Bear Plus Magazine joined Instagram in 2014, a little shyly, after all, at that time the social network was expanding and we were used to Facebook and the late Twitter, in 2016 we received several photos from followers asking if we could publish them on the feed, we found them interesting because With each photo published, many people liked it and it was created in that year that we would call “Selfie Sunday” which was the day that could be published at the time.

In 2020, we decided to incorporate the scheme into the website, highlighting the most liked photo of the edition on the website and starting to make a list of the 50 that were chosen by Instagram profile followers, causing more people to send photos via inbox, tag by tags in the name of the magazine or by tagging directly in the photos.

January 2023, the team decided to do something new, put the most liked person of the year on the January cover. In addition to doing an interview with someone who no one would think would be on the cover. That's how Danilo Halfhead appeared to be our interviewee of the year.

In the interview, he will talk a little about what it was like dealing with his parents when he came out as homosexual, how he received a camera as a gift from a friend, where his current passion is, talk about how not to be ashamed of his body and his plans for this year that is starting.

I hope you enjoy the interview and remember, participate in the “Selfie Sunday 2024” section where the most liked person of the year could be on the cover in January 2025.

Marcelo Gomes : Even though Italy is a Catholic country and a conservative society, what was it like dealing with your parents about your homosexuality?

Danilo: I was fortunate to grow up in a family where regional identity wasn’t as prominent as in the rest of Italy.

Personally I identify as agnostic and have never appreciated how a secular state like Italy is so influenced by religion. Thankfully, over the years, people’s mindset has changed, distancing themselves from religious indoctrination.

The conservative, and somewhat bigoted, view of society is now just a distant memory or an inclination of those people in power at the government.

Next year will mark twenty years since my coming out, and since that day, my relationship with my family has improved tremendously. I couldn’t have hoped for a better reaction!

When did your interest in photography begin?

A few years ago, my then-partner gave me a Canon Bridge, a hybrid between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR camera, sparking my passion for photography. I never would have thought that this hobby would turn into my second job!

I don’t have a great memory, yet every time I look at some of my photos from around the world, I can remember exactly what I was thinking or feeling at that precise moment in my story. Not everyone believes that photography is just emotion, but for me, it encapsulates moments of cathartic self-awareness. Photography has always been pure salvation for me.

You love taking photos of yourself, isn’t your partner a little jealous of this?

“I’m the jealous one! No, just kidding! Jealousy can be harmful to love if handled excessively and destructively.

Excessive jealousy can undermine mutual trust and create tension in the relationship. However, a moderate amount of jealousy can be normal and stem from a sense of protection towards the loved one.

At the beginning, he was a bit jealous, which I think is normal, but now he’s the one often taking pictures of me, or I of him. So, I would say we’ve found a good understanding based on mutual trust. And it’s a beautiful thing because I had never experienced such a deep harmony with anyone before. The key is to find a healthy balance and communicate openly to prevent jealousy from becoming toxic and damaging the relationship.

How did you discover Bear Plus Magazine where you started tagging your photos on Instagram?

Through one of my followers who used your hashtags. I don’t exactly remember who it was, but I still recall the excitement I felt the first time I got featured! It’s been a few years, but I still follow you with great curiosity, and I’m still amazed that I’m conducting this interview with you right now! It’s incredible how life changes in such a short time!

In your free time, you say you love going to concerts and going to the movies. How does it feel to hear and see classic works?

Experiencing classic works in music or movies can evoke a range of emotions, from awe and admiration to nostalgia and introspection. The timeless nature of these pieces often transcends cultural and temporal boundaries, creating a profound connection between the listener and the composer’s artistic expression. The rich melodies and intricate compositions can be both intellectually stimulating and emotionally moving, offering a unique and enduring appreciation for the beauty of music across centuries.

Since you participate in LGBT events, in your opinion, what needs to be improved in terms of community rights?

While progress has been made, there are still areas in which Italy can improve regarding LGBT community rights.

This includes fostering greater societal acceptance, enhancing legal protections against discrimination, and promoting comprehensive education on diversity and inclusivity.

Advocating for transgender rights and addressing challenges faced by LGBT youth are also crucial aspects.

Continued efforts toward creating an inclusive and supportive environment can contribute to a more equitable society for all.

But, as I was saying earlier, things are changing, and people are no longer closed-minded as they used to be. This year, at the various Pride events I participated in, there were so many people! This warmed my heart because it’s proof that there will be positive changes in the near future.

In some published photos, you are at sea. Do you love swimming?

I love swimming! I swam for many years as a child, and the passion for this sport has stayed with me. Swimming gives a feeling of lightness and freedom, while the water’s resistance tones the body, providing a pleasant and refreshing sense of well-being.

There are many bears who are still afraid to show their bodies, especially on social media, how have you found yourself valuing yourself?

Nobody should be afraid to show their body! People often think that only those with a perfect physique can do so, when, in fact, it’s our imperfections that make us unique!

To overcome the fear of showing your body, I recommend working on self-confidence. Start by appreciating your positive qualities and focus on positive thoughts about your body. Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable and gradually push beyond your comfort zone to build confidence. Remember that beauty is subjective, and self-love plays a fundamental role in accepting your body.

Nearly 14 years ago, I gave myself the most beautiful gift I could receive: losing 60 kg and being reborn. Reborn to become the person I had always wanted to be.

It’s one of the few achievements I will always be proud of. Every time I look at my pics from the past, I struggle to recognize myself. I’m not talking about weight and physical size because I never let that define me as a person; I’m referring mainly to how I approached life. Those extra pounds had become a kind of armor I wore over the years to face all the negative things life threw at me.

It was time to change. I needed to prove to myself that I was stronger than the problem that had reduced me so much. And so it was. Now, years later, what I’m proud of is finding an unexpected strength within myself that has revolutionized my existence to finally feel completely at ease with myself, regardless of weight and physical appearance.

What are your dreams for the new year?

For the new year, I hope for new and exciting opportunities for personal growth, new experiences, and successes. Having the chance to set new realistic goals, focusing on meaningful relationships that have been my companions for a long time, and cultivating a positive attitude towards various situations. However, it’s important to remember that life is full of surprises, so flexibility and resilience are precious. I hope that 2024, the year I will turn 40, brings satisfaction, learning, and moments of joy.

Would you like to know more about our interviewee? Click here to access his Instagram

“I love swimming! I swam for many years as a child, and the passion for this sport has stayed with me. Swimming gives a feeling of lightness and freedom, while the water’s resistance tones the body, providing a pleasant and refreshing sense of well-being.”

Danilo Halfhead,Photographer