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Archive for the ‘2010 June’ Category

Mint Male June 2010- Cover Credits and Dear Reader

June 14th, 2010

Dear Readers,

I'd like to take a minute to thank all of you for your overwhelming support. I genuinely hope you enjoy our June issue. Our Mint team has been working non-stop between the publication and the events we've been involved with. Speaking of, I'd like to personally extend an invitation to anyone and everyone who can join us on June 19th at 712 N Rush St in Chicago for?Mint Male and Maxine LTD present the Get Equal Gala Benefit. Email me (Lisa@MintMale.com) for more details, or if you'd like to get involved with anything we're doing. Also, be sure to keep your eye out for our float in the 2010 Pride Parade. It's so important to get involved so that we can make a difference for everyone in the LGBTQA community. Our fight for equality is far from over, but the more people that actively aim to make change, the sooner we'll get there. Thanks again for everything, and know how much all of us at Mint Male appreciate you, and have an incredibly proud June!

Yours ever so truly,

Lisa Kimmey

Director of Operations

June is in full swing and it's when our Pride should be at an all time high. Rainbow Flags blow in the wind while the community prepares for festivals, parades, and events across the globe. It's the gayest month of the year and had we better take advantage of it. It's 30 days to reflect and rejoice in the battles we have overcome and to remind us that we must move even further. We must break the glass ceiling and have equality for everyone. So when you're putting on your rainbow boa, new swim suits, and mixing your LGBTQA iced tea, take a moment to reflect. Think about the times past and recent when same sex people were beaten, murdered, and arrested for their sexuality. Think about the men who were raided in bars, and the women who are raped in Africa for being a lesbian. Consider the 250,000 people who marched less than a year ago to fight for our equality. Don't let yourself fade into the background. Stand up and tell the world you want equality in your job, in your marriage, and in every part of your damned life. So gather up your flags, and don't forget to wear sunscreen while you're celebrating YOU and all who love you. Happy Pride 2010!

xoxo,
Joey Grant
Publisher

I love warmth and summer. It's the only thing that helps me make it through the sometimes tortuous winters here in Chicago. Being from the south originally, I thrive on heat and humidity, making June the perfect month for me. From the Pride Parade to the festivals, even the thunderstorms, summer hits the spot for me. I sometimes miss home but feel lucky to live in a city that offers us so much. We are lucky to have such a die-hard community that doesn't hide under the radar, but rather gets out and celebrates and is proud of who we are. I am in my 30's now and have never really had too many issues with my being a proud gay man. I love being part of a community that will welcome anyone of any kind into its arms. I know there are places out there where you do have to be silent and break down and hide who you are. That being said, this month, I would like to encourage everyone to embrace it and get out in the heat and celebrate. Whether you're in a big city, a smaller city where they have a little festival of sorts, or even a tiny town, invite your friends and have your own Pride celebration in your back yard. I am so excited about marching in the parade here in Chicago this year. After nine years of watching, I will definitely feel more involved and proud to be out there seeing all the people of every age, sex, religion, etc. Pride is truly a celebration for everyone and I can't wait to see you all there. I hope you enjoy this issue as much as we enjoyed making it for you!

Happy Pride Month everyone!
Josh Shores
Co-Founder

Posted in 2010 June, Covers + Dear Reader

We Can Do It- Oh Yes, we can!

June 14th, 2010

Since the National Equality March took place last October in Washington DC, a new group of activists has emerged. They're louder, more visual and have much more of a grass roots style. Robin McGehee and Kip Williams started this group, Get Equal, when they felt that the current activist groups just weren't doing enough. They started taking a more hands-on approach and launched a website featuring the young boy from Arkansas, Will Phillips, who refused to take part in the Pledge of Allegiance in school because its promise of "liberty and justice for all" remained empty for millions of Americans. His silent and powerful demonstration sparked a national media frenzy and he was given the Outstanding TV Journalism segment award at the 2010 GLAAD Media Award Ceremony.

