Henri Strauss featured in Yummy Magazine Issue Nine (9) on Yummyzine. Delve into the life and experiences of Henri Strauss, a multifaceted artist whose unique blend of creativity and dedication has shaped his path in both the art world and beyond. From his early passion for music and film to his evolving exploration of sexual expression through art, Henri shares the pivotal moments that have defined his personal and professional journey. In this interview, he opens up about his approach to life, focusing on mental and physical well-being, his commitment to challenging social norms, and his ongoing quest for self-improvement. Henri’s insights on growth, artistic experimentation, and his mission to make a meaningful impact reflect his unwavering dedication to both his craft and personal evolution.
The images are cropped/ made safe for online purposes, full images available inside Yummyzine Issue Seven
Photo story by sasha olsen, interview by Adrian Gomis Exposito
ADRIAN GOMIS EXPOSITO. Hi Henri! How are you? How are you doing? We’re so happy to have you in Yummy.
HENRI STRAUSS. Hi there! I’m doing extremely well, thank you so much for asking. The Yummy shoot and release came at such a perfect time in my life. It feels like everything has culminated in perfect harmony, and I’ve just been having so much fun riding that wave. Yummy has played a big part in this—not just because of the exposure it gave me, but more for what the entire experience and adventure have meant to me. I’ve said it many times to everyone involved in the process, but thank you so much for this incredible opportunity—I’m truly honoured to be part of the edition!
AGE. To start this interview, I’d like to dive deeper into your origins. You mention being raised by your loving grandmother and extremely hardworking parents. How was your childhood and growing up in a conservative Afrikaans Christian community?
HS. I grew up in a small town in North West, South Africa, called Hartbeespoort. The town’s population largely consists of a highly conservative, Christian community—a lifestyle and mindset I’ve never fully aligned with. Like many other kids who were seen as “different” in communities like these, I was expected to suppress the beautiful parts of myself to fit into a mould that was more palatable for them—a version of myself that was easier to understand and more comfortable to share space with.
Unfortunately, during these formative years of my life, my parents had to work extremely hard to provide for our family. I’m deeply grateful for the sacrifices they made and can never thank them enough, but as a result, they didn’t have the time to really get to know me or try to understand me better. I mean, I had my grandmother, who raised me, and even though she was my favourite person in the world, she didn’t really know me either.
Eventually, I came to realize that we can’t always blame our oppressors for not allowing us to live authentically. Maybe all I needed to do was stop caring about what anybody else thought and simply do what felt right.
AGE. Your career path has seen various roles, from bartending at a gay club to starring in theatre productions and landing your first major acting role on 'Diepe Waters.' How have these diverse experiences influenced your approach to storytelling and the characters you portray on screen?
HS. After completing my studies, I moved to Johannesburg with the dream of being on stage and screen. Life in the big city was tougher than I had expected, but I made it work. Between teaching drama to kids during the day and working in gay clubs as a bartender and go-go dancer at night, I also squeezed in rehearsals during the week and performed in every production I could find on the weekends.
And, well… besides that, I guess there were times when I needed to do a little extra to make ends meet, though that became less necessary as the years went by. It was a hectic time, but it taught me a lot and shaped the person I am today—and I’m proud of that.
How did all of this influence my approach to storytelling? I suppose it broadened my horizons, exposing me to different experiences and a diverse range of people. When we’re acting, we draw on those influences and reflect them back to our audiences. At the end of the day, we’re just replicating life, and the more you’ve experienced life, the better equipped you are as a storyteller.
AGE. Also, how does one get to do as many things as you do? Tell us about your jobs and roles and how you got into each field.
HS. Basically, I take everything I enjoy in life, along with every possible skill or talent I have, and figure out how to utilize them in ways that generate income—and then I go for it. In South Africa, success requires us to be extremely multifaceted, hard-working, and resourceful in our careers.
AGE. Your transition from a BSc major to pursuing Drama and Film was quite significant. Can you share the moment or series of events that led to this decision, and how has it impacted your perspective on life and career?
HS. It wasn’t a single moment but rather a series of events and realizations that gradually guided me toward that decision. I was deeply immersed in my studies as a BSc major and appreciated the analytical and structured nature of the sciences. However, I found myself increasingly drawn to creative outlets like stage and theatre. It felt as though I truly belonged in the world of drama and film—almost like a calling.
The transition was daunting at first, but it profoundly shaped my perspective on life and career. It taught me the importance of following my passions and embracing change. Being adaptable and open-minded are invaluable qualities in any field, and this journey has reinforced just how essential they are.
AGE. As someone who has embraced their identity and journey openly on platforms like your blog, what do you hope to contribute to the broader conversation around LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance, particularly within conservative communities like the one you were raised in?
HS. I hope to contribute to the broader conversation around LGBT+ representation and acceptance by sharing my personal experiences and journey. Through various social platforms, I aim to openly discuss my identity, challenge stereotypes, and dispel misconceptions. At the same time, I strive to provide support to others—particularly those in conservative communities—who may be struggling with their own identities. Ultimately, my goal is to help create a more inclusive and accepting environment where diversity is celebrated rather than criticized.
