From The Editor: DNA #296 – The Sexiest Men Alive
So many men… so little time! Welcome to DNA’s 2024 Sexiest Men Alive issue.
“Yes, they’re sexy, but what gives them that extra dimension of hotness?
Every year, in preparation, I ask our many contributors to send me their suggestions about who we should include on our Sexiest Men list.
As you can imagine, I end up with a very long list. Usually, one or two names begin to appear more than once, and this gives me an idea about the direction we’re headed. However, this year, of over 60 men suggested, not a single name was repeated. This means our writers have very diverse tastes, which is a good thing, but it was frustrating for me! Where do I start? How do I tame this beast of a list down to 20 or so men worthy of making the final cut?
So I looked for the men who attract clicks on DNA’s socials, the men who have made headlines over the last year, and the men who have interesting backstories. Yes, they might be objectively sexy, but what gives them that extra dimension of attractiveness?
Actor Luke Evans is a good example. What I like about him is that he’s slightly older and still very handsome, he has his own swimwear brand, and he has defied Hollywood’s expectations about what an out gay actor can be and the roles he can be cast in. Luke has been a leading man, an action hero, and played gay roles. Hollywood would still prefer its male stars stay in the closet, but Luke proves this is not necessary to enjoy a successful career.
Another good example, and this time from a different generation, is Spanish actor Manu Rios. He’s young, beautiful, and played many gay roles already, including some pretty full-on sex scenes. He has never mentioned his sexuality publicly, though many fans xpect he is gay, and he has been a steadfast ally. He’s definitely one to watch. Not just because he’s glorious onscreen, but because his personal story is yet to unfold.
I’m also drawn to men who have overcome challenges, like bodybuilder Marco Cortez. Raised by his aunt, as a child he never felt attractive or even visible. His journey has required an incredible amount of self-discipline to achieve the physique he boasts today. Being included in DNA’s Sexiest Men Alive issue means the world to him, and I’m sure he’ll find a lot of new fans when you see his photos.
Also included are some of the models who work with our regular photographers and the brands we partner with – I’ve called them The Boys In The Brands. These guys deserve a special shout-out. Not only do they work hard to look amazing, they consistently bring new and creative ideas to their swimwear and underwear shoots. You would think there are only so many ways you can shoot a pair of underwear, yes? Well, they keep things fresh, seemingly effortlessly.
A couple of cover boys make return appearances because we know you loved them. Bearded hunk Sam Vass, and Eric Romaguera with his ’70s porn star look. Both are unconventional cover choices, but both turned out to be very popular.
There’s also Lenny Kravitz – it’s almost a cliché to put him on a sexy men list because he’s been on them most of his professional life, but the man is 60, the image we have published was taken just a couple of months ago, and he looks amazing. Perhaps it’s his vegan diet, or perhaps it’s having rockstar personal trainers and the time to train… either way, he’s someone to celebrate.
Finally, Austin Butler. Because, as our writer Matt Phillp observes, his sex appeal is “primal”. Plus, he’s already a great actor so we eagerly look forward to his first gay role.
Apart from the copious man candy to enjoy, there are some great reads in this issue. Portia Turbo reviews Jon Savage’s important new book, The Secret Public, we preview a Pride Cruise to the Antarctic, our Straight Mate is Carlos Sanson who loves to party with the gays, we choose eight of the best gay sex scenes of 2024 so far, and my interview with Bianca Del Rio is fun. She was mean to me but I’m okay!
I trust you will enjoy the issue and if you do, or don’t, I’d still love to hear from you at the burnttoast email below.
Andrew Creagh, Founding Editor,
burnttoast@dnamagazine.com
