PAPER Has Nyle DiMarco Bouncing on a Trampoline in His Underwear to Show His Pride

Makes perfect sense to me.

PAPER magazine interviewed LGBTQ icon Nyle DiMarco about being a role model, his Pride plans, and his idea of a perfect date. Then, for purely journalistic reasons, they had him bounce on a trampoline in his underwear.

I like the way they think.

PAPER: Do you feel like you are also a role model for the sexually fluid, on top of the Deaf community?
NYLE: I do feel like I am a role model regarding my sexuality, as well. I have been getting messages from friends and fans that they feel they are finally able to relate to and accept themselves as fluid—or whatever sexuality they want to identify.

I feel that I identify myself more as a Deaf person, though. I have been Deaf ever since I was born. I am the fourth generation being Deaf; My two brothers, parents, grandparents and great grandparents are all Deaf. I have over 25 Deaf members in my family. The culture and identity are deep within me. I also do a lot more activism for the 70 million Deaf people worldwide because I feel there are not enough Deaf spokespeople.

How do you feel about the future of the LGBT community in America? Are you hopeful?
I am confident; however, there are still thousands of hearts and minds that need to change and open up. I’m more worried about the children struggling to find their identity during the new administration and especially after attacks on LGBTQ communities—Pulse nightclub, for one. I feel that the current administration is banding us, tighter and stronger—silver lining. That is what makes me hopeful.

What will you be doing on Pride Day in New York City?
I will be working a lot, but I will definitely celebrate with my friends! Perhaps at the parade, when I can!

How do you navigate the dating world in 2017?
I used to have Tinder. I got booted several times because they thought I was an imposter! In all seriousness, it is often through friends, work, parties—and maybe Instagram!

What would your perfect dream date be?
“Forget the fancy dinners, let’s play one-one-one basketball game. Dip into the beach. End the day with a simple dinner.”

Judging by your shoot for this story, you’re very comfortable baring all in front of the camera.
I am comfortable in my own skin; everybody should be in their own. Growing up my mother had nude statues, nude portraits, and nude educational books all over the house. Every time we were curious and/or asked why, our mother would always say, ‘Body is art,’ and then engage into discussion that beauty comes in many forms.