M A J O R
M A G A Z I N E
20 Q U E S T I O N S W I T H
L E A O N G O R D O N
B Y
E M I L Y L E D E S M A
Q: Tell us about your background, where are you from?
A: I’m adopted, have lived in over six different foster families, and I’m from Connecticut.
Q: How did you get into modeling?
A: I was working as a cashier and someone who worked for Abercrombie and Fitch suggested I should start.
Q: What has been your favorite photoshoot so far?
A: My favorite photoshoot so far was my campaign I booked for Equinox shot by Steven Klein. It was in honor of the victims from the Stone Wall Inn.
Q: How do you maintain your physique?
A: I eat doughnuts, McDonald's, cheerios, a lot of Asian food and cookies. I do a lot of sweat saunas, work out about 5 times a month, and I fast a lot.
Q: Describe your current lifestyle
A: I currently am doing the "Van Life". I have gotten pretty exhausted with the day-to-day 9 to 5 working to live instead of living to live. I’m still new on this adventurous journey and have begun to realize some do's and don'ts; however, that's the thrill of seeking a simpler life. The path isn't paved, you pave it yourself.
Q: What’s your favorite part of being a nomad?
A: My favorite part of being a nomad is that everywhere is your backyard. We, as a society, are very territorial but being a free spirit such as myself, I have shifted my perspective to understand that this is God's land.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is a mystery… I ball on a budget and can make nothing into something. That's how most creatives are: making art with hand me downs or thrift items. I love a vest (and) loose clothing pieces. I have to be free in all the right spots.
Q: What cause or charity do you most identify with?
A: Equal rights for all. I think that's the issue with our world is trying to have dominion over one another, instead of letting each soul express who they are. We impede their freedom. God is in control, not us. I've come to know this and surrendered to this fact.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: How determined I was to get into college to play football and did. I was recruited to play running back on a full scholarship for football at Merrimack College in North Andover, Massachusetts. I was faced with many obstacles, but I endured until my path had to change.
Q: What song do you have on repeat?
A: “Tested, Approved & Trusted” by Burna Boy.
Q: What personality trait has gotten you in the most trouble?
A: Being loving but I'd get into all that trouble again just to love again. (It’s an) endless cycle that I am okay with.
Q: Who’s your favorite designer?
A: This is always subject to change for me. I am with the designer for a season not for a lifetime, but right not I'd say Diesel has really impressed me with their collection. Anything that makes you feel or look like a superhero or from a different dimension is my sort of taste.
Q: Who was your first celebrity crush?
A: Ashanti.
Q: Where is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been?
A: Thailand for sure. I was invited to do a male pageant in 2016 and to represent the USA in Thailand for Mr. Global. I was blessed enough to see what most visitors don't see and that is the more residential parts of Thailand. Whereas most go to Thailand for vacation to Bangkok or their amazing beaches, I was able to see how people live and thrive and survive. Their culture was very alluring and beautiful.
Q: What would be a good theme song for your life?
A: "Higher Love" by Whitney Houston.
Q: What would you like the world to remember about you?
A: My seven names: Leaon David Orville Carl Hines Vanterpool Gordon.
Q: Are you an introvert or extrovert?
A: I am both. I tend to, what I like to call, hibernate, or recharge and then go out and tear up the town. I definitely enjoy my moment of introversion, but I love people and need to connect on the spiritual and physical level.
Q: What is one message you would give to people who have lost their way?
A: Jesus is one call away.
Q: What’s next for you?
A: You'll have to wait and see just like me.
Photographed by Jim Jordan Photography
