Mandate (February 1985)

The February 1985 issue of Mandate offers several interesting spreads, including one by the renowned Kristen Bjorn. Bjorn began his photographic career with aspirations of working for National Geographic and traveling the world. After arriving in San Francisco in 1978, he was introduced to the gay community and the realm of homoerotic photography. In 1980, he appeared in his own spread in Mandate and, over the course of the proceeding decades, he managed to establish himself as a paramount producer of homoerotic imagery, both cinematic and photographic.

Torso (February 1986), Part Two

As the AIDS epidemic rocked the community during the 1980s, several homoerotic magazines took the initiative to publish information about safe sexual practices. The February 1986 issue of Torso contains two significant pieces. The first article, which was featured in last week’s post, discusses the safe-sex campaign launched by LA Cares, which utilized Zelda Rubinstein as a motherly figure who gives advice to sexually active gay men. The second article, which is featured in this post, uses the issue’s centerfold model – Julian Adams – to showcase sexual alternatives to consider during the Valentine’s Day holiday. Among these suggestions are calling a phone-sex hotline, watching adult-themed videos, and, of course, wearing condoms. Also featured in the second half of this issue are models Steven Craig and Benito Castro. 

Torso (February 1986), Part One

As the AIDS epidemic rocked the community during the 1980s, several homoerotic magazines took the initiative to publish information about safe sexual practices. The February 1986 issue of Torso contains two significant pieces. The first article, which is featured in this post, discusses the safe-sex campaign launched by the Los Angeles Cooperative AIDS Risk-Reduction Education Service, also known as LA Cares. The operation utilized Zelda Rubinstein, who played Tangina in Poltergeist, as a motherly figure who gives advice to sexually active gay men – and sexually active individuals in general – on which practices to avoid. Although the advertisements helped spread knowledge, Rubinstein, in a 2009 interview with Advocate, disclosed that they greatly impacted her career, especially in an era when association with homosexuality in general was considered morally and socially reprehensible. The second article, which will be featured in next week’s post, showcases sexual alternatives to consider during the Valentine’s Day holiday. Also featured in the first half of this issue is a Rambo-themed comic, models Gregg Strom and Mike Hawck, and an advertisement for a film from Al Parker's Surge Studio. 

Blueboy (February 1978)

In addition to a centerfold spread featuring models Alain, Lee, and Rolf, the February 1978 issue of Blueboy also offers an interesting article by Sheila Kohn. Chronicling her fourteen-month friendship with a gay man, Kohn explains how she gradually developed amorous feelings toward her friend and how these feelings prompted the death of their relationship. In her narrative, Kohn questions the stifling categorizations of heterosexuality and homosexuality and postulates if human nature is more prone to a fluid sexuality which society rejects.