Born and raised in San Francisco and Marin, Janine is a true local girl. She tells me how the Fresh T-Dance began: “(Fresh cofounder) Mike Lane and I were on the Working Board of Hellball, an annual Halloween fundraiser for various AIDS organizations. At the time, I was Managing Partner of a venue called Backflip, and also worked with Audrey Joseph at Club Universe. Mike and I became good friends over conversations on the dance floor at Townsend, and the idea was born to do a Sunday T-Dance at Ruby Skye. George Karpaty, the owner at Ruby Skye, had been asking me to do something there for a long time, so the three of us got together in the VIP room at Ruby, and what started as an idea became a once-a-month living room where we could have a dance party for our friends.”

One of the most wonderful things about FRESH is that each month it donates a portion of its proceeds to a different local charity/non-profit organization, such as the Human Rights Campaign, STOP AIDS Project, Project Angel Food and the AIDS Lifecycle. As it comes to a close, FRESH has donated more than $138,600. Janine tells me that giving back has always been a part of the party’s DNA. “It is always a great feeling to know that each party creates smiles for people coming in: memories, love, drama, laughs, community and intimacy – with a bit of naughty cruising!” she says. “And while they are dancing, they are giving to someone, somewhere. How fun is that?”

Janine gives props to what she calls the “ultimate” San Francisco Party With Purpose, Real Bad, which has donated nearly $1.5 million to community nonprofits in 23 years. “It’s why we have never done a Folsom Sunday party. We always wanted everyone to go there and be a part of that huge event and huge donation.”

As with all high-production events, there are challenges to running FRESH. Janine confesses, “In a strange twist of fate, Mike and I may be introverts in a very extroverted business. It can get a bit overwhelming at times, a bit of sensory overload.” But what keeps Janine going are the people involved. “Everybody brings their talents and passions to collectively make the party what it is. And the back of the house is always fun-fun. Feeling blue? Hang out in the lighting/video booth with Allan, or with Mane and Max or in the dancer green room. It’s always a good time! When we call it the “Fresh FamilyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”,” and it is really true. The familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.” feeling that Louie Marco and Patrik Gallineaux bring to the birthday suite, the photographers that capture the moments, and the fabulous boys that bring it on every time they come out, they get me going.”

Janine says the inspiration behind Fresh was that “It just felt “wrong and stupid that in one of the gay Meccas of the world, the boys didn’t have a stake in the ground in the downtown area of San Francisco. Ruby Skye is gorgeous, and the boys deserve nothing but the best.”

One of her favorite FRESH moments, she says, was during Pride. “Our lighting guru Allan was there with a smile on his face when he put out the huge Pride flag on the outside of the theater marquee. Ruby Skye has been a great partner in this, and is dedicated to keeping the venue in the familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”.”

So what’s next for the First Lady of Fresh? “I will keep doing some events, and maybe a specialty concert here and there. I love the stage at Ruby Skye and would love to bring in a great singer. Any requests, I am all ears!”

Sound out to Janine – Janine@FreshSF.com

See you guys at the Final FRESH!

Perhaps there are better things to enjoy in life than an Atlantis cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”)., but I’m hard-pressed to think of any. Sure, I’m a special case who believes there’s no such thing as “too gay,” but a week frolicking aboard a floating fantasy island with thousands of sexy seamen never fails to validate my mantra of “gayer is better.”

Thoroughly gay experiences are getting harder to come by as acceptance of gay culture goes mainstream, so it’s a life-affirming privilege to inhabit a world that is a round-the-clock circuit partyA dance event with historical origins in the gay community’s response to the AIDS crisis. Originally conceived as fundraisers and a means to celebrate life amidst loss, today’s circuit is global and extensive, with highly produced parties that sometimes have a community outreach component and sometimes are commercialized ventures. Circuit events are an expression of freedom as well as a statement of the power and strength of the gay community, but they are not without controversy, as they are often identified with a high degree of superficiality, promiscuity, and drug use. Some of the larger circuit parties are the White Party in Palm Springs, the Black and Blue Party in Montreal, and the Winter Party in Miami, each of which attracts attendees in the thousands to tens of thousands. See “Gay CruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”)..”, cabaret, bathhouse, resort and reality TV show – or whatever else fits your fancy. There’s something for every gay, guaranteed, and the joy of creating and cultivating an ideal community – a “gaytopia” at sea – is always palpable.

