(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #48, March 28, 1997)
On March 9, the Twin Cities leather community turned out in force for the grand opening of The Tank, the Saloon’s new Sunday leatherspace. Tastefully decorated with chain garlands hanging from the rafters, The Tank was quite festive. But it was so crowded that the action had no choice but to spill over into the rest of the Saloon. If you missed it, you missed quite a party. (But that just means you’ll have to check it out for yourself. You could do that by going to one or both of the upcoming fund-raising events being held at The Saloon: this Sunday for Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 Kevin Cwayna, and next Sunday for Ms. Minnesota Leather ’97 Aalan Cameron).
The climax of the evening’s revelry was when ubiquitous adult-video star Donnie Russo made his appearance on the Saloon’s dance floor. To say the man knows how to work a crowd is an understatement. Starting on the small stage at the front of the bar, he literally dove into the audience and did some energetic power-mingling while having his clothes ripped off by various fortunate fans. He obviously enjoyed every minute of it, and so did the enthusiastic and appreciative crowd. I don’t smoke, but when the performance was done I felt like an after-sex cigarette would have been appropriate.
The previous evening I had the privilege of meeting Russo and doing an interview—in his hotel room. Clad only in yellow gym shorts (him, not me), I found him to be charming, cordial, genuine—and full of surprises. He’s got a fraternal twin (who has darker skin and hair and is straight). And, incredibly, he’s in the funeral business. “It’s basically a family-owned business,” he says. “I live above the funeral home, we all participate in it. I go in every day.” His Brooklyn street-punk roots are evident, but he doesn’t give attitude. Instead, he’s a genuinely nice guy who bares his soul as easily as he bares his body. Speaking in his native-New-York accent (of which only hints can be captured in print), here’s a side of Donnie Russo you don’t see in the movies. Then again, maybe you do.
Childhood: I discovered I liked men when I was six years old. I remember this one kid getting on top of me and tickling me on the playground, and I knew I got a boner then. As far as participating sexually, probably about eight—with the neighborhood kids, you pull yours out, I pull mine out, you play a little bit but you don’t really know what you’re doing. It’s just the experimental stages.
Adolescence: I was 120 lbs., and I was a tough guy. I hung out on street corners, I hung out at the clubs, I hung out at bars. When I was in high school I had “male callers” come to take me out to lunch. Not “male callers” as far as prostitution or anything—I was just into guys, and guys were into me. I had the blue jeans, tank top, a very “Peter of Berlin’”look—very skinny, you know, I just had that “piece of candy” look.
The start of his career: I started in magazines back in the 80’s. Somebody I was dating sent me to a photographer and he did some pictures of me. Next thing I knew, Honcho took them, and from there I did a whole host of magazines. Then my roommate, who’s no longer with us, who was my best friend came home—this must have been in ’91—and told me he was trying out for a porno part, and they asked if he knew of anybody else who would be interested and who looked like a cop. And he told them, “Yeah, I do, I know somebody who would definitely make a good cop.” They set up an interview, and I got the part. Unfortunately, he didn’t get the part that he went out for.
I did my first film, Beat Cop, and my second film probably a year later, which was Find This Man. Then in October, two months after Find This Man, I was working as a bouncer in Boston where I moved to be with my ex-lover. And this guy saw me at the club bouncin’ and he recognized who I was. He said he knew this guy, Bob Jones, who makes films in Washington D.C. He took a couple Polaroids, Bob called me up, I told him I was into boots and jeans, we set up a film date, and it went from there. And here I am.
I’ll have more from Donnie Russo next issue.
Upcoming Leather Events
The Atons present: “With the Fall of Winter comes the Erection of Spring”
Sunday, March 30, 4-9 pm, Gay 90’s Men’s Room Bar (side entrance)
Leather dress code encouraged. Put your Easter basket on display in the wet underwear contest ($50 prize). Temporary tattoos and boot polishing will also be available. $5 at the door includes free keg beer and sodas; for an extra $3 you can partake of the buffet in the Garden Court.
Atons Bar Night at the Chicago Eagle
Saturday, April 12, The Pit (downstairs) at the Eagle, 5015 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL
The Atons do Chicago, selling raffle tickets for prizes including an IML Weekend Package ($125 value) and publicizing their upcoming 25th-anniversary run. If you’d like to join them, call for more information or visit their web site (www.starbase21.com/ATONS).
Sunday, April 13: Mr. Minnesota Fantasy Contest 1997. The winner of this contest will represent Minnesota in the International Mr. Fantasy 1997 contest. To compete, call Dale Willman (Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1995).
Friday, March 28, 1997
Friday, March 14, 1997
The Art of Leather, Part 2
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #47, March 14, 1997)
Part 2 — Local Leather Artists
Presented here are three local artists who identify themselves as members of the leather community, and whose work includes (but is not necessarily limited to) leather/SM themes.
Satyarthi (Marc DeBauch) works in oils, watercolors, graphite, tempera, and pen and ink. He describes his art thusly: “I create erotic art that is mysterious, occult, sensuous, educational and sometimes humorous. I hope to excite the viewer visually, emotionally as well as spiritually, because sex is one of the most powerful forces in our lives.” His travels throughout the United States and to India, Europe, and Mexico have influenced his art, which covers a diverse range of styles from monochromatic figure studies to wildly-colored mythical images.
Satyarthi recently distinguished himself by winning First Place, Group Figure Division, in “The Second Tom of Finland Emerging Erotic Artist’s Competition.” He has had solo exhibitions at Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis and Quatrefoil Library in St. Paul, and has been published in R.F.D., Art Police, Holy Titclamps, Speed Demon, and a book entitled Yeah . . . But Is It Safe Sex?
You can see Satyarthi’s art on exhibit until the end of March as part of a group show at the Sex Art Gallery (241 2nd Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612/672-0556). His art will be part of “Erotic,” a show opening this weekend at the Art Jones Gallery (2101 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis; 612/331-3909). The opening reception for “Erotic” is March 15, 7-10 pm and the show runs until April 12.
Works by Satyarthi have found their way into private and public collections in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Milan, and Zurich (to mention a few). He accepts commissions.
“Dungeon Master” ©1996 by Marc DeBauch
Damon Thrift of Da Ray Studios has been producing leather-oriented art for the last eight years. You’ve seen his art on the poster and program cover for the 1995 Great Lakes Mr. Drummer contest; he also recently created two drawings of Steve Kelso which were auctioned at Kelso’s recent local appearance. His art is “inspired by Tom of Finland, but it’s not as X-rated”; he prefers to leave more to the imagination. His subjects have included leathermen, men in uniforms, and construction workers. He’s recently started painting men as angels, including this year’s Steve Kelso angel.
For a period in his art career Thrift worked in a pointillistic style, starting with gray board and adding dots in both black and white. (The Great Lakes Mr. Drummer poster was done this way.) His more recent pieces, starting with what he calls “the Rainbow Shorts guy,” are colored pencil on tan board. He plans to continue in this medium and perhaps add airbrushing.
While his art has been predominantly representation studies of the male figure, he is starting to explore different directions. For this year’s “Celebrate the Art of Living” art auction presented by DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS), he produced a drawing hearkening back to WPA-era posters, and he plans to do more art with the male form in an environment, as opposed to the form alone.
Thrift has done commissions, and his work is often on display at local leather gatherings. His future plans include a display at the International Mr. Leather Contest’s Leathermart..
“Steve Kelso Angel” by Damon Thrift
Jeff Jacklin’s art has been appearing in print for 10 years. His work appeared in the 1988 book “Strip AIDS U.S.A”, as well as in Gay Comics #8 and #25. He currently has a work on display at Zachary Showrooms, International Market Square, Minneapolis. His art has also been seen in ads for The Saloon, the old “315” baths (remember when we had baths in this town?), and most recently Town House Country.
Jacklin says he “likes drawing masculine men.” His art is “sensual — not explicit, more suggestive.” His photorealistic style is partly inspired by the art of Tom of Finland, and he credits Bill Ward, who draws the “Drum” comic strip in Drummer Magazine, as another influence (“He’s a great visual storyteller.”). His subjects, often drawn from memory, include weightlifters, men in workout wear, blue-collar men, soldiers and other military scenes, men embracing and cuddling, and policemen (which he calls “cop art”).
His media of choice are pencil or pen and ink, and he sometimes adds watercolor. He has also done “animatic” art of military scenes — artwork that is filmed, making use of the camera’s pan and zoom capabilities to add the illusion of animation. He is also currently working on a graphic novel, and plans to do more life-drawing and male-figure art as well.
Animatic art by Jeff Jacklin
Upcoming Leather Events
Mr. Minnesota Leather Fund-raiser
Sunday, March 16, 4-9 pm, The Saloon
Hosted by Kevin Cwayna, Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97. Get warmed up for St. Patrick’s Day — green leather, anyone? $5 at the door.
