Sexually fluid model and advocate (who is fighting to change the hearing world) Nyle DiMarco bared all for the latest Gay Times cover shoot.
Related | 7 Steamy Photos of Nyle DiMarco--Because You Need It
He opened up to the magazine about growing up deaf and representation in his community.
"There is a massive number of people, groups of people, who are not being heard or who are overlooked. Despite the power of social media, which could be a useful tool to educate people, we've become so divided and so afraid to open up, listen, and communicate. We need to start listening to each other. How can 466 million people with hearing loss join in on that conversation and find their 'identity' if they are denied access to what they're saying? Often there are not interpreters at Pride events for Deaf LGBTQ people and allies. The best solution is to have Deaf and people with disabilities involved in organising Pride events," DiMarco said in Gay Times.
To accompany the story, artist Cacho Falcon painted "I love you" in American Sign Language across DiMarco's body to send a message of support and love to the deaf community.
"American Sign Language is my native language. ASL gave me the language foundation I needed for success from an early age. Growing up with ASL I was able to dictate my life, able to define myself, and able to identify myself as Deaf Queer with pride and confidence - without language and communication barriers," DiMarco said.
Watch the behind-the-scenes video below that showcases DiMarco's beautiful shoot. And head over to Gay Times to order the issue for yourself.