AGE. Let’s talk about Yummy. First off, what does the word “yummy” mean to you?
HS. To me, the word “yummy” evokes a sense of delight and satisfaction that goes far beyond just taste. When something is “yummy,” it indulges all your senses, transporting your body and mind into a state of heavenly bliss—much like the feeling I get when scrolling through Yummy magazine.
AGE. Regarding the story for Yummy 9, which you shot with Sasha Olsen, it looks incredible and you look stunning. How was it to shoot with the great Sasha Olsen, and how did you like the results?
HS. Thank you—you're making me blush! Shooting with Sasha Olsen was a fantastic experience. He has an incredible eye for detail and brings a unique vision to every project he works on. His ability to make you feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera truly shines through in his photographs. As for the results, I honestly couldn’t be happier. The photos turned out beautifully, perfectly capturing the emotions and essence of the moment. Working with someone as talented as Sasha really brought out the best in me, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he’s such a cutie either!
AGE. As your physique is incredibly good, what would your advice be on having a body like yours? What’s the key to looking so hot?
HS. Thank you so much—that truly means a lot to me. I try to focus on consistency by sticking to a balanced diet and workout plan. Rest days and getting enough sleep (preaching to the choir here—I should really follow my own advice more often!) are also crucial for allowing your muscles to recover. I know it can be challenging to get into a routine, but once you do, it becomes an amazing outlet for managing stress and maintaining a positive mindset, which helps keep you motivated to stick with it. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s body is different, so when it comes to achieving your dream physique, don’t let critical self-comparisons discourage you. Personally, I focus on doing what makes me feel good and look good for myself—and that confidence tends to radiate. If you like what you see, chances are others will too!
AGE. In this story, we’ve seen you wearing really tight and beautiful white briefs. Are you a boxers or briefs guy?
HS. Well, I wore briefs for the shoot, but on a day-to-day basis, I usually go commando or opt for thongs. It’s just a little less… restrictive.
AGE. Do you think sexiness stems from physical appearance or confidence? How do you approach your sexiness?
HS. Sexiness can stem from both physical appearance and confidence, but I believe confidence is the more powerful force. While looks might attract attention, confidence leaves a lasting impression by showcasing self-assurance. Personally, I approach my sexiness by embracing the qualities that make me unique, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and focusing on building my self-confidence through personal growth and positive influences.
AGE. You seem like an open guy. What’s your view on nudity and sexual interaction?
HS. I like to consider myself an open-minded person. I believe that nudity and sexual interaction are natural aspects of human life and can be beautiful and positive when approached with respect, consent, and mutual understanding. Boundaries must be communicated and respected to ensure that all parties involved feel comfortable and safe. I think this applies to any situation—whether personal or professional. Maintaining a respectful and considerate attitude towards others’ perspectives and boundaries is incredibly important. At the end of the day, it’s a whole lot of fun, and it’s really cool that our bodies are capable of doing what they do.
AGE. As an amazing and unique individual you are, I know you have beliefs that are outside the box. What do you find most attractive in a guy, and what does the concept of a romantic relationship mean to you?
HS. What I find most attractive in a guy is a combination of genuine kindness, confidence, and someone who can make me laugh. Being physically attractive doesn’t hurt, of course, but it’s the deeper qualities of a person that truly draw me in. Now, if all that comes with some lovely ‘boyfriend d*ck’ on top of it, I’m sold! I mean… I appreciate a well-endowed man as much as the next gay, but I can't handle that kind of responsibility every day. Seriously though, a romantic relationship is about mutual respect, trust, and emotional support. It’s about building a partnership where each person feels valued, understood, and encouraged to grow. Communication and shared values are key, as they help navigate through challenging times and ultimately strengthen the bond. Fun fact: I’m also polyamorous, which means I believe that these levels of connection can happen with many different people in many different ways.
AGE. If I were to ask you about your top three passions, what would you mention?
HS: Music, film, sex, art. Cliché, but true.
AGE. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and goals for the future, both personally and professionally? How do you envision continuing to challenge norms, inspire others, and evolve as an individual and artist in the years to come?
HS: That’s a great question. Looking ahead, my overall personal goal is to maintain a well-balanced life, focusing on both mental and physical well-being while nurturing my relationships. Professionally, I aim to stay at the forefront of my field, continuously seeking new opportunities for growth. To challenge norms, I plan to engage in projects that address various social issues, experimenting with new outlets and techniques to bring fresh perspectives. As both an individual and an artist, I am committed to lifelong learning and self-improvement, always ready to embrace new challenges and learn from them. I don’t believe one can ever truly stop learning and growing as a person. This ongoing evolution will hopefully enhance the impact of my work, making a meaningful difference in my field and beyond.
Online Interview, see the full photo series inside Yummy Magazine Issue Nine