Ms. Minnesota Leather Fund-raiser: “All Together Leather, Whipped Into Spring”
Sunday, March 23, 5-9 pm, The Saloon
Food, discounted drinks, unique door prizes. On-site scenes: electricity, whipping, waxing, liquid latex, bondage, tattooing and piercing by Body Arts, and the power play of the team from Hard Mondays. $6 at the door ($5 if sporting a whip, paddle or your favorite play toy). FFI: W.I.L.L.O.W. Productions.
Sunday, March 30 (Easter Sunday): Atons Bar Night at the Men’s Room Bar, Gay 90’s.
Saturday, April 12: Atons Bar Night at the Chicago Eagle. For further information call the Atons.
Sunday, April 13: Mr. Minnesota Fantasy Contest 1997. It could be you. To compete, call Dale Willman (Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1995).
Saturday, April 20: Mr. Northwoods ’97 Fundraiser hosted by Colin Spriestersbach at The Saloon.
Part 2 — Local Leather Artists
Presented here are three local artists who identify themselves as members of the leather community, and whose work includes (but is not necessarily limited to) leather/SM themes.
Satyarthi (Marc DeBauch) works in oils, watercolors, graphite, tempera, and pen and ink. He describes his art thusly: “I create erotic art that is mysterious, occult, sensuous, educational and sometimes humorous. I hope to excite the viewer visually, emotionally as well as spiritually, because sex is one of the most powerful forces in our lives.” His travels throughout the United States and to India, Europe, and Mexico have influenced his art, which covers a diverse range of styles from monochromatic figure studies to wildly-colored mythical images.
Satyarthi recently distinguished himself by winning First Place, Group Figure Division, in “The Second Tom of Finland Emerging Erotic Artist’s Competition.” He has had solo exhibitions at Patrick’s Cabaret in Minneapolis and Quatrefoil Library in St. Paul, and has been published in R.F.D., Art Police, Holy Titclamps, Speed Demon, and a book entitled Yeah . . . But Is It Safe Sex?
You can see Satyarthi’s art on exhibit until the end of March as part of a group show at the Sex Art Gallery (241 2nd Ave. N., Minneapolis; 612/672-0556). His art will be part of “Erotic,” a show opening this weekend at the Art Jones Gallery (2101 Kennedy St. NE, Minneapolis; 612/331-3909). The opening reception for “Erotic” is March 15, 7-10 pm and the show runs until April 12.
Works by Satyarthi have found their way into private and public collections in Minneapolis, Chicago, Los Angeles, Milan, and Zurich (to mention a few). He accepts commissions.
“Dungeon Master” ©1996 by Marc DeBauch
Damon Thrift of Da Ray Studios has been producing leather-oriented art for the last eight years. You’ve seen his art on the poster and program cover for the 1995 Great Lakes Mr. Drummer contest; he also recently created two drawings of Steve Kelso which were auctioned at Kelso’s recent local appearance. His art is “inspired by Tom of Finland, but it’s not as X-rated”; he prefers to leave more to the imagination. His subjects have included leathermen, men in uniforms, and construction workers. He’s recently started painting men as angels, including this year’s Steve Kelso angel.
For a period in his art career Thrift worked in a pointillistic style, starting with gray board and adding dots in both black and white. (The Great Lakes Mr. Drummer poster was done this way.) His more recent pieces, starting with what he calls “the Rainbow Shorts guy,” are colored pencil on tan board. He plans to continue in this medium and perhaps add airbrushing.
While his art has been predominantly representation studies of the male figure, he is starting to explore different directions. For this year’s “Celebrate the Art of Living” art auction presented by DIFFA (Design Industry Foundation Fighting AIDS), he produced a drawing hearkening back to WPA-era posters, and he plans to do more art with the male form in an environment, as opposed to the form alone.
Thrift has done commissions, and his work is often on display at local leather gatherings. His future plans include a display at the International Mr. Leather Contest’s Leathermart..
“Steve Kelso Angel” by Damon Thrift
Jeff Jacklin’s art has been appearing in print for 10 years. His work appeared in the 1988 book “Strip AIDS U.S.A”, as well as in Gay Comics #8 and #25. He currently has a work on display at Zachary Showrooms, International Market Square, Minneapolis. His art has also been seen in ads for The Saloon, the old “315” baths (remember when we had baths in this town?), and most recently Town House Country.
Jacklin says he “likes drawing masculine men.” His art is “sensual — not explicit, more suggestive.” His photorealistic style is partly inspired by the art of Tom of Finland, and he credits Bill Ward, who draws the “Drum” comic strip in Drummer Magazine, as another influence (“He’s a great visual storyteller.”). His subjects, often drawn from memory, include weightlifters, men in workout wear, blue-collar men, soldiers and other military scenes, men embracing and cuddling, and policemen (which he calls “cop art”).
His media of choice are pencil or pen and ink, and he sometimes adds watercolor. He has also done “animatic” art of military scenes — artwork that is filmed, making use of the camera’s pan and zoom capabilities to add the illusion of animation. He is also currently working on a graphic novel, and plans to do more life-drawing and male-figure art as well.
Animatic art by Jeff Jacklin
Upcoming Leather Events
Mr. Minnesota Leather Fund-raiser
Sunday, March 16, 4-9 pm, The Saloon
Hosted by Kevin Cwayna, Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97. Get warmed up for St. Patrick’s Day — green leather, anyone? $5 at the door.
Ms. Minnesota Leather Fund-raiser: “All Together Leather, Whipped Into Spring”
Sunday, March 23, 5-9 pm, The Saloon
Food, discounted drinks, unique door prizes. On-site scenes: electricity, whipping, waxing, liquid latex, bondage, tattooing and piercing by Body Arts, and the power play of the team from Hard Mondays. $6 at the door ($5 if sporting a whip, paddle or your favorite play toy). FFI: W.I.L.L.O.W. Productions.
Sunday, March 30 (Easter Sunday): Atons Bar Night at the Men’s Room Bar, Gay 90’s.
Saturday, April 12: Atons Bar Night at the Chicago Eagle. For further information call the Atons.
Sunday, April 13: Mr. Minnesota Fantasy Contest 1997. It could be you. To compete, call Dale Willman (Mr. Minnesota Fantasy 1995).
Saturday, April 20: Mr. Northwoods ’97 Fundraiser hosted by Colin Spriestersbach at The Saloon.
Friday, February 28, 1997
The Art of Leather, Part 1
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #46, February 28, 1997)
Throughout human history, societies and cultures have created art as an expression of themselves. Ancient civilizations painted pictures of animals on the walls of caves. History books tell us those paintings were put there to give visual expression to their wishes for good hunting. Thousands of years later, in certain respects not much has changed: we still create and view images of the objects of our desire, as well as scenes of a successful hunt. My partner Ken, who knows art and design (he has taught college-level art classes), wishes to interject at this point that “Nowadays, however, the hunt is for much more interesting meat.” Thank you, Ken.
While cultures may create art in response to certain immediate needs and desires, a culture’s art also represents both a gift to members of other cultures and a legacy to the future. A culture’s art testifies that the culture exists, and that it has the strength and vitality to express itself.
The development of the modern-day leather community is intertwined with the development of the modern-day gay community. [Homosexual culture was forced underground during the period between the two World Wars. But after World War II a few brave souls started to speak out against society’s oppression of homosexuals. At the same time, perhaps as a by-product of the intense male-to-male soldiering situations of World War II, the beginnings of the leather subculture started quietly appearing in major cities. These two movements were destined to “blossom” at the same time: The Stonewall riots in 1969 proclaimed the existence of the gay community as a social institution, and the founding of Drummer Magazine at about the same time proclaimed leathermen as a subset of that community.
]In much the same fashion, early homoerotic art was dominated by the hypermasculine symbolism of the budding leather community. The trailblazing art of George Quaintance was featured in the covertly-gay male physique magazines of the 1950’s. In the Technicolor hues of the era, he painted breathtaking homoerotic scenes populated by beautifully muscular and handsome men: cowboys around a campfire after a storm wringing out their wet clothing; ancient roman baths anachronistically populated by 50’s musclemen; and a vaguely native-American scene with two warriors, impaled with arrows, dying at the feet of another man chained against a wall. This picture caused an outcry from the censors — not because of the gore or elements of bondage, but because of the bare buttocks on the two dying warriors.
To modern-day eyes, Quaintance’s art sometimes seems, well, quaint — in the same way that a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical or an episode of “Father Knows Best” seem to reflect a gentler, more innocent time. [The men, while muscular, were relentlessly pretty and showed no basket at all. They couldn’t — this was the 50’s, after all, and even gay society wasn’t yet ready for that. ]It’s easy to forget how revolutionary and shocking these paintings were at the time, and what a courageous and defiant act it was to create such openly sexual art.
Quaintance died in 1957, and shortly thereafter his mantle was taken up by Tom of Finland, probably the most celebrated leather artist in history. Tom became the first leather-art superstar, and “Tom’s Men” continue to be icons for countless leatherfolk of all genders. The Tom of Finland Foundation oversees his artistic legacy and also seeks to foster emerging leather artists (more about that next issue).
Another emerging leather artist of the time was Dom Orejudos, also known as Etienne. Among his accomplishments were the murals on the walls of Chicago’s Gold Coast, one of the most famous leather bars of all time (which was owned by his partner Chuck Renslow).
