very attractive dancers that are always booked together either because of their bodies or their face or both. What most people don’t know is what happens behind the scenes. For the most part, all those fantasies of us being naked and oiling each other up are true. For us dancers, it is pretty normal for us to meet up in the back dressing room and get naked because we have to change of underwear after each set of dancing. So it’s to no surprise that every dancer has seen all the other dancers naked at some point in time. Imagine your favorite hot dancer … yes, we’ve seen him naked. When one is dancing in their underwear all night and patrons are either attempting to grab their packages (which this is rude to do unless its invited by the dancers) or simply just staring at them all night (this is ALWAYS welcomed), one gets immune to the showcasing of their “packages” to their fellow dancers. Of course most people try to stay modest and cover up while changing, but in all honesty, no one actually cares. I do remember preparing for a gig in San Francisco, CA and there was a total of 4 dancers there. One was changing in front of me and there is plenty of room for everyone to change. When I looked up, IT literally almost hit my face. My eyes widen and I was thinking “can you please control that monster, it almost slapped me in the face!” Actually, I did say that to him, we both laughed about it and took a selfie in the mirror. The go-go community is a pretty tight knit community and we are all friends. Regardless of how many times we had danced together, friendships form easily between dancers at any club. There are occasionally those dancers who arrive with their nose turned up but for the most part everyone is pretty relaxed and are really good people. You’d be surprised how nice all the dancers are as opposed to us being stuck up and stand offish. Some people generalize us dancers as stand offish or not talkative. I would like to clear this up, we love to engage in conversation but while dancing, i’ll be frank, we can’t freaking hear you. The music is so loud, we don’t read lips, and it’s just so dark and foggy with the lasers blinding us. It’s just not great ambience for a conversation. So do not take offense if our conversations are short, we just smile and hope we laughed at a joke or a compliment that you presumably just told us. So in general, we’re up there to entertain everyone. We are up there to have fun, it’s our job to engage and entertain, just be aware we basically can’t hear a word you are saying to us but we always enjoy the flattery. As a dancer / model, there are a couple things that need to be in their arsenal of maintenance care at all times. .First is a gym membership. One simply can not have an out of shape body when performing, this is just common sense. Some wonder how we get these bodies and assume we were just “born with it” but let me tell you, we are not. We spend a lot of time in the gyms keeping our bodies in shape in order to keep getting booked at venues. And eating, we pig out after our shift because we are starving. This is universal, we eat like there is not tomorrow. I mean, we just burned a ton of calories by 3 hours of cardio of dancing. Second is premium underwear. Premium, this means nothing that comes in a three pack wrapped in plastic, unless its a three pack from a fashionable brand costing $20 a piece.
There are huge benefits to purchasing fashionable brands because of the cut or style. Some underwear enhances the look of the male “lower part” of the body. Most dancers would purchase these sought after brands which include a “lift” effect. This effect is beneficial if you want to showcase a full “package” in your undies. The bigger, the better in our minds. This concept is actually true because one gets tipped more. I would catch people staring while it bounces up and down, as though their heads were bobbing to the music aligned with the rhythm of us thrusting our hips. For the last important thing, a touch up bag. This would include a ton of various face creams, makeup, body oils, hair products, and the most important, cover up for zits and blemishes. If you are an experienced dancer you know what this is. We have to hide any type blemish that would detract patrons from our well chiseled and “perfect” bodies. It’s kind of a visual trick we use but it’s all for the fans. We must always look our best. Have you ever noticed a dancer sweating a ton and their next set they looked well polished and amazing again? Think about it. One of the past weekends I was booked in two different cities for two major events. Keep in mind that these events generally happen at night, during the nightlife. When traveling around, one must always have time to sleep and make it to the next gig. Therefor, planning is essential. At times, the