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On Wednesday, October 12, Mike Ruiz will launch a new book entitled, "Pretty Masculine" featuring a collection of devastatingly beautiful male imagery. Proceeds of the book will benefit GMHC, the oldest HIV/AIDS prevention, advocacy and care services provider in the country.
"Pretty Masculine" is the apogee of my latest effort to capture humanity out of context," said Mike Ruiz. "It is the culmination of my desire to incorporate my hyper-stylized and fantasy-driven style of photography and reinterpret the male ideal from a new perspective. It has been my intention to open a forum of sorts and, in so doing, inspire thought and dialogue with respect to finding alternative ways of looking at the world around us. In this case, to look at masculinity beyond what might be considered the stereotypical man."
Mike is a distinguished celebrity and fashion photographer, TV personality, former model, actor and director. He has produced music videos for artists such as Vanessa Williams, Kelly Rowland, Jody Watley, Kristine W., Shontelle, among others. Mike has also appeared on several reality shows including "Kathy Griffin's, My Life on the D-List," "America's Next Top Model," and "RuPaul's Drag Race." Most recently, Mike is on Logo TV's "The A-List: New York."
Mike has a true sense of social responsibility and is always intent on giving back to the community. Among the countless organizations he supports is GMHC.
"Mike's understanding that social injustices such as homophobia and stigma continue to drive this epidemic makes his gift even more exceptional," said Marjorie J. Hill, PhD, Chief Executive Officer. "We are honored and grateful that GMHC is the beneficiary of Mike's book. In this 30th year of the epidemic, we are profoundly appreciative of his generosity and his belief in our mission: To fight to end the AIDS epidemic and uplift the lives of all affected."
Sponsors of the Book Launch Party are Red Bull Space, Meoko Vodka, F*CK Robots, DJ-JD, Perrier and Pellegrino. Guests will include celebrities in the fashion, style and TV industries.
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