ho3@stat-l (Gregg Loring) (10/12/84)
I'd like to add my comments to those of Henry Mensch about gay readings.
I'm more interested in magazines, rather than books, as I feel they offer
a more interesting forum for discussing gay issues than do books. If anyone
disagrees out there, I'd really like to hear from you. My opinions can always
be changed.
As is reasonable, I'm only going to talk about those magazines with which
I am most familiar. And as I anticipate a charge of bias coming my way because
of this, I want to say ahead of time that the following discussion is neces-
sarily related to male gay magazines, since I know nothing about any lesbian
magazines; I don't even know whether they exist or not. I'd like to hear about
them if they do. Finally, those leisure readers out there who take exception
to my reviews, or want to inform me about the wonders of other magazines which
I exclude, please do so. Who knows, we might be able to learn something from
each other.
1. My all time favorite:
IN TOUCH FOR MEN --- a high-class periodical with a
highly refined sense of humor, and
a lot of fantastic looking men (of
just about all gendres) each month.
However, young models (some would
say they're kids) are dominate.
Fiction is included each time,
which almost always involves the
young crowd. No heavy discussions
or editorials about being gay;
rather, they're out to have a great
time and let their readers join in
on the fun.
2. Definitely worth looking into:
THE ADVOCATE --- not really a magazine, it is the
most serious, self-appointed forum
for gay-related issues I have seen.
Its center pink pages contain
classified ads for just about every
taste around, in all parts of the
United States, but concentrated in
the New York City and Los Angeles
metropolitan areas. Read this to
be informed.
3. Others:
BLUEBOY,
NUMBERS --- These two are also-rans in the
leisure reading category. Their
editors appear to be older people,
who seem to favor the more macho
he-man models. Fiction is oriented
this way also. Worth reading if
this description matches your tastes.
4. Chicken delight:
STARS --- No boy over 20 gets between these
pages. An extensive classified ad
section is dominate (about 75% of
each issue), and explicit pictures
of some of the ad holders are always
included. This makes for quite a
contact network, if you're daring.
5. Notable:
MAN'S IMAGE
TORSO,
SKIN --- These three are worth looking into,
but they seem only interested in
showing off the male body as much as
possible. Little to no literary or
informative value. But that might be
just what you're looking for at times.
As I said before, if anyone can add, contradict, or support this list,
please do so. Until then, good reading!
Gregg Loring
....inuxc!pur-ee!stat-l!ho3ag5@pucc-i (Henry C. Mensch) (10/13/84)
<<Frito-lays -- you can't have just one!>>
*> 1. My all time favorite:
*> IN TOUCH FOR MEN --- a high-class periodical with a
*> highly refined sense of humor, and
*> a lot of fantastic looking men (of
*> just about all gendres) each month.
Funny, but I thought men only came in one gender! ;-}
The *IT* editors seem to like athletes (particularly swimmers
and gymnasts) a *lot*. Sounds OK to me!
*> 2. Definitely worth looking into:
Perhaps *the* most popular gay magazine which *isn't* into
male models should be listed here: CHRISTOPHER STREET.
They have excellent fiction (Andrew Holleran has a regular
column, and other "classic" gay writers such as Ed White
regularly offer features). Also has a very good discussion
of current gay issues, witty cartoons, "Nicole Hollander x 4"
(Sylvia is a laugh *riot* sometimes), and (recently) hot
covers . . .(although the one during the summer with the
guy bent over an automobile in his jockey shorts wasn't
so appealing...)
*> 4. Chicken delight:
*> STARS --- No boy over 20 gets between these
*> pages. . . .
You hit the nail on on the head here!
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Henry C. Mensch | User Confuser | Purdue University User Services
{decvax|ucbvax|sequent|icalqa|inuxc|uiucdcs|ihnp4}!pur-ee!pucc-i!ag5
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"How sweet it is to be loved by you . . ."
-- James Taylorstrong@yale.ARPA (Bob Strong) (10/17/84)
> > Perhaps *the* most popular gay magazine which *isn't* into > male models should be listed here: CHRISTOPHER STREET. . . The only gay magazine I have run across that is worth *reading* is Christopher Street. Of course, it is entirely oriented towards men. I suspect that most women wouldn't find it very appealing. One publication that is designed for both male and female consumption is Gay Community News, published weekly out of Boston. I find it very satisfying as a source of gay related news and social/political commentary.