Hometown: Adams, MA
Profession: Multimedia Management
Hobbies: Writing, Photography, Cheesecake
Favorite Album: “At Last!” – Etta James
Favorite Song: “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” – Whitney Houston
Favorite Artist: Sia Furler

F&G: How does it feel being a cover model for F&G? Have you ever modeled before?
Jeffrey: I can be a little timid. This was an opportunity to sort of force myself to come out of my shell. I’ll only say this once. I’ve. Never. Modeled. Before. If you find nudies on the internet, they’re fakes and you should contact my lawyer with the web address. In college, I needed to make some extra cash, so I did do the unthinkable, I sold my pancreas on the black market which is how I became a diabetic, but I have never modeled.

F&G: You enjoy carrying around a big red balloon? How do you think it aided with the look you were going for? How do you think the other cublings will view you?
Jeffrey: I’ve taken to carrying a red balloon since the shoot, yes. I’ve also added a propeller hat and knee high socks to really seal the deal. As far as the other cublings are concerned, I won’t beat around the bush; they’re jacking my style left and right, adding their own swagger to it. I did see a cub and one toddler with yellow balloons yesterday and whoever said yellow balloons were the new red balloons was seriously disturbed.

F&G: We think that the big red balloon made you just so adorable we could just eat you up! Would you say that’s an attribute you like to have?
Jeffrey: I do endorse people thinking I’m adorable. If I knew that all I needed was a big red balloon, I would have bought one when I came out of the closet a decade ago. Hopefully, it’s not just the balloon. I tried carrying cute puppies, but they steal the spotlight. The big red balloon disarms without completely distracting from my chubby cheeks and furry bod.

F&G: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Jeffrey: Cheeky, introspective, and, I suppose, a bit fanciful.

F&G: Tell us a little secret about yourself that someone might not know!
Jeffrey: Well, actually, here’s something I’ve been sitting on for a while now. It has been a bit troublesome and even destroyed a few casual friendships. I’ve been careful about who I come out to with this but… I don’t like Julianne Moore. Aside from her fluke performances in The Hours and A Single Man, she’s a basic bitch.

F&G: What is your current look that you are going for? We know you are growing out your beard, is there someone famous you are looking at for inspiration?
Jeffrey: I’m a Libra so I’m always balancing… accessories. My look usually has some fem or camp qualities to combat the scruff. That whole thing about taking off one element of your outfit before leaving the house has always eluded me. I think I look great in thick glasses, scarves, bracelets, necklaces, bowties, chaps, suspenders, stirrups, and even better when I’m wearing them all at once. I am very pumped about growing out my beard. Someone suggested I go for the William Fitzsimmons look and I suppose subconsciously I am working towards that, but with bright colors and floral prints.

F&G: How does music fit into your every day life?
Jeffrey: If I’m not listening to music, I’m not in a good place. Like most Bostonians, I feel naked without my ear buds or headset.

F&G: What songs are blowing up your play lists these past few months?
Jeffrey: One of this month’s releases, Charli XCX, has really gotten my booty bouncing. I’m into her tracks “What I Like” and “Grins.” I’ve also been feeling Tove Lo, who you (Sean) introduced me to. I’m always listening to soul divas. Aretha, Etta, and Amy are my comfort food. I’ve recently added Emeli Sande to that lineup.

F&G: How did you find out about F&G?
Jeffrey: You sold me on it with the promise of hot dudes and bartenders who don’t skimp on the sauce.

F&G: What about F&G makes you keep coming back for more?
Jeffrey: You held up your end of the bargain. I get a good buzz and meet some stand-up gentlemen. Obviously, the clientele and the music are a huge part of the experience. It’s definitely a more casual environment than your traditional, segregated “gay night” at a club. It’s nice to know most of the guys probably just threw on some clothes and gave themselves a quick spritz before coming rather than the sort of ritualistic preparation that a club might require.

Johannes
Hometown: New York City
Profession: Research on HIV and LGBT Mental Health
Hobbies: Video games, Dance Dance Revolution,step (like in Stomp the Yard), anime/manga, webcomics, activism, cooking and baking poorly, playing with dogs that are not mine.
Favorite Album: “The Meaning of 8″ by Cloud Cult
Favorite Artist: Can I pick 2? Industrial/Metal/Goth: Angelspit. Indie Rock: Johnny Foreigner

Jason
Hometown: Kingston/Boston, MA
Profession: Unitarian Universalist minister and community organizer
Hobbies: watching movies on opening night, riding bikes, writing things, eating tasty food, teasing people I love
Favorite Album: are Broadway musicals albums?
Favorite Artist: Michael Jackson, obviously

F&G: How do you both feel being a cover model for F&G?
Johannes: As you saw during the photo shoot, I was pretty nervous about it. But the photos came out better than I expected, and being photographed with Jason put me at ease somewhat. I’m mostly just happy to be part of what I think is a really positive aspect of Fur and Gold: promoting the beauty of many different kinds of bodies, and bringing in folks from the community, rather than stock photos of modelesque men, to be the face of the party on all the advertising
Jason: So fun.  Sean is a very sweet photographer.  It was a great time.  Posting on Facebook has made for some hilarious interactions – namely with my Mom