The mission behind Get Equal is to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community with the help of their allies. They are taking action in demanding full legal and social equality as well as holding accountable those who stand in their way. Get Equal has a vision to make our community's voice heard clamorously and have the government be held accountable for the lack of equality offered to all Americans.

When describing the reason and cause of Get Equal, Robin explains, "The LGBTQ movement stands at a turning point. In the 40 years since the Stonewall riots, our lives have changed immeasurably. We have Gay-Straight alliances in schools across the country, positive gay characters in movies and on television, affirming communities of faith, and openly gay public officials. However, the core of our movement remains unrealized. We are still not equal. At every level of society, LGBTQ folks face rampant and unacceptable discrimination."

We had the incredible opportunity of communicating with Robin directly to get a better look at what Get Equal is really doing. They have a clear and prominent goal, and nothing shy of equal rights will do. Robin expressed, "The reality is that our legislators go home early during a campaign season to work to get votes and in our reality, they haven't given us what they've already promised with Employment Non-Discrimination policies and the repeal of Don't Ask; Don't Tell. As an organization, we have a much loftier goal. We want nothing less than equal protection and opportunity in all 50 states, in all matters governed by civil law. Our hope is that our community will begin to more largely rally around a civil rights amendment or American Equality Bill that offers us all equal protection."

What Get Equal has started is groups of activists peacefully and emphatically taking action against the disservice millions of American face as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer individuals. For example, one team has formed called'ENDA4'. Like the ATeam, but fighting the inequality of job discrimination, these four women (Chastity Kirven, Janine Carmona, Michelle Wright and Samantha Ames) are on the front line to have sit ins at Nancy Pelosi's DC and San Fransisco offices.

The four courageous were arrested and had to agree not to break any more laws to get the charges dropped. ENDA legislation has been stuck in the House Committee on Education and Labor since last year even though Representative Barney Frank promised it would come to a vote by the end of 2009, and even more recently Frank, Representative Tammy Baldwin, Representative Jared Polis and Speaker Pelosi all claimed it was a high priority and they have the votes to pass it. The frustration of this bill not being passed has forced these members to come forward and bring the attention needed to it.

Like the last Presidential Campaign, when the excitement dies down, so does the of support from the grass roots. We inquired on how Get Equal planned to get more people involved and keep them excited about their movement, and Robin replied, "You are absolutely right; there is a quick momentum that builds with every action, but unless you are able to capitalize on that energy – you've lost that organizing moment. We are working to build grassroots connections all over the US and hope over the next months to knit together a group of community organizers that will begin to fight back and stop settling for the empty promises and excuses that our community has been receiving. We will have more actions and more ways to get involved, but it is clear there is a community demand to stop settling and to Get EQUAL."

Our biggest challenge has been the number of folks who want to be involved. So many people all around the country have been activated, and they want to take action as part of the Get EQUAL network. That's amazing, of course, because it means that more organizing is happening. But it's challenging to figure out how to support everyone when you have limited time and resources. We want to help build a network, and we also want to use our resources in the way that's most effective. We're trying to figure out how to meaningfully support all the grassroots activism, while focusing on a few specific goals that we can accomplish as an organization."

Get Equal is pushing to steer away from fighting at a State by State basis, expressing that, "We must pass 50 different laws in each state to protect us from job discrimination, marriage, and safety. These laws can't be state only: they must be national because we are all citizens of the this nation, not just the state we reside in. To make it more clear, the statewide laws can easily and consistently be struck down, by either the executive branches, lawmakers or the citizens themselves.

When we put all of our resources into state and local campaigns, we cede our power to make national change, and we inevitably leave the most vulnerable members of our community behind. Whether or not your state or community has marriage equality or employment protections, you still don't have all your rights. In the meantime, a significant portion LGBTQ people in most places in the country don't have any of those protections or rights.

