Justin T. Russo Rediscovers the Allure of New York City

One thing that Long Island-native Justin T. Russo never forgets to pack before traveling is his lucky corno, an Italian charm or amulet worn to ward off bad luck. His great grandfather wore it on his journey from Italy to the U.S. Apparently, his family momento has bought him some good luck.

You may recognize Russo from his appearance on Logo’s reality TV series, Fire Island. But it’s his recent endeavor that we’re most excited about at Vacationer Magazine. So, we decided to chat with the New Yorker about becoming the host of the new web series, Check Your Luggage, as well as this old soul’s love for art and travel destinations where he can authentically be himself.

Vacationer: You are the host of Vacationer Magazine’s new digital series, Check Your Luggage. Tell us a little about it and why you think it’s relevant right now.

Justin T. Russo: Check Your Luggage is a program dedicated to exploring local sites in New York City that aim to inspire future travel. With 2020 and the ongoing plight, travel abroad is trickier. Our program reminds viewers that there is something to explore in one’s own backyard, whether it be for the time or whenever one feels like taking a local adventure. In essence, it is a love note to travel. I am most excited for people to be reminded of this and to get excited to visit their own oases when possible. I am excited about Check Your Luggage and what will grow from it.

How did you get involved in this project? What made you decide to take on the role as host of Vacationer’s new web series?

Check Your Luggage came about serendipitously. I had just finished filming Fire Island for LOGO and after the premiere, I met CYL’s producers at a Bear World Magazine, birthday party. Richard Jones approached me about a concept for an LGTBQ+ travel show that would feature me as a host. The opportunity to take on a dream job – being myself on television while promoting queer history and travel – was hard to object to!

Did you have any surprising moments or revelations while shooting the web series?

I was truly taken aback by how much NYC has to offer, especially as a native. We forget that oftentimes we are in our own bubbles as New Yorkers (sticking to our same haunts or neighborhoods). It may take some cajoling but being brought into these other areas previously unfamiliar to me was a great reminder to step outside my own block.

In addition to your hosting duties, you are also an artist and illustrator. What sparked your interest to start drawing at 2 years old?

I’d have to credit my pre-school teacher, Donna Reisinger, for initiating my interest in drawing. She handed me the markers and I haven’t been able to put them down! My mom, Linda, also always encouraged me to draw. I do however think a passion such as this is innate.

How would you characterize the type of art and illustrations you create?

My artwork is cinematic in nature and mostly focuses on silver screen goddesses and historic pop culture. In essence, my work re-examines history through a queer lens and acts as a preservation for the past. In essence, my aim is to re-examine the legacy of Pre-War and WWII salon ideals with a queer lens.

What are some of your favorite places to check out art? Why?

I have been fortunate enough to visit many art capitals – Paris, Florence, Madrid, London, Vienna, and of course New York. Each of these cities holds a place in my heart, largely because they are so welcoming to artists. As New Yorkers, we are fortunate to have a plethora of institutions. My favorite is the MET (Metropolitan Museum of Art) because I can get lost there for days! The Whitney Museum is a close second as their collection boasts the largest grouping of Edward Hopper works. He’s a personal artistic hero.

What was the first trip that inspired you to travel more? Why?

My first trip overseas was to Paris in 2006 with my family. Later that year I was fortunate to study abroad in Florence, which truly sparked the travel bug. Access to other countries was easy and could be done on a budget, so I took the opportunity to venture to as many destinations as possible!

What’s one place that you visit because it allows you to be your authentic self as a gay/queer Italian man?

Annually I visit Provincetown, which like many others, feels like a true oasis. There is no pretense but openness and a sense of freedom. Outside of NYC, this is my happy place.

We can’t travel to some of our favorite destinations due to the pandemic. What are the top three dream destinations that you’d love to visit right now? Why?

First is Sweden. I have been to other Nordic countries, but Swedish life has always intrigued me. It is also my mecca to visit the grave of my favorite actress, Greta Garbo. Japan is next as I have become more fascinated with their culture over the years – I owe this to my love for classic Japanese cinema. The Mountain States – like Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho – are also on my list. A friend took me on an epic hike in Washington a few years back and I’d like to explore more of nature.