Mint Male Magazine

PARTY POP
Pop Artist Olan Montgomery Celebrates Gay Nightlife
By Manuel Dawson

Olan Montgomer's art shines the light on gay club life ? its drag personalities, go go boys, the sex, the drugs, and the pageantry.? His portraits include notable party gays like Boy George, Rupaul, Rufus Wainwright, and transsexual Amanda Lepore.

According to the artist, the gay community has a lot to learn to from its colorful nightclub denizens.? He asks that we not only respect the artistry of these creative individuals, but appreciate them for their uniqueness.

"In my mind, all creative individuals are walking art installations," explains Olan Montgomery.??? "They inspire me and I am pleased to pay homage to them in my creations."

For a world that thrives underground, why bring it up into the daylight?
Olan Montgomery: Even before Stonewall, gays have gathered in dark corners drinking and dancing in and out of drag and even in our underwear on table tops.? The "underground" is hidden, not by choice ? but because it was pushed there by bigotry.? I believe gays have a responsibility to 'bring it up into the daylight!"? Hell, it should have always been there to begin with.? The world that I portray in my art has always been as much a part of my nightlife as my day life.

Who have been some of your favorite subjects?
I recently took an acting class where I got put with this woman who proceeded to tell me how I should be doing everything from reading the lines to where I should be standing. She was so controlling that if I was an inch off from where I was supposed to be standing she would lash out in a rant of "why are you there? That's not where you are supposed to be!" She basically was policing me. So to answer your question, my favorite subjects are the ones that allow themselves to be caught in a moment of pure honesty and integrity without being policed. I want my subject to be as true to their own nature as they can be without me putting my own crap off on them.

Do you see these people as more than the characters they represent?
I have never thought of any living person as a character they represent. They are complicated intelligent artistic beings who cannot be described as 'a character.'

Is Kevin Aviance more than a bald, black diva?? Is there something beneath the surface that you're interested in exploring?
I love Kevin's "W is for work" skit on Youtube. The reality here is if we can come out of the closet, laugh at ourselves and make a difference we are more than the 'surface'.? If the younger me had just found one skit to look at, humorous or not, in bad taste or irreverent, that spoke to me on an honest non-judgmental level, I might have understood more of what I was going through as a gay teen. I might have had a stronger self worth.

Are you a fan of Jonny "The Gay Pimp" McGovern's work?
Not only does Jonny McGovern make his own important art that speaks to a generation, he finds original, true-to-self talent and shines a light onto it.? Take a look at Linda James doing "Bad Bump" and Adam Joseph and his "Faggoty Attention".? It's a wonderful new generation of homophiles cranking out the faggotry.

Do you think these personalities have a chance of being remembered through history?? Will future generations look back on the early millennium and think of Amanda Lepore?
I am pretty sure there was no reporter asked Vermeer or his muse, also known as the Dutch Mona Lisa, if there was a chance of her personality being remembered throughout history.
Time is the true test of that. I can say that I try very hard to reflect the people and the time that surrounds me so if those Greek urns showing the migration of the Amazons from Russia to warmer climates is any indication of art not only presenting history but recording it, then I am pretty sure I have created a few original historical artifacts of my own.

Is Amanda your muse?
Photographer David Lachapelle has already laid claim to Amanda, however I find Amanda inspirational.? Amanda as an art subject reflects the birth of a time when people began the process of living their lives by how they see themselves both physically and sexually. She is the predecessor to a new generation and sex: born male on the outside but female on the inside. Her own female self-creation, Amanda is the birth mother to a futuristic transgender population.

Do you remember your first club experience?
It was the 80s but I remember those days like they were yesterday.? I loved going to a party and knowing it was a party simply because Andy Warhol was there. I loved watching Farrah Faucett and Ryan O'Neil at Studio 54, and making love to Donna Summer records.? Yes, I said records: the vinyl kind that had to be played on a turntable.

How does the 80's gay dancefloor compare with today's gay dancefloor?
Going out back then meant hanging out with the celebrities of the time. There may have been a curtain separating the VIP section from the masses but walking into that area was not like going through airport security.? The whole point of the atmosphere was to allow people to enjoy the music and place without posting it on Facebook, Twitter or Myspace. You went out to relax, hang and enjoy; not to network, be discovered or have your five seconds of fame.? In fact, those that were so obvious about their desire for fame were usually the ones to avoid.