We need a unified voice demanding nothing less than equal protection in all matters governed by civil law all over the country. While we may be "a little more equal" in places like Iowa or Massachusetts, there are no fractions of equality. We have the moral authority – and the right, under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution – to demand full equality." And that's exactly what Get Equal is doing.

Organizing a nation is no easy task, but with their tactile skills and boundless determination, they will mobilize via the internet. These communities will then create bases across the country where LGBTQ citizens and communities can bind together and become one voice for one option: equality for all. Get Equal is not a group of compromisers and sellouts, but rather the future of our freedom to the rights we deserve as LGBTQ citizens. The group will connect the dots across the country by creating a network of activists and volunteers.

Robin and Kip created the National Equality March in which over 250,000 LGBTQ people and their friends, families, and allies came together and demanded equality. The NEM was held last October on the west lawn of the Capitol, drawing major attention to the our rights as equal Americans. They created a march that was funded on support of the grassroots and private donors, and with the little money they had, they created a moment in time that will never be forgotten. Now is the time to mobilize and take it to the streets. We need to take those 250,000 plus people and get them to make it 1,000,000 plus to get the country up to speed on rights such as job discrimination, Don't Ask Don't Tell, Defense of Marriage Act, and other discriminatory laws that must be removed.

With passion and excitement, Kip Williams illustrated why a mobilized base must change the nation. "When properly served, we believe these people can create a ground swell of energy that will fundamentally change the current political dynamic, restrict support for those who stand in the way of full equality, and embolden those who want to do the right thing. No longer must we settle for empty promises while our young commit suicide, our rights are stripped away at the ballot box, and we are treated as second class citizens. The time has come to unequivocally say that we are more than a political movement we are a civil rights movement."

Get Equal is a strong, organized, and driven force, and they're speaking out without settling for anything less than full equality. "No one should settle for inequality. We deserve equality, and we should act like it. We should all be holding our leaders accountable, and pushing for them to do the right thing. For some of us, that means disrupting business as usual and not backing down. For others, it means withholding dollars and votes or having hard conversations with friends and family. But we all have to take responsibility for our equality, and we have to insist that we have the moral authority to do so."

*Images for this article were provided by WE CAN DO IT, Oh Yes We CAN.

The "We Can Do It" photo campaign has set out to build solidarity and personal strength through positive messaging using a well known iconic image of power and featuring modern LGBTQA people. In support of the global LGBTQA movement, the goal of this organization is to bring to life modern individuals by depicting them as powerful people and not as victims. Their worldwide campaign is looking to encompass that iconic American ideal of "We Can Do It". Our more modern slogan, 'Yes We Can', has been made famous by current President Barack Obama. WCDI is trying to change the face of the LGBTQA movement and the perception that the general public has of the movement. It's not surprising why we here at Mint Male chose this campaign to illustrate our article on Get Equal, another organization that is trying to change the direction of the LGBTQA movement. While GetEqual.org is national and WCDI is global, both are powerful forces to keep an eye out for. For more information, please check out www.MediaTempleProductions.com and www.OpenArtistMovement.com.

Posted in 2010 June, Politics + EnvironMINT

Fairy-boy Dreams to Reality: Artist Paul Richmond uses gay and glam to express his own inner diva.

June 14th, 2010

Fairy-boy Dreams to Reality:

Artist Paul Richmond uses gay and glam to express his own inner diva.

By Jake Giles

Mint Male: Can you tell me a little bit about how you became a working artist?

Paul Richmond: My art education began at a pretty young age. By the time I was three, my parents couldn't pry me away from the dining room table where I sat busily drawing myself as a fairy tale princess. They explained that being a princess wasn't an acceptable career path for a boy from the Midwest (which was quite a bummer). However, they also presented a compelling alternative ? art lessons. I began oil painting classes once a week with a fabulous local artist named Linda Regula, who nurtured my creativity and helped me develop as a visual storyteller. Grand portraits of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty followed.

