Tag Archives: gay community

Rally for Peace

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Justin Shaddix

Hundreds already fill 13th Street outside the LGBT Center when I arrive for the rally.  The expected rainbow flags and posters stick up above the crowd with messages calling for action, calling for peace, and honoring Marc Carson who was … Continue reading →

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Shorn: My Beardless Exile

Posted on May 8, 2013 by Justin Shaddix

I know before I start that what I’m about to do is a mistake.  Staring at my face in the mirror, I know that shaving off my beard is going decrease my subjective attractiveness and potentially lower my social capital.  … Continue reading →

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The Allure Of Steroids

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Justin Shaddix

Last week I put together a piece about gay men using steroids/testosterone/etc. and interviewed three men who are either currently on a cycle or have recently been on one.  Their frankness about their reasons and results was enlightening to me … Continue reading →

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Becoming Superhuman: Gay Men On Steroids

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Justin Shaddix

The ambient noise of clinking weights and occasional grunting fills the gym as dozens of men press and push and sweat.  Two guys next to me with comic book bodies are discussing what cycle of steroids they are on right … Continue reading →

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“WOOF”

Posted on August 30, 2012 by Justin Shaddix

Woof: the ubiquitous and obligatory expression of interest and affection found in gay culture, most commonly in the scruffy/furry/beefy/muscley subsection of Fagdom.  Written out or verbally communicated, “woof” is a common way to affectionately and succinctly say, “Oh I like … Continue reading →

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The Many Screaming Heads of HIV

Posted on July 13, 2012 by Justin Shaddix

I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel about HIV. I’ve heard the stories of watching loved ones waste away in hospital beds as their partners stood by helplessly. I’ve seen the tears men cry when they talk about the … Continue reading →

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The Value and Values of Middle-Aged Men

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Justin Shaddix

Despite society’s obsessive worship of youth, there’s still a whole lot of sexiness and desire associated with men of certain age.  Middle-aged men–or my preferred moniker, “daddies”–are arguably one of the most desirable groups in gay taxonomy with entire profile … Continue reading →

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