Homoerotic Archaeology: Honcho (August 1986), Part One

Friday, August 15, 2025

Honcho (August 1986), Part One

In his examination of master-slave bonds, Robert Rubel discusses the relationship dynamics between masters and slaves, exploring the parallels between this union and marriage. As he explains, master-slave relationships typically begin with a contractual agreement akin to vows where members voice their total commitment to the union. Likewise, the collar – similar to the wedding ring – symbolizes their bond and collaring ceremonies “are regarded as effectively solemnizing their relationship in the same way as a marriage ceremony.” Both of these notions can be seen in two short stories contained in this August 1986 issue of Honcho (which has been broken into three parts): David May’s “Unnatural Song” and John Preston’s “Audition for a Muscle Slave.” In addition to Preston’s story, the first part of this issue also contains the short story “Come Meet My Husband” (where the narrator sleeps with his coworker’s partner) and a photo spread titled “Night Shift.”

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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.