Trans Athlete Chris Mosier Makes ESPN Magazine’s 2016 Body Issue

"I was in a body that didn’t really fit me for 29 years," says Mosier. "Now I feel comfortable in my own skin."
From: NewNowNext

 ESPN Magazine’s yearly “Body Issue” is one of the most anticipated of the year—featuring a diverse range of athletes from across the sports world appearing naked in artistic portraits.

When the 2016 hits next month, though, it will break new ground: Duathlete Chris Mosier will be the first transgender athlete to appear in highly coveted issue.

“As a trans person, I was in a body that didn’t really fit me for 29 years—now I feel comfortable in my own skin,” Mosier said in a statement. “That’s something that I’m proud of and wanted to share with other people.”

Last year Mosier became the first trans athlete to make a U.S. national team, and represented America at the International Triathlon Union world duathlon championship. (He finished 26th among 47 men in his age group and 142nd overall out of 433 competitors.)

His advocacy also led the International Olympic Committee to update its guidelines to be more inclusive of trans competitors.

Mosier celebrated his photos spread with a self-deprecating tweet.

HA! I'm so overwhelmed, I just looked at the list of tagged folks & thought "maybe I can get a @verified check now!" https://t.co/QtdRv1L0uW

— The Chris Mosier (@TheChrisMosier) June 21, 2016

He joins premiere athletes including Jake Arrieta, Dwaye Wade, Emma Coburn, Conor McGregor, Christen Press and out diver Greg Louganis in the issue, available online July 6 and on newsstands on July 8.

Below, get a sneak peek at Chris and the other “Body Issue” stars in all their glory.

Three Way by Dennis Nauert

From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things

 Matt

 'Matt has such an athletic build so I wanted to use a single light source to show off his best assets. Great guy to work with.'

When I first profiled photographer Dennis Nauert back in 2012, Dennis shared that he had only been shooting for the male form for about a year. Dennis had a joined a photographer meet up group which consisted of several photographers who got together to shoot a variety of different models during the series of workshops.

Variety seems to always pop up each time I feature Dennis' work. The last time I featured the Austin photographers images we struggled to narrow down the focus to just one model, so instead chose three favorites. (3 Way Split) We found ourselves in a similar situation this time. Instead of leaving any favorites out, it made sense to include each of the models in a visual three way.

 One of the things I have loved while featuring so many of the models that Dennis has shot are the visual themes that arise.   Dennis uses a variety of props and sets in his shoots, one of my favorites being his putting his models in red and black leather jackets, and not much else.  Both Matt and Jacob wear the jacket during their shoots and Matt's butt looks exceptionally appealing when highlighted by just his red jacket.

 Jacob

 'I wasn't able to spend much time working with Jacob but his willingness to try different things really paid off. Looking forward to spending more time photographing him.'

 Dennis' use of variety isn't restricted just to props and fashion.  Dennis brings out a variety of qualities in the men he shoots.  With a focus beyond just muscle and body parts, Dennis has a knack for being able to capture the perfect balance of masculinity and beauty, and even a hint of old Hollywood glamour. 

Milo

 'I've had the opportunity to work with Milo on more occasions than any other model I have shot. With his input we have tried different lighting, props and experimented with body paint.'

It is always quite clear when a photographer's focus is simply shooting a hot body.  In all of his work, and within theses images of Matt, Jacob and Milo, Dennis is a creative collaborator.  Utilizing each models specific physical qualities along with their individual traits and forms of expression, uniquely beautiful visuals are created.

Dennis Nauert on ModelMayhem

This Bangkok Gym Is Staffed Entirely By Trans Men

"In Thailand, acceptance for trans people has really shot up in the last five years."

From: NewNowNext

Bangkok, Thailand is home to one of the only gyms in the world with a staff made up entirely of transgender men.

Transfit’s owner, 27-year-old Jyb, is a trans male model who opened the facility to help “tomboys and trans men have nice bodies.”

New year New you...เตรียมฟิตหุ่นก่อนvalentine สมัครตอนนี้ราคาพิเศษต้อนรับปีใหม่ สนใจinbox หรือ id line: Transfitgym #transfitgym #transman #tomboy #thirdsexgym #jybppd

A photo posted by Transfitgym (@transfitgym) on Jan 4, 2016 at 7:00am PST

A “tomboy” in Thailand is “a woman who dresses like a guy, cuts her hair like a guy and goes out with girls,” says Jyb, who says he wanted to open a gym for trans men and butch women who “felt awkward being stared at” in other gyms.

TLE / YUMI / MILK #transfit #transfitgym #thirdsexgym

A photo posted by Transfitgym (@transfitgym) on Sep 30, 2015 at 4:14am PDT

Transfit was opened last year and currently only has around 15 members.

“We mostly train people one-to-one in private sessions, so we don’t have too many,” Jyb revealed.