Do you look back on the 90's club kid phenomenon with the same nostalgia?
In the 90's, I got bit by the love bug and so most of my 90sn involved a man who stamped an expiration date on my forehead.? Not only did I get to experience the love of my life but the dumping of my life. All of it was a good thing because that relationship inspired me to really look at everyone around me and paint what I saw.? My art today is a reflection of my life experiences as well as a desire to understand the people and what they are experiencing around me.

How does the next generation of downtown queer artists ? Cazwell, Jonny McGovern, Kevin Aviance ? compare with their predecessors?
I think they should all become educated about what and who has come before them so that they are more able to give new and deeper perspectives in their art.? Understanding what has come before is a start to being able to give more. We all need to appreciate the work of Keith Herring from the Subways. We need to learn about Tish and Snookie from Manic Panic, John Sex and the Screaming Mimis, Anita Sarko and Sally Kirkland. Understanding the evolution or the process is not only educational but can really give an artist a great sense of being a part of something bigger than themselves.

What can the gay community learn from its nightlife personalities?
They can learn to appreciate true diversity and be tolerant and accepting of one another. Respect the artistry of these creative individuals.? Don't shoot the queen in the head just because she is wearing spandex, talking with a lisp, doing a few snaps with her fingers and twirling. The minute we gay people begin to 'judge' one another with the societal stereotypes, we've asked them to put the gun to our heads and accept the beating or even worse, the death sentence.

How would you like to be remembered?
I would like to be remembered as the artist that cared and hopefully was able to use my art to bring people together or at least provided the platform through art to begin a dialogue based in mutual respect without preconception and judgment.? I would hope that the work be remembered as a moment in pop culture when the importance of the individual became relevant and no longer reduced and devalued like washing powders and news headlines.? We are vibrant individuals and we all count.

For more info on Olan Montgomery, visit www.lipstickchic.com

Dear Minters,

I took a very hands-on approach to this issue. I cooked a Thanksgiving dinner, traveled to DC, and even did the work out with our very own personal trainer, Kevin. Thanksgiving has always been a favorite holiday of mine, and one I've always enjoyed hosting. Here at Mint Male, we are tremendously thankful for all of the support we've received from you, our readers. We always enjoy and appreciate your feedback (which you can send to us at feedback@mintmale.com). Equality, a word I never used to think about so much in my life, has become a daily reminder to me. A reminder that our GLBTQ community is still lacking Equality, and unless we press forward, we may never get it. We must demand the same rights as every other citizen in this country. It's the American way. We're working on stopping the bigotry in Maine on November 4th, and we will continue doing so until the issue is resolved. On that note, we've created GetInvolved@mintmale.com. We are still working on the direction of mobilizing our community, but this is our start. The National Equality March was INCREDIBLE (to say the very least), amazing, and life-altering. That being said, we felt it was important to base this month's issue entirely on Equality, right down to the fashion spread. Please enjoy our November issue, get involved in our fight for equality and have a wonderful holiday season!

Sincerely,
Joey Grant
Founder – Creative Director

Thanksgiving: Indulge Simplicity

This year we decided to help you celebrate Thanksgiving with simple yet indulgent dishes (the recipes aren't so difficult to stomach either).? Our meal consisted of a large, seasoned turkey breast, southern stuffing, balsamic green beans, and mashed sweet potatoes. The table was set with vintage plates, crystal wines glasses, and mason jars. The center piece was a simple clear vase filled with apples, gourds, pomegranates, and tea light candles. We took the precaution to use double sided tape to secure the lit tea lights, but we still advise caution when playing with fire. We of course had to finish our meal with a traditional pumpkin pie, but took some short cuts in making it. Try to save time to get ready and set the mood before you have to entertain family and friends.

Bag it up Turkey

14lb Turkey Breast (slightly easier to cook than the whole bird)
1 1/2 sticks of natural Smart Balance
4 Tbls Sea Salt
Pepper (fresh ground peppercorn preferred)
Garlic powder
Canola oil
Turkey bag

Make sure to defrost the turkey for 24 hours in your refrigerator!

