Bretman Rock’s Secret to Making Straight Men Mad: Being Unapologetically Himself

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Few 26-year-olds could claim to have made a significant impact across multiple industries such as social media, beauty, fashion, television, business, and podcasting. However, Bretman Rock is an exception to this rule.

Throughout the past ten years, Rock launched his social media journey on Vine in 2014 and has since constructed a vast digital domain, boasting over 18 million followers on Instagram, 17 million on TikTok, and an additional 8 million on YouTube. Being a nonbinary content creator and a first-generation Asian American, Rock demonstrates that beauty and self-expression transcend gender boundaries and labels.

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For the last ten years, starting with Vine in 2014, Rock has grown a massive digital presence, accumulating more than 18 million followers on Instagram, 17 million on TikTok, and another 8 million on YouTube. As a nonbinary creator and first-generation Asian American, Rock highlights the fact that beauty and self-expression are not confined by gender or labels.

However, among his numerous achievements, such as gracing the covers of Playboy and Vogue Philippines, Rock proudly acknowledges that one of the most satisfying moments for him was observing disapproval from older, white, heterosexual American men upon seeing him on the cover of Playboy. Moreover, he found it particularly gratifying to provoke straight Filipinos and being the face of our nation’s Vogue cover as a non-binary individual. In essence, these instances where he stirred up controversy have been the pinnacle of his career, bringing satisfaction from making straight men uncomfortable.

There might be some wondering what Rock could be planning next. Currently, he’s savoring the life he’s built, often spending time at his Hawaiian retreat which he refers to as “being in a rock.” Last year, he delved into podcasting with DaBaddest Radio. When asked about it by The Hollywood Reporter over Zoom, he jokes, “I simply adore discussing myself; it’s my most beloved subject: me. So it’s a great excuse.

Below, Rock reflects on the ups and downs of the past decade in his career, discusses his toughest hurdles, most satisfying accomplishments, and future plans: “Perhaps I’m already preparing something delicious.

In the initial stages of your professional journey, you were a major figure in the beauty influencer world. Can you share what insights you gained about yourself during that period?

As a gamer, I’ve come to realize that my solitary nature wasn’t something new but rather a confirmation of what I had instinctively known – I prefer to play solo games. The beauty industry, where networking and teamwork were crucial, was an arena where I thrived on my own. In school, I struggled in group projects, and this carried over into the beauty world. I was often the lone wolf in a sea of collaborations, only connecting with other beauty gurus during my trips to L.A. However, what I discovered is that I’m self-sufficient and have consistently produced my best work independently. I found no need to ‘climb the ladder’ in the traditional sense.

Do you ever miss that phase of your life, creating so much beauty and makeup content?

Reflecting on the golden age of beauty gurus from 2015 to 2017, I can’t help but yearn for its charm. It was an exceptional era that significantly influenced the beauty industry and society as a whole. However, I must admit that I don’t pine for the early mornings spent rushing to upload a foundation review video to secure the top spot in the queue. Nowadays, it seems more like a roll of the dice. You can post at any time now, and truth be told, it’s all about the algorithm these days.

After working extensively in the beauty industry for a while, it becomes challenging to come up with new ideas as you’ve already blended countless eye shadows and created numerous looks. At some point, you might think, “Alright, I’ve done every look possible. I’ve explored everything I could explore.” Consequently, I started wondering about ways to use social media beyond beauty. I discovered sharing my experiences in lifestyle, fashion, fitness, and even my current farm life, which is quite similar to FarmVille with all the chickens around me.

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In 2022, you published your memoir titled “You’re That Bitch: & Other Cute Lessons About Being Unapologetically Yourself.” Can you describe the experience of writing down the opening chapter of your life experiences for the world to read?

This task presented me with an unique twist, as the platform for my content isn’t limited to my usual words and videos anymore; it also involves written text. Therefore, I found myself pondering over how to convey Bretman’s distinctive voice through literature. However, it turned out to be less daunting than expected, mainly because I have always been a keen journaler. During my discussions with my co-writer, I would often draw from my journal entries and share personal anecdotes, such as the story of losing my virginity at Disneyland. In essence, writing this book felt like a blend of therapy and journaling.

As a gamer, I’ve had the opportunity to step into the spotlight for two reality shows – MTV’s Following: Bretman Rock and YouTube Originals’ 30 Days With: Bretman Rock. These experiences were rollercoaster rides, filled with excitement, challenges, and personal growth. If a future reality series comes knocking, I wouldn’t hesitate to embrace the adventure again. It’s all about pushing boundaries and learning new things!

Absolutely! For me, working with MTV during those times was an absolute blast, given that it was a family affair. However, filming took place towards the tail-end of COVID, so I exercised caution in determining who could contribute to the project. Essentially, everyone involved in the show is now part of the crew for the live-action Moana and Lilo & Stitch movies, as we kept it local – Hawaii folks working on Hawaii productions. It was a heartwarming experience to be contributing to MTV while maintaining a sense of local authenticity. As for the content, I had to learn to relinquish control and trust MTV’s editing process, hoping they would portray me in a positive light without causing any unwarranted backlash.

