Homoerotic Archaeology: Stars (December 1989)

Friday, December 15, 2023

Stars (December 1989)

From Cary Grant to Michael Keaton, performers have adopted stage names for a variety of reasons: to differentiate themselves from other actors with similar names, to establish a brandable persona, or to protect their identity. In the pornographic industry, the latter is the most common motive, mainly due to the massive stigma that continues to surround the profession. Yet, contracts also play a significant role. Because models sign their likenesses away to studios, it can be difficult for them to use that image with other production companies; therefore, they will adopt a new pseudonym. Such was the case for Brain Estevez. Starting his career as Mike Raymond in 1985, Estevez alternated between several stage names throughout his short stint in the adult industry: Brian Estevez, Mike Raymond, and Michael Wayne. In this December 1989 issue of Stars, the model appears as Michael Wayne for Falcon Studios, where he appeared in two pornographic films – Spring Training (1985) and Ace in the Hole (1986). During that same time, he appeared as Brian Estevez in Catalina’s film Powertool (1986) and Michael Wayne in the November 1987 issue of Inches. Also included in this issue of Stars is model Robert Brenner. NOTE: THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE WAS FOUND INCOMPLETE AMONG THE BOXES OF MAGAZINES; HENCE, ITS SPARSE PRESENTATION.

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What is Homoerotic Archaeology?

In 2016, I discovered several discarded boxes at an estate sale. Under their flimsy flaps were hundreds of well-worn issues of homoerotic magazines from the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. I purchased them out of mild intrigue and, as I perused their pages, I was startled to realize that something commonly disregarded as pornographic smut earnestly chronicled the evolution of gay culture: the social and sexual liberation of the 1970s, the crushing devastation from AIDS during the 1980s, and the gradual strengthening of the community in the 1990s. As a gay man, I was touched by the subtle narrative these publications told. As a historian, I was motivated to digitally preserve their content. And, as an educator, I was driven to create a platform to share that information freely with others interested in the progression of gay society. Homoerotic Archaeology is that venue. Here you will find the advertisements, articles, short stories, and (of course) pictures found in these magazines lovingly preserved and presented for future generations of gay men to enjoy and study.

Why Preserve Homoerotica?

As early as the 1970s, scholars such as June Rook have stressed the need to preserve homosexual history in an effort to combat repression and establish a cultural background for future generations. Much of the preservation process admirably focuses on the substantial works of homosexual artists and thinkers; however, it sadly ignores other elements quintessential to the community’s history, particularly homoerotica. Although frequently labeled obscene filth, homoerotica has, just like the significant creations of artists and thinkers, been a prevalent part of the group’s culture and has played an integral role in shaping identities and perceptions (consider how influential Tom of Finland’s hypermasculinity has been in molding the body ideals of modern gay men). Due to this factor, the conservation of homoerotica is just as essential as the preservation of major artistic and theoretical homosexual works.