Mr. Hyphen 2008, originally uploaded by stechico.

I had the opportunity to shoot last night’s Mr. Hyphen 2008, a signature event by Hyphen Magazine.

Back by popular demand, Hyphen and the Oakland Asian Cultural Center (OACC) present the 3rd annual Mr. Hyphen competition on October 4, 2008, celebrating the men of the Asian American community. Each year, Hyphen and OACC celebrate Asian American men who devote themselves to worthy community causes. While structured like a pageant with rounds of talent, fashion and Q&A, Mr. Hyphen turns stereotypes on their heads in front of a sold-out crowd. Striking a blow for equal-opportunity all-in-good-fun ogling, Mr. Hyphen is an energy-filled evening of fun and charity. Rounds will be decided alternately by an audience vote and by an illustrious panel of judges. The man who is crowned Mr. Hyphen wins a $1000 cash donation to his nonprofit organization.

Hosted by writer/performer: Samantha Chanse

Congratulations to all of the participants, especially to Runner-up Maurice Seaty and Mr. Hyphen 2008 himself, Aristotle Garcia (pictured above respectively). Special thanks go to Flickrite/Vaindeer/Hyphen Magazine’s Lanlian for giving me the opportunity to check it out and photograph. It was both entertaining and educational. Good times.

Hyphen Magazine’s Mr. Hyphen 2008
@ Oakland Asian Cultural Center
388 9th Street, Suite 290
Oakland, CA 94607
(510) 637-0455