Later, I attended Columbus College of Art and Design, graduating in 2002. It was invigorating to be exposed to so many new ideas and techniques, yet my personal life was a train wreck due to deep-rooted denial of my homosexuality. It took a lot of energy to convince myself I was straight while secretly lusting after every moody art school boy who crossed my path.

Fortunately, the year following graduation was a time for personal growth. I formed a mural painting business with my friend, the amazingly-talented painter Melissa Forman, and she helped set me straight (so to speak) in many ways. She was the first person I came out to, and as I began exploring my sexuality with my artwork, she encouraged me to bring the paintings out from under my bed and start exhibiting them. My work and I have been on parallel journeys of increasing gayness ever since.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in 2010 June, Music + Art + Movies

Research Wrap Up

June 14th, 2010

Research Wrap Up

By: Michael E. Bricker, PhD, LCP

Your feelings called, they're trying to get in touch with you.

Researchers find that when LGBTQA individuals take time to express their emotions, they experience less anxiety and depression and perceive their lives as less stressful. Several studies found that gay individuals who engaged in activities such as journaling or discussing their stresses with a friend, partner, or trusted family member, fared better than their counterparts who did not take time to directly acknowledge challenges in their lives. Do you take time to admit to yourself or to others the struggles you face? Your mental health may depend on it!

Blame it on the Al-al-al-al-al-alcohol

Numerous studies show that LGBTQA individuals are at an increased risk for substance use AND abuse…especially gay men. A recent finding also showed that avoiding the "bar scene" did little to reduce LGBTQA individuals' potential for abuse. Researchers note that abuse of alcohol is much more prevalent for LGBTQA individuals than for heterosexuals, with gay men and lesbians representing the highest at risk. Gay men are also more likely than their heterosexual partners to abuse "club drugs" like ecstasy and GHB, and also showed increased risk for abuse of crystal meth. When you think, "I would never get 'that bad'", think of it this way…no one ever plans to become an alcoholic or drug addict. Substance use/abuse also shows correlation with a variety of physical health problems, as well as mental health issues including depression and suicide. Have you taken time to examine how and why you use substances lately?

How monogamous are gay men?

While monogamy rates among gay men have seemed to fluctuate over time, more and more gay men appear to endorse a monogamous lifestyle. A recent study found that about 74% of gay men reported being monogamous in their relationships. Research has not supported, however, that this is the only way to achieve happiness. Studies in this area have also established that monogamous and non-monogamous gay men do not differ in how sexually and relationally satisfied they are, and that men in open and monogamous relationships seem to have about equal amounts of sex with their primary partner. One difference that seems to appear in these groups is that monogamous men do tend to show greater connection/attachment with their partners than do those men who are in open relationships. However, each of these groups seem to display similarly healthy attitudes toward relationships, and these differences may merely represent the differing needs certain gay men have in their relationships. So…how do these stats stack up against your own assumptions?

Gym Bunnies

Recent research continues to confirm that gay men are at a significantly increased risk for body image issues. Gay men regularly report that stereotypes perpetuated in the gay community continue to add stress about being fit. Attitudes about body image also have been found to not only lead to greater depression and anxiety among queer men, but may also adversely impact their sex life. Gay men have also been linked with compulsive gym use, and these fitness habits appear to correlate with over-idealized images of what we should expect in a partner, both from ourselves and from a potential mate. What's more, while we may believe that working out is healthy, excessive focus on fitness can lead to problems that mimic other types of addictions including neglecting other areas of our life, limiting social contact, and fostering feelings of inadequacy about ourselves. When you find yourself drawn to work out, ask yourself why it is so important to you. If exercise is your only tool to dealing with low self-esteem, you may be fighting a losing battle.