I had precious reunions with chosen familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”, and pushed myself to the limit at endless dance parties with legendary DJs. I saw friendships form and romances bloom. I watched from the delicious comfort of my poolside perch as those seeking adventure and athleticism got their fix, and I was deeply moved watching gentlemen in their twilight observe all the out-and-proud antics while being very much included in the rituals of their next generations.

I ate exquisite meals and saw exclusive shows and drank too many cocktails, and even found myself in a naughty flirtation or two (always a thrill as one of few women on the ship). I lived the very best of gay life, and was showered with appreciation and chivalry just for participating.

Even a tragic turn of events that resulted in an early-morning safety drill and a devastating outcome had the effect of galvanizing our diverse community on board, with an outpouring of respect and civility. A few days later we were brought together in the church of Idina Menzel, who grounded us in the reminder that “there’s no day like today,” and together we were healed. She gave us permission to carry on, and with our collective spirit we defied gravity.

I reflected many times on how I simply couldn’t ask for more from the universe, and a dear friend managed to put the universally acknowledged feeling of being blessed and completely content into wise words for anyone on the fence about whether an Atlantis cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”). is a good idea: “Satisfaction comes from spending money on experiences, not things.”

It was my 4th Atlantis cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”)., but the maiden voyage of my cabinmate, and we were equally in awe, sharing the permanent smile that permeated the ship, ever grateful for the unforgettable experience of a gaycation that was, quite literally, flawless.

And as if living the dream for seven solid days wasn’t enough to win over even the most jaded of queens, Royal Caribbean employees told us constantly that we had won over their hearts. They likewise considered the week a vacation because, compared to their typical cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”). crowd, we were fun, happy and fabulous, finding no reason to complain. It was clear that each and every person who embraced the Allure journey was changed, for the better and for good.

When is something a tried-and-true tradition, and when is it truly tired, a ritual ready to be retired? How are we who really get around to know whether it’s time to turn over a new leaf, or when it’s time to regroup and try something totally new?

Even the best things in life have life cycles. Fabulous festivities do jump the shark eventually, and knowing when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em can make or break your year.

Girls and gays on the go suffer from wear and tear just like everything else, and while we’re all haunted by the fear of missing “the” party that everyone’s raving about, there’s something to be said for conserving your energy and enthusiasm so that you can strike strong when the time is just right.

I may not have the means to jet-set with the A Gays, but the events I once dreamed of attending are now my regular circuit. So now how do I step up my game?

More and more, I think it’s the stolen moments, and those unexpected parties-within-a-party, that get me excited and keep me inspired. Sometimes it’s the pre-party or the afterparty that proves to be the most memorable moment, the time when we’re really connecting because we’re not preoccupied with making something happen.

It’s not my style at all to be a wallflower, but standing on the sidelines every now and again can be enlightening. New energy and uncharted territory are what make our world go round, and sometimes stepping out of the way is the biggest contribution a person can make when a scene goes stale.

I hope I get some unexpected opportunities to bring it this year, to places and with faces that take me by surprise, and that push me beyond my comfort zone. I’ll always return to my essence, which is dancing under the disco ball, but as I peer into the crystalMethamphetamine in its crystalline form, a highly addictive stimulant also known as Tina. ball in search of where this new year will take me, it’s kind of exciting that I honestly don’t yet have any answers.

Here’s hoping that serendipity and spontaneity come into play, and that double rainbows will delight along the way.

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHER: At press time, Suzan received an unexpected opportunity to BRING IT aboard the Atlantis Allure of the Seas, as a correspondent for Gloss Magazine. She’ll report back in the next issue about her encore experience on the world’s largest gay cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”).Exclusively gay vacations on chartered cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”). ships (Atlantis Events, RSVP) that often feature circuit-style dance parties, weddings, showtunes, and Speedos., and about her spontaneous adventures with sexy seamen.

Allured by the named Tristan, then borrowing the name of his cat, Jax, Tristan Jaxx added an extra “x” to create a persona that hints at the sexy edge he brings to his beats.

