A professional photographer with traditional roots, Dustin has a nontraditional outlook on life. The Louisiana-born, Florida-raised Southern boy living in Rockville likes to buck the status quo and smash gay stereotypes. Despite coming out only a year and a half ago, following a three-and-a-half-year relationship with a woman, the 25-year-old comes across at ease with himself – knowing who he is, where he's been and not seeking anyone's approval. Due to the nature of his job, Dustin is often working, but on the rare occasion that he has ''down time,'' he spends it relaxing at home with friends.
What's on your nightstand?A picture of my parents and a Marc Hom photography book. He's my favorite photographer.
Coverboy: Dustin
(Photo by Julian Vankim)
What's in your nightstand drawer?A bunch of memory cards, and I think that's about it.
Where do you keep the condoms and lube?In the hutch where my TV is. They're collecting dust. I keep them where God can't see them.
What was your favorite cartoon when you were a kid?I was really into Doug.
What superhero would you be?Probably Superman, because he always has really good hair for a cartoon character.
Who's your greatest influence?My mother. She's one of the strongest people I know, and she makes me want to be a better person.
What's your greatest fear?Not achieving in life what I know I'm capable of achieving.
Pick three people, living or dead, who you think would make the most fascinating dinner guests imaginable.David Lynch. Erykah Badu. Abraham Lincoln. He's my favorite president. I have a big tattoo of him on my arm. I just admire how progressive he was at the time he lived.
What would you serve?Pizza and beer. Something casual and simple, so we could focus on the conversation.
How would you describe your dream guy?I like artsy guys with tattoos, with self-confidence and a sense of direction. Attractive wouldn't kill me. Someone I can talk to who's a real person and doesn't fit into a genre of what a gay guy is supposed to be.
Define good in bed.Someone who will call me the next day.
Who should star in a movie about your life?
Well, he's dead. Humphrey Bogart. But if it has to be someone alive, Gabourey Sidibe, the girl who starred in Precious. She played sad well, and my life has had a lot of ups and downs.
Who was your first celebrity crush?Devon Sawa, from Now and Then.
Who gets on your nerves?People that complain about things that they can change.
If your home was burning, what's the first thing you'd grab while leaving?A pair of underwear so I wouldn't be butt-ass naked in the street. And probably my camera.
What's your biggest turn-on?Someone who's elusive. I like a good chase. Someone who doesn't give it all away, makes me work for it and keeps my interest.
What's your biggest turn-off?People who lie about who they are.
What's something you've always wanted to do but haven't yet tried?Dieting. Just kidding.
What's something you've tried that you never want to do again?Going to Texas on vacation. It was terrible.
Boxers, briefs or other?I don't wear underwear. It's not good for the balls.
Who's your favorite musical artist?Depeche Mode.
What's the most unusual place you've had sex?On a beach at night. It was with a girl.
What position do you play in the big baseball game of life?Observer. Spectator.
What's your favorite retail store?I really like Urban Outfitters.
What's the most you'll spend on a haircut?Nothing. I cut my own hair.
What about on shoes?$30. I'm not big on style or spending money on materialistic things.
What's your favorite food to splurge with?I'm a Clyde's whore. I love their bacon cheeseburgers and their ranch dressing.
What's your favorite season?Fall. It's really aesthetically beautiful. As a photographer, I gravitate toward things that are picturesque. The climate and temperature are perfect, too.
What kind of animal would you be?Honey badger, because I just don't give a shit.
What kind of plant would you be?A tree. A ''Sherman oak.''
What kind of car would you be?An '87 Buick Cutlass.
What are you most grateful for?Being alive.
What's something you want more of?Hours in the day.
State your life philosophy in 10 words or less.Two tears and a bucket, motherfuck it.
...more