Today’s established leather artists include Leon, who inherited (from Etienne) the privilege of drawing the official portrait of each year’s International Mr. Leather; The Hun, whose comic-style drawings often include signs posted in the background which make sly comments on the hot, sweaty action taking place in the foreground; and Gary Van Velsor, whose canvas is a thick pane of glass and whose brush is a sandblaster. His engraved images of nude and clothed torsos, often decorated with harnesses or nipple rings, almost spring to life when displayed on a lighted base. These and other established and emerging leather artists — of all races, genders and orientations — are on display at leather trade fairs and in the pages of magazines such as Drummer, International Leatherman, Bear, Honcho, The Leather Journal, and Eagle.
Today there are enough leather artists out there that last fall the San Francisco Leather Daddies held at leather art auction during Leather Pride Week. Most of the artists were from the west coast, but the invitation was issued to leather artists around the world who wanted to be included in next year’s event. Three local artists who might want to answer that call will be profiled in the next issue.
Upcoming Leather Events
Tank Grand Opening featuring Donnie Russo
Sunday, March 9, 6-10 pm, The Tank at The Saloon
The Saloon’s new Sunday-night Leatherspace kicks off with an appearance by omnipresent porn star Donnie Russo. Enter through the patio gate in back of the bar; leather/levi/skin dress code will be enforced. $5 cover includes drink specials.
Other Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar and watch for upcoming details:
Sunday, March 16: Mr. Minnesota Leather Fundraiser
Sunday, March 23: Ms. Minnesota Leather Fundraiser
Saturday, April 12: Atons Bar Night at the Chicago Eagle
Memorial Day Weekend: International Mr. Leather Contest, Chicago. Make your reservations now — area hotels are either already full or are filling up fast.
Throughout human history, societies and cultures have created art as an expression of themselves. Ancient civilizations painted pictures of animals on the walls of caves. History books tell us those paintings were put there to give visual expression to their wishes for good hunting. Thousands of years later, in certain respects not much has changed: we still create and view images of the objects of our desire, as well as scenes of a successful hunt. My partner Ken, who knows art and design (he has taught college-level art classes), wishes to interject at this point that “Nowadays, however, the hunt is for much more interesting meat.” Thank you, Ken.
While cultures may create art in response to certain immediate needs and desires, a culture’s art also represents both a gift to members of other cultures and a legacy to the future. A culture’s art testifies that the culture exists, and that it has the strength and vitality to express itself.
The development of the modern-day leather community is intertwined with the development of the modern-day gay community. [Homosexual culture was forced underground during the period between the two World Wars. But after World War II a few brave souls started to speak out against society’s oppression of homosexuals. At the same time, perhaps as a by-product of the intense male-to-male soldiering situations of World War II, the beginnings of the leather subculture started quietly appearing in major cities. These two movements were destined to “blossom” at the same time: The Stonewall riots in 1969 proclaimed the existence of the gay community as a social institution, and the founding of Drummer Magazine at about the same time proclaimed leathermen as a subset of that community.
]In much the same fashion, early homoerotic art was dominated by the hypermasculine symbolism of the budding leather community. The trailblazing art of George Quaintance was featured in the covertly-gay male physique magazines of the 1950’s. In the Technicolor hues of the era, he painted breathtaking homoerotic scenes populated by beautifully muscular and handsome men: cowboys around a campfire after a storm wringing out their wet clothing; ancient roman baths anachronistically populated by 50’s musclemen; and a vaguely native-American scene with two warriors, impaled with arrows, dying at the feet of another man chained against a wall. This picture caused an outcry from the censors — not because of the gore or elements of bondage, but because of the bare buttocks on the two dying warriors.
To modern-day eyes, Quaintance’s art sometimes seems, well, quaint — in the same way that a Rodgers & Hammerstein musical or an episode of “Father Knows Best” seem to reflect a gentler, more innocent time. [The men, while muscular, were relentlessly pretty and showed no basket at all. They couldn’t — this was the 50’s, after all, and even gay society wasn’t yet ready for that. ]It’s easy to forget how revolutionary and shocking these paintings were at the time, and what a courageous and defiant act it was to create such openly sexual art.
Quaintance died in 1957, and shortly thereafter his mantle was taken up by Tom of Finland, probably the most celebrated leather artist in history. Tom became the first leather-art superstar, and “Tom’s Men” continue to be icons for countless leatherfolk of all genders. The Tom of Finland Foundation oversees his artistic legacy and also seeks to foster emerging leather artists (more about that next issue).
Another emerging leather artist of the time was Dom Orejudos, also known as Etienne. Among his accomplishments were the murals on the walls of Chicago’s Gold Coast, one of the most famous leather bars of all time (which was owned by his partner Chuck Renslow).
Today’s established leather artists include Leon, who inherited (from Etienne) the privilege of drawing the official portrait of each year’s International Mr. Leather; The Hun, whose comic-style drawings often include signs posted in the background which make sly comments on the hot, sweaty action taking place in the foreground; and Gary Van Velsor, whose canvas is a thick pane of glass and whose brush is a sandblaster. His engraved images of nude and clothed torsos, often decorated with harnesses or nipple rings, almost spring to life when displayed on a lighted base. These and other established and emerging leather artists — of all races, genders and orientations — are on display at leather trade fairs and in the pages of magazines such as Drummer, International Leatherman, Bear, Honcho, The Leather Journal, and Eagle.
Today there are enough leather artists out there that last fall the San Francisco Leather Daddies held at leather art auction during Leather Pride Week. Most of the artists were from the west coast, but the invitation was issued to leather artists around the world who wanted to be included in next year’s event. Three local artists who might want to answer that call will be profiled in the next issue.
Upcoming Leather Events
Tank Grand Opening featuring Donnie Russo
Sunday, March 9, 6-10 pm, The Tank at The Saloon
The Saloon’s new Sunday-night Leatherspace kicks off with an appearance by omnipresent porn star Donnie Russo. Enter through the patio gate in back of the bar; leather/levi/skin dress code will be enforced. $5 cover includes drink specials.
Other Upcoming Events
Mark your calendar and watch for upcoming details:
Sunday, March 16: Mr. Minnesota Leather Fundraiser
Sunday, March 23: Ms. Minnesota Leather Fundraiser
Saturday, April 12: Atons Bar Night at the Chicago Eagle
Memorial Day Weekend: International Mr. Leather Contest, Chicago. Make your reservations now — area hotels are either already full or are filling up fast.
Friday, February 14, 1997
Leather Community News
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #45, February 14, 1997)
Ms. Minnesota Leather Resigns Title; 1st Runner-Up Accepts: Due to personal reasons Amazon, who won the Ms. Minnesota Leather ’97 title last November, has handed over the title to 1st Runner-Up Aalan Cameron. The change is effective February 4, 1997. Following are excerpts from Ms. Cameron’s letter of acceptance:
“It’s an honor and privilege to represent the Minnesota women’s leather community by accepting this title. I wish to express to Amazon my deepest appreciation and admiration — may you have good fortune in your life’s quest.
“Many of you have already met me at various leather events. I’m sending out this open invitation to clubs and organizations who may need my assistance for events or runs. Please feel free to contact me at (612) 471-8278. I’m extending my time and my services to help. In leather, Aalan Cameron.”
Atons Install New Officers: The Atons of Minneapolis recently kicked off their 25th Anniversary year with their annual new-officer installation banquet. Paul Rozendaal assumes the Presidency; Growler becomes Vice President; Keith Cheetham becomes Secretary; and Jeff Paup, who served as banquet chef for the evening, becomes Treasurer. While at the banquet I also got a chance to view the Aton’s excellent promotional video (a leather club first, as far as I know) for their 25th-Anniversary Run to be held this fall.
New Black Guard Officers: This weekend, the Black Guard of Minneapolis presents Black Frost ’97, their 20th-Anniversary Run. At the Wind-Down Party on Sunday afternoon these new officers will take command: Mike Delorme, President; David Blaszak, Vice President; Scott Darst, Secretary; and Colin Spriestersbach, Treasurer. (See “Upcoming Leather Events” for more details on Black Frost events this weekend.)
New Leather Nights at Saloon and Club Metro: Leather nightlight options in the Twin Cities are expanding again. Club Metro has been pleased with the continuing success of “Thrust,” their final-Friday-of-the-month leather-oriented dance party. So now every Thursday is “Bootblack Leather Nite” from 8 pm to 1 am. A leather dress code is enforced. There’s no cover charge and the atmosphere is relaxed, with different entertainment and surprises every week. Bartenders Vern and Lawrence are serving drink specials including their infamous cocktail, the “leg spreader.”
Meanwhile, on March 9 The Saloon will unveil their Sunday-night leather bar, “The Tank,” with a grand-opening celebration featuring porn star Donnie Russo. (He’ll also be appearing that weekend at Rainbow Road.) “The Tank” will be open Sunday nights only (for now, anyway) from 6 to 10 pm. The only entry will be through the patio gate in back of the bar, and a leather/levi/skin dress code will be enforced. A variety of special events are planned, including visiting celebrities and special fetish nights. A $5 cover will include drink specials.