Initially drawn to downloading music – no vinyl in his history – Jaxx found himself passionate about acquiring the best tunes, which eventually paved the way for him to become a DJ.

Name recognition from porn got him noticed. “People know who I am, and it makes selling me to the clubs much easier because of my porn following.” He admits that there is a downside, however. “People assume because of my porn past that I can only sell sex and not musical talent.”

The doubters have only encouraged him to work harder. “I really had to push my music to prove I could sell people music just as much as sex,” he says. “Now, more people come up to me and recognize me for my music. It’s funny because in the beginning I thought being a porn star would advance my DJ career, but the irony is it’s working more the other way around.”

Regardless of who recognizes him for what, Tristan Jaxx’s following packs dance floors wherever he goes, and in return, Jaxx creates magic, and occasionally, at the BeatBox, he creates Chaos.

“Chaos is my baby. It’s everything I wanted in a club to share with San Francisco,” Jaxx says. “I wanted a space to show what I can bring to the table musically and to give SF something different – a musical journey that encompasses vocal house to afterhours music, but always with high energy.”

Jaxx prides himself on his ability to read into the hearts of his fans.

“I always observe who is leaving the dance floor during which song, and I make sure the crowd is always happy, by mixing together the bar and circuit crowd to create a whole scene for our city,” he says. “Alongside myself, I try to bring in various other DJs who share a similar sound to what I want for Chaos. It’s all about everyone having fun and coming out of the night with sweat and smiles on their faces, because in the end a club is all about fun.”

Amen. Tristan Jaxx definitely delivers a new dance vision with an X-factor.

Experience DJ Tristan Jaxx at The EndUp’s “FEVER” early Saturday morning at 5:30 a.m. January 14, and at Chaos with DJ Freddy Agredano and renowned DJ/Producer Alex Acosta on January 28.

Suzan Revah writes about gay nightlife, culture and lifestyle in a regular column for Gloss magazine called “Bring It!”

Published biweekly, Bring It! covers the full spectrum of the glittery rainbow that is San Francisco’s gayborhood, and chronicles all the reasons and ways Suzan loves her gays!

Mesmerized by music since he was young, Berini shifted from classical piano lessons to sound-smithing on his synthesizer. In high school, he sneaked into gay bars, where he discovered the power of dance music. This led to a full-blown obsession with 90s house music as he studied abroad in London while he was in college. When he returned back to the US, his best friend introduced him to the gay party “circuit.” Soon Berini followed the icons of house music, such as Junior Vasquez, Frankie Knuckles and Susan Morabito. His friend DJ Julian Marsh inspired him to get his own turntables in fall of 2001.

Berini entered SF’s Next Hot DJ contest in 2008. He scored a regular happy hour gig at Lookout in the Castro and headlined a new party at Mecca called “Swank,” produced by Mike Lane and Janine Shiota (creators of the legendary Fresh T-Dance at Ruby Skye). “These two big breaks helped me realize that I could truly pursue my passion as a profession,” Berini says. “And I’ve been doing just that ever since!”

When Berini joined forces with his buddy DJ Grind and the guys at Lookout in the fall of 2010, the party PLΣDGΣ was be born. “PLΣDGΣ was designed to honor and support the organizations that help our community thrive, while creating a vibe I can best describe as ‘flirtatious camaraderie.’” With that, Berini winks and smiles and I’m automatically a supporter of his cause.

It’s no surprise the signature PLΣDGΣ paddle gets as much action as it does. “We often joke that we beat donations out of our friends if necessary, but as you’ll see from the paddle photos on our Facebook page, everyone involved is totally into the party.”

On a more serious note, Berini says “PLΣDGΣ means bringing my friends together, dancing to the music we love, and generally having a blast… all while helping our community thrive.”

The power of PLΣDGΣ is very real. “Having worked with many nonprofit organizations in San Francisco,” Berini explains, “I know how much they need the type of unrestricted funding produced by parties like this – so I know they make a difference.”

