Interview with Massimo, Mister Rubber Italia 2014

A few days before the election of the new Mister Rubber Italia, we interviewed the current mister: Massimo.
Forty years old, from Emilia, Massimo was elected Mister Rubber Italia 2014 on 28 February 2014 during the first edition of Fetish Pride Italy. A lover of lycra and, of course, rubber, the handsome rubber man told us about his year as Mister and, in particular, his participation in the nineteenth edition of MIR (Mister International Rubber).

So Massimo, a few months ago you were in Chicago where you took part in Mister International Rubber… tell us a bit about how it went. Did you have fun? What do you think of the experience?
It was a wonderful experience, although very short, during which I was able to compare myself with the fetish scene overseas. I had a lot of fun and I think this event is increasingly earning the attribute “International”. This year, for example, there were contestants from many different countries, and I think this aspect will grow further in the years to come. As for me, I’m satisfied with the work I did, even though I didn’t manage to get on the podium.

And what do you think of the winner? (A very nasty and not very politically correct question)
Max is first of all a friend and a good person; I think he truly deserved the title and I think he will keep the rubber flag flying for the year he remains in office.

How is the American rubber scene different from the European and the Italian one?
From what I could see, I don’t think the American scene is very different from the European one. In general, perhaps, members of the fetish community overseas are a bit more “social” than us Europeans. Just think that in American venues there are no dark rooms.

In this year as Mister Rubber Italia 2014 you have travelled a great deal: has it helped you get to know the international fetish scene better? How are relations with the other Misters?
Yes, of course. I’ve travelled a lot, met many people and made new friends. As for relations with the other Misters, I’d say they are going very well. I bonded a lot with Franz (Mr. Rubclub) and Max (Mr. International Rubber), who have become friends beyond the titles, which sooner or later we will have to hand over to the new Misters anyway.

Let’s talk about Italy… is anything changing for the poor, generally rather ill-treated “rubber fans”?
As someone suggested, I would call them “RUBBERISTS”. I think they are slowly growing, and will grow more and more, even though the cost factor is an obstacle for many.

And how do you live your passion for rubber? When did it start? With what? Besides classic black, which other colours do you prefer for rubber and why?
I’ve always liked rubber, but to tell the truth I started with the cheaper and more accessible lycra. Later, a fetishist friend, also a lover of lycra, let me try his rubber fullsuit and from there, step by step, I became the “rubber man” I am today. I have many items in different colours (my friends even joke about it): metallic green, blue, light blue and metallic grey.

What is missing from your immense fetish wardrobe? What is the item you would never give up?
Like all fetishists I’m always looking for new things, but without doubt I would never give up a fullsuit.

During Fetish Pride Italy 2015 an “only rubber” party is planned: what do you think? Can it help the Italian rubber community grow?
I think it’s a good thing and of course I hope it will serve exactly for that. Perhaps in the future we will manage to organise more and more “only rubber” events.

What else could be done so that the Italian rubber scene catches up with the leather one in size and popularity?
Unfortunately I think the leather scene will always remain more relevant, since historically leather is more accepted, even beyond the fetish scene. A biker jacket, a leather jacket or trousers, leather boots themselves are by now mainstream pieces.

Let’s take stock of this year as Mister Rubber Italia 2014… what would you do again, what didn’t you have time to do, what wouldn’t you do again, what are the next appointments?
I would do it all again. Maybe I wouldn’t “mix” the role of Mister with being a board member of LFI (Leather Friends Italy). The next appointments will be the election of the new Mister Rubber Italia, on 31 January in Padua. Then, in February, I’ll be in Rome to take part in the second edition of Fetish Pride Italy.

Last question… As you recalled, in a few days the new Mister Rubber Italia will be elected; in your opinion what characteristics should your “successor” have?
Well, without doubt he should be an enterprising, open person who seriously commits to promoting the Italian rubber community, dedicating part of his free time to it.
Interview conducted by Chris Rub.