Welcome to our Certified Hunky series, where we spotlight incredible individuals in our community. This month, we’re thrilled to introduce Sean, a fitness coach with a passion for improv, horror, and embracing his authentic self. Let’s dive into Sean’s story!
THE QUESTIONNAIRE
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! What's your name, and where are you from?
A: Hello there! I’m Sean, currently from San Jose, California. I was born and grew up outside of Boston, Massachusetts. I am an online fitness coach (Gym Bear Fitness) and I have an awesome husband and two cats.
Q: What does being a 'Certified Hunky' mean to you?
A: Certified Hunky means a lot. I grew up overweight and in a constant cycle of yo-yo diets and trying to lose weight. Well into adulthood, I was always trying something new. Then I found the confidence and embraced that I’m a bigger guy and that is perfectly good. I think it means embracing who you are and being proud of it.
Q: What are three things that you are most passionate about?
A: I’m passionate about finding balance for yourself in your life and work. I love performing improvisational comedy when I get the opportunity. I also love horror movies and novels. Honorable mention: tattoos.
Q: How do you express your individuality and authenticity in your everyday life?
A: When I moved to the Bay Area in the late 90s, I remember being told things like “you’re cute for a bear” or “I don’t date bears,” and for the longest time, I saw that word as a pejorative. Now that we’re entering a better mindset of our community, I embrace the Bear label. I am protective of my group, but I’m also cuddly, warm, and welcoming. I was afraid of showing off a bigger body for so long. And so I proudly show off all my body wearing short shorts and tanks at the gym. I’m a bear, and I’m proud of it. It’s also the Hunky Tops shirt I picked for one of my favorites. It encapsulates me so well.
Q: What's a recent achievement or personal milestone that you're really proud of?
A: I performed to a sold-out house at ImprovFest Ireland with my duo partner. Our team name is Macho Men, and people loved us. Making friends laugh is easy. Making strangers laugh is harder.
Q: Who is a role model or figure that has inspired you in your journey, and why?
A: My very dear friend Nick Armstrong. He’s an actor and comedy club owner and he founded an improv retreat weekend that literally changed my life. I have some of my absolute best friends in the world because of him. He created a weekend of improv and fun more than 15 years ago, and it’s still going strong. He’s kind and compassionate and so generous with his time. I literally have friends from all over the globe through his camps. The number of friendship circles he’s influenced is mind-boggling.
Q: What do you love most about being part of the LGBTQ+ community?
A: I love that it has stayed strong through a lot of turbulence. I love that we are really starting to recognize the vital role that the trans community plays in our overall community and that without the T in LGBTQ+, we may not be where we are. We still have a long road ahead, but together we are stronger.
Q: If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?
A: Teleportation. I have friends everywhere who I only get to see sometimes. And I would love to snap my fingers or blink my eyes and be with them.
Q: What's one thing you wish more people understood about you?
A: That when I love you, I will love you for the rest of my days. I used to be afraid to tell friends I loved them as it always felt like romantic love was all we had. But if you are my friend, I will love you until the day I die. But also sometimes I’m afraid to reach out and ask for help or just to talk. Be ok with checking in on me.
Q: How do you stay connected with your friends and community? Do you have any favorite events, clubs, or online spaces?
A: I attend at least one of the Camp Improv Utopia retreats a year. I stay active in various improv communities as I can. I try to text my faraway friends when I can. I try to be a beacon of hope in my social media feeds.
THANK YOU, SEAN!
Thank you, Sean, for sharing your journey and insights with us! Your story reminds us of the importance of embracing our true selves and finding joy in community and creativity. We’re inspired by your resilience, humor, and the love you bring to those around you. Be sure to follow Sean on Instagram at @gymbearfitness for fitness tips and more insights into his life.
Would you like to be our next Certified Hunky? We’d love to feature more amazing individuals from our community. Share your story with us by sending an email to christian@hunkytops.store. Let’s celebrate what makes you uniquely you!