And PLΣDGΣ is about to make an even bigger difference with its new location at Rebel. “PLΣDGΣ got off to an excellent start at LOOKOUT and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership in making it such a success over the past 15 months,” Berini says. “While leaving is bittersweet, moving to Rebel and going weekly will allow us to grow in some exciting ways, and it means we can raise much more money for our beneficiary partners.”

“For one thing, REBEL has a great dance floor. And I’m excited about working with a new fellow PLΣDGΣmaster, DJ Brian Maier, who is as talented as he is gorgeous,” Berini says. “Plus we’re making big improvements to the party, like adding more hot gogo dancers, ‘shot masters’ passing Absolut shooters, and a crew of hot PLΣDGΣ brothers running the show. They’ll form “frat” teams that will compete in fundraising challenges at each event.”

PLΣDGΣ’s kickoff party at its new location will feature a drinking game Olympics. Get into it this Friday the 13th at Rebel.

Here in San Francisco, we are blessed by the fact that every weekend brings another opportunity for an excess of party, dance and joy. The only downside to this nightlife renaissance we are experiencing is that one person couldn’t possibly attend every fabulous party. So, my advice? Don’t even try.

I can honestly say that behaving reasonably never got me anywhere, but as the New Year brings with it a chance for a fresh start, I’m giving some thought to the concept of moderation.

Average folk outside the bubble live their whole lives without experiencing a single day of what we experience every day. We need no excuse to break the chains that bind and let loose, and when we do, we are celebrated for it.

Appreciating rather than abusing the freedom we have is our fitness challenge. Setting limits, or at least acknowledging them, is how we stay healthy and avoid getting messy in the face of limitless dates with decadence and debauchery.

In the race to do it all and have it all, we’re well-conditioned to go the distance, but we need to remember that it’s a marathon and not a sprint.

Let’s support one another when we want to rest up and take a night off, just as much as we do when we encourage each other to bring it hard and heavy. And let’s definitely not fake when we’re not feeling it. There’s no need, because there’s no doubt that we’ll make up for it, and likely sooner rather than later.

San Francisco isn’t for amateurs. Our lifestyle has longevity, and we look, feel and act better for it. It’s not “go big or go home” so much as go big and go happy, then go home, turn around and do it all over again.

My resolution this year is to start understanding that there’s no crime in calling it a night once you realize you’ve gone from being the party to chasing the party.

Why force it? There will always be another party, and when your San Framily is your posse, it’s a given that the next party – and the next one and even the next one – will raise the bar yet higher. That’s something that’s worth toasting every weekend of the year – within moderation.

Taken by total surprise, Suzan Revah is forever proclaimed to be “Saint DaddyAn older gay man. He may or may not prefer the company of younger men, but if he does and if he is moneyed, he is likely to be the dominant or top in the relationship. Also, “Leather Daddy.” Suzan, Mother Superior of the San Framily Home for Wayward Castro Boys” by Sister Phyliss Withe Litaday and Sister Mora Lee D’Klined, “for upholding and promoting the ideals, beliefs and convictions held sacred by The Order. For creating positive changes in our world by honoring The Mind, The Body and The Spirit. For perpetually dedicating untold hours of freely expended energy in service to The Order and to The Community. For promulgating Universal Joy and expiating stigmatic guilt.”

Suzan is humbled and thrilled by this dream come true.

Locoya was introduced to San Francisco as a photographer for NextDoor Studios. Though he had plans to move to NYC, he fell in love with San Francisco. He would sell everything back home in North Carolina and return back to the city, “My original plan was to only be here for two years but that was five years ago and I still don’t see myself leaving anytime soon.”

One thing that really captivated Locoya in San Francisco nightlife was the aspect of familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”. “When I get on the dance floor and I look around it really is like a big familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”. Yes, there are those people that get out there and use it as a social ladder experiment but I feel that they’re overshadowed by the people who are there for the love of the music, the love of the environment and most of all, the love of each other. It is a unique experience.”

San Framily would soon entrust Locoya Hill to be in charge of the popular dance party I Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance, the brainchild of BeatBox owners Andy Zivic and Paul Saccone. Locoya would owe it all to his dear friend Brooks Rowlett who initiated the meeting. “I Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance” fits me so perfectly because it was LITERALLY the statement I had been making on Saturday nights for some time before that. On non-event weekends it was hard to find a party or a place to just dance. I’m not a huge fan of standing in a crowd and not being able to move… and honey, if I hear good music… I just wanna FUCKIN’ dance!!!”

