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Friday, July 12, 2024
FaVorite FiVe: Broadway Bares
Going back to the early days of the site, I always got excited each year for Broadway Bares. I counted down the days, donated to a few of my favorite performers, and waited for the images and videos to surface. I've been to New York many times, and vowed the time I went, I'd plan it around the event.
Over the years however, it seemed excitement over the event began to wane. So many sites used to post images and stories from the event, but seemed fewer and fewer covered it the way they used to. One of my main sources of info and material was always DavidAsset, but he hasn't gone the last couple of years. Thankfully, DavidAsset is still a valuable resource for past shows and videos, and always takes the time to answer my questions.
Thankfully, for there is one writer, and one site that still gives extensive coverage of the event. Writer Matthew Rettenmund from Boy Culture wrote an incredible review last month, featuring a detailed a account of the event, as well as images and videos. You should check it out HERE: I've been a big fan of Matthew's BC blog for years, and especially love when he takes a deep dive into events. I love reading his detailed accounts of events he's been to, especially when he attends a celebrity signing event. I also love his 'lists', which if you haven't seen, you should also check out.
Broadway Bares: Favorites from the Past
If you search Broadway Bares on FH, (HERE:) You'll find dozens and dozens of posts featuring images and videos from past shows and stirps. This year, given Matthew did such an incredible job reporting on the event, I decided to to take a look back at some of my favorite pieces, favorite performances, and favorite stage hotties stripping down at the event.
Although I tried to stick to a favorite five, I ended up with six, not bad given on my first try, my list had 11. Thanks to all who contributed, especially DavidAsset, who shared many of the videos you'll find at the links below.
If you want to donate to Broadway Cares, or order a copy of this year's Broadway Bares, or some from their archives, check out their official site HERE: or HERE:
Favorite Five Moments:
Is he? Or isn't he?
'Only his draftboard and his girlfriend know for sure.'
Ok, why didn't someone tell me about 1969's The Gay Deceivers! I've written before about my previous aversion to older films, but thankfully, that's a thing of the past. Last week, someone I followed on Twitter posted the iconic 'flower' scene from the film. I knew it was iconic as I re-watched it about ten times. I also saw a slew of comments of people who love and quote the scene and the movie. The clip originated on TikTok and went viral very quickly.
'I may not know my flowers, but I know a bitch when I see one!'
Didn't take me long to find a copy and watch. That classic line was uttered by actor Michael Greer who plays Malcolm in the flick. Greer and Sebastian Brook are standouts as the landlords to a gay community complex where Danny and Elliot, the two main characters decide to move into.
So if the title didn't give it away, no, Danny, (Kevin Coughlin) and Elliot, (Larry Casey) are not gay. They pretending to be gay in order to avoid the draft and having to go to Vietnam. Although Danny has a girlfriend, and Larry loves all girls, both go to great lengths to keep up appearances and ensure everyone thinks they're a couple.
The film is full of negative gay stereotypes and some of the lines are cringeworthy, but it's also a lot of fun. Given it was filmed in 1969 we can cut it a bit of slack, and I've read in interviews that director Bruce Kessier was committed to making a really good film. According The Celluloid Closet, co-star Michael Greer, who played the flamboyantly gay Malcolm and who was himself gay, tried to work with the screenwriter and director to minimize the negativity of the characterization and present Malcolm in a positive light.
As flamboyant as Malcolm was, he does play a gay architype, one that continues to be seen and used, just think of Jack in Will & Grace. I didn't find it insulting, mainly because Greer was so darned funny. My one issue might have been there wasn't much diversity in the other gay characters featured, except maybe in the two characters who 'surprise' us in the films final scenes.
The entire cast is fun and likable, especially Coughlin who's character is really the center of the piece. sadly in researching the actor, I discovered Coughlin sadly died at the far too young age of thirty. About seven years after the film's release, Coughlin died from injuries he suffered from a car accident.
The beefcake role in The Gay Deceivers is most certainly Elliot with actor Lawrence, (Larry) Casey showing off his body throughout the film. Given Elliot is a lifeguard, he's often in seen in tight swimsuits. Even when not in a bathing suit, he's often in scenes shirtless, and seems to embody what many of would imagine a blond, Californian, sixties stud might look like. He does have a split second nude scene, showing his tan lines and incredibly white, and round rump, but it's really, really quick. You can check out some of Larry's skin baring from the film on the NEXT PAGE HERE:
Chris: A Boyfriend's Behold
'We've been together about a year and a half.'
One of the many themes I love to explore on the site is perspective. Most of the images I feature are created by artists and photographers. The result, the model and visuals are seen through the eyes and perspective of the artist behind the lens. They are the ones usually choosing the location, the background, the lighting and angles. They do the editing with the final visuals mirroring their vision.
It's always fascinating to me to hear models share how different they see themselves after seeing images of themselves taken by a skilled photographer. Despite looking at themselves in the mirror all of their lives, many feel that they see themselves as sexy and handsome for the first time in their lives.
Is fascinating how others, even complete strangers, can see things about us we can't see ourselves. That's one of the reasons I think all models should collaborate with others. Sure there are some great model/artists who shoot incredible self-portraits, but so many depend on selfies on their social media and OnlyFan sites. In doing so, they often limit themselves to how they see themselves, omitting the most important perspective.
Although many models and photographers develop friendships, most creative collaborators begin as strangers. It's fascinating then, to explore visuals created by two people in a more intimate relationship... Some of you might recognize Chris from a 2019 Easter themed post. In the series shot by Studo1x, Chris, along with Jay, (Best Laid Plans) were doing a little erotic Easter painting. Things got pretty hot, and really messy, and a shower was certainly in order at then end of the shoot.
I've been following Chris on social media since, and have been hoping to feature more of his work. For this piece, we decided to show Chris from a very intimate and specific perspective. Instead of spotlighting one of his professional shoots, or a selection of selfies, these shots were all taken by Chris' boyfriend.
Chris has been modeling nude for close to 10 years now, and shares that he's always felt comfortable being naked, adding that he loves, and feel his most comfortable, being his 'natural state'. Chris also isn't new to being nude in the great outdoors, and likes to strip down whenever, and wherever he can. This is especially true when traveling, in places where he doesn't know anyone, and it's erotically motivating to take more risks.
'Sharing nudes on-line means that some people will be judgmental. Most people however,, including my boyfriend and family have supported me. It’s been a mechanism to stay in touch with my sexuality, creativity, and authenticity . It’s literally and figuratively me beating myself for the world to see. It’s empowering.'
This series of shots feature images of Chris taken by his boyfriend while on vacationing. Most of these shots were taken when the pair visited Hawaii and Palm Springs, California. Chris shares they were always careful to be respectful of others, and ensured there never people around who weren't aware of what they were doing, and what they were shooting. Given the perspective, that of a lover and partner, there is an unique openness and visual intimacy in this set of images. From his perspective, Chris shares that his favorite shots were the images his boyfriend took of him in Palm Springs.
'I think my coolest shots have come from Palm Springs. It’s a magical place that brings out my fullest gayness. My favorite location was shooting outdoors at a beautiful house in Palm Springs during Pride. The lion statue nude came from that shoot!
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