thecityoftea

[thecityoftea]

Somebody might think nothing happens in Hollywood anymore, with the lack of juicy gossip lately. Anybody got something good to tell me, before I start making up spicy stories to keep myself entertained?

[thecityoftea]

Dream Beat Magazine — issue #5

For our fifth issue, we sat down with NFL superstars, Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow. We sat down with Joe first, talking about his 2023 goals, his future in the NFL and his philanthropy off the field. When we sat down with Patrick, we got to hear about his family, look back on his legacy of a career, and how he could have been a baseball player.

@joeburrcw @mahomes15-hq

DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE: You’ve officially entered your fourth season in the NFL, but you’ve yet to have a normal offseason since you’ve been a part of it. Do you feel like not having a normal offseason yet has impacted you or your performance in any way?

JOE BURROW: I don't feel like not having a normal offseason yet has impacted me. If not at all, then not much. Going into the season every year rusty is normal, with or without any of the setbacks I've had, but I always find my stride before the halfway point through the season.

DBM: What are your goals for the 2023 season?

JB: Win the Super Bowl, baby.

DBM: How do you feel knowing that most people consider you to be a Top 2 quarterback in the league?

JB: It's nice to feel respected in that way. I don't really care about accolades, statistics, awards, or anything of the sort that much because at the end of the day, all I want to do is play the game that I love so much. But when you have that kind of respect, it does go a long way and it's really appreciated.

DBM: Tell us about the Joe Burrow Foundation. How important is the success of an organization like that to you and the legacy you want to leave behind?

JB: Philanthropism has always been really important for me, I've always been the type to care more about others before myself. Mostly because I grew up in a city in Ohio called Athens where a lot of underprivileged and underserved families reside. And when I won the Heisman a few years ago, I knew creating my own foundation was something I really wanted to do because I wanted to have a way to be able to give back to society, especially people in that area. The Joe Burrow Foundation's mission from the start has always been to provide to those who are underprivileged and underserved. The primary focus is helping children with mental illness and those experiencing food insecurity, as well as providing resources and support to the underprivileged and underserved in a variety of ways. And while it does mainly focus on serving those in the greater Cincinnati and Baton Rouge areas, I do plan on having that expand even further in the future. Everyone has a responsibility to do good and that's the legacy I want to leave behind.

DBM: How important is it to have your family support you in your career path?

JB: I think it's definitely one of the most important factors. I'd be nowhere without the support of my parents, my brothers, my extended family, and now my fiancée and daughter. Everything I do is for them and that's not going to change anytime soon. If I'm not constantly making them proud, then I feel like I'm not doing a good enough job at what I do.

DBM: You’ve often said in the past that you remember the names of everyone that passed over you or rejected you in favor of other prospects. Is there anything you’d like to say to them now?

JB: I don't really think I have anything to say. Mostly because I proved anyone who ever doubted me wrong, and ended up exactly where I knew I would end up because I had the confidence in myself to know I could reach this level. Looking back, yes, it was difficult every time someone told me I wasn’t good enough, but if I didn’t use that constant doubt as motivation, then I probably wouldn’t have ended up where I ended up. I’m eternally grateful for it.

DBM: What’s one career touch point you will remember for years to come?

JB: That's tough to say. I think making it all the way to the Super Bowl during my comeback season after my injury will always hold a special place in my heart. It might change throughout the years with more experience in the NFL, but for now, that's what I would say is one I'll remember for years to come.

DBM: If you weren’t an athlete, what other career path would you have taken and why?

JB: It's funny because I never really imagined myself being anything other than an athlete. I could've had a really promising career in basketball or even baseball, but ended up going with football instead. I don't know, though, maybe I would've been in the science field somehow, some way. I do consider myself to be a big science nerd.

DBM: What would be on your list of regrets if you don’t do it in this life?

JB: Would it be really cliché of me to say I don't really have any regrets? At least none that I know of right now. I'm currently doing everything I want to be doing, and I've never been happier.

DBM: What is it like competing with someone like Patrick Mahomes for the championship year after year?