F&G: What three words would you use to describe yourselves?
Johannes: Awkward, earnest, and goofy.
Jason: Cozy, cuddly, armed&dangerous

F&G: Johannes, you have a twin!  Have you used this for your advantage at all?  Tell us a lil’ story!
Johannes: Haha, everyone expects twins to pull some kind of switcheroo at some point, but I promise that’s nothing but a movie cliche. It would never work in real life, and I honestly don’t think we look enough alike to be confused for each other- although some people apparently can’t tell the difference (ahem, Sean). But I think being twins works out for us in all kinds of ways- we’re best friends for life, and we’re into a lot of the same music, video games, TV shows, etc. etc., but we’re not attracted to the same people so we never have to compete. Plus, he makes some kickass pancakes. And we give each other massages. Our bromance is pretty awesome.

F&G:  Jason, you have an interesting profession, tell us about it and how it influences your views on life!
Jason: When I was pretty young I felt really called to ministry.  It became more complicated as I grew up and realized that most conceptions of God didn’t really work for me.  Unitarian Universalism has provided me the space to explore what it means to do justice work in a way that recognizes the interconnectedness of all existence while also believing in the need of those experiencing oppression to shape their/our own theologies of liberation.  My ministry has allowed me to both serve in a congregation, which I did for 7 years here in Boston, and to work in the community to meet  the needs of LGBTQ people in prison while simultaneously working towards the abolition of all cages.

F&G: How does music fit into your every day life?
Johannes: I’m listening to music almost constantly- walking down the street throughout my day, doing boring stuff at work, working out, or chilling at home, my iPod is always on. But the part of my life where music is most essential is during workouts. Not only do I find it impossible to muster up the motivation to exercise without music, my gym time is my me time, when I get to just block out the rest of the world and release all my stress and tension, and music helps me achieve that escape.
Jason: I love to have music playing in my ears when I am sitting at my computer working on projects or putting together a sermon.  I love lots of embarrassing music, as well as what other people have termed “good” music.  I LOVE dancing… and music with lots of fun beats make that far more possible.  Sometimes there seems to just be music playing in my head and I feel the need to dance around outside, in a store, or waiting for the T.

F&G: Give us a little fact about yourselves that people might not expect.
Johannes: I’m utterly obsessed with Pokemon and will play every new game that comes out- and when the franchise comes to an end, that will be a sad, sad day for me.
Jason: I’m a pretty great shot with a .38 revolver

F&G: What songs are blowing up your play lists these past few months?
Johannes: This paragraph could go on forever! My musical taste is really broad, and a lot of my favorite bands have released new albums recently. “Forest Serenade” and “The Leopard and the Lung” are my current favorite songs from The Joy Formidable’s new album. I also just recently dicovered Parenthetical Girls’ “Safe as Houses,” which is one of the most beautifully tragic, lyrically impeccable albums I’ve ever heard. On the more aggressive side of things, I’ve been digging “Absolute Psalm” on Igorrr’s new album “Hallelujah-” it’s one crazy experimental electronic metal mindfuck of a track. Then there’s “In Yr Underwear” by Fox N’ Wolf- there’s just something about cutesy, bratty female vocalists with rude, aggressive lyrics that gets me so pumped. On that note, “212″ by Azealia Banks will be blowing up my playlist until the end of time.
Jason: Dating Johannes has pushed me to go to more shows the past year than I have gone since I was a little punk rocker and hanging out in basement shows.  We went to see Exit Music and that was super fun, but I’m terrible with song names, though I certainly like them.  When we went to see Jezabels I learned about Imagine Dragons and the sexy lead singer who played a big drum with his hot strong arms.

F&G: How did you find out about F&G?
Johannes: Through Jason, actually. Our first date was at The Alley. =)
Jason: I’ve known Sean since 2005… so I learned about it from him I do believe.

F&G: What about F&G makes you keep coming back for more?
Johannes: The chill, open, alternative atmosphere, and of course the eye candy.
Jason: Brent’s cute self DJing, fake beer, furry faces, nice smiles, and bumping into homos I know.

Hometown: Juneau, Alaska
Profession: Community Manager for a happiness company
Hobbies: Spending too much time on the internet
Favorite Album: The first Spice Girls album. Anyone who hates it, hates themselves.
Favorite Song:  Shooting Stars-Bag Raiders
Favorite Artist: Dan Mangan

F&G: How does it feel being a cover model for F&G?
Andrew: Well, I’m flattered! It’s kind of a nice little ego boost. I always have a blast at F&G so it’s awesome getting to be a part of it, even if it’s in small way.

F&G: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Andrew: Feisty, Loyal, Precise and a 4th would be Taco.

