Real Bodies: “I don’t have the perfect body – but I’m proud of it”

Chris Adelaide, 28, bloggerHeight: 5’5. Weight: 9.1 stoneWhy did you decide to pose for Attitude: Real Bodies?

I don’t have the perfect body but I am proud of it and that’s why I wanted to do Real Bodies. There’s not much representation of different body types on TV and in the media. I think there needs to be a variety of people on here; a more realistic depiction of all guys. I think men are only realising now that you don’t have to conform to one single body type.

Do you believe there’s a pressure on gay men to look great?

I think there’s a lot of pressure now to look perfect or to look polished and not everyone is like that. I’m definitely not like that. Even certain underwear brands are completely sexualised nowadays, and it’s all just the same smooth, twinky or muscular bodies.

Have you posted shirtless selfies online?

Oh, I have! There’s a lot on my Twitter and Instagram at the moment, just because a lot of the time I take photos I’ve got no top on. I’m just taking photos and don’t even realise it until someone leaves a comment saying something along the lines of ‘nip slip’.

How important is a good body for you in a partner?

It’s not important at all. When I met my husband I just met this guy, got to know him and fell in love with him after two days.

Would it make you feel insecure if you were with someone who looked after themselves a lot, especially when it came to sex?

Well, I’m married so the most important thing is that he likes my body. I weigh less now than I did when I met him and he loves my body now so I suppose that makes me feel better. I wasn’t happy with how I was before. I wasn’t happy being 13 stone. I’m not completely confident now but I’m a lot better than I was.

Do you think there’s some accuracy to gay men being perceived as more shallow?

I think there’s an image that in general we are but I don’t think everyone is. I think there are a lot of people who are more interested in getting to know a personality.

Do you feel comfortable naked?

To a certain extent, I suppose. This is the most naked I’ve ever been in front of strangers.

Chris on…

Ideal man:

Hands down it’s always been Danny Dyer (pictured, above). I love his body, I love his personality. I’ve watched so many bad Danny Dyer films because of how hot he is! I used to like Robbie Williams… They’ve got similar builds and hairy bodies which is totally my type.

Diet:

I used to be over 13 stone so I watch what I eat. I still kind of eat what I want, but moderately. I’m very careful now and the weight has just fallen off.

Guilty pleasures:

A frappuccino from Starbucks, it’s the one thing I can’t resist. Also, it’s really bad but… KFC. I’m not a big drinker but I’ll have the odd Disaronno and Diet Coke.

Manscaping:

I’m proud of having a naturally hairy body but you have to do a little bit just to keep on top of it. I’ve never wanted to be smooth; to me that’s not a turn on. The only thing I’d worry about would be my back and shoulders, but I don’t have that problem yet… Maybe when I get older!

Top body product:

I love Lush soap! It just smells so nice and it makes me feel really good… Like REALLY good.

Clothes:

I had to throw out my whole wardrobe when I lost weight. I went from a large to a small. I feel like I have to be proud of how I am, so I wouldn’t want to wear big, baggy clothes because that’s how it would make me feel – big and baggy!

More Real Bodies:

“I have HIV and I’m getting on with my life – and looking after my body“

“I’m not striking a pose when I’m having sex!”