Interview
Stefan Adlers…Living His ‘Best Gay Life’!
Jan
Stefan Adlers, Model and Gold Medallist: Living his Best Gay Life
Stefan Adlers clearly has a talent for being in front of the camera, with his piercing blue eyes and abs to die for it’s clear to see why the camera loves him. Modelling isn’t Stefan’s only skill, he also managed to snatch gold in the Paris Gay Games playing for English LGBT football team Stonewall FC. Fantasy football anyone?
What does typical day for Stefan look like?
Alarm at 6.30, breakfast, work all day as a landscape gardener, home, gym/football training and sleep. At the weekends I like to meet up with friends, travel and of course play football.
So, you have exclusive content on your Instagram, tell us how that works?
Instagram have very tight restrictions about the type of content you can post. Onlyfans enables me to express myself in a way that I can’t on Instagram.
27 thousand followers is pretty impressive. How much work does it take to have such influence on Instagram?
Initially it takes a lot of work by keeping incredibly active and getting your name out there. Collaborating with as many people/brands/photographers as possible. I had a big boost quite early on when I did a photoshoot with Steve France for DNA magazine. One of the shots we did had the highest likes on their page but I wasn’t brave enough to post it on mine.
And now for the question that every gay man wants to know, what is your top tip for the killer abs?
Getting abs is all down to body fat percentage. You could have the best abs in the world but if they are hidden under a layer of fat you are never going to see them. Diet is paramount and the way you train is too.
Have you always been so avidly in to fitness? How did it all begin?
I got into fitness when I was 17, as a very skinny kid I was very self-conscious. My heart got broken by a girl and it all started from there. My training, however, really got to the next level a couple years ago when I started to suffer with depression before coming out. The gym really did help me through a dark time and I’m truly thankful for that.
We all know diet is half the battle when it comes to staying shape, but with so many confusing messages about how and what we should eat, can you share your top diet tips?
I would start by saying that diet is more like 75% the battle when it comes to staying in shape. You really are what you eat. As for what you should eat, that will vary from person to person depending on their goals. As for what I eat personally…whole foods, high protein, moderate amounts of complex carbs and I always say too much veg is never enough. Also, I make sure I drink lots and lots of water and herbal tea. I try to avoid sugar apart from around the time I workout. At the weekends I can eat whatever and whenever. It’s all about balance: 5 days good outbalances 2 days bad.
On your Instagram you talk about your love for animals. Tell us about the fury friends in your life.
I have a four year old brown Newfoundland dog named Oswald. He follows me around like a shadow and I bring him to work. Love him to bits and so does everyone that knows him.
Congratulations on your gold medal in Paris. Has football always been a passion?
I got into football at around the age of 21 when I started playing 5 a side. I absolutely love playing, although I’m not at all fussed about watching or supporting any team in particular. Apart from the World Cup, I’m glued to the telly then!
And the Gay Games, I would never be forgiven if I didn’t ask…what really goes on in that changing room post-match?
Ha ha, sorry to ruin the fantasy but we shower, get changed and go to the pub.
From your Instagram I can see you are proud of your Swedish heritage. How does life there compare to living in the UK?
Sweden is awesome. It’s incredibly clean, the public transport is amazing and everyone is beautiful. It’s quite expensive compared to a lot of European countries but well worth a visit if you get a chance.
What’s the best thing that you can get in Sweden that you can’t get here?
Kanelbullar. It’s a cinnamon bun and it’s delicious.
So, can I ask, is there a significant other?
Yes there is and, as coincidence has it, he lives and works in Sweden. He is English and hoping to get a job in London early next year so fingers crossed! Although, I will miss the trips to Sweden to visit him.
What do you look or in a guy?
Good sense of humour is number 1. Can’t be with anyone that can’t take the mick out of themselves or out of me. Someone fun, caring and adventurous. And I suppose it kind of helps if they’re good looking.
What is your biggest turn off?
Bad teeth.
What would be your idea of a perfect date?
Trip to the zoo, rock climbing, or even just going for a drink.
What are your best and worst traits?
Best – thinking of others before myself.
Worst – thinking of others before myself.
It’s a blessing and a curse.
What are your best and (although we are struggling to imagine you have any) worst physical attributes?
Best, errm probably my bum.
Worst, definitely my calves. Been trying for years to get them to grow but I am cursed with skinny calf genetics.
What are you watching right now? Any Netflix recommendations for us?
I’m currently watching ‘Better Call Saul ‘(the spin off from ‘Breaking Bad’) which was probably the best series I’ve ever watched so I would have to recommend that. Film wise, gay movies “God’s own Country” and “Alex Strangelove”, both on Netflix, are brilliant. Alex Strangelove was an incredibly relatable story for me, about a boy who came out to his girlfriend, who then helps him come to terms with his sexuality. I may have cried a little.
Where is your favourite place on earth?
The beach.
If I could fly you anywhere right now, where would you want to go?
I’d love to visit the Caribbean.
When you are not working out, killing a photo shoot or playing football what do you do to unwind?
Take Oswald for a walk, go out for dinner or lunch, snuggle on the sofa with a film.
What is your mantra, the one rule that you live your life by?
Live and let live.
Where would you like to be in 5 years? Are there any big life goals you are working towards?
I’d like to be in a different job or be running a different business. I’ve had my landscaping business for 15 years now and have grown tired of it. If I’m running a bar in a warm country somewhere I’ll be a happy chappy.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
Beer.
Tell us something that surprises people about you?
That I am gay.
What really irritates you right now?
Current state of affairs here in Britain.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Generous
Kind
Lad
What does living your ‘Best Gay Life’ mean to you?
Not being afraid to be myself; not judging other people; travelling as much as possible; looking after myself and others; being kind; not being materialistic and, most of all, being the best version of myself that I can be.