F&G: So from Alaska eh? I’m sure you got something interesting to say about it there!
Andrew: Haha yes I’m a very proud Alaskan. Not too sure what I can say that you haven’t already seen on TV but, I have seen the Northern Lights more times than I can count. Fishing with my Dad was my favorite summer activity. If I could replace beef with moose in my weekly diet, I would. Um, I would have to say that living in Alaska gave me an appreciation for winter, so it’s hands down my favorite season.

F&G: How does music fit into your every day life?
Andrew: I challenge you to find a time in my day where I’m not wearing headphones. I feel like I should be sponsored by Bose. My life is pretty much “shake to shuffle” and so is my music. If you were to go through my most played songs on iTunes library I could probably tell you a amazing story associated with the first 100, and that’s exactly how I like my music. Finding new music just means I have to find a new things to do while listening to it.

F&G: Give us a little fact about yourself that people might not expect.
Andrew: I really REALLY don’t care for cake. Like at all. I’m also the tallest person in my family at a WHOPPING 5’7.5″.

F&G: What songs are blowing up your play lists these past few months?
Andrew:
On The Metro-Girls Aloud
Bernal Heights-Jhameel
It Gets Dark-Holy Ghost
Heartbeat (Justin Faust Remix)-Childish Gambino
Trojans (Lenno remix)-Atlas Genius
Leaving (Psb Side-by-Side Remix)-Pet Shop Boys

F&G: How did you find out about F&G?
Andrew: I was actually invited by a new friend that I met on twitter, who was a cover model earlier this year! (LOVE YOU JEREMY COX!)

F&G: What about F&G makes you keep coming back for more?
Andrew: It’s the only place where I can get a dirty martini and a bearded man at the same time.

Hometown: Ludlow, MA
Profession: Retail & Student
Hobbies: Traveling, dancing, eating, exercising, socializing, … My nails.
Favorite Album: Adele- 21
Favorite Song: This week, it would have to be Timebomb.
Favorite Artist: There’s no way I can narrow it down to just 1; Norah Jones, John Legend, Adele, Robin Thicke, Ingrid Michaelson, Lady Gaga, Scissor sisters, Maya Simantov, Peter Rauhofer, Joe Gauthreaux, Hector Fonseca, Abel Ramos.. All pretty relaxed stuff

F&G: How does it feel being a cover model for F&G?
Jon: It’s pretty inspirational actually. A few months ago when I first came across fur & gold, I would’ve never guessed id be on the cover.

F&G: How did you find out about being a cover model for F&G?
Jon: Sean Johnson!

F&G: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Jon: Reserved, Impatient & Eager!

F&G: Give us a little fact about yourself that people might not expect.
Jon: I use to weigh in at 300lbs a little less than 4 years ago.

F&G: How does music fit into your every day life?
Jon: I am constantly listening to music. From my commute to and from work, school, going out, while hanging at home, I am always listening to something. I need it almost as much as I need to breathe.

F&G: What songs are blowing up your play lists these past few months?
Jon: Timebomb, Feel so close, 20 seconds, Skyfall, I melt with you, International playboys, Collide, Searching, Don’t fail me now, Girl gone wild (I could go on..)

F&G: How did you find out about F&G?
Jon: I believe it was a fur & gold event page on Facebook a few months back.

F&G: What about F&G makes you keep coming back for more?
Jon: The energy. Everyone’s pretty friendly and there to have fun. It’s nice to go out and socialize once in a while without having any sort of expectations held to you. Fur and gold is just that!

Hometown: São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
Profession: Marketing Coordinator at Manhunt.net
Hobbies: Aviation, Reading, Dancing, Travelling & My Tumblr
Favorite Album: The Family Jewels – Marina & The Diamonds
Favorite Song: Fico Assim Sem Você – Adriana Calcanhoto
Favorite Artist: Britney F*cking Spears!

F&G: How does it feel being a cover model for F&G?
Marcelo:  It feels like my modeling career will finally take off! No, it feels pretty great, definitely something outside my comfort zone.

F&G: You got some cute style there, do it yourself, or do you have your own stylist?
Marcelo:  I have absolutely no sense of style! When I do look cute, it is usually because my best friend MP forced me to try something new on.

F&G: What three words would you use to describe yourself?
Marcelo:  Effervescent, Weird and Kind

F&G: Give us a little fact about yourself that people might not expect.
Marcelo:  I can fly planes and had plastic surgery when I was 6 years old!

F&G: How does music fit into your every day life?
Marcelo:  It plays a huge part, from my morning shower to my evening commute, I always have my favorite songs playing.

F&G: What songs are blowing up your play lists these past few months?
Marcelo:  This has been a big month for new music! I’ve had P!nk’s Beam Me Up, Mika’s Origin Of Love, Lana Del Rey’s Ride & Marina & The Diamond’s How To Be A Heartbreaker on repeat!

F&G: How did you find out about F&G?
Marcelo:  My first time visiting The Alley I met some guys who told me about it. I was hooked from the first visit!

F&G: What about F&G makes you keep coming back for more?
Marcelo:  My amazing friends who always go, the fantastic new people I’ve met through F&G, the music that never disappoints, and cute scruffy men who attend!