Upcoming Leather Events
Black Frost ’97
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16
If you’re attending from out of the area, welcome to the Twin Cities. Play safe and has a great time!
Black Frost 20th-Anniversary Show and Party
Saturday, February 15, 7:30 pm, Gay 90’s La Femme Lounge (Doors open 7:15 pm)
Even if you’re not attending the whole run, the Black Guard invite you to the show, open to the general public for the first time. Details are being jealously guarded, but their shows are legendary. $10 admission also covers the after-show party in the country-western upstairs bar at the Gay 90’s.
Black Frost Wind-Down Party
Sunday, February 16, 1:30 pm, Brass Rail
Another run event that’s open to the general public. Presidents of the various assembled clubs will toast each other and the Black Guard’s new officers will be installed.
Post-Wind-Down Celebration and Fundraiser
Sunday, February 16, 5-9 pm, Gay 90’s Mens Room Bar (use side entrance)
A fundraiser for Bob Jansen and the Main Club, as well as a salute to the Black Guard’s 20th Anniversary co-hosted by the Atons of Minneapolis and the Castaways of Milwaukee. Beer, sodas, food, door prizes. $8 at the door ($5 if wearing Black Frost ’97 run pin or black leather boots).
Blood Pinning: SM Play in the Military? (Not Really)
Blood pinning, a covert ritual practiced by members of the U.S. Marines and other branches of the military, suddenly isn’t so covert any more. A media frenzy means that millions of people have now seen the videotape of the blood pinning at Camp LeJeune, and millions more have heard about it. For those who haven’t: a soldier is awarded a medal, but it isn’t pinned to his uniform — it’s literally hammered into his chest with body blows.
While many people have only recently heard about blood pinning recently, it’s not difficult to find former mililtary men acquainted with the practice. I’ve spoken recently to several people who were blood-pinned; one gentleman said the initial blow was so forceful that “it knocked me back about three steps.” The pin was hammered so hard that the two spikes on its back “blasted through my pectoral muscle and were driven into my rib.” He still has two scars on his chest from the experience.
The existence of blood-pinning in the military probably shouldn’t be surprising. Blood-letting and blood-exchange rituals have been practiced for centuries by many different cultures and for many different reasons. “Blood sports” such as those practiced by the — ahem — “cutting edge” of the SM community were part of a performance art presentation at the Walker Art Center a few years ago. And they, too, caused a media uproar. But, in spite of the fact that both blood sports and blood-pinning produce sensational news coverage, there are some important differences.
Blood-pinning, military-style, doesn’t qualify as safe, sane or consensual. Properly-done SM blood sport incorporates hospital-style sterile procedures and implements; for some people a dungeon isn’t complete unless it includes an autoclave. Talk of sterile procedure hasn’t even entered the discussion of blood-pinning ceremonies, however, which removes the practice from both the “safe” and “sane” categories.
Consensuality is the third hallmark of healthy SM, and its connection with blood-pinning is debatable. While men may “consent” to being blood-pinned to the extent that they will stand there and take it, there is still an undercurrent of indirect coercion. Blood-pinning is a way of establishing and proving manhood among peers; in the words of the gentleman quoted above, it is “the ultimate macho I-can-take-anything statement.” A man who declines to participate runs the risk of being seen as a coward by his fellow soldiers.
Conversely, SM blood sport lacks this sort of coercion to participate. One simply does not engage in blood sport, or any other type of SM play, to impress other people. One of the leather/SM culture’s most integral traits is that everyone’s manhood is assumed and accepted. Demonstrations of macho at their best are considered unnecessary, and at their worst are seen as examples of poor taste.
One possible way in which blood-pinning could qualify as valid SM play would be as part of an extended military boot-camp scene. If it is done in this context, though, make sure those pins are sterilized beforehand.
Congratulations to the Black Guard on their 20th Anniversary!
Welcome to everyone visiting the Twin Cities for Black Frost ’97!
Ms. Minnesota Leather Resigns Title; 1st Runner-Up Accepts: Due to personal reasons Amazon, who won the Ms. Minnesota Leather ’97 title last November, has handed over the title to 1st Runner-Up Aalan Cameron. The change is effective February 4, 1997. Following are excerpts from Ms. Cameron’s letter of acceptance:
“It’s an honor and privilege to represent the Minnesota women’s leather community by accepting this title. I wish to express to Amazon my deepest appreciation and admiration — may you have good fortune in your life’s quest.
“Many of you have already met me at various leather events. I’m sending out this open invitation to clubs and organizations who may need my assistance for events or runs. Please feel free to contact me at (612) 471-8278. I’m extending my time and my services to help. In leather, Aalan Cameron.”
Atons Install New Officers: The Atons of Minneapolis recently kicked off their 25th Anniversary year with their annual new-officer installation banquet. Paul Rozendaal assumes the Presidency; Growler becomes Vice President; Keith Cheetham becomes Secretary; and Jeff Paup, who served as banquet chef for the evening, becomes Treasurer. While at the banquet I also got a chance to view the Aton’s excellent promotional video (a leather club first, as far as I know) for their 25th-Anniversary Run to be held this fall.
New Black Guard Officers: This weekend, the Black Guard of Minneapolis presents Black Frost ’97, their 20th-Anniversary Run. At the Wind-Down Party on Sunday afternoon these new officers will take command: Mike Delorme, President; David Blaszak, Vice President; Scott Darst, Secretary; and Colin Spriestersbach, Treasurer. (See “Upcoming Leather Events” for more details on Black Frost events this weekend.)
New Leather Nights at Saloon and Club Metro: Leather nightlight options in the Twin Cities are expanding again. Club Metro has been pleased with the continuing success of “Thrust,” their final-Friday-of-the-month leather-oriented dance party. So now every Thursday is “Bootblack Leather Nite” from 8 pm to 1 am. A leather dress code is enforced. There’s no cover charge and the atmosphere is relaxed, with different entertainment and surprises every week. Bartenders Vern and Lawrence are serving drink specials including their infamous cocktail, the “leg spreader.”
Meanwhile, on March 9 The Saloon will unveil their Sunday-night leather bar, “The Tank,” with a grand-opening celebration featuring porn star Donnie Russo. (He’ll also be appearing that weekend at Rainbow Road.) “The Tank” will be open Sunday nights only (for now, anyway) from 6 to 10 pm. The only entry will be through the patio gate in back of the bar, and a leather/levi/skin dress code will be enforced. A variety of special events are planned, including visiting celebrities and special fetish nights. A $5 cover will include drink specials.
Upcoming Leather Events
Black Frost ’97
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16
If you’re attending from out of the area, welcome to the Twin Cities. Play safe and has a great time!
Black Frost 20th-Anniversary Show and Party
Saturday, February 15, 7:30 pm, Gay 90’s La Femme Lounge (Doors open 7:15 pm)
Even if you’re not attending the whole run, the Black Guard invite you to the show, open to the general public for the first time. Details are being jealously guarded, but their shows are legendary. $10 admission also covers the after-show party in the country-western upstairs bar at the Gay 90’s.
Black Frost Wind-Down Party
Sunday, February 16, 1:30 pm, Brass Rail
Another run event that’s open to the general public. Presidents of the various assembled clubs will toast each other and the Black Guard’s new officers will be installed.
Post-Wind-Down Celebration and Fundraiser
Sunday, February 16, 5-9 pm, Gay 90’s Mens Room Bar (use side entrance)
A fundraiser for Bob Jansen and the Main Club, as well as a salute to the Black Guard’s 20th Anniversary co-hosted by the Atons of Minneapolis and the Castaways of Milwaukee. Beer, sodas, food, door prizes. $8 at the door ($5 if wearing Black Frost ’97 run pin or black leather boots).
Blood Pinning: SM Play in the Military? (Not Really)
Blood pinning, a covert ritual practiced by members of the U.S. Marines and other branches of the military, suddenly isn’t so covert any more. A media frenzy means that millions of people have now seen the videotape of the blood pinning at Camp LeJeune, and millions more have heard about it. For those who haven’t: a soldier is awarded a medal, but it isn’t pinned to his uniform — it’s literally hammered into his chest with body blows.
While many people have only recently heard about blood pinning recently, it’s not difficult to find former mililtary men acquainted with the practice. I’ve spoken recently to several people who were blood-pinned; one gentleman said the initial blow was so forceful that “it knocked me back about three steps.” The pin was hammered so hard that the two spikes on its back “blasted through my pectoral muscle and were driven into my rib.” He still has two scars on his chest from the experience.
The existence of blood-pinning in the military probably shouldn’t be surprising. Blood-letting and blood-exchange rituals have been practiced for centuries by many different cultures and for many different reasons. “Blood sports” such as those practiced by the — ahem — “cutting edge” of the SM community were part of a performance art presentation at the Walker Art Center a few years ago. And they, too, caused a media uproar. But, in spite of the fact that both blood sports and blood-pinning produce sensational news coverage, there are some important differences.