The Bisexual Dilemma

Studies show that individuals with a bisexual identity often experience marginalization not only from the heterosexual community, but by the homosexual community as well. Attitudes about bisexuality being a "phase" are pervasive in queer circles; however, research consistently proves otherwise. Science shows that most bisexual individuals show?consistent feelings for both sexes throughout their lifetimes. Unfortunately, many who are bisexual are consistently met with stereotypes and attitudes that serve to mock or dismiss their identity, and show decreased social and emotional well-being as a result. Luckily, bisexual individuals may be buffered from these detrimental effects by developing a community of support and having experiences of feeling valued as a bisexual individual. The next time you hear someone joke about bisexuality, you may want to consider speaking up. We already receive enough pressure and judgement from heterosexual society without having to deal with the judgments within our own community.

Posted in 2010 June, Sex + Love

You Say Green, I Say BIKE!

June 14th, 2010

You Say Green, I Say BIKE!

By: Eric Greene

Looking outside it appears that the weather just broke. The trees are budding, flowers are reaching for the sun and bikes are coming out of storage. There are some die-hards who toughed it out this winter and while they certainly deserve a medal, most of us are just now dusting off our two-wheeled buddies. Personally, I'm excited about the end of another winter where I spent too much on cabs.

Bicycling around Chicago has its benefits. It's environmentally friendly, great exercise and it allows us a beautiful view of the city that we just can't get from trains, buses or cars. Not to mention the sense of freedom that being able to get up and go gives us.

There are a plethora of restored and recycled bikes just begging for you to give them a home. A wonderful place to start searching is Working Bikes (workingbikes.org) here in Chicago. It is a not-for-profit organization that keeps bikes from being needlessly trashed. According to their website, they also donate to countries where "a bicycle can often mean the difference between work and unemployment." Imagine how you will feel riding a bike knowing that its purchase helped improve the lives of people halfway across the globe.

Whether you relate to your bike as a new buddy or as an old friend, keeping it in proper working order is extremely important. It adds to the lifespan of your bike. It insures your safety as well as the safety of those around you. Spring is a great time for a tune up. I have had a lot of success with the friendly people at Rapid Transit Cycleshop (rapidtransitcycles.com), but there are many places around the city capable of keeping your bike healthy. Find the one that's right for you. If you prefer to be your own mechanic, plenty of cycle shops offer classes and even free seminars. Also, a number of do-it-yourself books are available. Check your local bookstore and see what's in stock.

Once your bike is safe to ride make sure you're riding safely. The City of Chicago website actually presents a helpful rules-of-the-road guide for bikers. Check it out at http://egov.cityofchicago.org/Transportation/bikemap/keymap.html. I'd like to highlight that it is both dangerous and illegal to ride on sidewalks or wear earphones while riding. Helmets are still a personal choice in Chicago, but it's better safe than skull-fractured. Lights while riding at night are a good idea as well. No one actually wants to hit you, so let them know you're there.

If you ever find that cycling strictly as a form of transportation just isn't putting enough bike in your day, there are plenty of options to explore. One of these is Critical Mass. At 5:30 p.m. on the last Friday of every month, hundreds of riders set out from Daley Plaza to "take back the streets," if only for a couple of hours. This event creates a wonderful sense of community among participants and helps to implant the seed of bike-loving in every witness. For more information look no further than chicagocriticalmass.org.

If you haven't done it yet, get on your bike and go for a ride. Do it for the environment. Do it for your health. Do it for a movement. Do it because it's cool and everybody else is doing it. You have every excuse you'll ever need, so pedal your heart out Chicago.

Posted in 2010 June, Politics + EnvironMINT

Nhojj gives "Love" a different face in new music video

June 14th, 2010

Nhojj gives "Love" a different face in new music video

By Jake Giles

In between videos featuring scantily clad dancers and jam-packed hot tubs, viewers might blink a few times when they see the video for singer-songwriter Nhojj's single "Love." The clip features two gay men in love, doing what gay men in love do: riding a motorcycle, sharing embraces, being intimate. It sounds too progressive to be true. Maybe it's that this is often unseen video content in mainstream music. Perhaps it's the soothing falsetto Nhojj uses to narrate the story. In any case, "Love" took the number one spot on MTV's Music Top 100 Chart, beating out big names like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift. Although he's been making music for over a decade, Nhojj is a recent face in the new wave of openly LGBT artists to hit popular music. After graduating from NYU, Nhojj bought Tascam recording equipment and released his debut album two years later (2001). With his newest album,?Soul Comfort, the Caribbean native hopes to continue changing preconceived notions about the representations of love that are fit for feature in a mainstream music video.

