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 partnerand a photo spread titled “Night Shift.”

Friday, August 8, 2025

Mandate (August 1981), Part Two

In a 1978 study, sociologists William DeVall and Joseph Harry found preferential patterns among gay men: those in their early 20s tend to prefer older men, those between the ages of 25 and 35 are more interested in partners their same age, and those over 35 are inclined to seek younger men. In a follow-up study a decade later, Harry discovered similar results, claiming part of this decision process has to do with control as older men seek younger men who they can control and younger men pursue older men who can control them. In this August 1981 issue of Mandate (which has been broken into two parts), psychotherapist Rex Reed discusses some of the difficulties faced by trans-generational partners and offers an interview with two of his clients to explore concepts of aging, jealousy, and social rebuke. Contained in this second half (see the first half here) is a short profile on Peter Berlin, an article about hair-loss treatment, a showcase of artist Robert LaSenna’s erotic greeting cards, the short story “Satyr” (where the main character encounters the mythical creature at a bar on Folsom Street), and photos of model Butch Barnes.

Friday, August 1, 2025

Mandate (August 1981), Part One

In a 1978 study, sociologists William DeVall and Joseph Harry found preferential patterns among gay men: those in their early 20s tend to prefer older men, those between the ages of 25 and 35 are more interested in partners their same age, and those over 35 are inclined to seek younger men. In a follow-up study a decade later, Harry discovered similar results, claiming part of this decision process has to do with control as older men seek younger men who they can control and younger men pursue older men who can control them. In this August 1981 issue of Mandate (which has been broken into two parts), psychotherapist Rex Reed discusses some of the difficulties faced by trans-generational partners and offers an interview with two of his clients to explore concepts of aging, jealousy, and social rebuke. Also contained in this first half are photos of model Jesse Stone.

Friday, July 25, 2025

Numbers (July 1983), Part Two

Beginning as a lumber town in the 1870s, Guerneville – located in northern California – struggled to become a fertile vacation destination after deforestation depleted the region’s redwood trees. Nearly a century after its founding, a group of gay individuals settled in the neighborhoods east of Wohler Bridge and, in 1978, Fife’s gay resort opened in the heart of the town, launching the emergence of other gay business throughout the city and making Guerneville a popular tourist spot and safe haven for the gay community. In this July 1983 issue of Numbers (which has been broken into two parts), Mike Hippler offers a brief history of the town and its thriving gay population. Included in this second half (see the first half here) is a short profile of Bob Mizer and his Athletic Model Guild, a Nico comic, the short story “The Summer That Everything Changed” (a reflection on the writer’s sexual awakening at summer camp), and photos of models Eddy and Scott.