Certified Hunky: Meet Troy!

This month’s Certified Hunky is Troy Kuntz—a North Dakota powerhouse of kindness, creativity, and unapologetic authenticity. As a library media specialist and community advocate in the small town of Dickinson, Troy is the kind of guy who brings a little magic everywhere he goes—whether he’s hiking solo through Theodore Roosevelt National Park or championing intellectual freedom at his local library. His story is a powerful reminder that being your true self in quiet, rural spaces can be a radical and deeply hunky act.

The Questionnaire

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself! What's your name, and where are you from?

A: My name is Troy Kuntz, and I’m from Dickinson, North Dakota—a small, conservative town with big skies and amazing people. (They don't call us "North Dakota Nice" for nothing!) I work as an elementary library media specialist by day and dabble in all sorts of creative community projects the rest of the time. Whether it’s helping kids discover their next favorite book, participating in local theatre productions, supporting the arts and sciences in the community, and advocating for our public library, I try to bring a little magic and visibility wherever I can.

Q: What does being a 'Certified Hunky' mean to you?

A: To me, being a Certified Hunky means showing up fully as yourself—even (and especially) in spaces where that hasn’t always felt safe or celebrated. It’s about owning your softness and your strength, your joy and your weirdness, and letting that authenticity ripple out to others. Where I’m from, just being openly queer can feel radical. So every time I live out loud, lift someone else up, or create space for queerness to thrive, that feels pretty damn hunky to me.

Q: What are three things that you are most passionate about?

A: I was always taught to leave things better than you found them, and that mindset fuels everything I do—whether it’s serving on local boards, organizing community events, or just showing up for the people around me. I care deeply about my community and believe in helping it grow into a place where everyone feels seen and valued. I’m also a big fan of the outdoors—hiking in Theodore Roosevelt National Park (just a short drive from home) is one of my favorite ways to recharge and reconnect. I often refer to my solo hiking adventures as my "church".

Q: How do you express your individuality and authenticity in your everyday life?

A: I express my individuality by living openly and unapologetically in a place where that hasn’t always been easy. Whether I’m showing up in a fun outfit (we love a costume party), advocating at a library board meeting, or organizing something a little magical for the community, I try to lead with heart and humor. I don’t shy away from hard conversations, but I also believe in showing joy and kindness as a form of resistance. Staying true to myself—especially in small, rural spaces—isn’t just personal, it’s powerful.

Q: What's a recent achievement or personal milestone that you're really proud of?

A: A recent achievement I’m really proud of was the advocacy work I did during this year’s legislative session to protect libraries and intellectual freedom in North Dakota. As a member of the Dickinson Area Public Library Board, I worked closely with others across the state to speak out against harmful legislation, write testimony, and rally support. What meant the most to me, though, was hearing from friends, coworkers, and community members who told me they had contacted their elected officials for the first time—because they saw how passionate I was about the issue. That kind of ripple effect, where one voice inspires another, brought me so much joy and reminded me why I show up in the first place.

Q: Who is a role model or figure that has inspired you in your journey, and why?

A: One of my biggest role models has always been my mom. She’s the kind of person who shows up for others without needing recognition—whether it’s through acts of service, quiet strength, or a deep sense of community. Watching her give so much of herself to family, church, and neighbors taught me what it means to lead with compassion and purpose. She’s also the reason I believe in leaving things better than you found them, which has shaped how I show up in my community, my work, and my advocacy.

Q: What do you love most about being part of the LGBTQ+ community?

A: What I love most about being part of the LGBTQ+ community is the deep sense of connection, creativity, and resilience we share. There’s something powerful about knowing you’re part of a group of people who have turned struggle into strength and made joy into a form of resistance. Especially in a rural town like mine, finding queer community—even in small moments—feels like finding family. We lift each other up, create space where there wasn’t any before, and remind one another that we’re never alone.

Q: If you could have a superpower for a day, what would it be and how would you use it?

A: If I could have a superpower for a day, it would be the ability to teleport anywhere instantly. There’s so much of the world I want to see, events I want to experience, and people I want to visit—this power would let me be everywhere at once. I’d hop from one amazing place to another, soaking up new cultures, catching up with friends, and spreading a little joy along the way. Plus, no more long drives or airport lines—sign me up!

Q: What's one thing you wish more people understood about you?

A: One thing I wish more people understood about me is that beneath my outgoing and sometimes quirky exterior, I’m deeply thoughtful and care a lot about creating meaningful connections. I might joke around or show up loud, but I also listen carefully and put a lot of heart into the work and relationships I build. I’m driven by a quiet hope that even small actions can make a big difference.

Q: How do you stay connected with your friends and community? Do you have any favorite events, clubs, or online spaces?

A: I have an amazing group of friends who are always down for an adventure. We love to travel and experience new places and events together, which brings us closer through these shared adventures. I also stay pretty connected with my community through social media—mostly Snapchat, Facebook, and Instagram. I have friends spread out all over the globe, and what I appreciate most is that when we do reconnect, whether in person or digitally, it rarely feels like any time has passed since the last conversation.

Coming out later in life, I’ve been making a real effort to connect more deeply with my LGBTQ+ community by attending local and out-of-town Pride and queer events. I try to make the most of each event, meeting new people and building connections that help me grow and feel more rooted.

Thank you, Troy!

Troy, thank you for showing us what it means to live with heart, courage, and joyful resistance. Your passion, advocacy, and authenticity make you a true beacon—not just in North Dakota, but for all of us in the Hunky Tribe. We’re so proud to feature you as July’s Certified Hunky!

Know someone who deserves to be celebrated as our next Certified Hunky? Maybe it’s your best friend, your partner—or maybe it’s you. We’re always looking for bold, beautiful humans to spotlight. Send your nominations to christian@hunkytops.store and help us shine a light on the amazing members of our community.