Q: Congratulations on "Love" hitting number one on MTV Music. How did you react to the news?

A: I was surprised, then I was jumping up and down like a kid. Not only am I an out, gay artist, but I'm also an indie artist. "Love" is my first music video, so this is enormously encouraging and rewarding. I hope this inspires other gay artists to stay true to who they are and share more of our stories through music.

Q: Where did the inspiration come from for the song "Love"?

A: I wanted to write the ultimate love song; one that captures the essence of making love with someone you care about. The ultimate experience of love is really beautiful and quite spiritual; it's indescribable really, but that is what art does best: describe the indescribable. I also wanted to capture love's sexiness.

Q: Who were your biggest influences while developing your sound?

A: One of my biggest musical influences was Michael Jackson. I remember singing into my parent's stethoscope trying my best to sound like MJ. Another musical influence was Bob Marley. Growing up in the Caribbean, his message of one love was everywhere. Personally, I really look up to Nelson Mandela. He is the symbol of faith and courage in overcoming prejudice, hatred, and ignorance.

Q: Can you tell me a bit about your songwriting process?

A: It changes from project to project. I've recorded four CDs; with each one I've explored a different form of songwriting. I approached my debut?I've Been Waiting for You like a personal diary. I would keep a little recorder close by and whenever I got a melodic idea, I'd record it and add to it as other ideas came. With my sophomore album "Someday Peace Love & Freedom," I listened to lots of reggae-fusion tracks and let the music inspire my melodies and lyrics.?John Martinborough Coming Home [features] interpretations of songs I grew up singing in church. My latest,?Soul Comfort, started out with the idea of focusing on everything that is good in life and writing about those particular experiences, like love, relationships, spirituality, friendship, sex, solitude, and of course music.

Q: If you could work with any musician, living or dead, who would it be and what type of song would you create?

A: That's a great question. I would work with Carlos Santana. He is such an incredible musician and uses his music to make this world a better place. I would love to create a song that explores how gay and straight people can live together and celebrate our differences.

Q: The video for "Love" has received enormous amounts of praise from the LGBT community for its depiction of gay love. What type of reception did you anticipate from mainstream music?

A: In my heart, I hoped the mainstream would embrace my video showing two men in love, but I honestly didn't expect them to receive it. It's sad to me that some people feel threatened by love that appears in different forms from what they are familiar with. I believe love is always good. But things are changing and this video reaching number one is another indicator that our society is changing for the better. I believe things will continue to change for the better. We just have to keep on believing and working towards this truth.

Q: How has your music been received by both the Black and Gay communities?

A: It's been really remarkable. BET's Soul Sessions congratulated me on being the first black male to win an OUTMusic Award, and news articles about "Love" reaching number one were published in Guyana where I grew up. The comments were really encouraging and supportive. I can't imagine that everyone is supportive, but many people are and I've experienced the same from gay communities. The Advocate and many gay bloggers covered the story. Once again, the comments were so encouraging. It's validation that magic can happen once you live your truth and share it.

Q: Do you feel any responsibility as an openly gay man in the music business to be a role model for LGBT youth?

A: Absolutely, I remember growing up in the Caribbean and not having role models; I didn't see myself or anyone like me. As a result, I felt invisible. It is so important to be visible and see yourself expressed through others. It's affirming and empowering in ways we don't fully understand yet. On my website, I blog about other role models who both LGBT youths and adults can look up to and be inspired by.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish as a professional musician?

A: To have an openly gay album reach #1 on Billboard's top 200 chart. Wouldn't that be a powerful message

of acceptance?

