RentMen:
Tell us a little about yourself, if you were to pick something what would you like others to absolutely know about you?
colewhitenyc:
If there’s one thing everyone should know about me, it’s that there’s a lot more to me than the first impression. I’m often told I look confident, masculine, tattooed, and even a little intimidating, but underneath that I’m genuinely one of the most easygoing, open-minded, and nonjudgmental people you’ll meet.
I’ve lived a life that doesn’t fit neatly into one box—from professional dance to the Marine Corps, business, writing gay novels and my personal memoir, and constantly finding new creative projects and adventures. All of it has taught me to appreciate people for who they actually are rather than who they’re expected to be.
I’m comfortable with myself, and I want people around me to feel that same freedom. You don’t have to impress me, pretend, or hide the unusual parts of yourself. Tell me what you’re into, what makes you different, or what you’ve always wanted to try. Chances are I’ll be curious rather than judgmental.
So if my appearance makes you hesitate to approach me, don’t let it. Come say hello—the person behind the tattoos is probably much easier to talk to than you expected.
RentMen:
What are your hobbies, what do you like to do in your spare time?
colewhitenyc:
I’m naturally creative and curious, so my hobbies are a mix of artistic projects, writing, staying active, exploring, and occasionally getting completely absorbed in whatever new idea has caught my attention. Dance has always been a big part of my life, and I still love anything involving movement, music, and creativity.
Writing has also become a major passion of mine. I write gay fiction and novels that explore relationships, romance, identity, adventure, and the experiences of LGBTQ+ men. I’ve also written a personal memoir about my own journey—from growing up as a dancer to becoming a Marine and everything that came with finding my place between those very different worlds. Writing gives me a completely different creative outlet and lets me turn experiences and imagination into something meaningful.
I’m also really into hands-on projects, art, DIY, designing things, and customizing my car and apartment. I love traveling, spontaneous trips, restaurants, casinos, music, and discovering new places. I’m definitely not a routine-every-weekend person. I like variety, adventure, creativity, and doing something unexpected just because it sounds fun.
RentMen:
How do you go the 'Extra Mile' in your life?
colewhitenyc:
Going the extra mile for me means paying attention to the details other people might overlook. Whether it’s in my personal life, work, or time spent with someone, I don’t like doing things halfway. If I commit my time and energy to something—or someone—I want the experience to actually be worth remembering.
I’m very observant and naturally read people well. I notice their energy, what makes them comfortable, what gets their attention, and the little things they respond to. Rather than assuming everyone wants the same thing, I adapt to the person and situation in front of me.
My military and professional dance backgrounds taught me discipline, preparation, adaptability, and the importance of showing up fully. But going the extra mile isn’t always about doing something extravagant. Sometimes it’s remembering a small detail, putting someone at ease, being spontaneous, or knowing when to take the lead.
Whatever the situation, I want people walking away feeling like their time with me was genuinely different—and better than they expected.
RentMen:
Tell us about the best experience you have had in life.
colewhitenyc:
My greatest life experience has been realizing that I never had to choose just one version of myself. I grew up as a dancer, eventually became a professional dancer, and later made what probably seemed like an unexpected transition into the U.S. Marine Corps. Those two worlds couldn’t appear more different, but both shaped me tremendously.
Dance taught me creativity, expression, confidence, discipline, and how to communicate without saying a word. The military challenged me in completely different ways and taught me resilience, leadership, adaptability, and how much I’m capable of when pushed outside my comfort zone.
Experiencing both taught me one of the most important things about myself: I don’t fit neatly into a box, and I don’t want to. I can be masculine and artistic, disciplined and spontaneous, confident and compassionate.
That journey is probably why I’m so open-minded today. I appreciate people who are unapologetically themselves, because learning to fully embrace every side of myself has been the greatest experience of my life.
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