JB: It's exciting. Patrick is obviously the best in the world right now and that's what makes him so difficult to compete with for that reason alone, but at the same time, I feel privileged to be able to do so every year. I would love to get to that level at some point in the future of being the best in the world. But the budding rivalry has been so much fun to be a part of. Even if I do think it's a little silly because there's always going to be a level of respect between the both of us as some of the best quarterbacks in the league. At the end of the day, we both just want to see our teams do well and succeed, and that's all that really matters.

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DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE: In just three words, how would you describe yourself as a quarterback?

PATRICK MAHOMES: Conditioning, focused, team-oriented Conditioning, constant evolution, is something that every NFL player should have as their goal. The game not only changes from year to year, but game to game. Learning from other teams, being able to read their offenses and defenses, is the key to being able to evolve as a player. I do as much as I can to watch film and learn from other quarterbacks. We each have a different skillset, different quarterbacks we try to model our game after, so I think that honing in on their craft is essential in progressing my own game. Being focused is essential to progressing our team. Most players, but for sure the media, is always focused on what a quarterback is doing, what a quarterback is mentoring to the younger players. I need to focus on the game in order to relay this to the rookies on the team. It can be difficult to separate family life from career life, but when I'm in the building, I know my focus needs to be on the game. Team-orientation is something that needs to be there in order to succeed. A quarterback doesn't necessarily need to be a team-leader or a captain, but they are the voice for the team. In the huddle, a quarterback is the one that is supposed to hype the team up, encourage them when times are low. A quarterback is someone that needs to be stead-fast, strong in their team. And that's something that I feel that I am. I value myself as being a team-player to the end.

DBM: What, if anything, do you feel like you could improve on?

PH: I need to improve on my completion percentage. Last year, I think that I was decent. This year, we have a different group of core receivers, and based off this first game, we need to get our groove on. Every year has growing pains with rookies, new draft picks, so I'm confident we will successfully come back next game stronger than ever. Completion percentages happen when I have trust and proof in my receivers, which I'm hoping will come across in the next game.

DBM: Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do in the future when you retire?

PH: I really haven't thought about this. I don't like to think about retiring because I don't know what I'm good at besides being a husband, dad, and quarterback. If I could have my way, I would like to be involved in the football world in some way, whether that be as a coach or commentator. But we'll see what the future holds.

DBM: You’re on your way to have an impressive legacy in your career. Do you ever worry that you won’t live up to the expectations people have of you?

PH: Honestly, I don't pay attention to expectations. My goal is to get better year in and year out. Every year is different; each team gets different players yearly. If you're an excellent quarterback, in my opinion, you should care more about your next or current season versus whether or not you're meeting expectations of those surrounding you. My loved ones, the ones that have always and will always support me, are there for me after every game, win or loss. As long as I can look back on my career with no regrets, then I've met my own expectations.

DBM: What is your favorite way to wind down after practice or a game?

PH: After a game, I'm waiting to see my family; my wife, Laura Mahomes, and my babies, Sterling Skye and Patrick "Bronze" Lavon. Seeing Sterling waiting for me with her doe eyes and happy dance makes every game, win or loss, worth it. Bronze is too young to react at this time, but I still look forward to snuggling him after every game. And Lo... gosh, I can't say enough about her. She's perfect, an angel, a protector, a best friend. She's always worried about me, always proud of me, even if I have a less than desirable game. Having those three there after the game is something I look forward to every week.

DBM: You do a lot of philanthropic work in the offseason. Tell us about some of it and the impact it’s had on your life.

PH: My main philanthropic work is 15 and Mahomies. It's aimed at improving the lives of children. The main goal is to improve the dedication in kiddos for reading. We aim at helping kiddos that would not otherwise have the chance to learn and succeed. Giving back to the community in any way possible is the least I can do for everything that KC has given to me.

DBM: What is one moment you can recall that was pivotal in the decision to take on your career path?