Posted in 2010 June, Music + Art + Movies

Epoche

June 14th, 2010

The inspiration for this shoot came from many different sources, but the biggest push came from Anime movies, which is where the art direction for this shoot began. The idea of mobs of men fighting in a post-apocalyptic society who had military training, and followed the Samurai code of honor struck a deep nerve. The makeup, along with the color blocking reflects this concept and is also very similar to traditional Samurai masks. Black straps and obi belts bring the traditional Samurai feel of dressing into the fashion styling. Coupled with guns and holsters, the models took on a very sexy, weaponized look ? a very fashion forward oriented take on this photo shoot. The set was edgy and urban: the broken down underbelly of the city that was a perfect location for our concept. The cold, gray lighting emphasized the apocalyptic nature: in this future, the sun is weaker and the days are darker.

Epoche is the name of this fashion piece. The word is loosely translated as the moment where all movement is suspended. In many action movies, especially in Anime, there are those great moments where time slows down and even stops. All kinetic energy is suspended and there is tension between the past and future. The photograph this kind of action, we concentrated on moments where the models were frozen in a larger action or at the beginning of movement.

Richard Dayhoff's underwear was the fashion focus for the shoot. During a collaborative meeting with the designer, we decided to play off the exceptional durability and comfort of his product. If one was going to fight in just their underwear: his brand would be ideal. They are stylish, comfortable and much like armor. Please enjoy our revealing and abstract depiction of suspension featuring Richard Dayhoff's newest line of underwear.

Posted in 2010 June, Fashion + Grooming

Richard Dayhoff — Takes Underwear to a new level.

June 14th, 2010

Richard Dayhoff — Takes Underwear to a new level.

Underwear has long been used for support, protection, or a sexy surprise. Richard Dayhoff considers underwear to be the most important layer because it's the first thing that gets put on. You clothe yourself further from there. With his incredible vision and attention to detail, he has created a premium line of underwear designed to outlast its owner.

The innovative layers of his boxer briefs expel sweat to the outer layer where it later evaporates. His new technology and modern fabrics have produced an undergarment that will not stitch out or fade. With the success of these must-have, modern, masculine, form-fitting boxer briefs, Dayhoff will be premiering three additional styles: a tee and a tank. These types of underwear are meant for action. Keep your eye out this fall for a new contour brief, a button brief, a button boxer and his original boxer brief. After wearing these comfortable, life enhancing undergarments you'll want to leave your pants behind.

Syde Jerome of Chicago and I.D. are currently carrying Richard Dayhoff performance underwear. For more information check out www.RichardDayhoff.com

Posted in 2010 June, Fashion + Grooming

Montreal: It doesn't get any better than queer Quebec

June 14th, 2010

Montreal: It doesn't get any better than queer Quebec

Written by: Jon Fairbanks, gaytravel.com

Originally named"Ville-Marie" or"City of Mary" (for you Anglophone people), Montreal is a chic, sophisticated gay destination. It is the second-largest French speaking city in the world (after Paris). That said, most residents also speak English and getting around is pretty manageable. With triple-peaked Mount Royal in the background, the view of downtown Montreal is a beautiful sight to behold.

Le Village in a Nutshell

The gay village in Montreal is the largest in North America in terms of area. Luckily for out-of-towners it's also easy to find. If you journey down Sainte Catherine Street, the major downtown area, you'll start seeing rainbow flags and gay porn shops at about Rue Berri. The Village stretches to Rue De Lorimier and in between you'll find a plethora of bars, clubs, coffee shops, boutiques and restaurants, all of which serve the local and foreign LGBTQA community.

Planning Your"Autoroute"

For a city with a metro population of more than three million, Montreal is pretty easy to maneuver. If you're driving, you'll find

there is usually street parking in The Village, but street signs are in French so make sure you understand what they say or you could get ticketed/towed. If you fly to Montreal, there are taxis and the Metro (subway system) that will take you where you need to go. The Beaudry Metro station is located smack dab in The Village.