Blood-pinning, military-style, doesn’t qualify as safe, sane or consensual. Properly-done SM blood sport incorporates hospital-style sterile procedures and implements; for some people a dungeon isn’t complete unless it includes an autoclave. Talk of sterile procedure hasn’t even entered the discussion of blood-pinning ceremonies, however, which removes the practice from both the “safe” and “sane” categories.
Consensuality is the third hallmark of healthy SM, and its connection with blood-pinning is debatable. While men may “consent” to being blood-pinned to the extent that they will stand there and take it, there is still an undercurrent of indirect coercion. Blood-pinning is a way of establishing and proving manhood among peers; in the words of the gentleman quoted above, it is “the ultimate macho I-can-take-anything statement.” A man who declines to participate runs the risk of being seen as a coward by his fellow soldiers.
Conversely, SM blood sport lacks this sort of coercion to participate. One simply does not engage in blood sport, or any other type of SM play, to impress other people. One of the leather/SM culture’s most integral traits is that everyone’s manhood is assumed and accepted. Demonstrations of macho at their best are considered unnecessary, and at their worst are seen as examples of poor taste.
One possible way in which blood-pinning could qualify as valid SM play would be as part of an extended military boot-camp scene. If it is done in this context, though, make sure those pins are sterilized beforehand.
Friday, January 31, 1997
Where Leather and Sobriety Intersect
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #44, January 31, 1997)
Leather/SM prides itself on its diversity and its inclusiveness. We, as a community, try to welcome everyone with an interest in our many and varied forms of alternative sexuality. We include women and men; young, old, and everything in between; gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, and even straight (but not narrow); all colors and ethnic backgrounds; people living with AIDS and those with other physical challenges. Unfortunately, there’s one group of people in our community that sometimes doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
Here in Minnesota, the land of treatment centers and twelve-step groups, many members of our leather community are in recovery from alcoholism or other substance abuse. Some grew up here; others came to Minnesota to go through alcohol or drug abuse treatment and have decided to stay. Other community members may not be in recovery but still choose not to use alcohol or drugs. (Your humble columnist is a member of this group, so I am writing from experience.)
Many leatherfolk who go through treatment ask the same question: “Now that I’m in recovery, do I have to give up leather?” It’s not a frivolous question. How do they fit into a community which sometimes seems to revolve around the use of mind-altering substances? Throughout history, leatherfolk have met and cruised at bars, many of whose names are now part of our folklore. Today, almost every leather event, party, fundraiser or contest is held at a bar — and advertises free tap beer or drink specials as an inducement to attend. Illicit drug usage is sometimes a feature of heavy-duty SM and fisting scenes. The unspoken but implicit message often seems to be that drinking and drugs are integral parts of the scene, necessary elements of machismo; if you don’t partake, maybe you’re not a REAL leatherman or leatherwoman.
Some of us manage to deal with situations like these. We attend the events and enjoy the fellowship, but we drink soft drinks instead of beer. (When soft drinks are included in the price of admission, we bless the event planner’s inclusiveness; when the beer is flowing freely but soft drinks aren’t, we feel we’ve been dissed.)
Some of us find that for the sake of our sanity we have to avoid bars, so we look for other, safer meeting places like Cafe Zev or Cafe Wyrd. These are not strictly leather venues but can be enjoyable. Some of us are lucky enough to become part of a clean-and-sober family of leather brothers and sisters. But many of us still feel isolated from the rest of the leather community — and, therefore, from a significant part of our sexuality.
Once in a while we see signs of awareness and acceptance. San Francisco’s Sober Defenders is a clean-and-sober leather club. There is a sober leather/SM twelve-step meeting in Greenwich Village in New York City. Chicago’s International Mr. Leather Contest has a highly visible recovery component including meetings, a recovery hospitality suite and badges for staff members in recovery. And everywhere, the community’s mantra of “Safe, Safe and Consensual” serves as a reminder that playing under the influence of too much alcohol or drugs is neither safe nor sane.
Those are encouraging trends, but more can be done both locally and nationally. The Twin Cities does not currently have a clean-and-sober leather club even though there has been occasional discussion about starting one. Perhaps a full-scale club isn’t practical, or even necessary; what would be helpful is some way for chemical-free leatherfolk to recognize each other. I have seen many lists of hankie colors and what they stand for, and it amazes and saddens me to report that nowhere, even on the most comprehensive lists, is there a color that stands for “clean and sober” or for “drug-free play.”
Actually, it doesn’t matter if the symbol for clean-and-sober leather is a hankie color, a club pin, a dog tag, or something else. It would just be helpful if there was something that allowed us to recognize each other, and that was recognized and honored by the rest of the leather community as well. For those already in the leather community and for those interested in joining it, such a symbol would affirm the answer to the question posed earlier: “Yes, it is possible to be in leather and in recovery at the same time.”
Questions or comments about this column are invited. Please send your response to: Lavender Magazine (Attention: Leather Life), Minneapolis MN.
(Editor: Please put the following in a shaded box.)
Upcoming Leather Events
Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Friday, February 14
Black Frost ’97
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16
The Black Guard’s 20th-anniversary run starts on Valentine’s Day. To request a registration form, write to: Black Frost ’97, Minneapolis MN.
Leather/SM prides itself on its diversity and its inclusiveness. We, as a community, try to welcome everyone with an interest in our many and varied forms of alternative sexuality. We include women and men; young, old, and everything in between; gay, bisexual, queer, pansexual, and even straight (but not narrow); all colors and ethnic backgrounds; people living with AIDS and those with other physical challenges. Unfortunately, there’s one group of people in our community that sometimes doesn’t get the respect it deserves.
Here in Minnesota, the land of treatment centers and twelve-step groups, many members of our leather community are in recovery from alcoholism or other substance abuse. Some grew up here; others came to Minnesota to go through alcohol or drug abuse treatment and have decided to stay. Other community members may not be in recovery but still choose not to use alcohol or drugs. (Your humble columnist is a member of this group, so I am writing from experience.)
Many leatherfolk who go through treatment ask the same question: “Now that I’m in recovery, do I have to give up leather?” It’s not a frivolous question. How do they fit into a community which sometimes seems to revolve around the use of mind-altering substances? Throughout history, leatherfolk have met and cruised at bars, many of whose names are now part of our folklore. Today, almost every leather event, party, fundraiser or contest is held at a bar — and advertises free tap beer or drink specials as an inducement to attend. Illicit drug usage is sometimes a feature of heavy-duty SM and fisting scenes. The unspoken but implicit message often seems to be that drinking and drugs are integral parts of the scene, necessary elements of machismo; if you don’t partake, maybe you’re not a REAL leatherman or leatherwoman.
Some of us manage to deal with situations like these. We attend the events and enjoy the fellowship, but we drink soft drinks instead of beer. (When soft drinks are included in the price of admission, we bless the event planner’s inclusiveness; when the beer is flowing freely but soft drinks aren’t, we feel we’ve been dissed.)
Some of us find that for the sake of our sanity we have to avoid bars, so we look for other, safer meeting places like Cafe Zev or Cafe Wyrd. These are not strictly leather venues but can be enjoyable. Some of us are lucky enough to become part of a clean-and-sober family of leather brothers and sisters. But many of us still feel isolated from the rest of the leather community — and, therefore, from a significant part of our sexuality.
Once in a while we see signs of awareness and acceptance. San Francisco’s Sober Defenders is a clean-and-sober leather club. There is a sober leather/SM twelve-step meeting in Greenwich Village in New York City. Chicago’s International Mr. Leather Contest has a highly visible recovery component including meetings, a recovery hospitality suite and badges for staff members in recovery. And everywhere, the community’s mantra of “Safe, Safe and Consensual” serves as a reminder that playing under the influence of too much alcohol or drugs is neither safe nor sane.
Those are encouraging trends, but more can be done both locally and nationally. The Twin Cities does not currently have a clean-and-sober leather club even though there has been occasional discussion about starting one. Perhaps a full-scale club isn’t practical, or even necessary; what would be helpful is some way for chemical-free leatherfolk to recognize each other. I have seen many lists of hankie colors and what they stand for, and it amazes and saddens me to report that nowhere, even on the most comprehensive lists, is there a color that stands for “clean and sober” or for “drug-free play.”
Actually, it doesn’t matter if the symbol for clean-and-sober leather is a hankie color, a club pin, a dog tag, or something else. It would just be helpful if there was something that allowed us to recognize each other, and that was recognized and honored by the rest of the leather community as well. For those already in the leather community and for those interested in joining it, such a symbol would affirm the answer to the question posed earlier: “Yes, it is possible to be in leather and in recovery at the same time.”
Questions or comments about this column are invited. Please send your response to: Lavender Magazine (Attention: Leather Life), Minneapolis MN.
(Editor: Please put the following in a shaded box.)
Upcoming Leather Events
Mr. Minnesota Leather ’97 Valentine’s Day Fundraiser
Friday, February 14
Black Frost ’97
Friday-Sunday, February 14-16
The Black Guard’s 20th-anniversary run starts on Valentine’s Day. To request a registration form, write to: Black Frost ’97, Minneapolis MN.
