Metro Weekly

Coverboy: Jose

Coverboy: Bartender Edition

Walk into Number Nine and you’re likely to see Jose, a 32-year-old bartender by night who is a high school counselor by day. Born and raised in South Africa, he then moved to the Portuguese island of Madeira, before finally settling in Silver Spring at the start of high school. Even though it took some time to get used to American jargon — he recalls asking a classmate for a “rubber,” meaning an eraser — he has fallen in love with the United States, saying it was probably the easiest place for him to come out as gay. In his spare time, Jose likes going to the gym, watching movies and traveling internationally, whether to new countries or his previous homes, where he still has family.

Coverboy: Jose (Photo by Julian Vankim)
Coverboy: Jose
(Photo by Julian Vankim)

What’s on your nightstand?
I actually don’t have a nightstand on my side of the bed, but you should ask what I keep in the spare drawer in the spare bedroom.

So what’s in the spare drawer in the spare bedroom?
Singlets, a harness, a collar, handcuffs.

What’s your favorite movie of all time?
The whole series of Superman. All of them.

What are your three favorite TV shows of all time?
Friends, Modern Family and Seinfeld.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
To be invisible. So I can hear what people really have to say.

Pick three people, living or dead, who you would like to spend the day with, and what would you do?
Angelina Jolie, Michael Jackson and Cher. We’d party all night at a dance club.

You’re stranded on a desert island with one person. Who do you pick?
My husband.

What annoys you?
People who are mean for no good reason.

What pleases you?
People who can smile.

What’s the worst thing a friend could do to you?
Lie to me.

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