Borough Salon Owner Graces Cover of G Philly Magazine

Kevin Gatto, stylist and owner of Collingswood's , may be many things—artist, businessman, contributor to various charities. But he never imagined putting a check mark next to "cover model."

But that changed in June, when Philadelphia resident Gatto, 39, was approached by G Philly, a new seasonally published magazine from Philadelphia Magazine whose content is centered around innovators in the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgendered (LGBT) community.

"Natalie Hope McDonald, editor of G Philly and a friend of mine, called me this summer and asked me to be included in the magazine's (Bright Young Things: Philly's Who's Who) segment. They'd already chosen me and a group of 11 others from the LGBT community to be featured," said Verde. "Then she says, 'We want to put you on the cover.' I just started laughing; I thought she was kidding.

"I accepted the honor, even though I'd never pictured myself modeling for a magazine—much less being on the cover of one," he said.

Gatto, who is public and open about being a gay man, said being recognized among other notable forces in the LGBT community was a humbling experience.

"For Philadelphia Magazine to take on G Philly as a new publication in this economy shows their belief in, and support for, LGBT individuals," he said. "It shows us that we have a voice; it gives us a voice. And it's a giant leap forward for us."

The segment in G Philly's Fall 2011 issue—the second edition ever put out by the magazine—which is on stands now, profiles 11 LGBT innovators.

"I think (the magazine) was looking for diversity within a diversity (when choosing who to feature)," said Gatto. "I'm not political, I'm not philanthropic. They were looking for people who were well-rounded. And I guess I do a little bit of everything.

"My parents taught me very early on that a strong work ethic is important. At 13, I was a busboy at our local Italian restaurant," he said. "My parents taught me how fortunate we were, that not everyone was, and that you have to work for what you want in life. That was deeply instilled in me."

Besides being an entrepreneur—Gatto once owned a candy shop in Philadelphia, before moving on to his next venture, , which opened four years ago—Gatto enjoys giving back to the community.

Among other endeavors, Gatto partners with the on various charitable projects, is active with Susan G. Komen for the Cure in Philadelphia, posts resources on domestic violence help around his salon through Cutitout.org, and hosts annual fundraisers at Verde Salon—which is a completely green establishment—for Earth Day.

But his latest efforts have been for TOY, a yearly fundraiser that Delaware Valley Legacy Fund hosts during the holidays. Until Dec. 3, Verde Salon will be accepting unwrapped toys to raise money for children battling AIDS at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

Gatto is also no stranger to the camera, filming spots for television. But thanks to G Philly, he soon discovered that a photographer's camera is an entirely different beast than the videographer's.

"We did the G Philly shoot in Northern Liberties (Philadelphia). Hugo Boss of Cherry Hill was gracious enough to provide clothes," he said. "We did the cover photo first. It's weird, because I feel comfortable in front of a TV camera, but not a (photographer's) camera."

Despite his nerves, Gatto was thrilled with the end result.

"It turned out beautifully. I'm so grateful to everyone at G Philly, and still a bit shocked that I was given such an honor," said Gatto. "Though it's pretty surreal to see yourelf on the cover of a magazine, it's an added bonus. The honor (of being chosen) comes first. Then the cover."