Perfect Pinups
Taking a peek into the pages of hunky hair-otica

Pinups Magazine is an old-fashioned exploration of the timeless appeal of the burly scruffy man. It comes courtesy of NYC art-fox Christopher Schultz who recognized that so many body types are robbed of their deserving erotic representation within the media (especially the queer media). He began taking photos of friends and lovers creating what he describes as “a quarterly periodical that features one, sometimes two, nude male models and no words just an exaggeration of the classic centerfold.” Each magazine features a series of steamy photos that can be taken apart and assembled to create one large dreamy nude worthy of placement on anyone’s bedroom ceiling. Heralded by everyone from The New York Times to Gay Times this magazine is helping lead the way for sexy depilatory-free fags. fab had a chat with Shultz and picked his brain about his hairy hobby.

What makes a Pinup Man?
I’m very particular about the type of guy I want to feature in the magazine. He needs to be comfortable with himself and proud of his body. The more natural, the better.

What has the reaction been to Pinups?
The reaction has been very positive in all areas. I’ve received a lot of thank-yous for being reassuring and empowering—a response I had not expected when I started the magazine. Someone once referred to Pinups as ethical erotica which I liked quite a lot.

What is your attraction/fascination with beards and body hair?
I love the way body hair looks and feels. For the longest time, body hair was not considered attractive. The ’90s particularly hated body hair. Even still many publications perpetuate the idea that smooth, lean, and toned is the look to attain. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with being smooth as long as it’s natural. A stubbly body just doesn’t do it for me.

Describe the aesthetic feeling of male body hair.
Sometimes soft, sometimes rough but so warm and cuddly. Who wouldn’t want to cuddle up next to a warm fuzzy man?

When did you first discover the wide world of bears and cubs?
I don’t remember a definitive moment or epiphany. The first time I came across the term “bear” was when the Internet was still fairly new and I would visit gay porno sites. They’d all have a special “bear” link towards the very bottom of the page that would lead to a gallery of slender 40-somethings with goatees. Still, I understood that bear meant hairy and other. I’ve always been fond of husky guys, so I naturally sought them out before I was familiar with the terminology. I don’t think the bear community is as official as people make it out to be. Everyone talks about it as though it’s an exclusive underworld with a secret handshake. It’s really just an identifier of men who are larger and hairier than the conventional norm, and who happen to enjoy others who fit that description.

Is it important for you to not classify this as a bear publication?
Yes it is. I’m not as anti-label as some. In fact I’m pretty indifferent. But I think it’s important that I represent the models on a neutral platform. If I were to define Pinups as a bear magazine, then I’d be limiting the range of the models’ beauty and presenting them as beautiful only within the confines of bear parameters, but by leaving it open, I’m allowing the models to be seen as beautiful across the entire spectrum.

Why do you think we’re starting to see more mainstream examples of non-traditional gay body types?
I hope it’s because men are getting tired of shaving their bodies. Honestly though, I think part of it is rooted in the exhibitionism that has formed around gay websites. This exhibitionism has resulted in body pride, which has caused men to reassess standard beauty.

What do you think can be accomplished by showcasing these hot and burly boys?
A shift in what is conventional. Pinups is a part of that shift and I see it taking place everywhere, from Tom Ford ads to Seth Rogen appearing nude in film. The more visibility the non-standard male physique has in the commercial world the more likely the current standard will change.

Have you ever had gay shame about your body hair?
I was a little confused about my chest hair when I was 14 and it started coming in. I was the first of my peers to grow it, so I felt a little out of place. Then again what 14 year old doesn’t feel out of place?

Who was your favourite bearded/hairy dude in history?
Well my all time favourite is the late actor Oliver Reed. He was often sporting amazing facial hair. Sometimes he had a moustache and sometimes he had a full beard. Sometimes chops. They all looked good on him. One of my favourite examples of his awesome facial hair is in the 1971 Western The Hunting Party. He had a moustache and a dark five-o-clock shadow.

What advice do you have for those curious about letting loose and growing a beard?
Beards are great. They frame the face, but I don’t recommend it for those who are lazy about shaving. A good beard requires grooming and constant care.

What would your ideal man be like?
My ideal man is much like the men I photograph in the magazine: burly and hairy with a cute face. Rough on the outside, sweet on the inside.

Pinups is available at Glad Day Bookstore 598A Yonge St. Toronto.
www.pinupsmag.com

Matt Thomas is one of fab’s associate editors and he loves his fuzzy chest Monday through Sunday.