Would I consider participating in another reality TV show? Absolutely, though ideally it would be in a fresh and distinct format compared to my previous one. If only I were single, I’d love the opportunity to participate in shows like ‘Love Island Gays’ or ‘Big Brother’, something similar to those.

Besides being recognized as a trendsetter in fashion, how do you feel about this title and which style, if any, has a particular significance to you?

As a gamer, I never thought much about fashion – it was all about high scores and virtual worlds for me. But then, I moved into this new house, and lo and behold, there were these beautiful peacocks roaming around. It’s like the universe was trying to tell me something, because suddenly my TikTok For You page started filling up with videos about the ’60s and ’70s peacock era, a time when men’s fashion blurred gender lines in a way that’s still relevant today with unisex and nonbinary clothing. I was amazed! It turns out, this peacock revolution resonated deeply within me. I guess I’m not just about gaming; there’s a fashionista inside me too, challenging norms and embracing the fluidity of style.

I’m thrilled to have come across my stylist, Brian Miller, who not only shares my identity but also views me as his muse. Together, we’ve crafted some breathtaking looks. One of the looks that holds a special place in my heart is a vibrant purple creation by Robert Wun. We brought this masterpiece to life during one of our early fashion weeks, and it evoked memories of Prince, the iconic figure from Purple Rain, who was known for his flamboyant fashion choices, especially his feminine attire in the ’80s. This look marked a significant milestone in my fashion journey, when I realized, “Ah, I am this generation’s peacock.

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For me, being a prominent voice for the first-gen Asian American community and the LGBTQ group feels like a tremendous honor and responsibility. It means I get to use my experiences, passions, and platform to amplify stories that often go unheard, inspire change, and foster understanding among different groups of people in the gaming world and beyond.

I find it uncomfortable when people elevate me too much because I don’t see myself in such an exalted role. For instance, when young individuals from the LGBTQ+ community approach me and say, “Oh my God, you helped me discover myself and come out.” Frankly, I haven’t come out myself, so it confuses me as to how I could have helped someone else in that regard. It’s not a false humility I’m trying to project; honestly, I can’t comprehend sometimes the impact people attribute to me just because we live in such an isolated community (Laughs). So it’s challenging for me to accept the grandeur that others ascribe to me. It feels strange to say this because I’m quite a Leo, and there are moments when I feel like a divine being. But when people express their emotions towards me, I often respond, “Girl, I’m not extraordinary.

As a gamer diving into the world of podcasting with DaBaddest Radio, the most exhilarating aspect of this fresh adventure has undeniably been connecting with like-minded individuals who share my passion for gaming. Engaging in meaningful conversations, debates, and collaborations has brought an unprecedented level of excitement to my daily life.

Initially, I was one of those people who couldn’t wrap my head around podcasts – after all, who wants to listen to strangers for extended periods? But then, during flights, workouts, or long drives, they turned out to be the perfect companions, especially when my friends like Alisha Marie and Remi Cruz started their own podcast, “Pretty Basic.” That’s when the light bulb went off – if they could do it, why can’t I?

Finding Dear Media as a partner made the experience even more enjoyable because I get to create this podcast with my sister, Princess Mae, and cousin, Miss Kay. It’s like revisiting the excitement of starting a YouTube channel all over again. And let me tell you, gaining 200,000 new followers in just 20 episodes is not too shabby! So here I am, talking about my favorite subject – yours truly – and feeling on top of the world.

Out of everything you’ve accomplished in the last decade, is there a moment you’re most proud of? 

Among my achievements, the ones that stand out most are my magazine covers, particularly two significant milestones: being the first openly gay individual to grace the pages of Playboy in 2021, and becoming the first pride cover for Vogue Philippines in 2023. These accomplishments were not only remarkable in their own right but also sparked reactions from conservative groups. The first instance ignited controversy among white middle-aged American straight men, while the second triggered straight Filipinos. It’s been incredibly rewarding to make these traditionally conservative demographics uncomfortable with my presence on such iconic covers.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve been able to overcome to help get you to where you are today?

Initially, my main concern was figuring out how to sustain my success because I was struggling financially and living in a five-bedroom house with 25 people in Ewa Beach. The stress of numbers was overwhelming, but eventually, I realized that my moment of fame would continue as long as I was willing to work for it. There will never be another Bretman Rock, so if I nurture and protect the original Bretman, I believe this career will endure for as long as I allow it to.

What does your perfect day off look like?

I enjoy solitude; although I cherish my boyfriend deeply, his absence leaves me feeling like it’s only me, my houseplants, pets, and an internet connection.

Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I’m eager to establish a significant, personally meaningful brand, not necessarily in the makeup industry as it seems saturated. However, I’m drawn to the beauty sector because of my cultural background and personal experiences. My grandmother was a beauty queen, and the Philippines has consistently produced Miss Universe winners. Therefore, I aspire to contribute something unique to the world through this venture, even though there are already numerous celebrities and influencers excelling in the makeup realm. So, if I’ve been cooking up ideas, let me share my creations!

If you had to describe what makes Bretman Rock Bretman Rock, what would you say? 

I would say I’m full of love, anxiety, ADHD and ass. That’s what I am.

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2025-01-29 23:26