Friday, January 17, 1997
Let’s Be Careful Out There
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #43, January 17, 1997)
According to the 1/7/97 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a 35-year-old man was found dead in his apartment in south Minneapolis. He was tied up but hadn’t been shot or stabbed. No more details were available.
There have been other reports in recent months of similar happenings. So it’s time once again to talk about safe play.
• Get to know something about a prospective play partner. “Check their references” by asking friends about them.
• Let other people know who you’re going home with and where you’re going.
• If you’re not driving, be sure you have cab fare and change for phone calls.
• Keep a clear head. It’s difficult to watch out for your safety when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Negotiate the scene beforehand. Use agreed-upon safewords to slow or stop the action if necessary.
• Remember: “Safe, sane, consensual.” If you aren’t familiar with all the things those three words entail, find out.
• “Endure nothing.” If you don’t feel comfortable with the way things are going, do what you need to do to keep yourself safe. That may include either leaving or kicking someone out. (Sometimes these things happen.)
The leather/SM community’s ideal is respect for every community member and for the rules of safety. Unfortunately there are people who don’t play by these rules; these are not people you want to play with. Following the suggestions above will lessen your likelihood of becoming their prey, or will help ensure your safety if you suddenly find yourself confronted with a dangerous situation.
Please, play safe and play smart.
According to the 1/7/97 issue of the Minneapolis Star Tribune, a 35-year-old man was found dead in his apartment in south Minneapolis. He was tied up but hadn’t been shot or stabbed. No more details were available.
There have been other reports in recent months of similar happenings. So it’s time once again to talk about safe play.
• Get to know something about a prospective play partner. “Check their references” by asking friends about them.
• Let other people know who you’re going home with and where you’re going.
• If you’re not driving, be sure you have cab fare and change for phone calls.
• Keep a clear head. It’s difficult to watch out for your safety when you’re under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Negotiate the scene beforehand. Use agreed-upon safewords to slow or stop the action if necessary.
• Remember: “Safe, sane, consensual.” If you aren’t familiar with all the things those three words entail, find out.
• “Endure nothing.” If you don’t feel comfortable with the way things are going, do what you need to do to keep yourself safe. That may include either leaving or kicking someone out. (Sometimes these things happen.)
The leather/SM community’s ideal is respect for every community member and for the rules of safety. Unfortunately there are people who don’t play by these rules; these are not people you want to play with. Following the suggestions above will lessen your likelihood of becoming their prey, or will help ensure your safety if you suddenly find yourself confronted with a dangerous situation.
Please, play safe and play smart.
Kelso Talks: More of the Exclusive Twin Cities Interview with Steve Kelso
(Published in Lavender Magazine, Issue #43, January 17, 1997)
“I don’t get the star-struck thing. That’s why I don’t understand this.”
(Continued from the previous issue) After baring everything else, Steve Kelso bares his soul on everything from shaving to his World Wide Web site:
Your modeling work has been always solo, always “physique,” and mostly in print. You’ll be photographed hard, but you’ll never go any further than that. And there are no Colt group scenes featuring you. Why has it worked out that way?
Well, basically, that was one of my choices. And I can probably attribute it to the AIDS crisis and the fact that there are unnecessary risks that I don’t feel need to be taken. I do have a film out with Colt—it was supposed to be part of the “legendary body” series, which is basically that they film the guys walking around nude. Mine got a little more erotic and they didn’t quite know what to do with it. It was shot in Hawaii, and it’s a beautiful film. But it looks like it’s missing the last reel, which it is because it was never intended to be a jerk-off film. I’m entertaining the thought now of doing a full film because it will generate a lot more cash to help out.
This film you’re making, this is a porn film with other people?
No, it won’t be with other people, it will be a full solo with a cum scene at the end. And I want it shot very nice. I did the music to the other video, by the way.
I remember reading in another interview that you have a full recording studio.
I’m a musician, too, and music is one of my biggest loves.
Who inspires you musically?
I like a wide range, from jazz to dance music. I have a real love for all kinds of music.
Any plans to branch out into acting or performing?
Acting, yes. I played a small part in a “straight” movie made by the “regular industry.” I played a cop in a film called “Garage Sale” that was going around to film festivals all over the world. I’ve been taking acting classes in New York City for commercials. And the people who make commercials, they’re real particular. I mean, if you’ve done porn, 90% of ’em are real reluctant to work with somebody like that. The loophole I use is, I shave my mustache and then I can work, because I look nothing like my Colt photos.
Tell us about “Hairway to Steven,” the Official Kelso Web Site. Who came up with that wonderful name, first of all?
I had no idea, I didn’t know anything about it. Computers are pretty new to me, but I recently got on line and someone had told me that someone has a site on me. Well, he was using pictures from Colt. Now Colt doesn’t want people using their images without authorization—for good reason. People will use them for everything; they’ll make their bar advertisements out of them, they’ll be selling butt creams and things like that, and you don’t want that because producing the pictures costs a lot of money. So I can understand why they don’t want people using them. But, the Hairway had started a year or two ago . . .
You mean it was started before you knew about it?
Yeah.
Then it was NOT the Official Kelso Web Site at that point.
No, it wasn’t. I kind of turned it into my offical Web site by supplying him with the pictures. The gentleman’s name is Darrin, and he’s from Toronto. He’s a young guy and we met him when I did the tour and benefits up in Toronto. Nice kid, and he just started it up and it was one of those things he started up as a hobby. Well, normally a Web charge should be about $100 to have a very active site. But when you start getting 30,000 hits on it a month, it goes up to $1000 very quickly, very quickly. So, one, he couldn’t afford it, and two, Colt had sent him a cease-and-desist letter, which they generally send to anyone who uses their images without permission. Now, if he had checked with them, I don’t know, they may have worked something out. But they sent him a lawyer-letter that told him not to use the photographs. So, when I got wind of this, I started supplying him with the photos, which were now images done by and owned by Eagle Studios. And people can download the pictures, the pictures are there free for them to use. [The web address is www.daboy.com//kelso.html.—Ed.] But again, I will go after someone if my face is advertised for a bar or for something else without my permission, because I don’t want to be representing something in which I have no say or no involvement.
Anything more to say about hairy models versus shaved one?
Well I think the trend right now is definitely to the bear and leather and the more masculine look. The shaved, LA, smooth bodybuilder type is still attractive to a lot of people, but I think the majority now are starting to swing towards hair. Which is nice, because I’m hairy. I looked like a shaved rat when I tried to cut it off. One time, and never again.
It itches.
Oh, yeah. And still, a model may send Colt a picture, and the model’s hairy in the picture, and Rip will tell them “Do not shave.” But they’ll shave anyway—they’ll show up the day of the shoot and they’ll be shaved. And once it’s gone, it’s gone for a month or so.
There were a few pictures on the Hairway without the mustache.
That was for shock value. I feel if people are talking, that’s a good thing; when they stop talking is when you have to worry. And that was an intentional thing—I posted those pictures, and they got a very mixed reaction. Some people said, “I will delete my hard drive if you ever do that again” in their very gayest voice. Which is great, because it means they’re paying attention, and I know there’s a reaction. Did you see the new calendar? There’s one in the calendar without the mustache, and it sets people off.
We LIKE your mustache!
I know. But it creates controversry, and you have to push people’s buttons to make sure they’re paying attention. And when they’re not, then you stop, it’s time to go away.
How political are you? You only do personal appearances in connection with an AIDS charity and you’re doing lots of other AIDS fundraising. Want to talk about that?
Political things I stay out of. I’m very bad at politics and I don’t trust any of them, really.
So you’re not political in that sense, but you’re doing something active, you aren’t sitting on the sidelines.
Oh no, our community is having a problem right now with AIDS, and I feel that my best contribution is to try to raise money to help organizations that care for people with HIV and AIDS. That’s a rough job. What I do is not rough at all. When you give your time like that on an everyday basis, that’s commitment.
You’re getting fabulously wealthy doing this, right?
I wish. I live on a farm with cows—how wealthy do you think that is?
How much money is there to be made in this industry, and who’s making it?
The people who are doing the movies don’t get paid a high salary, anywhere from $300 to $500 a film. But if you look at the quantity, how many times they do a movie, there’s a lot of money that can be generated. And a lot of them use ’em to promote other things. They have massages and things that they offer. I’m assuming sexual things—if you look in local magazines in major areas, there are a lot of provocative ads. From the way the ads are worded, you can’t assume that it’s just gonna be a massage. So that’s where the money is to be made.
We talked a little bit about you being in the middle of dinner and somebody comes over and asks for an autograph. Do you ever get embarrassed? Has anything embarrassing ever happened, or are you beyond that?
I’ve signed penises, I’ve signed butts, it’s fun. I figure if they’re willing to flag it I’m willing to sign it.
Do you care to comment on society’s hangups with nudity and sexuality?
They’re getting better, they’re getting much better. Madonna helped quite a bit with her shock value with the “Sex” book and the other provocative things that she does.
Any advice for someone who wants to do this kind of modeling?
