Sexy & Sober
with Mayra Dias Gomes / @mayradiasgomes
Photography by Karl Larsen
Editor: Freiddo Efeit
Makeup: Iggy Maciel
Hair: Michelle Nava
Assistant: Louise Carmichael
Lighting: Nina Prommer
Mayra, happy to have you on the cover of FHM! So much to unpack since you recently shared your sobriety journey with the world and leveling up, what are some of the major wins you have had since? It is such an honor to be on the cover of FHM! Thank you for having me, and for helping me celebrate this moment in my life. For the past 2 years and 5 months, I have been open about my sobriety journey, sharing with my fans the many struggles, but also the amazing changes and opportunities that quitting alcohol brought into my life. Besides the emotional growth and the ability to work on my past traumas, it also helped me develop a strong work ethic. I am thriving in all of my careers, wrestling, modeling and writing. I continue to work as a host on NWA wrestling, I just landed my second magazine cover this year, and I am working on a new novel to be published in the US. I also feel healthier and sexier than ever!
You have accomplished so much being a professional wrestler, author, and model, which of these paths have brought the most amount of joy, if you could choose? Every accomplishment means a lot to me. Several moments in my life where I felt very low, I decided to chase each of these dreams despite others perceiving them as crazy. Seeing that they have worked out gives me an immense sense of pride and joy. I can’t wait to unlock more potential and to accomplish more crazy dreams!
Best place you have ever been to in the world? Hawaii, where I go to disconnect from the world, and to enjoy the sun, ocean and nature. Hawaii is also the place I traveled to during my first month in sobriety. It played a huge part in helping me stay sober during the very difficult first 30 days.
Your honesty and openness have inspired many people. What made you want to become public about your recovery? I knew that coming out in public would help me stay accountable, and hopefully inspire others who are struggling with the disease of addiction. I believe when you admit you have a problem, vulnerability and self-awareness can become your superpowers.
Being a high achiever who has always gone after what she wanted, what are some of your biggest dreams you hope to achieve still? Writing is my first passion and dream. I am currently working on translating my first best-selling novel, I wrote at age 16. In this novel, I talk about dealing with depression and drug addiction as a teenager. I want to publish both my first novel and a second one I’m working on now, detailing my journey to sobriety after living a crazy drug, sex, and rock-n-roll life in my teen years.
Taking control of my narrative gave me the chance to regain my self-worth and my self-respect. Becoming sober was the first time I gave myself a real chance to heal from the trauma I spent my whole life trying to run away from. It transformed my life! It healed me emotionally, and it made me focus on the things that really matter in my life.
What is high on your list to do this Summer? Wear very little clothing! For real, LA has had its rainiest season ever, so I can’t wait to enjoy hot summer days at the pool and at the beach, go hiking, and attend some cool rock shows. And of course, enjoy some sex and romance! Sober definitely doesn’t mean boring. It means being in total control of myself, while being able to fully enjoy life.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey into sobriety and how being sober coming up 3 years has made you boss up? Taking control of my narrative gave me the chance to regain my self-worth and my self-respect. Becoming sober was the first time I gave myself a real chance to heal from the trauma I spent my whole life trying to run away from. It transformed my life! It healed me emotionally, and it made me focus on the things that really matter in my life.
What are some of the things you would like for your fans, and the world at large, to know about you? There is a lot more to me than what meets the eye. It’s very easy to make assumptions or judge me based on my appearance. However, I am constantly evolving by reinventing both my inner and outer self. I am always looking for ways to learn, change and grow. I hope to keep surprising my fans!
What is your idea of a really good time? I can have a really good time being anywhere with someone I really like! I do love going to dinners, rock shows, and one of my favorite activities in the world is watching movies at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery!
Any word of advice to fans on the right way to approach you? I appreciate my fans so much! Anyone who has ever met me knows I treat all my fans with kindness and respect for all of their support. Approaching me with love, respect, and positivity will get the same in return!
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us, any last words to our readers? I had to wrestle my demons to get to where I am today and want others to know it is possible to do the same. It’s not too late to start something new, and to become the best version of yourself.
