Advocate Men (August 1988), Part Two

In Donald Vining’s “The ‘Married’ Gays” (contained in the June 1985 issue of Blueboy) and Dennis Decameron’s “What Is This Things Called a Lover?” (found in the May 1987 issue of Torso), the writers examine gay relationships. As both contend, sex tends to be the primary focus, with monogamy often transitioning into an open relationship. In fact, Julie Lee argues monogamy among homosexuals – especially gay men – is a brief novelty that eventually breaks down, with the concept lasting no longer than ten years in most couples. This August 1988 issue of Advocate Men (which has been broken into two parts) provides evidence that both supports and rejects the ideas of Decameron, Lee, and Vining. In one reader-submitted narrative, the writer explains how a proposition for a foursome ended up separating both couples; whereas, in another reader-submitted tale, the author attests to his thirty-two-year relationship with a man he met while working as a bartender. Contained in this second half (see the first half here) is the short story “Doubling Up with Darryl” (where a former actor recalls sleeping with his costar while on tour with their play), a Donelan cartoon, and spreads of three models all with the first name Dave: Dave Hill, Dave Stewart, and Dave West.