commuting from city to city becomes tiresome but once you arrive, the energy of the venue is usually a rush of adrenaline and it becomes addicting and enticing. This is a big factor that drives up to keep getting booked. One of the bigger events I was booked for was to be Mr. January in The New Asian Men of 2015 Calendar that was promoted at a club in San Francisco. This consisted of countless hours of promo pictures, runway walk practice, and the calendar signing. The best thing about being an underwear model is that you usually get a ton of free underwear. I can’t remember the last time I bought a pair because I’m always acquiring them from companies because they want you to wear them and promote their brand. This company that sponsored the calendar, Unzipped Citizen, has some awesome brands and I was more than thrilled to be wearing them for the promotion. At home, I believe I have 5 drawers full of premium underwear. I simply could wear a new one a day for about 3 months and not have to do laundry, a great perk of modeling. Everyone assumes that we just arrive to the venue and walk out in our underwear and thats it. Sorry to burst that bubble but there is a ton of work that goes into getting ready. Well maybe not a ton, but there is a lot. At the calendar launch party, we had a dressing room that consisted of 8 models, missing 4 due to travel the schedule. Our names were next to 3 pairs of underwear that were laid out on the table, the calendar, a drawstring Unzipped Citizen bag, baby oil, hair product present by the full length mirror, and assistances to help us dress and prep us. We had about 2-3 minutes between each runway walk and there was not time to be modest. The dressing area was like a locker room, underwear and naked bodies everywhere. When working shows like this, it basically feels like you are a tiny sliver of celebrity status. The promoters take very good care of you (models) and usher you around (in groups) through the crowds to different areas of the event. We were not able to walk around alone we had to go as a group, a unit, a product. Even going to the bathroom we were ushered as a group through the crowds to a single bathroom in the VIP area, no one was allowed to be separated. It was pretty astonishing how people would know your name and ask you to sign their calendars like collecting baseball cards, pretty humbling to know that actually. At the end of the day, we (dancers / models) know the comments and judgements that would be said about what we do. We hear all the comments but we stay strong and hold our heads up high. It’s one thing to say something negative about a person and feel better about yourself for those negative remarks but it also takes an even stronger person to hear those comments and keep on living their lives. We are achieving more as we become more confident with ourselves in our own bodies and this is why we dance, we love it. Plus, most are addicted to belong to the hot cool crowd of dancers. It’s hard to understand this simple mindset if you do not dance / model. We just know, if we keep getting booked, we are doing something right.
it’s time to vote for your favorites
20
The q20 Issue this January 2015
now @
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24
NOW
BEST SPIN ARTIST (DJ) DJ Ricardo Rayas ‘El Niño’ (Mangos Antro) DJ Markz (Faces Nightclub) Ryan Sweeney (Badlands) Nathan Szymanski (Badlands) Robert Long (Faces Nightclub)
Best LGBT Friendly public Servant / activist Gerald Filice Christopher Cabaldon Steve Hansen John Perez Kevin Johnson
Best Rump Shaker (GOGO Boy) Will Watkins Ty Coleman Rocky Citi Jason Stars Mike Salcido
Best place for a gay date Azul Tequila Bar Tapas The World Devine Gelateria Jacks Urban Eats Mayahuel
Best Drag Show & Host Fridays Are a Drag - Taryn Thru-U Lollypop Sundays - Adrina & Tatianna Diamond Faces Noches Latinas - Nayeli San Roman Sequin Saturdays - Teddy Kis Turnt Up Thursdays - Chantal
Best LGBT Non-Profit or Group Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus SIGLFF The LGBT Center Sacramento’s Gay Men’s Mixers Sacramento Rainbow Chamber of Commerce
Best Mixologist (Bartender) Ivan Islas - Badlands Chris Rose - The Merc Rob Brooks- The Bolt Miguel Campanella- Mangos Antro Steve Swarny- Faces Nighclub
Best Scene Stealer (socialite) Kenny The Dancing Man Jerome Robison Chantal Miss Ruby
Best Club Promoter Ronnie Scharffer - Badlands, Splash, Sidetrax George Chamorro Carcamo - JC Events Jaime Awad - Club Papi Roque Lara - Roque Presents Nayeli San Roman - Faces Nightclub Best Sunday Brunch Spot Low Brau Conerstone Restaurant Kupros Bistro Capital Dime Mangos Antro Best Weekday Happy Hour The Depot’s Trivia Wednesday Rubicon The Old Spagetti factory The Beer Garden Best Night To Get Turnt Thursdays Nights @ Badlands Wednesday Nights @ Faces Industry Mondays @ Faces Rupaul Monday Nights @ The Depot Friday Nights @ The Merc Best Sunday Funday Hangout Spot Badlands Patio Faces Pool The Merc Patio The Mix Mangos Antro Patio Best Special guest performer Adore Delano Topher DiMaggio Derrick Berry Neon Hitch Expose Best Special Gayborhood Party Red Dress Party Carnival by Blackbutterfly Salon Rainbow Festival White Party @ Faces Drag Queen Bingo