Pre-heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Take the turkey and wash it in warm water and dispose of the bag that has been left in the cavity.
Find a spot around the turkey where the skin seems loose. Carefully lift skin while placing your hand underneath to disconnect skin from actual turkey. Take slabs of butter and rub under skin and leave butter pockets up to 5 slabs under the skin.
Butter the exterior and salt heavily (we would say 4 tablespoons all over exterior of the turkey).
Place a stick of butter in the cavity.
Place in turkey bag and wind up the end to hold in the juices.
Cook 20 minutes for every pound of turkey.
Let your turkey rest for 20 minutes before serving.

We only basted the turkey once by taking our handy turkey baster and spreading the juices from the pan all over the turkey. Another turkey tip is prepare 1 lb. of turkey per person and 2 lbs. if you want to hand out left overs.

Apple Dressing

The best part of Thanksgiving is the stuffing!? Here at MintMale, we've got a treat we like to call Southern Style Stuffing made with honey crisp apples.? It tastes more like dessert than the pie!

Part One: Cornbread

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees
Firstly, you must make cornbread to make our southern style stuffing.

One Large Whisk'd Egg
1 1/4 cup of Whole Wheat Flour
3/4 cup of White Cornmeal
2 tsp of Baking Powder
1/2 tsp of Salt
1 cup of Milk
1/4 cup of Vegetable Oil

Stir ingredients for the cornbread together.? Put into the oven in a glass or dark pan and bake for 20 minutes.? If using a dark pan, bake for 15 to 17 minutes.
Allow to cool.? Crumble into medium sized pieces when cool enough to handle.

Part Two: Apple Dressing

1 honey crisp Apple
1 can of cream of celery soup
1 can of cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup of sliced onions
2 Large boiled eggs

Pre-heat over to 400 degrees

For the Apple Dressing, dice 2 large eggs and your honey crisp apple.
Boil eggs by simply putting them into a pot of water and set to boil. Once water is boiling, lower the burner and let eggs simmer for 12 minutes.
Put a large slab of butter into a frying pan and add a 1/4 cup of sliced onions. Saute onions until brown.

Put the cornbread into a large bowl and add diced boil eggs, diced apples, one cup of cream of celery soup, one can of cream of chicken, and the browned onions. Use clean hands to mix all these ingredients together and pour into a buttered 10×12 cooking pan.

Cook for 45 minutes or until the top has a golden brown color.

Sweet Mashed Potatoes

5 Large Sweet Potatoes
1/2 cup of Buttermilk
1 cup of Milk
1/2 stick of Butter
2 Tbls of Brown Sugar
2 tsp of Salt
2 tsp of Ground Pepper

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.

Take a fork and poke some holes in the skin of the potato(s). Let bake for 45 minutes to an hour until soft. Remove them from oven and let cool. Lower oven to 350 degrees. Carefully peel and mash the potatoes along with the 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 cup milk, 1/2 stick of butter, 2 tablespoons of brown sage, 2 teaspoons salt and 2 teaspoons ground pepper. Then pour into a buttered or oiled 10×12 cooking pan, and bake for an additional 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Green Beans

2 lbs Fresh Green Beans
1/4 cup of Olive Oil
1/4 cup of Balsamic Vinegar

Blanch beans in salted, boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes, drain and transfer to a skillet. Pour 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1/4 cup of balsamic vinegar. Saute the beans for about 5 to 6 minutes.

Pumpkin Pie

Arrowhead Mills "Pour n' Bake" (Yes we cheated!)
1 Frozen pie crust (We cheated again!)

Pour into crust and bake for about 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
Gotta have some times to prep yourself for guests

Table Decoration

I didn't want to clutter up the table with any more than it already was with the expanse of food and place settings. Therefore, I found a few pieces I had lying around the house and my creativity started flowing.? I decided I wanted a tall dramatic center piece.? I took one large vase and purchased some waxed gourds, pomegranates, and honey crisp apples (all can be found a local grocer). I stacked them in a way that would display each piece nicely and allow small coves for tea lights. Please use CAUTION when using fire. I lit the tea lights and put double sided tape on the bottoms to tack them to the. I used the thicker white double sided tape instead of the clear. It made a very appealing center piece that felt more modern. I don't recommend using anything paper, dried leaves, or straw unless you don't use real tea lights. You can use the faux tea lights that can be used anywhere which is a safer alternative to using fire. Try your local drug store or department store for those faux lights.

