Lesbian
Trans
People of Color
Drag Queen/King
Halloween
Hold onto your wigs and broomsticks, babes, because Philly’s very own Gunnar Montana just redefined what it means to be “Defying Gravity.” Picture this: Elphaba from Wicked…but make it high camp, high fashion, and HIGH HEELS. In a look that’s more magical than any Oz makeover montage, Gunnar transformed into the green goddess herself—rocking a Nasty Pig jockstrap so cheeky, even the Flying Monkeys are blushing.
This ain’t your Broadway Elphaba. This is Elphaba after a spin class, some squats, and a long night out at a leather bar in the Emerald City. Gunnar’s look is less “Defying Gravity” and more Defining thirst traps, honey. And we’re here for every single green, glittering inch.
The Wicked Witch of the West(End Gym)
The artistry is chef’s kiss—and yes, that kiss is neon green. Gunnar is decked out in some serious body paint magic courtesy of William Bryant. This isn’t just paint, baby; it’s theater. With every muscle flexing under that shade of green perfection, Gunnar is serving pure, unfiltered witchy glamour. Forget broomsticks; he could probably summon a storm by just clapping those thighs together.
And don’t get me started on the accessories. A harness that screams “sexy sorcery,” high socks that would make the Cowardly Lion roar, and heels so tall you’d swear he’s already halfway up that fabled yellow brick road. That broomstick? Custom couture. I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s secretly doubling as a pole for some late-night dancing.
Behind the Emerald Curtain
Every iconic look needs a fierce creative team, and Gunnar assembled a coven of talent for this shoot. The man behind the lens is the fabulous Joe Mac, whose Instagram bio doesn’t lie: “Your favorite drag queen’s favorite photographer.” Honey, he didn’t just take photos—he captured the soul of a green queen mid-cackle. Joe framed Gunnar’s look so well that I’m sending it to the Louvre.
And the broomstick? Oh, it’s not just a prop; it’s a full-on statement piece. The only thing missing was Glinda herself, begging Gunnar to “Try defying these odds.” Spoiler alert: He did.
Every iconic look needs a fierce creative team, and Gunnar assembled a coven of talent for this shoot. The man behind the lens is the fabulous Joe Mac, whose Instagram bio doesn’t lie: “Your favorite drag queen’s favorite photographer.” Honey, he didn’t just take photos—he captured the soul of a green queen mid-cackle. Joe framed Gunnar’s look so well that I’m sending it to the Louvre.
And the broomstick? Oh, it’s not just a prop; it’s a full-on statement piece. The only thing missing was Glinda herself, begging Gunnar to “Try defying these odds.” Spoiler alert: He did.
What’s the Tea, Elphaba?
What makes this shoot so iconic isn’t just the flawless execution. It’s the unapologetic celebration of queerness, artistry, and high camp. Gunnar didn’t just dress as Elphaba; he turned her into a queer icon for the ages. She’s no longer the misunderstood, green-skinned witch trying to fit in—she’s the bold, boundary-breaking legend strutting her way through life in six-inch heels and a jockstrap.
And let’s talk about that Nasty Pig jockstrap for a second. The way it hugs, accentuates, and screams “I’m not in Kansas anymore!” deserves its own round of applause. If L. Frank Baum could see this, he’d be shaking in his sepia-toned boots.
Why It Matters
In a world that still loves to paint queerness as “too much,” Gunnar Montana reminds us why “too much” is just the right amount. By reclaiming a character like Elphaba—someone misunderstood, othered, and ridiculed—he’s showing that queer folk don’t just survive; we thrive. And we do it in fabulous shoes.
Stay Wicked, Stay Fabulous
If you’re not following Gunnar Montana already, you’re basically missing out on the queer content of your dreams. Follow him on Instagram @gunnarmontana and prepare to be bewitched. And don’t forget to check out the creative dream team:
- Joe Mac (he/him): The eye behind the magic. Follow him @joemaccreative.
- William Bryant (he/him): The body paint wizard. Find him @william_renatus.
So grab your broomstick, your heels, and your favorite Nasty Pig ensemble—because honey, we’re all flying high tonight. Stay green, stay fierce, and always, always stay fabulous.