#transfitBKK #transfitgym #thirdsexgym #transfit

A photo posted by Transfitgym (@transfitgym) on Sep 23, 2015 at 10:53am PDT

Despite the low numbers, Thailand is more accepting of the LGBT community than its neighboring countries.

“In Thailand, acceptance for trans people has really shot up in the last five years,” Jyb shared. “Of course, you have old-fashioned thinkers who still say it’s wrong. But very few people from the young generation think this way.”

There’s A Gay Porn Version Of “Captain America: Civil War.” Because Of Course There Is

We're sure the x-rated version of "Finding Dory" is right around the corner.
From: NewNowNext

 We already had gay-porn versions of Star Wars: The Force Awakens and X-Men: Apocalypse, so we shouldn’t be surprised Men.com is launching an x-rated take on Captain America: Civil War.

 Alex Mecum plays the titular Sentinel of Liberty and, judging from the poster, he’s got the whole sexy patriotism thing down cold.

It’s not the first porn version of Cap, but it’s very likely to be the best.

The first scene will be released on Men.com on June 25.

Show Off Your Pride With A Rainbow Beard

"The Gay Beards" teach you how to get the perfect multi-colored facial hair in their latest video.
From: NewNowNext

When it comes to picking out your outfit to celebrate Pride this month, there’s nothing more stylish than sporting a rainbow beard.

At least, that’s what Brian and Johnathan, also known as The Gay Beards, suggest in their latest YouTube video.

The best friends from Portland just put out a tutorial on how to get your beard into the spirit of the season by dying it all the colors of the rainbow.

“Watch us take a colorful swing at putting together the most colorful beards west of the Mississippi,” they wrote in the description of the video. “And most importantly, we reveal our secret success to getting it all out when the festivities come to an end.”

Check out their lesson in Pride beard grooming below.

Pulse Nightclub Bouncer Named Grand Marshal Of Houston Pride Parade

Attendees of the event will get a chance to meet the hero in person.
From: NewNowNext

Former Marine Imran Yousuf, who was credited with saving around 70 people during the Orlando massacre earlier this month, will now serve as the honorary grand marshal of Houston’s Pride Parade this weekend.

The Pulse nightclub bouncer reportedly risked his own life to guide club goers through a back hallway during the attack.

The 24-year-old will march in the parade next to a giant Pride flag that will display the names of the 49 people who lost their lives in the horrific hate crime.

People attending the parade will have the opportunity to meet Yousuf, as well as sign the memorial flag.

Pride Houston shared on its website that the flag will then be delivered to Orlando’s Pride Parade.

“It will signify that the Houston LGBT Community and our Allies stand together, and stand strong,” the site reads. “We stand against hate and stand for love. We stand with Orlando. #WeAreOrlando.”

Nico Tortorella Reveals He’s Sexually Fluid

“I’ve never been in any sort of closet...I was never really in the house."

From: NewNowNext

Younger star Nico Tortorella revealed at a Pride event that he identifies as sexually fluid.

The actor, who was a correspondent for Logo during Aspen Gay Ski Week earlier this year, said he doesn’t consider his reveal a form of “coming out.”

“I’ve never been in any sort of closet…I was never really in the house,” the 27-year-old said during an American Express Pride event with The Infatuation blog in New York City on Tuesday.

“I think it’s one thing to hide…and it’s one thing to come out of the closet in a public statement,” he added. “But I’ve always done me and never been shy…and have been vocal about it.”

Previously, fans speculated that he was dating Instagram star Kyle Krieger, as they often team up for YouTube videos and photos together, but the actor revealed he is currently dating a woman.

“It’s just a fluidity,” he said. “We’re all kind of moving into this one situation.”

We fell in love with Nico after he delivered spot-on, hilarious impressions of Drag Race queens earlier this year, although a few peeks at his Instagram account helped as well, so we’re thrilled he feels happy and free to be himself.

Vintage Nude

The idea of most of the shots in this series was to emulate the look of classical statues. I hope that the references to Michelangelo’s David is obvious.:D

From: macpics

Tennessee Teacher Says He Was Fired For Starting Gay-Straight Alliance

Students at the school now fear its rampant bullying problem will only get worse.
From: NewNowNext

 A teacher at Union County High School in Maynardville, Tennessee says he was let go from his job recently because he sponsored a Gay-Straight Alliance for students.

The teacher, Chris Richeson, said he was asked by a student to sponsor the club because there is a culture of bullying at the school.

An investigative report by ABC affiliate WATE uncovered several students at the high school who gave detailed accounts of times they’ve been bullied or felt unsafe at school.

“I have a lot of friends who are in the LGBT community and it’s such a struggle, especially at such a small town small school. It’s very conservative,” said UCHS junior Emily Potts. “It’s not accepted…They make rude comments, they threaten them, there’s a lot of violence.”

Students even showed WATE pictures of posters that recently appeared around school, saying things like “Gay is not the way” and “Stay straight, God is coming back soon.”