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say there is something about your body that you'd like to change.? Maybe you want more muscle mass or you want to be leaner.? Perhaps you would just like to have a more athletic look in general.? I've been trying to remember if I have ever met a gay man that was completely satisfied with his body and I just can't.? Maybe it's a little harder for me since I'm immersed in the gym culture, but I think it's safe to say that most of us have an ideal body in mind and it's not our own.

I'd like to remind you that, like hair and eye color, your basic body structure is a matter of genetics. This month's article is about maximizing on the body type you've been given. Instead of working on building a body like that of your gym crush, I want you to build your best body.

Body types are categorized into 3 main groups; this is called 'Somatotyping.' The three groups are Ectomorph, Mesomorph, and Endomorph.

If I were to speak in terms of sports, an Ectomorph would most likely be an endurance athlete. His body is long and lean and built for long-distance swimming, cycling and running.

A Mesomorph could be typified by a track athlete, with solid muscle built for explosive power.

A Endomorph is a big barrel-chested guy that could easily feel at home being a football linebacker.

What I'm prescribing here are general guidelines for your body type. I would highly suggest building a strong foundation using these guidelines, but want you to stay open to switching up your workouts in the future and try some of the other body type workouts as well, since each group has benefits.

For each group, I will suggest the amount of sets, repetitions and rest periods. I have also included a chest exercise, back exercise and a variation of the squat. Remember to seek out some arm exercises to add to the program and follow the same guidelines. As always, I highly suggest seeking out the help of a personal trainer, even if for one or two sessions as they could help pull this program together and personalize it for your needs.

Ectomorph

-Sets- 3
-Repetitions – 15-20. A high number of reps help build the capillary density in your muscles bringing more blood to support muscle growth.
-Rest Periods – 30 seconds or less. Put two or more exercises together for 'supersets'.
-Work your entire body 3-4 times per week.

Mesomorph

-Sets – 3
-Repetitions – 10-12.
-Rest Periods – 60 to 90 seconds. This would be a good program to use 'supersets' in as well. Try to choose 'explosive' movements.
-Divide your workouts into 2 to 3 body parts each session. For example: Chest and Biceps on Day 1, Back and Triceps on Day 2, Legs and Shoulders on Day 3, etc.

Endomorph

-Sets – 4
-Repetitions – 6-8
-Rest Periods – 2 minutes. Scientists theorize that longer rest periods during your workouts promote testosterone production.
-Work one body part per day and work it hard.

The Evolution of Vogue

by: Eric William Green

Vogue Evolution is a dance crew that speaks not only through movement, but for a movement. A whirlwind of fierce dance moves and outspoken attitude, they appeared on the scene in New York City during the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and started a riot of their own. They are out and showing the world that voguing, a dance style inspired by the model poses in Vogue Magazine, was never just for Madonna.? But that's not all they have to say.

Charging themselves with the responsibility of bringing Vogue and House/Ballroom culture to its rightfully respected place in main stream media, they also broadcasted a message of community, diversity, and self-value to American viewers when they became the first openly Gay and Transgendered crew to compete on MTV's America's Best Dance Crew (ABDC) in August of 2009.

Many people may think voguing started when Madonna, adorned in Marie Antoinette garb and accompanied by a fabulous cast of dancers, showed her knickers on the 1990 MTV Music Awards. However, Vogue has its origins in the Harlem Renaissance and really started striking a pose in the 1930s. Originally called "Performance," it has evolved into a style that has been incorporated into the performances of many of today's top artists, from Beyonce to Britney.? For decades the style has flourished in the House/Ballroom scene of New York's underground and has silently influenced nearly every aspect of American pop culture. Tired of being the ghostwriters of the dance world, Vogue Evolution is making itself heard.

The Vogue Evolution seen on ABDC is a hand-picked group of five of New York's most creative and respected Voguers on the scene right now. However, for these flexible beauties, Leiomy Maldonado, Jorel Rios (aka Prince), Devon Webster (aka Pony), Dashaun Williams, and Malechi Williams, it is not about them; it is about who they represent. They proudly assert that Vogue Evolution is comprised of every Voguer that has ever stepped out onto the floor. They see it as more of a community than a specific crew and proudly display themselves as individuals within it.

