For nearly a decade, Christian has been the welcoming face standing watch at the doors of the Monster, one of New York City’s most legendary LGBTQ+ establishments. To many, he’s more than just security — he’s a guardian of stories, laughter and the sense of family that lives within the walls of this iconic bar.
With calm strength and a ready smile, Christian embodies the perfect blend of professionalism and compassion. His journey began almost by fate — when a close friend, Eddie, encouraged him to join the team. “The world has a strange way of aligning its energy with your frequency,” he says. “I wanted to go back to school, and this job gave me the stability I needed.” Nearly 10 years later, that energy has turned into purpose.
A proud Bronx native, Christian has balanced his work at the Monster with education and family responsibility. Having earned both his Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees in Criminal Justice and now studying plumbing at trade school, he continues to evolve. Off the clock, he’s a caregiver for his parents, a self-taught tailor, and a car enthusiast. “Finding peace and being grateful has been my theme,” he reflects. “Life is a gift, and you usually get back what you put out into the world.”
At the door, Christian has seen it all — the first-time visitors nervous but hopeful, the longtime patrons filled with memories, and the ever-changing mosaic of New York nightlife.
“The Monster calls people of all ages and backgrounds,” he says. “Some share stories about meeting their partners here. Others come to reconnect with old friends. Every night, I learn something new about the community.” But Christian’s presence extends beyond checking IDs. “I do guard the door,” he laughs, “but there are a few hearts I guard as well.” Regulars will tell you it’s true — his quiet sense of security and kindness has become a cornerstone of comfort for countless guests.
Even moments of chaos can turn into humor under his watch. He recalls breaking up an argument between two strangers that ended in laughter and friendship by the end of the night. “It showed me there’s more good in us than we think.”
When asked if people flirt with him, he smiles modestly. “Yes, it happens,” he admits, “but what means the most is when people get to know me as a person.”
As the Monster prepares for another season of gratitude, community and celebration, Christian stands exactly where he’s meant to be — at the heart of it all.
And with that, the man who guards both the door and the soul of one of New York’s most beloved institutions reminds us all what true hospitality looks like — strong, kind and quietly extraordinary.
INTERVIEW >>>
Christian, tell us a little about yourself?
I guess I’ll start with the obvious, I’ve been working security for over a decade now. A majority of that time has been at the Monster. During my time here, I was able to obtain both my Associates and Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. I was able to successfully use my education for a brief time working for the Administration for Children Services. I’m now continuing my studies at a trade school, where I’m studying plumbing. Aside from working at the Monster, I’m also a caregiver to my parents. At this day and age, I have been trying to make everything come together. Finding peace and being grateful has been the theme, and I’m truly invested in it. I always smile, because slowly I’ve learned life is a gift and you usually get back what you put out into the world.
What’s your favorite part about working the door at a gay bar?
My favorite part of working the door would be the diversity of the people I interact with. The rich legacy of the bar calls people of all ages and backgrounds. I enjoy meeting those that have stories about the bar’s inception, to how couples met at this establishment, and those that chose the Monster as their first place to visit after coming out. Something I also enjoy is the creativity I have seen walking through our doors. Some customers are very creative and their stories of inspiration explain more about them than their wonderful attire does. I’m always learning something new about the community, from the history to the current social climate. But overall, my favorite aspect of working at the Monster is seeing the family of patrons that call the Monster home.
How did you end up working here — accident or destiny?
I would say it was somewhat destiny. The world has a strange way of aligning its energy with your frequency. I began working here after a beloved friend of mine, Eddie (RIP), told me they were looking to hire another security guard to complete the team at the time. It was great timing for me, because I wanted to return to school and I also wanted a steady schedule while doing so. Having him and another industry referral from the community did help me land a job at the Monster, and I appreciate both Eddie and David for being the catalyst that made that possible for me.
You give a presence at the door to the patrons, that you want to be there and that you enjoy your work. How long have you been working at The Monster?
I’ve been working at the Monster since late 2015. Almost a decade now. I’ve seen quite a few changes, but at its core, the Monster still prides itself on providing a comforting and welcoming environment to all its guests. I always make sure that begins with me when I’m stationed at the door.
Usually, I’m the first person customers interact with when entering, and that introduction can set the tone for a person. As an authority figure of this establishment, I want to make sure our guests feel both welcomed and secure.
So, do you guard the door… or everyone’s hearts too?
I pride myself on being as professional as possible, but that pride becomes more profound when I know I have a deep impact on our guests. To be told that my presence adds a sense of security and that everything feels OK when I’m around adds meaning to my work. In some sense, I do guard the door, but there a few hearts I guard as well. I’ve developed connections with so many guests here, where I guard their heart just as strongly as I guard the door.
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever had to break up?
The funniest conflict I had to break up was one war of words between two customers. The two didn’t know one another and got into a verbal dispute. I was called along with another security member to break them up, and once I was able to speak to them, I tried my best to mediate the tension. Although they apologized to one another to keep the peace, the funny part was that by the time we ended our night, they became friends and were laughing together. That to me was funny but also showed we have more good within us.
Do people flirt with you as much as I think they do?
Simple answer? Yes. I am hit on, and I’m always very flattered when I am, but those who have gotten to know me over time have valued me as a person, and that means a lot to me.
When you’re not working security, what do you do for fun?
I love spending time with my family. I try my best to always budget my time to be available for them. I also take some time out to alter and sew clothes for me, as well as my family. I also have a love affair with my vehicle. I’m always performing cosmetic enhancements to it and educating myself on how to be a safer driver. Overall, when I have free time, I always try to make sure it’s meaningful, even if I’m just having a lazy day.
Does standing at the door give you a better view of people’s masks or their true selves?
I’d say you see a combination of both. Some people are more authentic than others. Some don’t hold anything back and are an open book, while others have a shadowy side to them. But something I have experienced is that once people feel comfortable over time, they tend to embrace you even if there isn’t much communication. There’s a rapport you build out of respect.
Be honest — how many fake IDs do you spot in a night?
Oh, my, I have lost count. I have spotted many. If I’m not at the door, I’m called to verify, and ultimately left to decline their entry if a valid form of ID can’t be shown. We have a lot of young adults who try to convince me they won’t drink, but I just have to inform them the legal issues and the liability that falls on the bar.
You will be the face of this year’s Thanksgiving issue of Get Out! mag, Anything else you would like to add?
I’m really grateful that I’m being featured in this month’s magazine. I wanted to thank you, Mike & Eileen from Get Out and Jeff from Wilsonmodels and everyone at the Monster, including Dan and Charlie. For this month’s issue, I’m wishing everyone blessings and a peaceful heart.
