about Johnny and SWTS now,
though ABC remains completely and resolutely mum.
Not sure what they're waiting for,
but I'll be excited to finally see an "official" announcement
about the pro skaters and judges
sometime before the show ends in December ...
Above, with Shannon Lenihan and Agentress Tara at the dot429 party that he tweeted about, Johnny sports his self-described "preppy-dork" ensemble (lol! I love it, and the Chanel penguin / "dressed-up-like-a-boy" look he wore to the premiere of the "arm-cutty-offy" movie 127 Hours on Tuesday). Here's a great write-up of his comments from the dot429 event.
And thanks to Johnny--who continues to broaden my horizons daily, because whoever thought I would someday find myself needing to use the phrase "Porno Robot" in a sentence even once, let alone repeatedly--I now know that dot429 is an amazing "professional network for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, and its allies, and that it is dedicated to connecting LGBTA professionals online and in person." But why is it called "dot 429"? I found the answer in an article from August 2010:
"The name 'Dot429' is a bit of a secret handshake," said Cathy Brooks, a strategic communications coach and one of the sites’ founding members. "4-2-9, when viewed on an old alphanumeric keypad spells 'G-A-Y,' and the 'dot' indicates 'connecting the dots.' Not merely of the LGBT community, but also extending out to the 'A' as in Allies."
Very cool! You can join dot429 for free, and also "like" them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.
And after you're done with that, here's another treat for you: Part 2 of the article from an-an, with special thanks again to our wonderful Akiko Nakata! Some soul-baring comments from Johnny, and yet another fab picture. Enjoy!
Interview title: "Johnny Weir: 'I'm a Strong Person' "
Interview series: "Who’s Hot?" #52
an-an #1732: November 10, 2010, pp. 97-99
Interviewer: Mie Furuya
Photographer: Hidemi Ogata (Yes! The same photographer who did the shoots for the Artbook!)
Part 2
"There Are Some People Who Should Be Alone.
For Example, I'm One of Them."
May I ask about your private life?
Usually I often fly all over the world. As if my life was all in planes.
What do you bring with you every time?
So many things. My favorite diptych candles, Ren face wash, Ping-chan ... You feel lonely if you are always traveling, don't you? I only hope to make me feel comfortable at the places I stay. So I have a lot of baggage and I am charged extra every time. I have three suitcases this time, too! I think I must be a troublesome passenger.
In the US, you live alone, don't you?
Yes. I’m happy with it. I'm rather hard to please.
What kind of person will you choose as a life partner?
I have no idea. Now I am so busy that I think I might well postpone loving someone. I used to think I should always love someone, but now I don't think I should. Moreover ... I think there are "some people who should be alone."
"Some people who should be alone"?
Yes. For example, I'm one of them. I don't think I should always love someone. Now I love myself most of all.
"I'm a Strong Person. I Believe in Myself."
Why do you think you could be a top athlete for so long as thirteen years?
I think it happened so naturally. I'm wise, but sometimes I'm silly and I fail. Even though I knew what would happen, sometimes I didn't stop doing it. But every time I learned something from what happened, and I could advance. That's why I have been a top athlete for all these years: because I'm a strong person.
It's great that you definitely say, "I'm strong." Where did you get such strength?
I have this strength thanks to my parents. My parents have never said to me, "No." Even when they knew I would fail, they let me fail and gave me an opportunity to learn for myself. And I know that it is a fact that one is born alone and dies alone. If you don't make yourself strong, nobody will do that for you.
How would an-an readers be able to be strong like you?
Look in the mirror at the end of the day, and think that you are beautiful. I would do that before. When I was younger, I was hurt by many things and often depressed, and I cried in the shower, but after that I would feel strong when I saw my eyes shining in a mirror.
To find something good in ourselves is the key, right?
Right. Many people think they should be perfect, but I think that is wrong. Nobody is perfect. If you know that, you will find your way.
What is your goal? Will you tell us a goal for the near future and another for the distant future?
My goal for the near future is to succeed in all the projects I'm working on. By "succeed," I don't mean that I will make big money or that my song will be at the top of the charts. I don't feel such things are important. If I feel only that I did my best and that I learned something from it, then that is "success" for me. My goal for the distant future is: "Happiness."
What is "happiness" for you?
Love, friends, work, house ... feeling myself filled with something whenever and wherever. However, if something was missing from the list, I wouldn't think I was unhappy. For example, when I'm not satisfied with love or I don't have a good job, if I can move forward, just keep moving forward, it's OK. And I'm rather happy if I have a flute glass of champagne, ice cream, and a cashmere blanket [laughing].
Is figure skating in the picture of your happy future?
I think I would be too old to compete then [laughing]. But figure skating has been something special for me since childhood. So I think figure skating will be part of Johnny Weir for ever.
Lastly, please tell the readers how to be beautiful like you!
Treat yourself well, for your outside beauty needs everyday care. I think your inside beauty is nurtured by loving yourself, and it will show on the outside. As long as you believe in and love yourself, nothing but good will happen to you. You will surely be beautiful and attractive.
Caption with this photo in an-an:
As long as you believe in and love yourself,
nothing but good will happen to you.
Designer T. Rains and Johnny have teamed up to raise money and awareness for The Trevor Project! This organization is "determined to end suicide among LGBTQ youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources." Proceeds from the "Army of One" t-shirt sales will go to The Trevor Project foundation. Order yours today! Your support is greatly appreciated!
For more information, please visit www.thetrevorproject.org.
For more information, please visit www.thetrevorproject.org.
They have great tidbits to offer,
and you get a special sneak peek at an exclusive photo
from the Artbook when you sign up!
In exchange for a donation to Toys for Tots,
Trish Aaron-Misiura will send you one handmade,
Johnny-inspired Christmas ornament! More info here!