Devon, having already choreographed dances for stars like Ashanti, Big Pun and Mariah Carey, was the decider in bringing Vogue to the next level. He presented the idea to Dashaun, the reported mastermind behind the "5000" dance move, and the two were off and running. Both masters of their crafts, they had worked together as dancers in a commercial for Coca-Cola and assisted with an HIV/AIDS awareness and outreach agency called POCC, People of Color in Crisis. They soon attracted the seasoned talent of Jorel, Malechi, and the transgendered Leiomy who brought with her a signature move aptly named, "The Leiomy Lolly." Formed and ready, Vogue Evolution was making a break for the big-time, and the ABDC auditions just happened to fall into that time frame.

On the show, their out and proud attitude broke barriers and attracted a great deal of positive attention. They revealed themselves as a talent America could not deny. Increasingly encouraged by the support they were receiving, Vogue Evolution's ideas of community and individuality came shining through their performances, and it was their fearlessness to be exactly themselves that set them apart from the other crews that season.

Now, with new found fame and attention, Vogue Evolution has even more resolve to be leaders in the GLBT community and the momentum to do it. Broadening their focus to include that of HIV/AIDS awareness, they have become not just a dance crew, but an emissary against ignorance. With every step, they intend on bringing their leadership to the world through a cooperative and spirited effort of dance and education.

BO DIXON: REINVENTED
Colt Model Releases 2010 Calendar
By Mike Knox

247-pound muscleman Bo Dixon has graced the covers of several calendars but none like what he has in store this year.? BO DIXON: Reinvented 2010 will be Bo's first complete calendar with the thick-bearded, hirsute powerhouse appearing in different characters for every month of the year.

We spoke with Bo about the calendar, his days with Colt, and his new career as a professional bodybuilder.
Congratulations on winning the Mr. Georgia heavyweight bodybuilding competition!? ?Thank you! It was a great achievement for my trainers, my fans and me.? ??What did you have to do to win the title??I started training for the contest ten months ago.? I trained five days a week and did forty-five minutes of cardio every other day. I ate a very bland high protein diet for the last eight weeks before the contest. When it comes down to it, I worked my butt off!

You compete as an openly gay man.? Do you face discrimination from sports fans or athletes??I have had some uncomfortable moments in past contests, but I didn't feel any type of discrimination at the Georgia contest.? In fact, I was very surprised to find out that fans had made it to the contest.? It was nice to see the sport drawing more gay people as fans.

Is it easier to be a gay athlete today?
I think we are living in an interesting time.? Gay men and woman are just trying to compete in their sports as an equal without second guessing if sexuality has anything to do with the end results.
Are you the first gay Mr. Georgia??I don't know of any other gay men that have won a Mr. Georgia title, but there may have been men that were not out of the closet.? Remaining in the closet was not possible for me.?? Too many people know me from my Colt images.

Does winning the crown mean you'll give up your Colt modeling career??I didn't get a crown.? That's funny.

No crown?? What did you win?
I got a ring and two trophies.

They couldn't give you a bouquet of flowers?
To answer your question about Colt, I appreciate the exposure that they gave me.? Without them, I wouldn't have the great fan base that I have now. I hope to continue creating high quality images for my fans, as long as they want me to keep it up.? I'm not giving up my modeling career quite yet.

You're releasing your first all-Bo calendar this year!?We are all in control of our own destiny and I felt that now was the time for me to take control of mine.? Creating Bo Dixon Productions was something I did for me.? It was time to show fans and friends that I am more then a muscle model, I am a business man.? If I am going to be a role model, I needed to produce something that I believe in on my own.

The cover is bo-licious!? ?Thanks!? I had fun doing the cover shot because I felt very smooth in latex.? Inside, you will find a Bo fighter, Bo bodybuilder, Bo swimmer, Bo wrestler…
There's also a great shot that is reminiscent of the old Coppertone Baby tan line.??That one is probably my favorite!? It was the last shot of a long day of shooting and we were getting silly.

What advice would you give to other fun-luvin Southern boys like yourself who want their shot at the national spotlight??Create your own light. We all have something special to offer the world.? Find your passion and go with it. Have a plan of attack.? Believe in yourself.? Be proud and know that you can please some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you have to please yourself first.? Bo Hugs.
For more info about Bo Dixon and the Bo Dixon:Reinvented calendar, visit www.bodixon.net