Places to Stay: Great Deals in The Village

No matter what you're looking for, you'll be able to find the right place to stay in Montreal. There are a lot of inexpensive and quaint B&Bs or non-chain hotels to choose from. Hotel Dorion is a cozy property if you're on a budget. It couldn't be any closer to all the action! Situated on Rue Dorion, you can get a standard room or upgrade your stay with a Jacuzzi or other amenities. Hotel Maritime Plaza is more expensive and about two miles away from The Village but it's extremely gay-friendly and the service is always on-point!

Poutine, Peas and Resto Bars

If you like cruising with your meal, Le Drugstore is a treat for all of the senses. Part-restaurant, part-bar, part-boutique, it's a huge complex that staffs hot waiters/waitresses and hosts a large LGBTQ clientele. There's a variety of menu options, but the best is a burger with a generous helping of poutine. This isn't a nickname for a part of the female anatomy, rather, it's a dish made up of French fries and topped with cheese and gravy. This is popular in Quebec. Some restaurants put ketchup or peas on top. In fact, peas are served on top of many dishes in the Province, as garnish. A truly cosmopolitan city, Montreal and specifically The Village offers an eclectic mix of great cuisine, including Le Bato Thai, Restaurant La Strega (Italian) and Le Club Sandwich. More than just a great place to grab a sub, Le Club Sandwich is a diner-style institution complete with juke-boxes.

When Night Falls Sainte Catherine Lets Her Hair Down

The biggest and most popular gay club in Montreal is Club Unity, on Sainte Catherine Street. There are three floors in Unity. On the bottom floor you'll find a bar, on the second two bars with a HUGE dance floor and on the third two more bars and another dance floor playing a different kind of music. True to its name, the crowd at Unity consists of men and women of various ages, types and preferences.

Parking is the best dance club for just us boys. Also located in The Village, off Sainte Catherine, Parking offers great music from the best local and international DJs. There are two dance floors and disco music is played on the main floor. Women are only allowed to join the party on Wednesday.

Worth a second mention, by night, Le Drugstore turns into a popular lesbian bar. There are three levels of drinking, dancing and debauchery — what's not to love?!

If you want to see nearly naked guys do the dancing for you, take a swing by Campus and get a lap dance from one of the hot, but usually straight, male dancers.

After the club, if you're looking for a late night"dip," there are a few bathhouses to choose from, all within stumbling distance of the gay clubs. Oasis and Sauna Centre Ville are a couple of the most popular with locals and tourists.

Beyond The Village

Of course there are BEAUCOUP things to do outside of The Village. Montreal is a city bursting at the seams with museums, landmarks and classic architecture. Visitors who need a shopping fix can get lost at Eaton Centre. Located on Sainte Catherine, Eaton is the largest shopping mall in eastern Canada, serving more than one million visitors each week. Apple, Lacoste and Banana Republic are just a few of the familiar retailers you'll find here.

If you're looking for a faster but thrilling way to burn through your money, venture over to the Casino De Montreal. Open 24 hours a day, the casino offers more than three thousand slot machines and more than 100 gaming tables. If you end up pissing away your spending cash early, you can stay and watch a cabaret show.

French, English and other linguistic influences are fused harmoniously. If you're looking for a uniquely Euro experience, but don't want to leave North America, Montreal is an ideal destination.

Posted in 2010 June, Travel

LGBTQA Iced Tea

June 14th, 2010

LGBTQA Iced Tea

The Long Island Iced Tea (LIIT) is the basis of many elaborate mixed-drinks. It dates to the 70's, named after the continental USA's largest island Long Island, in New York. Although it doesn't contain tea, it's taste is similar. The drink sits in the top 5 of most popular cocktails and is regularly mentioned or seen served in television and films. ?Some worthy mentions are The Simpsons, Sex and the City, and Cruel Intentions.

Posted in 2010 June, Food + Drink