PH: The first moment that comes to mind was in my college career, I had to decide between baseball and football. I was decent at both, but knew I had to focus on one to be able to hone in on my craft. When I was growing up, I idolized my dad and wanted to be just like him, and that included being a professional baseball player. But, the more I played football, the more I realized that was where my passion was. Once I decided to pursue football, that is what I devoted all my energy to. In terms of being in the NFL, the moment I signed my 10 year extension with the Chiefs was when I knew that I wanted to be a Chiefs player for the rest of my career. I put down roots in Kansas City and decided to purchase a piece of land to build a dream home. I plan on being a Chiefs quarterback for life.

DBM: What is one of your worst fears?

PH: My worst fear is something bad happening to my family, including my wife or kids. They are my entire world. Everything I do is for them. All the hard work, endless hours at the facility, all the training, all the game prep... that's all for them. I want them to be proud of me. When my kids are older, I want them to look back and know that what their dad did was all for them, to give them the best life possible. I've always been very protective over my family, but when she was pregnant with Bronze, it went to a whole different level. If I wasn't able to be around her, I only felt comfortable if she'd go with at least one, but preferably two, body guards at all times. If something were to happen to her, Sterling, or Bronze, I don't know what I would do.

DBM: What is something you want to be professionally and personally remembered by?

PH: Professionally, I want to be remembered as someone who gave his all to the game, and one who did so the right way. When I have young kids tell me that they look up to me and want to be like me, it makes me realize that life is so much bigger than just football. I want others to view me as a humble, down to earth guy who is just doing what he loves. I put so much time and energy into the game of football to ensure that I am the best quarterback that I can be. I do my best to be the best person I can be so that when kids tell their parents they want to be like me, their parents are pleased because I am a positive role model. Personally, I want to be remembered as being the best husband and dad that I can be. Family time is so important to my well-being. It gives me time to recharge. I want to be the most present partner and parent. Sterling loves to follow me around, and will tell everyone that she wants her dada whenever I'm not near her. The bond that I have with my kids is something that I never want to take for granted, and it's something that I want nurture for the rest of my life. I want them to know that I will always be there for them, in good times and in bad times. I'll always be my wife's and my children's biggest supporter.

DBM: What is it like competing with someone like Joe Burrow for the championship year after year? 

PH: It is amazing to go up against the best of the best. The toughest opponents are the most fun games to play in. The entire team has to be on their A-game to achieve a win. With Joe Burrow's extension, it seems that I'll be going up against him in years to come. I have so much respect for what he's brought to the game and the Bengals organization as a whole. He's one of my toughest competitions.

We want to thank Joe and Patrick for taking the time to sit and chat with us! Until next time, Dreamers!

[thecityoftea]

lana said she would fuck obama so she better watch out for harry #hobama

Oh damn, is there some drama in the presidential romance corner of the world? I didn't know Mr. Styles felt that way about our 44th president. You better watch your back, girl. @condorslanas @ch3rrystyles

[thecityoftea]

anyone notice how weird it is that natalia’s friends seem so obsessed with discussing her sex life?

Do you think they're trying to pull a series finale of Riverdale on us? Am I gonna wake up tomorrow and have to report that Natalia has entered a quad with her boyfriend and Mahomes and his wife? I don't know if my heart can take that. @ofdreamsnatdyr @killatrav-hq @mahomes15-hq @lohrrier

[thecityoftea]

You can say you’re jealous of the happy people, it’s okay.

Oh, baby, I'm not jealous. I have standards.

[thecityoftea]

If Sabrina doesn't wanna sweep Madelyn off her feet I'll take her, I'm not afraid of Joe.

See, this is the kind of attitude I fucking love. Unabashed, unafraid. Burrow, are you gonna let people compete for your girl like this? And can I put my name in the running? @brinacarpcnter @madsxclinesx @joeburrcw

[thecityoftea]

Favorite/least favorite couples?

Who said I play favorites? If you want my opinion, no one here is worthy of being my favorite. Call me when Harry and Meghan get here, then we'll talk.

[thecityoftea]

Anyone whose answers felt a little too safe?

