We're excited to introduce Ali Lopez as our Certified Hunky for October! Ali is a proud Afro-Latino Bear from Puerto Rico, the current Mr. International LeatherBear, Bear World Magazine Icon 2023, and an active member of the Centaur Motorcycle Club in Washington, D.C. He’s also helping organize the Leather and Bear community for World Pride DC. He's making waves in the LGBTQ+ community with his passion for representation, inclusivity, and helping others. Let’s dive into Ali’s story and what makes him a true Certified Hunky!
The Questionnaire
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! What's your name, and where are you from?
A: Hello, I am Ali Lopez, the current Mr. International LeatherBear, Bear World Magazine Icon 2023, and member of the Centaur Motorcycle Club in Washington, D.C. I am an Afro-Latino Bear from Puerto Rico!
Q: What does being a 'Certified Hunky' mean to you?
A: I love that Hunky Tops is a 100% LGBTQA-owned business. Representation matters! I feel they are representing a wide range of our community, and I am here for it! I love how you keep expanding the brand and making sure no one is left behind! I am a proud Hunky Tops Tees wearer, and so is my huzbear!
Q: What are three things that you are most passionate about?
A: I am passionate about helping my community as myself or as Santa/Slutty Claus, seeing representation of all the colors, sexes, sizes, and shapes of our community, and I am a big X-Men and Godzilla fan... Go Kaijus!!!!
Q: How do you express your individuality and authenticity in your everyday life?
A: My approach to life has always been, "Be authentically you, share the Puerto Rican culture, and be open to new experiences!"
Q: Who is a role model or figure that has inspired you in your journey, and why?
A: My mentors Robert Remington, his huzbear Rodger Ream, my huzbear Ricky, and the membership of the Centaur MC. They have raised a Cub into a force to be reckoned with. Through my journey of helping my community, they have been there all along!
Q: What do you love most about being part of the LGBTQ+ community?
A: The potential that this community has is amazing. We have the ability to heal, empathize, and possess a strength that many take for granted! For all our suffering, we have persevered, and we can't be stopped when we put our minds to it!
Q: If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
A: I would love to teleport through time and space, to get a chance to tell all the people no longer here how much I love them and how they made a difference in my life! Boy, I am going to need therapy after that!!!
Q: What's one thing you wish more people understood about you?
A: I am a loner by nature. I find my center in solitude or in the company of animals. I am an animal keeper by trade, and to listen, all you have to do is quiet your mind....
Q: How do you stay connected with your friends and community? Do you have any favorite events, clubs, or online spaces?
A: As the "Tribune" for the Centaur MC, I put on social events in the DC, Baltimore, and Virginia areas. As Santa for the straight community and as Slutty Claus for the LGBTQA community, I am always bringing people together and raising funds for our communities. I've been Santa for 21 years now, and last year we helped bring Christmas to over 7,000 kids! Ho, Ho, Ho, Beoatches!!!
Thank you, Ali!
We’re incredibly honored to have Ali as a part of the Hunky Tops community. His passion for inclusivity and helping others is truly inspiring, and we’re proud to feature him as our Certified Hunky for October. Be sure to follow Ali's journey on Instagram at @bearbeast269 and continue to spread the love, just like he does every day!
If you’d like to be featured as a Certified Hunky, send us your favorite photo of you wearing Hunky Tops gear! Email your submission to christian@hunkytops.store, and you could be next in the spotlight!
