Alex Budin Authentic & Sexy

July 28, 2019; Los Angeles, CA – Day 2. Model Hunt in the Fashion Theater at the California Market Center. Photo: ModelHunt International

GED readers have seen some of Alex Budin’s photographic work in our pages before. And while we know him as a very talented photographer, he is so much more. But beyond his talents, Budin is a very inspirational and authentic person. We knew you needed to meet him, and he sat down with us to discuss his careers, transitioning journey, and life in the United States. 

We know you as a photographer but tell us about all the other hats you wear and how you juggle multiple careers… model, actor, personal trainer, and photographer.

I’ve been a photographer for over 10 years. This helped me in the beginning of my transitioning journey as it was literally impossible for me to get hired as an average office worker with all the dress code situation and my obvious disparity in my passport and physical appearance back in the Ukraine. I loved taking pictures and it quickly became my passion. I noticed that people liked my photography and cared less about who was behind the camera, which gave me the freedom to do what I love and make a living at the same time. 

I would say that all my careers have grown out of hobbies that I feel passionate about. I was always passionate about sports and have been an athlete since I was a child. As I started working out, I learned as much as possible about fitness and nutrition… learning from my own mistakes and working hard on my physique, until the point when I was confident enough to share my knowledge with others. I decided to become a certified personal trainer, because I wanted to help people with their body goals and teach them proper weight-lifting techniques.

As for my modeling and acting career, this started only a short time ago. As some people might know, I was one of the transgender models walking for MarcoMarco underwear fashion show in New York last year. That was officially the beginning of my modeling career.  It was a long journey of building up and strengthening my own self confidence before I even considered becoming publicly visible as a transgender person. I truly would never have thought that being myself and simply feeling good in my own skin would lead me to the modeling industry!  I consider this, first and foremost, a great opportunity to meet people, and being part of the creation of something beautiful and being surrounded by artistic people. And, of course, fashion is another passion of mine which is interwoven with my photography, giving me the freedom to express myself, explore my personality, be different, and be unique and ambitious. 

You ask, how it is possible to combine so many careers and make it all happen? I guess Los Angeles has its own vibe that helps me do what I do.  You must make decisions fast and understand the rules of the industry. Of course, being organized is a great skill to have.

When and what prompted your move to the US from the Ukraine? When did you feel like you were home being in the US?

I moved to the United States in December 2014. I had to leave the Ukraine and seek asylum as a gay and transgender. Unfortunately, my country is not the safest place for people in the LGBTQ community, who often facing violence and discrimination. I was no exception. It was a very hard decision to make, as I had to leave everything behind and move to something and somewhere unknown and unstable. All that I had is the hope that I would find my safe place where I would not have to hide anymore… to be able to just be me and do what I love. After a couple of months of being in the US, I decided to move to Phoenix, Arizona, which I consider my American hometown. That’s where I first settled in and started building my life here in the States. 

I was lucky to join one of the dance production companies based in Phoenix as a photographer, and I was privileged to be able to travel extensively around the U.S. and photographing different dance competitions and workshops. I love dance and capturing so many talented dancers was a blessing for me. Dance is a beautiful art… a combination of power and vulnerability. It can make me very emotional. Sometimes during dance competitions, I have not been able to hold back tears. As a photographer, I get to engage with the dancers on an emotional level, synchronizing with the rhythm, which gives me a chance to capture the most beautiful moments.

Once I was able to rent my own place back in Phoenix, I felt home. It may seem insignificant, but for a person who left everything behind I was happy having my own space and feeling the ground under my feet again. Of course, now living in Los Angeles together with my husband, I could not be happier. I have finally found that safe place I was looking for by coming to the U.S.  

Tell us about your experience with the ModelHunt competition and becoming the finalist in the trans category.

I found out about the ModelHunt casting on Instagram and decided to apply. I didn’t even realize what a huge project it was going be, with hundreds of participants. I’ve seen so many beautiful models get their chance to express themselves, despite their gender identity, age or body type. For me, it was not about the competition itself but more about the opportunity to become a part of another great project celebrating diversity. For me, being a model is not about showing your looks, but rather it is about the freedom to show other people it’s safe to be themselves. And this is what I pursued in this competition. I wanted to be myself and have the freedom to express myself in different ways and just have an amazing time. Becoming the overall finalist of the ModelHunt competition in the Trans category, I hope will help to bring visibility to the trans community in the mainstream media and to open the conversation of diversity and inclusion in the fashion industry. Winning this competition doesn’t mean that modeling agencies will open their doors for models like me right away. There are still lots of barriers and rejections on the way. But I believe one day I will find the right representation. I will take all my chances, as I believe I have a lot to offer as a trans model.

What advice would you give to those that are experiencing prejudice, discrimination, and/or violence in the transgender community?

As a person who had to leave my own country for being transgender, I can tell you that no matter how difficult it can be, always be yourself and don’t let anybody break your authenticity. We are all vulnerable for who we are, but it’s that vulnerability that also gives us strength. Every single time I faced discrimination, violence and ignorance for being transgender, made me only stronger and helped me develop that inner core that no one can break. Find your passion in life and follow your dream. Never give up.

With trans awareness on the rise, what do you feel the entire LGBTQ+ community can do create more positive visibility and come together to bring attention to the issues specifically facing the trans community?

The answer is in your question already. We need to stick together even more as a community. We must resist toxic people and not let our own community tear us apart. Some people believe that trans people are diluting the rights of lesbians, gays and bisexuals, growing trans misconception around us which only weakens the entire community. We are the equal part of LGBTQ+ community we ALL stand for equality; all deserving of human rights and representation. We all need to stand together, or we will not accomplish anything. 

Tell our readers about your workout regimen and how you keep fit. What are some good tips for staying fit/healthy this holiday season? 

My workout regimen is quite simple – I work out three times per week only for about an hour. I used to kill myself at the gym for two hours, six times per week, wondering what I was doing wrong and why my progress was so slow.  Often, we forget that our body isn’t a machine and recovery is the most important factor in muscle development. Overtraining is the most common mistake. I found my own balance in low volume workouts, doing fewer repetitions with heavier resistance, and using descending pyramid training for most of my exercises. Because you are doing more work with challenging weight, this training method expends a lot of calories, which means it’s great for fat loss. This method works for me perfectly in combination with intermitted fasting. So, I can easily afford myself to have a bigger meals without judging myself and keeping my abs. No matter which training or diet you are on, always keep yourself in a caloric deficit if you want to lose fat. Your body won’t have another choice how to use it as an energy. Also, I don’t smoke or drink alcohol. That helps me to take care of my body. if you put in the work, the results will follow.

What is your number one hobby that would surprise us?  

My number one hobby right now is spending time with our little French Bulldog puppy Vivienne. She is only 15 weeks old and I spend all my free time with her. She is the most adorable creature I’ve ever seen in my life! As you read this, Vivienne will have had her debut as a puppy model at the Access Hollywood Halloween Fashion Show! That’s my girl, following in daddy’s footsteps.