Harry, babe, I love you. But deciding to kill Shawn Mendes over fucking him so that you wouldn't be a homewrecker? Couldn't be me. @ch3rrystyles @shawnchalamendes

[thecityoftea]

If I were Matt I would have killed Donald js

Don't you dare disrespect my man Donald like that. He deserves the world. Matty D, you have your way with Don all you want, we don't judge here. @matthewcdaddario

[thecityoftea]

The FMK's were truly unhinged last night.

I'm still heartbroken that no one put my name down. What is with you people? But I agree. They were unhinged but also very interesting to see play out. I like to think that anyone who gets a name multiple times has to be hiding something. I saw Sabrina getting Madelyn quite a few times. Gemma and Matt also were popular choices. Anything you wanna tell us, babes? Don't be shy, I won't tell. @dream-of-chan @matthewcdaddario @brinacarpcnter @madsxclinesx

[thecityoftea]

Who do you think has the most potential of all the new people?

Everyone is boring already. I was really hoping the soccer ladies would cause some chaos but two of them are already heart eyes at each other. Where is the spice? I know you can bring it. @itsalexmorgan @tobheath @chris23press

[thecityoftea]

There was an FMK last night and I missed it? And more importantly, why didn't any of your write my name. I'm heartbroken. I deserve to be loved here too, people. Anyway, who do we think had the juiciest revelation? Was it Matt wanting to fuck Donald Duck? Exactly how many times did Gemma get Matthew as an option and why was she so flustered? Do we think they're hiding something? Will Christen get to live her fantasies and marry Sid the Sloth? Share your thoughts and opinions. Or maybe if you wanna spill some secrets and tell me your deepest thoughts and feelings, that's cool too. I'll be here.

[thecityoftea]

DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE — ISSUE #4

For our fourth issue, we sat down with global soccer superstars, Alex Morgan and Tobin Heath. We sat down with Alex first, and talked about how she handles a healthy work/life balance, her dream soccer team, and her advice to young fans. When we sat down with Tobin, we got to hear about her successful business ventures off the field, looking ahead after a tough loss, and what it takes for her to be the best of the best.

@itsalexmorgan @tobheath

DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE: Alex, what was the most difficult part of your journey to becoming a professional soccer player?

ALEX MORGAN: When I was a senior in high school, I tore my ACL. During the recovery process, all I could think about getting back on the pitch. Even though I was out for a season, I did go on to play in college. That was my first real lesson in patience.

DBM: If you couldn’t be a professional soccer player, what would you do instead?

AM: This is a tough question because I’ve always been passionate about sports. I would probably be working with animals, like maybe working at a shelter to help them find their forever homes.

DBM: How important is it for you to be a role model for your daughter?

AM: So important! It’s one of the many reasons I love bringing her on the pitch after our games in San Diego. I want to show her that nothing is impossible. Recently, she told me, “Your name is Alex Morgan but your real name is Mommy”—which just meant the world to me. Everything I do, I do for her.

DBM: Who would you pick for your dream soccer team?

AM: For the forwards, I’ve gotta go with Tobin Heath and Melanie Barcenas. Alyssa Naeher as the goalkeeper. For the midfielders: Kristie Mewis, Lindsey Horan, and Savannah DeMelo. I’d round out with this roster with Kelley O’Hara, Naomi Girma, Sofia Huerta, and Crystal Dunn.

DBM: You have been named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential people two times. What does an honor like that mean to you?

AM: It’s something I don’t take for granted. I know how lucky I am to be in this position and to inspire the younger generation. I love knowing that girls choose my jersey number or stock up on pink headbands. It’s nice to know you’ve had an impact on this world. I’m very grateful for my fans.

DBM: Do you ever find it hard to balance your work life and home life?

AM: Not very often. I find it helps to stick to routines. When I’m not training or doing press, Charlie is my main priority. We’ll carve out time to watch Disney movies or go to the park. I never want to be too tired to make those little moments happen. Luckily, my family is great and will swoop in to help out as needed. I’m really blessed in that way.

DBM: What is one secret people would be fascinated to learn about you?