Absolutely go into it with your eyes open. Make sure you know where the photographs are going to be published, that you’re not going to be in an ad holding a bottle of lube in your hand. A lot of people sell the rights to the pictures—a photographer pays them a certain amount of money for those photographs. And then he publishes them in twenty or thirty magazines, runs ads with the person, and if they become popular, you know, you kinda lose control over them.
You have been photographed in leather, and you wear it VERY well. Are you into leather or any other form of alternative sexuality or kink?
I LOVE leather! Kink? Sure, everybody’s into some kind of kink. Never with pets, or I’ve never been caught, anyway. But, I mean, sex is very interesting, all kinds.
I’ve never seen you talk about this in other interviews.
They’ve never asked. If you ask I’ll tell you. I have nothing to hide.
Okay, so what do you like?
I like a romantic kind of thing, but I like to get down and dirty when it comes into the bedroom.
What would be a good evening for you?
Well, after coffee and chocolate fingers—just kidding. Nice conversation, and finding someone who’s, you know, who’s nice. It’s very difficult on the road, being in and out of cities, and I don’t feel it’s fair to sleep with somebody and then say “Thanks a lot, bye-bye now.”
You don’t have people throwing themselves at you? You will tonight!
I do, I do, and it’s very flattering. And a lot of times I’d love to do it, and I’ve fooled around with people on occasion, but it’s one of those things. You know, I keep in contact with people, I’m just not the type to have sex and say goodbye. But, um, yeah, I like sex.
I’ve talked to other people, mostly international leather title holders, who can walk into a bar and have anybody they want, and a lot of times they go home alone.
That’s the rough thing about becoming popular. You don’t want to go home with someone who’s coming up to you saying “I’m your biggest fan” because you lose something there. All of a sudden you’re not on the same basis, they’re looking at you in a much higher light. I don’t look at myself that way, I just want to be treated like a normal person. That’s why a lot of times I’ll shave my mustache when I go out after all the work is done. And people will treat me normally until they see my tattoo and realize who I am.
What exactly does the tattoo say? Does it say, “Hi, this is Steve Kelso,” or do they just recognize the eagle?
The tattoo and the bracelet have become predominant symbols. The bracelet, I never took it off in like eight or nine years. I just forgot, it’s not a fashion trend, I JUST FORGOT. And the eagle, it started out as an eagle, but I’m older now, so it’s a chicken hawk.
Have you ever been to Minneapolis/St. Paul before?
No, I haven’t. It’s a very SNOWY city.
Yes . . .
So I guess everyone just stays in and fucks all winter. I’ll have to move here, won’t I?
Who do you think is hot right now? Who turns your crank?
I don’t know. I really don’t have any one person who I think is hot. I mean, I see a lot of people, and in different states I could pick 20 or 30 people that I’d drop kick in a minute. But there’s really no one person. Like with actors, I don’t get the star-struck thing. That’s why I don’t understand this, really. When people are shaking when I’m signing or having a photograph taken with them, it amazes me, because I don’t get that way. I used to think Mel Gibson was real hot, until I found out about his dislike for gays. I blew that right out of the water! THAT can drop an erection really fast! That and bad conversation.
What’s your most favorite feature, and what’s your least favorite feature?
I like my mustache, and I think I got a pretty swell ass. My least favorite? I guess my feet.
Let’s get your vital statistics. Age?
33.
Height?
6” in heels, 5’10” without.
Weight?
It varies from 160 to 170.
Hair color?
Brown.
And that’s natural?
Natural. On occasion. I have nothing against Miss Clairol. I’ll fight age any way I can.
Eye color?
Hazel, unless I’m drinking, then bloodshot.
Inches?
I’ve never measured it. I’ve had people hang off it and they’ve said they could do a nice swing, but I couldn’t tell you the exact inches.
And the final vital statistics question is “cut or uncut,” but we’ve already seen it so what else is there to say?
Cut. And I kind of feel like I lost something, which wasn’t my choice.
Last question: I have been told by people that I resemble you. Care to comment?
You could. Trim the beard a little bit, you might look like me. Part your hair on the side, get a bigger penis maybe.
No, a smaller tummy. The second part of this question is: How often do you hear that? How often do people come up to you and say, “So-and-so said that I look like you”?
Sometimes I’ve run into people who look very similar to me, and their friends will drag them up and obviously they’re terrified to come over and say, “I look like you,” but there’s quite a few people who do. I’ve had a guy in San Francisco that had a tattoo with my face from the 1993 calendar. That was the most interesting thing.
Where was the tattoo?
It was on his arm. And it was the cover of the 1993 calendar, and I mean, it was me. He was waiting in line and everyone in line was staring at it, and when the guy got up to me, all I could think to say to him was, “I hope I never piss you off!”
Photo captions:
The eagle tattoo: “It started out as an eagle, but I’m older now, so it’s a chicken hawk.”
Autographing one of two original portraits by local artist Damon Thrift: “I felt if I’m going to have this fame and people are going to come out to see me, I might as well use it for something good, which is something I’d like to see a lot more of the porn industry do.”
On cameras and photographers: “It’s real weird, I get very friendly with the camera. You don’t look at it as a piece of machinery, you just look at it as if you’re looking at somebody or you’re speaking with somebody, and you want to get a reaction from them.”
Signing a calendar for a fan: “I’ve signed penises, I’ve signed butts, it’s fun. I figure if they’re willing to flag it I’m willing to sign it.”
In the spotlight at Town House Country: “I just kinda felt posing with my clothes off would be cool to do. I never thought it would turn into what it’s turned into.”
Upcoming Leather Events
The Atons present “The Leather Bowl”
Sunday, January 26, 5-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
Come out for the first leather event of the new year. The Super Bowl will be playing in the background on the big-screen TV, but the real action will definitely be live (including a “Tight-End Contest”). $8 admission ($5 if wearing leather or athletic apparel) includes keg beer, food and soda.
“I don’t get the star-struck thing. That’s why I don’t understand this.”
(Continued from the previous issue) After baring everything else, Steve Kelso bares his soul on everything from shaving to his World Wide Web site:
Your modeling work has been always solo, always “physique,” and mostly in print. You’ll be photographed hard, but you’ll never go any further than that. And there are no Colt group scenes featuring you. Why has it worked out that way?
Well, basically, that was one of my choices. And I can probably attribute it to the AIDS crisis and the fact that there are unnecessary risks that I don’t feel need to be taken. I do have a film out with Colt—it was supposed to be part of the “legendary body” series, which is basically that they film the guys walking around nude. Mine got a little more erotic and they didn’t quite know what to do with it. It was shot in Hawaii, and it’s a beautiful film. But it looks like it’s missing the last reel, which it is because it was never intended to be a jerk-off film. I’m entertaining the thought now of doing a full film because it will generate a lot more cash to help out.
This film you’re making, this is a porn film with other people?
No, it won’t be with other people, it will be a full solo with a cum scene at the end. And I want it shot very nice. I did the music to the other video, by the way.
I remember reading in another interview that you have a full recording studio.
I’m a musician, too, and music is one of my biggest loves.
Who inspires you musically?
I like a wide range, from jazz to dance music. I have a real love for all kinds of music.
Any plans to branch out into acting or performing?
Acting, yes. I played a small part in a “straight” movie made by the “regular industry.” I played a cop in a film called “Garage Sale” that was going around to film festivals all over the world. I’ve been taking acting classes in New York City for commercials. And the people who make commercials, they’re real particular. I mean, if you’ve done porn, 90% of ’em are real reluctant to work with somebody like that. The loophole I use is, I shave my mustache and then I can work, because I look nothing like my Colt photos.
Tell us about “Hairway to Steven,” the Official Kelso Web Site. Who came up with that wonderful name, first of all?
I had no idea, I didn’t know anything about it. Computers are pretty new to me, but I recently got on line and someone had told me that someone has a site on me. Well, he was using pictures from Colt. Now Colt doesn’t want people using their images without authorization—for good reason. People will use them for everything; they’ll make their bar advertisements out of them, they’ll be selling butt creams and things like that, and you don’t want that because producing the pictures costs a lot of money. So I can understand why they don’t want people using them. But, the Hairway had started a year or two ago . . .
You mean it was started before you knew about it?
Yeah.
Then it was NOT the Official Kelso Web Site at that point.
No, it wasn’t. I kind of turned it into my offical Web site by supplying him with the pictures. The gentleman’s name is Darrin, and he’s from Toronto. He’s a young guy and we met him when I did the tour and benefits up in Toronto. Nice kid, and he just started it up and it was one of those things he started up as a hobby. Well, normally a Web charge should be about $100 to have a very active site. But when you start getting 30,000 hits on it a month, it goes up to $1000 very quickly, very quickly. So, one, he couldn’t afford it, and two, Colt had sent him a cease-and-desist letter, which they generally send to anyone who uses their images without permission. Now, if he had checked with them, I don’t know, they may have worked something out. But they sent him a lawyer-letter that told him not to use the photographs. So, when I got wind of this, I started supplying him with the photos, which were now images done by and owned by Eagle Studios. And people can download the pictures, the pictures are there free for them to use. [The web address is www.daboy.com//kelso.html.—Ed.] But again, I will go after someone if my face is advertised for a bar or for something else without my permission, because I don’t want to be representing something in which I have no say or no involvement.