Those who have attended “I Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance” at the BeatBox are well aware of the party’s special performance. Locoya explains, “The only thing that changes the tempo of the party is the performance of our signature song, ‘I Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance.’ That song ALWAYS energizes the crowd and reminds us why we’re there so I don’t consider it an interruption at all. It’s the reason we’re there. Well, that and to see the hot boys that I promise will always give you something to look at.”

Locoya then winks.

And there you have it.

The next “I Just Wanna Fuckin’ Dance” is on December 17^th at the BeatBox with DJs Russ Rich & Jay Santos hosted by Sister Roma & BeBe Sweetbriar. There will be a guest performance by Milla Sokavitch! (www.beatboxsf.com)

by Glitterricky

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

Of course every good gay has a tiny dog!

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

The Twink, or as we like to call him, the baby gay.  Always in something labelled, he is always ‘fashion-forward’ and fierce. Around every Twink is typically a gaggle of women who would KILL for a straight man to have even an ounce of his looks, wit, and personality.

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

The muscle pigRefers to a healthy sexual appetite and a preference for sex that is anything but “vanillaBoring, conventional. Typically used to describe sex without any element of BDSMBondage, Discipline, Sadism, Masochism. Sexual activities and relationships characterized by complimentary but unequal roles among participants. Typically, participants who exercise control over others are known as dominants, and participants who are recipients of the activities, or who are controlled by others, are known as submissives. Individuals who move between those roles are known as switches. BDSM is not a form of sexual abuse, despite practices that may appear to be violent or coercive. Mutual consent is key, and widely takes practice of either “safe, sane and consensual,” or “risk-aware consensual kink.” or fetish, or sex that never goes beyond the missionary position, but also can be used to described a person with generic sensibilities..” achieves levels of physical masculinity that few men, gay or straight, could ever dream of. Yet, they still twirl and giggle and swish just like a proper gay should.  It’s that juxtaposition that we love about our muscle pigs – that and the fact that you often see them wearing someone’s collar-lock.

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

She elevates ‘fabulous’ to a level of futuristic grandeur, genderless opulence and sexual bluntness. She creates a new identity through outrageous costumes, heightened attitude and deconstructs gender roles and fashion cliches that the rest of us accept so easily.

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

A straight man who feels more at home with his gays than with his straight brethren. His relationship with the community is one of respect and love to everything gay. It’s male bonding on a sophisticated level.

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

Artist’s Notes: The Fag HagA female, typically straight, who prefers the company of gay men. Also, Fruit Fly, QueerGay. Can be used interchangeably as a term of pride or as a derogatory term, depending on context. A term intentionally and politically reclaimed by some, in protest of the term’s historical use as a slur. Dear, HomosocialiteA fag hag who particularly enjoys the company of A-Gays, and who travels comfortably in their highly exclusive scene., HomosociologistA fag hag who appreciates and actively participates in a wide range of gay subcultures, and who takes particular pride in being accepted as one of the gays in settings that typically include no women or straight persons., GoldilocksA fag hag who enjoys the company of bears. is a straight girl who loves the gay-community for its openness and sexual playfulness; its compassion and ‘let-live’ sensibility. Her female perspective enriches the community’s direction and opens it up to the rest of society – as her desire is to have a community beyond sexual orientation and gender-rules.

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

Artist’s Note: He pushes physical pleasures limits of human possibilities. He literally stretches the boundaries and always wants to do the next step to reach yet another level of sexual bliss. There’s a good chance he has rubber underwear on underneath his work clothes.

Fabulous friends surround us in good times, but true friends are there for you when times get tough.

For me, 2011 started off with a big gay bang, aboard the biggest gay cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”).Exclusively gay vacations on chartered cruiseA term used in verb form to refer to checking out another gay man, perhaps in a sexually predatory way, but primarily characterized by nonverbal signals for sex. Also can be used in noun form to refer to the person being cruised, i.e. “Don’t eyeball my cruise.” Not to be confused with a floating bathhouse of a boat chartered by Atlantis Events (see “gay cruise”). ships (Atlantis Events, RSVP) that often feature circuit-style dance parties, weddings, showtunes, and Speedos. in history. I participated in a historic gay pride in the Big Apple, and it was a banner year, with countless causes for mary-ment.