“There were chants going around, ‘steers not queers,’” another student added.

Richeson said administrators lectured him about the club more than a dozen times before he received a letter stating his employment would not be renewed for the 2016-2017 school year, despite his status as a “five level teacher,” which he says “means that on their scale I’m the best you can be.”

“I was called down to the principal’s office repeatedly and given lectures involving the GSA’s attempts to do different activities,” he said. “It was very difficult to get approval for basic things that other clubs do such as making announcements or hosting an event.”

Richeson asked but was not given an official reason for his contract termination. Several calls to the school made by WATE also went unreturned.

He said that while he’s currently looking for employment on other states, his heart goes out to the students who’ll be most affected by his absence.

“I always told them they were completely safe in my classroom, that I would lose my job before I ever allowed anything to happen to them,” he said. “Unfortunately that did happen.”

San Francisco Pride Goes On Lockdown With Security Checkpoints, Bag Searches

"This level of security is necessary."

From: NewNowNext

In an effort to ramp up security for Pride attendees in the wake of the mass shooting at Pulse nightclub, the organizers of San Francisco Pride have announced this year’s event will be on lockdown with screenings, inspections, and bag checks at the “entry gates.”

An announcement on the organization’s website reads in part:

There will be security screening and metal detectors at all points of entry for the 2016 San Francisco Pride Celebration and festival, scheduled for Saturday, June 25 from 12:00 Noon to 6:00 PM and Sunday, June 26 from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at San Francisco’s Civic Center. Bags are highly discouraged, and no bags over 18” x 18” will be admitted. Everyone attending the Celebration must pass through the screening process. All items will be subject to inspection at the entry gates, and there are no lockers for storage of oversized bags.

In addition to oversized bags, other items banned from the celebration include alcohol, glass bottles, illegal drugs and — obviously — weapons, though fetish gear is “always welcome.”

San Francisco Pride Announces Screening and Bag Checks for 2016 Celebration Attendees https://t.co/A5di3iKVcD https://t.co/rKDerN9WnX

— SF Pride (@SFPride) June 21, 2016

Sam Singer, spokesman for SF Pride, told The Guardian the organization reached the decision after “lengthy discussions” with law enforcement “and mutually came to the recommendation that in light of the terrorist attack in Orlando, this level of security was necessary.”

The tightened security measures also come amid threats made against other Pride celebrations around the country. A day after the tragic mass shooting in Orlando, a man on his way to Los Angeles Pride was arrested with 25 pounds of explosives and loaded semi-automatic rifles in his car.

SF Gate notes that San Francisco’s annual Pride parade on Sunday won’t have metal detectors or limitations on bag sizes, though the festivities will have “a larger-than-usual police presence and a contingent of undercover officers…patrolling LGBT clubs.”

Theatrical Trailer for Roméo et Juliette

From: Favorite Hunks & Other Things

Roméo et Juliette Québecois by MeliMeloa

PAPER Magazine Casts Intimate Spread Using Grindr

From: Gayety

 PAPER magazine did something extraordinary and incredibly sexy.

The publication garnered serious attention after Kim Kardashian showed off her derrière on its cover. But, we're over that. Today, they released a series that was cast exclusively using the dating app Grindr. Renowned photographer Steven Klein captured the portraits, and Mel Ottenberg styled the Grindr guys (aka the models).

 The spread was shot exclusively in black and white, and they're breathtaking. Fair warning, some of the images are NSFW, but worth a peek. Here are our six favorite photos from PAPER magazine's "Zero Feet Away (NSFW)".

New York’s AIDS Memorial Park Is Officially Happening With A New Name

They will not be forgotten.
From: NewNowNext

 This week New York Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver announced the official name for the AIDS Memorial Park in the West Village: The New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent’s Triangle.

The memorial “stands at the crossroads of the richly historical West Village,” said Silver in a statement. “Here, we honor and celebrate St. Vincent’s Hospital’s more than 150 years of service to our city, as well as the countless New Yorkers impacted by AIDS: those we have lost, those who live with HIV/AIDS, and those who continue to battle against fear and ignorance.”

“Naming the park the New York City AIDS Memorial Park at St. Vincent’s Triangle appropriately acknowledges both the ongoing history of AIDS that the memorial commemorates, and St. Vincent’s Hospital, which was an important local institution that played a critical role in the history of the epidemic. Neither should be forgotten,” said Greenwich Village resident Robert Woodworth.

Mayor Bill de Blasio “has long been a champion of people living with HIV/AIDS and the name he has conferred on this new city park and future home to the New York City AIDS Memorial is a visible reminder that underscores the critical impact of the AIDS epidemic in New York City’s history and supports expanded efforts to combat its continued persistence today,” reads the statement on the Memorial Park’s website.

A part of the park has already opened but the actual memorial is scheduled to open later this summer.

Luke A by Nick S82

From: Over-Flow

Nick S82 on ModelMayhem

Nick S82's flickr portfolio