Born This Way Haven’t you always wanted to have a twin brother? Imagine what it would be like to have a built-in friend who is identical to you in every single way, someone with whom you can share everything—no secrets, nothing to hide. Complete symmetry. Would it be like in the movies, where one twin is evil and one is good (think Bette Davis in Dead Ringer)? Would you play tricks on your friends, family, teachers, sex partners? Would he be like you in every way? Would he know your every thought and desire? Would his thoughts and desires be the same as yours?
Meet our cover boys, identical twins Tommy and Tanthalas (Tanis for short). We know—completely dreamy, aren’t they? Double your pleasure, double your fun, right? Not so fast! One of them likes girls and one likes boys. But can you tell which one is gay? Be careful, now. You can’t judge a book by its cover!
Tommy and Tanis Reinert were born September 1, 1990, in a small hospital in Reading, Pennsylvania. Tanis came first, followed seven minutes later by Tommy, who had Tanis’ umbilical cord wrapped around his neck. To this day, Tanis jokes that this is what made Tommy gay. There—we told you.
Upon meeting these guys, one of the first things you notice about them (aside from their amazing eyes and square jawlines) is just how funny they are, and how each teases the other about being the better-looking, the smarter, the more talented of the two. You can almost literally feel the strong bond between them.
“We have gone through life side by side. Every experience we had, we experienced together. I wouldn’t change a single second of it,” says Tommy. “But it hasn’t always been easy. We grew up in countless houses, our parents divorced, and our mother struggled with some drug-related issues.” At the age of 4, the boys moved in with their father and his second wife, who adopted them and raised them. “We owe a lot to our stepmom. She raised us as if we were her own,” says Tommy. “Our father had an alcohol problem and was quite distant. We had our hardships, but who hasn’t? Our parents did their best, and we love them unconditionally. In the end, everything has only made
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us stronger.”
Tommy was “outed” at 16 when an instant message from another guy was found on the family’s home computer. “It was a pretty big thing back then, but now we all joke about it,” says Tommy. “I wasn’t surprised,” Tanis teases. “He always hated sports and always listened to girl singers. He is better off being gay, ’cause I’m so much better-looking!” Their stepmom recalls that her only indication that Tommy was gay was that all his best friends growing up were girls. “He seemed to relate to them better,” she says. The twins also have three brothers and three sisters (some from their biological mom, some from their stepmom). Their sister Jacqueline recalls, “Surprisingly enough, I had no idea Tommy was gay. The only thing I remember is that Tommy was—well, is—more sensitive than Tanis, and we used to shop more together!” Their father matter-of-factly states, “So Tanis has more testosterone than Tommy. Who cares? I love both of them—gay, straight or some mixture in between. It’s not a matter of sexual preference. We are family. No one messes with my kids.”
So how can it be that only one is gay if they are identical twins? Aren’t they supposed to be completely identical? Intriguing, isn’t it? Many people still think that having a distant father and an overbearing mother makes you gay. If this were true, wouldn’t every identical set of twins raised in the same household either both be gay or both be straight?
Read more about our cover boys in our August issue, out now!
Those are my freaking big brothers!!!! I am so proud of them!!!! I can't wait to buy this and freaking read it!!!! AHHHHH TOMMMY AND TANIS I LOVE YOU BOTH SO MUCH and i cant freaking wait to go to California next year and come see you guyss aaaahhhh my bros are famous!!!!
+6
... written by Donna Reinert,
July 27, 2011
These are my nephews! Like Laura, I am also very proud of them....always have been! Way to go guys!!!
+2
... written by Greg Linton,
July 27, 2011
I'm so happy you got this cover, but as I look at the photo above and the one on the cover, your serious looks are so opposite of your easy going personalities, I'll see you guys in December.
+2
... written by Jacqui Rothermel,
July 28, 2011
Wooooooooo Hoooooooo my twin brothers made the front cover of a magazine! You two look like such studs! Great article and great pics . I'm very proud of you both! (And thrilled I was mentioned hahaha).
+0
... written by Jacqui Rothermel,
July 28, 2011
Okay, by the way, Tanis can I just say in this picture here you look eerily like Edward from Twilight?
+1
... written by Bobby Smulche,
July 28, 2011
Which one is which? Is Tommy the one with shorter hair or the longer curly hair?
+0
... written by Tanthalas Reinert,
July 29, 2011
Tommy has the shorter hair i have the longer hair
+0
... written by April Moody,
July 29, 2011
Wow you guys are amazing to think o went to school with you both you guys made something of yourself great job hope you lifestyle continue to get brighter congrats guys
+3
... written by Thomas Reinert,
July 29, 2011
My sons have proven that all boundries can be broken, not just Tanis and Tommy but all of them. Laura ,Timmy and Tony have made the world wait for them as well. My life may be worthless, but its awesome to see them shine while I rust away. Love that I had a chance to make that happen.
+2
... written by Chrissy Rolinski,
August 01, 2011
Hey there guys! How's Cali treating all of you? I'm looking forward to grabbing a copy of the magazine. First, billboard sign in PA, and now this?!?! How rad!
+0
... written by robert migiki,
August 02, 2011
awww i want a good looking twin too. so jealous
+1
... written by jaquanna reese,
August 06, 2011
omg tommy and tanis!!!! i cant believe it!!! i am so proud of the both of you and i wish you bost the best of luck in ur future!! i will be getting this magazine and showing it to everybody sayin " i went to school with them!!" lol
oo yea tommy you need to come to vegas and see me when yall not too busy modelin n stuff..u promised me a visit and its wayyy overdue!!
+2
... written by Peter Callahan,
August 08, 2011
I enjoyed the article on nature vs nurture, but was struck at the incredible similarity between Tommy & Tanthalas Reinert and models Jacob & Jarrod Fetterolf. The models also went under the name of Jesse & Joshua for Fratmen.com. The Fetterolfs went on to film with adult performer Brent Everett for a video put out by Channel 1 Releasing. I will leave it to you and your search engine to confirm my suspicioins that all are the same. However, comparing their hairstlye, eye color, facial features, body type and especially Tommy's ear pattern leaves me little doubt. If my conclusion is correct, the story would take on a rather disingenuous twist.
+0
... written by Paulus,
August 10, 2011
the words that touch of Tanis: i will support him (Tommy) until the day i die. Its cool
+2
... written by vanjava,
August 11, 2011
I always curious about identical twins. they are certainly very close to each other. I was very moved by how Tanis and Tommy love each other.
+1
... written by Instinct Staff,
August 18, 2011
@Peter: No, these are not the same people.
+0
... written by Billy Nickerson,
September 12, 2011
Guys - I really enjoyed the magazine article! Our company's LGBT group is trying to put together some more material on nature vs. nurture for national coming out day (Oct 11), and I've already recommended your article. If either of you have the time, perhaps answering a few more questions via email? Would be very much appreciated. :-)
Hope you enjoy California (I'm here too!)
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October 14, 2011
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November 16, 2011
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January 14, 2012
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. I'm very proud of you both! (And thrilled I was mentioned hahaha).