AM: My first nickname is definitely a secret! I don’t know how fascinating that is, though. Before I was Alex, my family called me Ali for a little bit. AliCat was a big nickname in my house, especially when my older sisters wanted me to do something for them.

DBM: Do you have any advice for young players wanting to pursue a career as a professional soccer player? 

AM: Don’t let anything stop you! If you’re passionate about soccer, keep practicing. No one became a pro overnight. As long as you believe in yourself, you can do anything you set your mind to. When times get tough and you feel like quitting, remember why you started. Your dreams can come true!

DBM: One last thing. You also wrote a book series which ranked at number 7 in The New York Times Best Sellers for Middle-School aged children; Will we be seeing another series any time in the future?

AM: I really enjoyed working on The Kicks and it was really cool to get to see it turned into an Amazon Prime original series too! At a book signing, I had so many kids saying this series is what got them into reading. That was pretty awesome! As of right now, I don’t have any immediate plans to work on new books. I also don’t wanna close the chapter (pun intended) on Devon and her story just yet. We ended on book 12 and obviously, we were so close to book 13. Maybe one day we’ll have a new idea that can get us to that magic number!

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DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE: Tobin, how do you deal with disappointment after a loss?

TOBIN HEATH: Call it a fatal flaw, but historically I’ve never dealt with the disappointments well. It’s something ever since a little kid I’ve carried the weight of and let cloud my head; I’m the type to internalize it all, so I’d bottle up my frustrations and disappointments and whatever blame I assigned to myself after losing a game and let it simmer until something inevitably set me off and shook it loose. It wasn’t until I was well into my twenties that I learned I needed to just give myself the space to feel it through and then move on. If I’m going to cry, I’ll cry, if I need to punch a pillow, I’ll do it, but I’m only giving myself the night. Next day, we’re off to the next thing, and we’re not looking back. Just ahead.

DBM: What got you interested in playing soccer?

TH: My parents signed me up for recreation soccer through the YMCA when I was four. All my siblings started playing sports early on in life — it was my parents’ foolproof method in helping us socialize and make friends, maybe pick up a passion along the way, and for me, we got it right on the first try. My foot touched the ball once and it was love. There was nothing I loved more in the world than the sport and that feeling never dwindled away as I got older.

DBM: You’ve played on several international teams and won several Olympic medals. How have those experiences played a part in how you play in the United States for your team and for the Women’s national team?

TH: Those experiences shaped who I step out onto the field as. It’s easy to get trapped inside things like being the best or shining star of a game, but we’re a team sport, and being with different groups of players and teams was the quickest way to learn who I was as a player within the structure of a team. As a player, you can hit the field and play the game, but you’re not going to win if you throw eleven people on the pitch that are playing to highlight themselves, not to complement others. I like to think my time in the Olympics and overseas eventually created a leader out of me after following all the other girls for years and seeing what worked, what didn't, and learning to see what the team needed rather than what the individual wanted. It helped me learn what I brought to a team dynamic and how to hone in on that so that regardless of the personalities or play styles I found myself sharing a field with, we’d find success. Those things give you experience that you can’t replicate just from playing with the same people; you learn new tricks, new skills, new methods, and it keeps your game from feeling stale and repetitive. As someone who’s always strived to play a game that’s entertaining for others to watch while simultaneously chasing the win, those experiences have been priceless in that regard.

DBM: What is your favorite way to celebrate after a win?

TH: Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, an episode of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and then crashing as soon as possible. Maybe a beer somewhere in the mix if I’m really feeling fancy.

DBM: Your brand, Re-inc, focuses on inclusion and identity. How important was it for you to start a brand like Re-inc? How did your decision to create the brand influence its mission?