Also along the way came more realness than I care to consider, and (sadly) parties became less of a priority. That’s when I realized that San Framily ties are thicker than blood, and that my chosen familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.” is my truth.

My beloved gays have always had my back, and I’d like to think I’ve likewise been there for them—for better and for worse, in sickness and in health.

It’s easy to be there for your friends when spirits are high and glitter fills the air. But what means even more is an outpouring of support when the going gets rough, and this year has given me both the yin and the yang, making sure that I maintain proper perspective.

It’s been a year of celebration and recrimination. There’s been love and hate, victory and loss. Freedom has been gained but it’s still under attack, and heroes abound, both locally and globally. I’ve been feeling the weight of this historic time, trying not to lose hope even in the face of heartache.

Harvey Milk sacrificed his life to give us hope, just as Martin Luther King Jr. was a martyr for the cause of hope for a better future. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy,” he said.

The pendulum is swinging back and forth between justice and indignity. We’re living in times of challenge and controversy, and I’ll be the first to admit that loving my gays is quite comfortable and convenient here over the rainbow.

Not so much at the United Nations, where Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton fiercely proclaimed her love for all gays while declaring all-out war against hate worldwide. Her conviction and sincerity were deeply moving, and her speech will undoubtedly be viewed by history as being on equal footing with MLK’s dream of equality for all:

“No practice or tradition trumps the human rights that belong to all of us,” she said. “All people deserve to be treated with dignity and have their human rights respected, no matter who they are or whom they love.”

Like Hillary, I have a dream, and I call it Love My Gays. I’m grateful for the privilege of living my dream and being gay by choice here in San Francisco, among my chosen familyCode used to describe one’s own gay kind, i.e. “Do you think he’s family?” or “Don’t worry, he’s family.”. As a new year dawns, I’m hopeful that Hillary’s dream will one day come true for all and forever. Bring it!

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

The leatherLeather culture is found in all lifestyles, but among gay men it refers to practices and styles of dress organized around hedonism and eroticism ("kink"). One way this culture consciously distinguishes itself from mainstream sexual cultures is through a specifically homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post-World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen art, such as Tom of Finland, represents the hypermasculine ideal. Literature like The Leatherman’s Handbook speaks to the culture and the code. The International Mister Leather organization speaks to the community. community refers to practices and styles of dress organized around ‘kink,’ specifically, a homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen represent a culture within the overall gay community, defined by its history, driven by code, seeking the hypermasculine ideal.

Suzan attends Mr. International LeatherLeather culture is found in all lifestyles, but among gay men it refers to practices and styles of dress organized around hedonism and eroticism ("kink"). One way this culture consciously distinguishes itself from mainstream sexual cultures is through a specifically homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post-World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen art, such as Tom of Finland, represents the hypermasculine ideal. Literature like The Leatherman’s Handbook speaks to the culture and the code. The International Mister Leather organization speaks to the community., checking off another item on her Bucket List.

Our LeatherLeather culture is found in all lifestyles, but among gay men it refers to practices and styles of dress organized around hedonism and eroticism ("kink"). One way this culture consciously distinguishes itself from mainstream sexual cultures is through a specifically homoerotic aesthetic that draws from post-World War II biker culture as well as military and police uniform. Leathermen art, such as Tom of Finland, represents the hypermasculine ideal. Literature like The Leatherman’s Handbook speaks to the culture and the code. The International Mister Leather organization speaks to the community. Photo Gallery

Illustration by Thomas Thesen

Artist’s Note: The A-GayCould stand for Alpha Gays or A-List Gays. Generally, the impossibly smart, successful, sexy, sophisticated gays typically found cruising and networking at fundraisers and all the finest parties. Also, “Guppie (Gay Yuppie).” is successful, fabulous and very particular. He knows what he wants and usually gets it. His success in life connected with his joie-de-vivre is a combination that makes him a social elite with biting wit and divine etiquette.