The Zakar Twins – Praying the Gay Away

by Alexander Rodriguez

The Zakar Twins have taken the LGBT community and beyond by storm.  (No, they don’t do porn – why is the gay community so obsessed with twin porn?)  Born and raised in Michigan, these models, turned best-selling authors, turned playwrights were raised in a Christian, church going home.    Their coming out story, as detailed in their book Pray The Gay Way, has put them on the map – having appeared in almost every major LGBT publication, on radio shows and book tours, and even Comedy Central.  Yes, they are charming – yes, they are handsome, but their story surpasses that as they promote LGBT advocacy and self-confidence to the world.  Their book has now become a theatre piece, coming to a city near you, with more books on the way.  I had the opportunity to sit and chat with them about their relationship, dating and coming out.  God damn, they are adorable. 

What was it like growing up in a conservative, Christian and traditional Middle Eastern home?

(Zach) Average. Boring. Religious.

(Michael) We lived in an all-white suburban area. Our parents did nothing but work, so the only time we spent with our parents was at church.

When did you start having feelings that you might be gay?

(Zach) 15, I was looking at straight porn & stumbled upon a picture of Batman and Robin kissing and it all made sense…

(Michael) I found my Dad’s vintage porno mags in his closet and for some reason my eye would go straight to the men and not the women.

Do you guys possess the stereotypical ESP that is said to exist between twins?

(Zach) I find Michael to be an extension of myself. So, our brainwaves are usually on the same path.

(Michael) I would say we have a strange connection that we can’t explain to others; maybe it’s part ESP? Or our own secret twin language since we share one brain!

Was it hard developing an individual personality apart of being a twin?

(Zach) Yes and No. Growing up it hindered me from making other friends because Michael is my only friend BUT, now we like having friends who are just ours because we have different tastes in people.

(Michael) My only friend growing up was Zach, don’t know if that’s a twin problem or a personal problem.

How has your spiritually changed since coming out?

(Zach) I feel that coming out has made me a better person. I am more open to other people and their past. I find judging someone without knowing them to be a waste of time.

(Michael) Not much. But since I started smoking pot, a lot.

What made you decide to finally come out?

(Zach) My mom confronted me…

(Michael) Zach outed me after mom confronted him.

Do you think ethnic diversity and body positivity is getting better in the LGBT community?

(Zach) I think commercially it’s more accepted but no, not in the community.

(Michael) Honestly, I feel as if we’re [our generation] at the start of the wave and going to see tons of change in the future.

How is life travelling on the road for appearances, and now with your play?

(Zach) You see the world through a window… it’s amazing but exhausting. 

(Michael) a blessing and a curse. It’s that grass is always greener mindset.

When did you finally realize that you were becoming social media celebrities?

(Zach) Probably, the first time we walked for Marco Marco… then a week later, we did an interview for Tosh.0.

(Michael) Someone asked for our autograph at the gym— I was flattered but I looked like shit.

How has life changed the most from coming into the public eye? 

(Zach) You must second guess every word and action you say or do.

(Michael) I realized people think Zach and I are pornstars.

Is it hard to date/have a relationship while maintaining your close relationship with your brother?

(Zach) Yes because the guy is not only dating me, he’s dating Michael. Michael needs to approve of the guy.

(Michael) sometimes, I haven’t dated anyone in years. You must think about yourself in this industry.

In this current social and political climate, what is the message you hear most from your fans?

(Zach) stand firm in your thoughts & push forward…. and do everything in your power not to overthink, it’ll be the death of you.

(Michael) life is short and NEVER compare your journey to others.

How are you the most similar?  How are you the most apart?

(Zach) we are literally yin and yang; we complete each other but we almost see eye to eye on nothing. But we hate the same people!

(Michael) Zach and I differing mental state: Zach is more personable while I find myself to be more of a home body.

What are the most common “twin questions” you get over and over?

 (Zach and Michael) “Same dick size?”

Rapid Fire: (for both)

Celebrity Crush: Gwen Stefani

Worst date: Michael would say the time his date shot up heroin in the car…

Strangest fan comment/request: To tie us up and tickle us.

Guilty pleasure TV show: America’s Next Top Model.

Who would play you in a real-life movie? Baby, no one can play the Zakar Twins except the Zakar Twins.

For more from Alexander Rodriguez, visit On the Rocks Radio Show at www.OntheRocksRadioShow.com

Photographs by LAGARET.