TH: Re-inc was born from the sheer fact that myself and several of my other teammates felt wildly underrepresented in the brands that we actively sought out; whether it was sports media or streetwear, we felt like we had no voice in an arena we constantly found ourselves in the middle of. People liked to shape the narrative for us, through a pre-existing mold that had already proven successful inside of men’s sports, or what people assumed that we as women thought. At the end of the day, though, no one knew us better than ourselves. We knew what we were attracted to, what we wanted to represent, what we wanted to promote and put out into the universe. It was one of the reasons I personally never accepted many brand deals: I didn't like the idea of copying someone else's thoughts or beliefs onto my image, and re-inc was, at the core, an investment in ourselves and what we wanted. There’s power inside of liberation, and we wanted to break free from the expected, re-invent the things that felt stale, and bring attention and love to what mattered most to us. We started off just as a streetwear brand but we knew that within that, there was plenty of opportunity and space to create a community where we could shape the world we lived in into something that reflected our values and identities. It’s become a lot more than just clothes for us, with us starting up our podcast to carve out a space and culture for women’s sports that felt like us. At the root of it all is authenticity: we want everyone, regardless of who they are, to feel seen and accepted for exactly who they are.

DBM: Do you have a favorite memory from your career?

TH: Winning the 2019 World Cup, without a doubt. Winning that tournament, in my mind, is forever married to our win of securing equal pay, and it’s one of those rare moments in my life where I’m able to say I was able to physically feel the impact we had in the sport we play and the history made that future generations would benefit from sitting on my skin. It’s a once in a lifetime sort of feeling to have experienced. And the camaraderie, the amazing shit we woke up every day of that tournament and achieved… I still feel the ripples of it today in a way that just humbles me.

DBM: What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned from playing soccer? 

TH: That it doesn’t matter if we won if we didn’t have fun. At the end of the day, I play the game because I love the game, and if I’m not enjoying myself on the pitch or in anything I do for that matter, then is it really worth devoting myself to?

DBM: Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions? 

TH: Is it lame or pretentious to say no? I’m sure if you asked one of my former teammates, they’d tell you I do, but I'm not nearly as particular about what I do before taking he pitch. My pre-game ritual extends to listening to music and mentally hyping myself up to get onto the field and do my job.

DBM: Tell us about your nickname ‘The Nutmeg Queen’.

TH: It comes from the fact that I've always found great, great joy in making defenders — or anyone, for that matter — look silly. Cocky kids become cocky adults, and I was one of 'em. Still am. There’s just a certain thrill that comes with kicking a ball straight through someone’s feet without them even noticing. Never gets old.

DBM: We hear that you are quite the free spirit off the pitch, what do you do in your down time?

TH: I’m up for whatever and wherever the wind takes me: if it’s figuring out what the best beer and buffalo wing combo is, traveling to somewhere new or spending time with family, I’m usually rolling along with the flow no matter what it is. I’m still a novice surfer after years of trying but I love being out in the open ocean. That's probably my other great love right after soccer, even if I’m not the best at it.

We want to thank Alex and Tobin for taking the time to sit and chat with us! Until next time, Dreamers!

[thecityoftea]

Summer, the grand time of jet setting vacations, meaningless flings and having luxurious fun. I know you lot are not this domesticated nor quiet in your escapades, so my expectations are highly set. Give me some ripe summer gossip. 

[thecityoftea]

DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE — ISSUE #3

For our third issue, we sat down with actress, model, and activist, Hunter Schafer. We talked about her career, her personal influences, and her opportunity to sit down with important figures in current events.

@schaferofdreams

DREAM BEAT MAGAZINE: Euphoria has been a break out role for you, what do/did you find most rewarding about being on the show? With it being a series that explores darker themes, did you find that this made it more difficult as an acting debut? Is there anything that you learned that you will take with you for future projects?

HUNTER SCHAFER: I guess aside from the most obvious answer that I probably wouldn't be where I am now without that role, the most rewarding thing about it will always be how many people found a connection to the character. The representation in being able to depict a trans teen in a way that actually felt like a real person with her own whole entire life and plot on such a grand scale is something I'll always appreciate beyond words. Gosh, yeah. I turned down the role about three times before I was convinced to give it a shot. I'd never acted at all before and the caliber of what was expected felt far beyond me. But Sam and the casting director hooked me up with one of the best acting coaches out there and all three of them pretty much taught me how to act. My crash course was on that set as I went along. Now having been on several larger movie sets, even though the experience is a lot different, of course learning the technicalities of how things work has been a huge thing I'm taking to other work.

