I am convinced Dani didn’t ever become more famous was because his damn name was so hard to spell. Every time I wanted to write it, I would google it, but I couldn’t even spell it close enough to search it. Instead I had to look up « German Sausage Snowboard » to find him. I tried to get a nickname going to make it easier on us in the industry. I preposed Dani Rash but I think I was alone with that nickname. I first met Dani 10 years ago when the infamous Shakedown event had crossed the pond to make an attempt of their event in Europe. If I remember correctly, there wasn’t enough snow so there was only going to be the stairset in the contest. All the skinny stancers and rail dancers had come out to show off their stunts. The one that stood out the most with his knee knocking skinny stance and what seemed to be Haribo knee caps and chewing gum hips was Dani. I watched this curious creature from a far trying to understand this goofy guy who had a scarf wrapped around his head, endless tricks in his legs and a schoolboy smile on his face the whole time he was strapped in.

After riding I met him at the hotel and hung out. He immediately wanted to initiate me into a secret club. I was down. He was pure joy that extended to his riding and his fashion. He was openly gay and didn’t care what anyone had to say. His talents were beyond snowboarding and he eventually moved on to the fashion world. On the rare occasions I caught him on the hill later on, I would run to grab the chairlift with him because I knew I was in for a good laugh, unusual conversation and that kind of riding that you has you cackling till the next chair lift back up. - Alexis De Tarade

Interview by Theo Acworth from Method issue 21.1.

Hi Dani. Before we get into things, give us a brief run down of your snowboard career, deals with sponsors and video projects you were involved with.

My main chapter was filming the whole year, street stuff and sometimes contests, but mostly rail contests. My favourite Sponsor was Volcom, they were like a family and just nice for such a long time. They even sent me stuff when I was not really riding anymore. Hope they are all doing good. My favourite videoparts were for Isenseven and RockOnSb Movie, I think.

When did you step away from snowboarding, and why?

I think it was around 2013, I started to study fashion design and it was a very time-intensive and full program. So I had to quickly learn a new craft which I continue today. Almost every piece of my artwork is partly made with a sewing machine etc.

Is your sexual orientation something you ever felt you should hide from anyone?

In the beginning kind of yes but not directly. It was pretty new for me as well so there was not a real time where I was hiding it, and I came out pretty fast.

What was coming out like for you?

When I think back it was kind of weird. Everybody knew it and some were offended by my sexual orientation. They “hated” me because I wasn’t that cliche snowboarder who just liked blonde chicks. Hate is maybe a strong word, it’s more like they were just paralysed by the thought of how yummy dick can be *laughs*. It was new and humans are just curious about new things in life. A good comparison could be when I started to wear tight pants and ride a tight stance. People were so disgusted by it, until it became popular so they did it too. Same story. Literally.

Did you ever worry that being gay would impact your opportunities within snowboarding?

Not that I can remember. But I’m sure I had my thoughts. But everything went well. Snowboarding taught me to surf through life. That’s the point of it. We have to bring back what snowboarding stands for, it’s still snowboarding and not football.

Were there any other gay male snowboarders that you were aware of?

Not that I know of but I guess it’s the same as everywhere. I just heard that some American riders came out. So weird that it’s like a decade later and being gay is still a thing, which is so overrated. It would be nice if it would not be such a big deal, just whatever.

Would it have made you feel more comfortable if there were more openly gay male riders?

Yes definitely, a lot. Imagine the dopest riders with the most toxic masculinity would admit they like hairy asses and big dicks. It would trend for sure. Even straight men would beg for litres of cum just to be part of the cool thing. There is a lot of peer pressure in every scene, so why not use it for good?

No one in snowboard media seems to have made a big deal out of gay snowboarders before. Should we have done?

Yes of course. Every magazine should write about it. Especially when people in the scene suffer from it or have their doubts. Brands and magazines have a duty to educate their audience, not just putting a rainbow flag on their logo. Personally I never had big troubles about it, but my friends and my family were very welcoming to me. I mean it’s just sexuality, I don’t get why we need to pay so much attention to it. It’s like we’re still living in the middle ages. Hello, it’s 2020.

I’ve heard people saying that they don’t think snowboarding is a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community. Do you agree?

Yes I think so too. But it’s still different than other scenes. For example if you’re a footballer it’s way harder to be open about your sexuality. But in general snowboarding philosophy is about expression and freedom. So I guess it should be more welcoming than it is.

How can we make it more welcoming?

Just tag a rainbow on your board. No, but I think talking and writing about it is a good starting point. And it would definitely help if there were more famous riders who’d come out.

Do you think there’s a difference in acceptance of sexual orientation between the USA and Europe?

Yes definitely. I did that Wiener Würstchen video where I jib nude and bail bad. It’s funny that you can see my dick flopping around. European based snowboard media were laughing about it and sharing it while Americans were offended by it. In general I guess there’s a big social difference between Europe and America. For example they don’t have that nude culture like Germany does. Which in the end defines social norms and point of views towards nudism and sexual orientation in general.

3 tips from Dani for anyone struggling with pressures related to their sexual orientation or identity:

If you think you are happier with hiding your sexuality, you’re wrong. Gay life is better. Trust me.

If people insult you for your sexuality or your identity, don’t take it personally. It's just a lack of education and knowledge.

Be aware of not getting acceptance from everywhere, you can’t force them, so whatever.

Tell us about your artwork and what you’re up to these days.

It’s kind of mixed with any media. I do photographs, installations, videos, performance, fashion. Trying to create different forms of viewing points to different subjects. If you’re interested you can have a look on my website danielrajcsanyi.com or Insta @danielrajcsanyi I run also a music label with Jorkes called Freeride Millenium soundcloud.com/freeridemilleium

Thanks for your time and words Dani, much appreciated. Last thing, what should we call this page in the magazine?

Doublecocksalvation.