Anything more to say about hairy models versus shaved one?
Well I think the trend right now is definitely to the bear and leather and the more masculine look. The shaved, LA, smooth bodybuilder type is still attractive to a lot of people, but I think the majority now are starting to swing towards hair. Which is nice, because I’m hairy. I looked like a shaved rat when I tried to cut it off. One time, and never again.
It itches.
Oh, yeah. And still, a model may send Colt a picture, and the model’s hairy in the picture, and Rip will tell them “Do not shave.” But they’ll shave anyway—they’ll show up the day of the shoot and they’ll be shaved. And once it’s gone, it’s gone for a month or so.
There were a few pictures on the Hairway without the mustache.
That was for shock value. I feel if people are talking, that’s a good thing; when they stop talking is when you have to worry. And that was an intentional thing—I posted those pictures, and they got a very mixed reaction. Some people said, “I will delete my hard drive if you ever do that again” in their very gayest voice. Which is great, because it means they’re paying attention, and I know there’s a reaction. Did you see the new calendar? There’s one in the calendar without the mustache, and it sets people off.
We LIKE your mustache!
I know. But it creates controversry, and you have to push people’s buttons to make sure they’re paying attention. And when they’re not, then you stop, it’s time to go away.
How political are you? You only do personal appearances in connection with an AIDS charity and you’re doing lots of other AIDS fundraising. Want to talk about that?
Political things I stay out of. I’m very bad at politics and I don’t trust any of them, really.
So you’re not political in that sense, but you’re doing something active, you aren’t sitting on the sidelines.
Oh no, our community is having a problem right now with AIDS, and I feel that my best contribution is to try to raise money to help organizations that care for people with HIV and AIDS. That’s a rough job. What I do is not rough at all. When you give your time like that on an everyday basis, that’s commitment.
You’re getting fabulously wealthy doing this, right?
I wish. I live on a farm with cows—how wealthy do you think that is?
How much money is there to be made in this industry, and who’s making it?
The people who are doing the movies don’t get paid a high salary, anywhere from $300 to $500 a film. But if you look at the quantity, how many times they do a movie, there’s a lot of money that can be generated. And a lot of them use ’em to promote other things. They have massages and things that they offer. I’m assuming sexual things—if you look in local magazines in major areas, there are a lot of provocative ads. From the way the ads are worded, you can’t assume that it’s just gonna be a massage. So that’s where the money is to be made.
We talked a little bit about you being in the middle of dinner and somebody comes over and asks for an autograph. Do you ever get embarrassed? Has anything embarrassing ever happened, or are you beyond that?
I’ve signed penises, I’ve signed butts, it’s fun. I figure if they’re willing to flag it I’m willing to sign it.
Do you care to comment on society’s hangups with nudity and sexuality?
They’re getting better, they’re getting much better. Madonna helped quite a bit with her shock value with the “Sex” book and the other provocative things that she does.
Any advice for someone who wants to do this kind of modeling?
Absolutely go into it with your eyes open. Make sure you know where the photographs are going to be published, that you’re not going to be in an ad holding a bottle of lube in your hand. A lot of people sell the rights to the pictures—a photographer pays them a certain amount of money for those photographs. And then he publishes them in twenty or thirty magazines, runs ads with the person, and if they become popular, you know, you kinda lose control over them.
You have been photographed in leather, and you wear it VERY well. Are you into leather or any other form of alternative sexuality or kink?
I LOVE leather! Kink? Sure, everybody’s into some kind of kink. Never with pets, or I’ve never been caught, anyway. But, I mean, sex is very interesting, all kinds.
I’ve never seen you talk about this in other interviews.
They’ve never asked. If you ask I’ll tell you. I have nothing to hide.
Okay, so what do you like?
I like a romantic kind of thing, but I like to get down and dirty when it comes into the bedroom.
What would be a good evening for you?
Well, after coffee and chocolate fingers—just kidding. Nice conversation, and finding someone who’s, you know, who’s nice. It’s very difficult on the road, being in and out of cities, and I don’t feel it’s fair to sleep with somebody and then say “Thanks a lot, bye-bye now.”
You don’t have people throwing themselves at you? You will tonight!
I do, I do, and it’s very flattering. And a lot of times I’d love to do it, and I’ve fooled around with people on occasion, but it’s one of those things. You know, I keep in contact with people, I’m just not the type to have sex and say goodbye. But, um, yeah, I like sex.
I’ve talked to other people, mostly international leather title holders, who can walk into a bar and have anybody they want, and a lot of times they go home alone.
That’s the rough thing about becoming popular. You don’t want to go home with someone who’s coming up to you saying “I’m your biggest fan” because you lose something there. All of a sudden you’re not on the same basis, they’re looking at you in a much higher light. I don’t look at myself that way, I just want to be treated like a normal person. That’s why a lot of times I’ll shave my mustache when I go out after all the work is done. And people will treat me normally until they see my tattoo and realize who I am.
What exactly does the tattoo say? Does it say, “Hi, this is Steve Kelso,” or do they just recognize the eagle?
The tattoo and the bracelet have become predominant symbols. The bracelet, I never took it off in like eight or nine years. I just forgot, it’s not a fashion trend, I JUST FORGOT. And the eagle, it started out as an eagle, but I’m older now, so it’s a chicken hawk.
Have you ever been to Minneapolis/St. Paul before?
No, I haven’t. It’s a very SNOWY city.
Yes . . .
So I guess everyone just stays in and fucks all winter. I’ll have to move here, won’t I?
Who do you think is hot right now? Who turns your crank?
I don’t know. I really don’t have any one person who I think is hot. I mean, I see a lot of people, and in different states I could pick 20 or 30 people that I’d drop kick in a minute. But there’s really no one person. Like with actors, I don’t get the star-struck thing. That’s why I don’t understand this, really. When people are shaking when I’m signing or having a photograph taken with them, it amazes me, because I don’t get that way. I used to think Mel Gibson was real hot, until I found out about his dislike for gays. I blew that right out of the water! THAT can drop an erection really fast! That and bad conversation.
What’s your most favorite feature, and what’s your least favorite feature?
I like my mustache, and I think I got a pretty swell ass. My least favorite? I guess my feet.
Let’s get your vital statistics. Age?
33.
Height?
6” in heels, 5’10” without.
Weight?
It varies from 160 to 170.
Hair color?
Brown.
And that’s natural?
Natural. On occasion. I have nothing against Miss Clairol. I’ll fight age any way I can.
Eye color?
Hazel, unless I’m drinking, then bloodshot.
Inches?
I’ve never measured it. I’ve had people hang off it and they’ve said they could do a nice swing, but I couldn’t tell you the exact inches.
And the final vital statistics question is “cut or uncut,” but we’ve already seen it so what else is there to say?
Cut. And I kind of feel like I lost something, which wasn’t my choice.
Last question: I have been told by people that I resemble you. Care to comment?
You could. Trim the beard a little bit, you might look like me. Part your hair on the side, get a bigger penis maybe.
No, a smaller tummy. The second part of this question is: How often do you hear that? How often do people come up to you and say, “So-and-so said that I look like you”?
Sometimes I’ve run into people who look very similar to me, and their friends will drag them up and obviously they’re terrified to come over and say, “I look like you,” but there’s quite a few people who do. I’ve had a guy in San Francisco that had a tattoo with my face from the 1993 calendar. That was the most interesting thing.
Where was the tattoo?
It was on his arm. And it was the cover of the 1993 calendar, and I mean, it was me. He was waiting in line and everyone in line was staring at it, and when the guy got up to me, all I could think to say to him was, “I hope I never piss you off!”
Photo captions:
The eagle tattoo: “It started out as an eagle, but I’m older now, so it’s a chicken hawk.”
Autographing one of two original portraits by local artist Damon Thrift: “I felt if I’m going to have this fame and people are going to come out to see me, I might as well use it for something good, which is something I’d like to see a lot more of the porn industry do.”
On cameras and photographers: “It’s real weird, I get very friendly with the camera. You don’t look at it as a piece of machinery, you just look at it as if you’re looking at somebody or you’re speaking with somebody, and you want to get a reaction from them.”
Signing a calendar for a fan: “I’ve signed penises, I’ve signed butts, it’s fun. I figure if they’re willing to flag it I’m willing to sign it.”
In the spotlight at Town House Country: “I just kinda felt posing with my clothes off would be cool to do. I never thought it would turn into what it’s turned into.”
Upcoming Leather Events
The Atons present “The Leather Bowl”
Sunday, January 26, 5-9 pm, Gay 90’s Dance Annex
Come out for the first leather event of the new year. The Super Bowl will be playing in the background on the big-screen TV, but the real action will definitely be live (including a “Tight-End Contest”). $8 admission ($5 if wearing leather or athletic apparel) includes keg beer, food and soda.
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