Best place for a drunk meal (after hours) Hot Rods Cristinas Tacos @ Faces Ivette Chicken Lady Urbanos Pizza Ink IHop Mel’s Dinner Best 2014 QSacMagazine Cover feature May feat. Mahlae August feat. Mackenzie Claude January feat. Matthew Jara March/April feat. Andrew Christian September feat. Jose Mayorga June feat. Carter Carter July Feat. Brock Thompson Best Gay Entrepreneur Brett Anderson - e13 Salon Richard Hallmarq Ken & Peter - Lumens Jon Stevenson - Trumpette Luis Barrera - QSacMagazine (Non-Eligible) QSac Magazine’s man of the year Duane Ram David Heitstuman George Raya Bobbie Blackstone Adam Howard QSac Magazine’s Woman of the year Taylor Facha Jennifer Marshall Roz McDaniels Candice Phillips Kaye Crawford
Homegrown Hip Hopper Releases Album By Charlie Rocafort
C
azwell became a YouTube sensation after a million people in a single week viewed his “Ice Cream Truck” music video. From there, the Massachusetts-born rapper began producing a steady flow of ridiculously popular videos like “Rice & Beans” and “I Seen Beyoncé At Burger King”. All captured his engaging charisma, self-effacing humor and adorable personality. This month, Cazwell returns with a new batch of hip hop comedy gems that impressively showcase the artist’s hypomanic yet insightful take on pop culture. “Hard 2 B Fresh”, his first album in four years, features seventeen tracks - including his latest tearing up dance floors, “Dance Like You Got Good Credit”. We caught up with Cazwell at Logan airport as he prepared to board a plane for a performance in Houston. Its no wonder being fresh is so hard! Recording seventeen tracks had to be a lot of work. There were tons more songs that didn’t make it on the album!
What was your mission with this, your second record? I wanted to bring it back to a 90’s feel when every song would get kids to the dance floor. What song are you most anxious for fans to hear? “The Biscuit”. It has a fierce beat that was originally used in the South African song, “Ek Smaak Jou (I Dig You).” I’m pretty sure it’s going to be the next single. Is there a track on the album that speaks to you personally? Yes, “I Blocked Your Number”. It’s a break up song but it’s not a woe is me kind of track. It’s very detailed and true to what I was going through at the time. The lyrics are funny as all hell and Roxy slays it as the telephone operator in the opening. The beat assaults you. I made it with Fresh Direct and Richie Beretta. When making music, do you pay attention to trends? The worst thing I could do is to start doing a style of music just because it’s hot at the moment. The best tracks I make are the ones that I can’t wait to spin. If I’m feeling it, if I would party to it, if I would play it, I’m sure I can’t be the only one so I gotta trust my instincts. I’ve learned to be informed by the trends but not necessarily be guided by them. Where did the idea for “Dance Like You Got Good Credit” come from? I owe it all to Bianca (Del Rio). We used to work together at a bar in New York’s Chelsea. I’d be DJing and she’d be on the mic reading the crowd. At some point in the night, we would get people up on stage to dance and strip off their clothes for a $100 prize. I remember one time this guy was barely moving on stage and Bianca screamed at him, ‘Dance! Dance! Like you got good credit!’ I thought to myself ‘damn that’s a good title for a song!’ That’s why she’s in the video. It’s a hot track! It’s a combination of twerk, trap, pop and hip-hop. My favorite part of the song is when Cherie Lily sings the hook. I wanted her to bring out the attitude so in the studio, I made her chew gum and keep her hand on her hip the entire time she was recording. Was Cherie Lily really pregnant in the video? Yes! I was adamant about making the video before she went into labor. For one, I was under a time crunch, but I also thought it would add to the personality of the video and her