DBM: You’ve also made a name for yourself as a model in the fashion industry, working with fashion houses such as Prada, Dior, Gucci, and Versace among others. How would you describe your personal style?

HS: Right now, I'd say my personal style is a bit eclectic. Some days, it's full on comfy tomboy. Oversized everything and some days it's sleek, sheer layers. One of my constant favorite houses has always been Rick Owens. The structure of their clothing speaks to the artist side of my brain. With red carpets, sometimes, I love having a theme in mind. Something close to a character, even.

DBM: Have you ever seen yourself doing something else besides acting or modelling?

HS: Art is always foremost. It bums me out I don't have as much time for it as I'd like with other work going on, but I'm looking into getting my own dedicated studio pretty soon so I can throw myself back into that. I just directed my second music video, and directing is something I'm quickly falling in love with and can't wait to do more of. The videos I've directed have been centered around queerness and queer love. I'd be over the moon at the opportunity to be able to tell our stories through film.

DBM: How important was it for you to be able to sit down with other young activists and interview Hillary Clinton? What do you think you gained from that experience?

HS: That was actually one of the most nerve-wracking days of my life, but I was really excited to get to do it. At that point when I sat down with politicians, it was to advocate for my existence and it often felt demeaning, although I know it's something that had to be done. I actually feel like that was somewhat of a turning point for me. When I realized I wanted my activism to come more in the form of creating art and existing the way I am than what I'd been doing which was advocating in that specific way.

DBM: Tell us about a role you would absolutely love to play; Be it an original character role or your own take on a character that already exists. 

HS: I'm a nerd, so there are so many video game and animated adaptations I'd love to have a shot at. I guess at the forefront of my mind at the moment would be Zelda and Gwen Stacy!

DBM: Who are your biggest influences when it comes to your personal journey?

HS: My friends. My family. The world around me. I've always had to live life as it comes, and have been thrown head first into so many situations I couldn't even have imagined in my wildest dreams and what's kept me afloat has always been what's closest to me in a tangible way. Personally, I feel like there's nothing more valuable than being open to learn, admit your mistakes, and stop to take moments to appreciate the things around you that are there through it all. To me, that's how you keep hope.

DBM: What strengths would you say you bring to set?

HS: Since I'm still very much a rookie and learning, I mostly try to take care of everyone around me. What I've found is that things are so much easier when everyone's feeling appreciated in their job. I don't only want to be known for being good at my job, but to the people around me who help make it possible.

DBM: What are you most proud of?

HS: Lots when it comes to work! But on a most personal level, getting to treat my family to things. Taking them to events which I do with my mom and sisters a lot. They're almost always my dates. We've been through a lot and I wouldn't be where I am today without them and it's a really nice feeling to get to payback even just a little of the kindness, patience and support they've provided.

DBM: How do you feel about being a role model to others in the LGBTQ+ community? 

HS: I'd never ever call myself a role model. That's just to big a bucket to fill and I encourage everyone to live their own lives and not model themselves after others. Drawing inspiration from is where it's at and that, I'm totally okay with. That's why I want to lean more into creating art and taking on roles that will hopefully, in my wildest dreams, pave the way for us to have countless people to draw inspiration. I'd like to see us in spaces as frequently and equally as our peers one day and the only way to get there is to put in the work. This community has always been resilient and bright and I'm thankful everyday to be a part of it.

DBM: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

HS: In a directors chair, painting visions of the world as beautiful and inclusive as I know it can be.

We want to thank Hunter for taking the time to sit and chat with us! Until next time, Dreamers!

[thecityoftea]

It’s almost the weekend, and I’m hoping that someone has something for me that’s juicier than Harry Styles’ ass in leather pants. The inbox is empty, come fill’er up!

[thecityoftea]

New month, new scandals. You know how it goes - if you spotted something, spill something. The rich and famous have been quiet lately, so, what exactly are you hiding? Have something to share? Something to confess? I’m all ears.