Are you a Gay Supermodel? Stay quiet!

Fashion industry in this country is still very young compared to Singapore, Hongkong, The US, Australia and Europe. However, culturally  Indonesia is very rich. It’s something we have to be proud of. But the fashion industry sometimes forget about it, and looks up to other countries instead.

The Fashion industry is beautiful, fabulous and glamorous. I’m sure you have friends or relatives who want to be a model. But there’s a dark side to everything. As a working model, here are some my and my colleagues’ experiences working in this business.

1. If U are Gay and you Look Gay you cannot go anywhere as a model. You will get less bookings. For example: When you attend casting session, the choreographer will say “You have to be manly, strong enough and powerful as a male model.” I heard a fashion designer once said, “You look sissy darling, I’m sorry but my brand does not fit your profile.” In places like Europe, you are bookable regardless of your sexual orientation.

2. You have a great portfolio but u still look Gay. When you send your portfolio to the magazine, they might reject you because you are gay. I heard the Editor in Chief of a famous fashion magazine once said “I’m sorry darl you can’t work with us because our magazine represent normal men, and we don’t hire gays.” Such a pity. Don’t they realize that 70% men who work in fashion industry are gay? Sexists!

3. You are a new and you want to be represented by a great agency. If u are a Gay beware with this response: “We accept your portfolio and we’ll get in touch with you.” The next day the booker will ask you “Do u have free time so we can chit chat in my home?”

4. Many gay models must hide their orientation. They don’t want to talk about it or blatantly show it. They survive by staying quiet and “look like a real man.”  They might have to date girls. They realize the mouth is like a knife. They rather stay fake than true to themselves because they have to survive.

5. Many ex-Models ended up working in TV / Film as an actor. Once they declare themselves as gay to the public, they will lose their popularity. Many producers and clients won’t hire them anymore.

So if you want to work in this business as a model, a talent or an actor in this country, you have to be ready with the risk. Or else you will get stuck in your career and won’t be able to advance forward.

Abroad, out-in-the-open Ellen DeGeneres is a successful lesbian TV HOST.

Kim Stolz , former ANTM contestant, is open with her orientation and gets many job offers after the show.

We all know Ricky Martin

Chan Than San Vietnamese Model who works in Singapore as a model and moves on to continue his career in hongkong. He is successful as a photo model because of his feminine gay-ness.

SO, does Indonesia have a successful actor, super male model, singer, or public figure who are gay but still in hiding? Reasons why they’re not open? Feel free to post a comment below.