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comedic role in the song. We both agreed that her pregnant belly had to stick out so we made sure she was styled in a lot of spandex like Peg Bundy. Many of the tracks on Hard 2 B Fresh tackle topics that speak to today’s youth culture. Is “Dance Like You Got Good Credit” referring to the economic state of young people today? Who’s to blame? Great question! I mean really, who really knows who’s to blame? Ya gotta see the sense of humor in this country’s state of bad credit. I mean really. It’s kind of hilarious that broke people go into debt just to look rich for other broke people. Who are we trying to impress? It has a lot to do with our overwhelming fear of appearing poor I suppose. And I guess I understand it. Is Cazwell Black Card or FreeCreditReport.com? (Laughing) I’m somewhere in the middle. But since I got my student loans finally paid off, I’m feeling almost Black Card. What are some things you did to get by as a struggling artist? When I first moved from Worchester to New York, I massaged feet for a living. I really did! I catered to guys with foot fetishes. I suppose a lot of guys thought I had nice feet. I would let them play with them for a couple hundred dollars. I had to get over being ticklish real quick. I, myself, don’t have a foot fetish. I have a sneaker fetish, though. What are some of the good things about being broke? Off the top of my head, I can’t think of any good thing that comes from being broke. But what’s worse is someone with a broke state of mind. You may have no money but you still gotta be resourceful and use your talent and charm to get what you want. If you’re low on funds, you shouldn’t call yourself broke because it lowers your self-image. To quote Oprah, “You’re just having a temporary out of money experience”. What’s next for you? A lot of shows to support the album. It feels amazing to have finally given birth to this big baby. I feel like I had triplets! But I couldn’t be happier and I’m so grateful to my label, Peace Bisquit, for allowing me the time and experimentation it took to produce the specific vision I had in mind. Hard 2 B Fresh is available on iTunes now.
Big Rabbit
Stefano Vincent Saltalamacchia by luis barrera
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2015 mr. bear l.a.
his past Augus 16, Stefano Vincent Saltalamacchia, better known as Big Rabbit was officially announced as the winner of the Mr. Bear L.A. 2015 competition in Southern California. To say Stefano has big plans for this year, is an understatement. “My title is allowing to help raise money for various non-profits in the area” explained Stefano. He added that his ultimate ten year plan would be to help create a community center, that would house various non-profits and community groups. More immediately Stefano is planning a ‘teddy bear toy’ drive for the holiday season. He explains, “I actually never had a teddy bear growing up, I had a penguin “ he added that “I feel like every child needs that buddy that they carry with them at all times.” Stefano hopes that with the toy drive he will not only help connect children with teddy bears, but also help raise awareness of the gay bear community and the good that it can do when giving back. When asked about what are some of the bear community’s needs in the Los Angeles area he replied “well I know a lot of it has to do with perception, big, tough and hairy doesn’t mean, we are rough, mean and unwelcoming.” He goes on to explain that the bear community is actually in fact very welcoming to others and it consist of various types of people with various types of phsycial attributes. “I used to be a bigger boy, and when I started to become more aware of good healthy habits like working out, eating well and I started to lose the weight, I feel like, a lot of people felt like I wasn’t a bear any more, but it’s my
community, and just because I don’t fit the norm doesn’t mean I don’t belong with my community.” He goes on to add that to him “bears are various levels of sizes and masculinity, there are many shades of fur in the bear community.” Stefano credits his weight loss in recent years to becoming more aware of the health benefits of being a more active person. So much that Stefano has recently transition his career into a personal training. He says he also used to be teased a lot about his weight “I used to be called “Big Bird” but now I go by Big Rabbit, it suits my personality more” explains Stefano. He also wanted to express that, he didn’t lose the weight to fit the stereo typical ideal of what a gay guy should be, but rather to also help his self esteem and health. Yet Stefano is not just a trainer. He has also started his own production company properly called Big Rabbit Productions. It’s focus is on producing events, and marketing campaigns for his clients. “It’s everything, from photography to events to club events to music videos, I love creating and producing” added Setefano. Although is still early to determine the impact Stefano will make as the 2015 Mr. Bear L.A., one thing is for sure, whatever he does, he will definitely be working towards something he’s passionate about and will be a great representative to the Bear community in Los Angeles.
courtesy images
Lus Barrera
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