Max Gaertner: All Colors Of The Rainbow

Dance can bring all kinds of emotions to the surface while liberating the mind and body – Max Gaertner is part of Container Love’s latest project, the music video for the song by The Irrepressibles, “Ecstasy Homosexuality”. As part of our latest Beyond Lust special, we asked Max to tell us about his behind the scenes experience, a personal queer icon he’ll never forget, and the freedom and tranquility he’s found in dancing.

Who’s your personal queer icon, and why?

I don’t have to think much about the answer, but he’s not a big celebrity or a star or anything like that. My personal queer icon is my first boyfriend. I came out with him, because he made me feel safe and comfortable to do so. I remember, I admired his confidence as an openly gay man. He showed me that it’s ok to be gay, it’s even better than being straight! He took my hand and showed me gay culture and all colors of the rainbow. I couldn’t imagine how it would’ve been without him on my side. I was and I’m still inspired by him to live my life however I want to.

We all experience ecstasy differently. How do you define and embrace it in your life?

To me, it’s mostly through dance and movement, really. When I dance, I’m free. When I dance I don’t think about anything else other than the music and my body. I feel warm inside, I feel the rush, I feel my heart beating and I can feel how the sweat is starting to come out of my pores. Dance can bring many different emotions to the surface, but it always makes me feel free and ecstatic.

And what’s the song that does it for you?

Together Again by Janet Jackson.

What was your favorite thing about shooting the music video for The Irrepressibles’ song, Ecstasy Homosexuality?

To me, the most inspiring moments when shooting music videos in general are always happening behind the camera. Behind the camera is where we, actors, are bonding where we get to know each other. 

Photography Anil Ayhan, Talent Max Gaertner