Queer bear singer J.R. Price celebrates body positivity with perky summer single "Daydream"
Queer bear singer J.R. Price celebrates body positivity with perky summer single "Daydream"
Much of the country — and that especially includes here in Texas — has been gripped in a polar vortex (note to self: Polar Whoretex is a good drag name for Dallas) that has us all thinking more about winter than summer. But that changes with the release today of bear artist J.R. Price's title single off his new EP: "Daydream." The upbeat pop number is all about acceptance and celebrating "love is love." And it does so by emphasizing a body positivity too often overlooked in the gay world. (Not here at Unleashed LGBTQ, though — we're all about diversity, in all its forms). Check out the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo58eMgTSy0
— Arnold Wayne Jones
Taste the Rainbow with an Outdoor Adventure
By Arnold Wayne Jones
The cliche of queer culture — especially gay male culture — almost always involves huge crowds, half-dressed boys shaking their booties, elbow-to-elbow parade routes (or dance floors) and colorful drink specials. And sure, we all like that sometimes. But many LGBTQ folks have found a soul-satisfying way to camp it up… literally.
Rainbow Ranch
You may think of camping as a pastime, perhaps go so far as calling it a hobby, but for a segment of the gay population, it approaches the level of genuine lifestyle. In Texas, it’s popular enough that gay-specific campgrounds like Grizzly Pines outside of Houston and Circle J Ranch in East Texas attract loyal followings. And none is larger, more storied, or more family- and pet-friendly than Rainbow Ranch Campground in Central Texas.
Conveniently located about equidistant from Dallas, Austin and Houston, Rainbow Ranch has been on the Lone Star State’s gay landscape for nearly a quarter of a century. Its 300 acres abut the calm, northwest finger of Lake Limestone, on the outskirts of Groesbeck, Texas, a sleepy burg of fewer than 5,000 where the biggest building in town is probably the high school and country music plays on plenty of radio stations. It might not seem the kind of setting that would welcome scores of gay men and women visiting... and when it first opened, that was true. In the late 1990s, the town even held a meeting about whether to “allow” a gay campground to open. But when local building supplies companies saw how much lumber was being purchased, restaurants noted an uptick in business and grocery stores reported campers averaging $50 a week in sales… well, gay or not, Rainbow Ranch became an indispensible part of the economic vibrancy of the community.
Vibrant also describes the ad hoc community that manifests at the ranch most weekends. While newcomers can rent a few cabins ($65–$100/night), a 2,800-square foot house that sleeps 14 ($200/night) or individual sites for trailers and just tents (as little as $25/night), many of the diehard fans of Rainbow Ranch have set up nearly-permanent RV homes with a monthly rental, complete with added amenities like decks, fire pits and sheds for storing their golf carts. (I asked one devoted weekender when the last time he moved his RV, he replied, “It went from the dealership to right here more than two years ago.” Many have remained stationary much longer.) As a result, the slips where the RV reside create quaint neighborhoods nestled in the folds of nature; there are about 80 at any given time, with room for about 200 total.
And if your conception of an RV is a metal can hitched to a pickup truck, well, that’s where the lifestyle part comes in. Some of these set-ups are just shy of palatial: Elaborate elevated patios, widescreen TV, fully-furnished outdoor sitting areas where afternoon cocktails are more common than mosquitoes; many weekenders love to cook, or barbecue, or simply entertain. (There are noise rules to keep things quiet after midnight; and because it’s family-friendly, this is not a clothing-optional resort.)
The owners have turned virtually every other weekend into an “event” weekend, whether Women Fest, Half-Price Rentals, Memorial Day or New Year’s Eve bashes, which attract many newcomers… us included. (We drove the easy two hours from Dallas for the wine-and-painting party, where attendees are encouraged to quaff and paint on canvas, guided by a professional art teacher.) We were immediately struck by how “camp” takes on a whole new meaning with the gays when you’re out in nature… and how much the culture embraces newcomers.
First-timers staying in cabins are well-advised to prepare. While this isn’t exactly “roughing it” like Gilligan and company, don’t expect four-star amenities: Bring your own bed linens, pillows, towels and toiletries, as well as food, beverages and dining utensils, including cups. (Cabins have hot plates, microwaves and outdoor grills, but there’s no room service or on-site restaurants!) You may want to bring firewood (though you can buy it there), but don’t forget charcoal briquettes, lighter fluid, matches, an ice chest and aluminum foil or be prepared for a 20-minute drive into town to pick up supplies.
The pace is as calm and relaxing as you want it to be… but can also be raucous fun. Miles of walkable hiking trails snake through the wooded area, though you can usually hitch a ride on one of the regulars’ golf carts for gentle off-roading excursions. Kick a ball around, hang out by the outdoor pool (weather permitting) or canoe along the lake. Or stop by Barbie and Ken’s, a permanent RV near the entrance that is as close as the ranch comes to an official party headquarters. Barbie serves as entertainment director, often serving as DJ; there’s a bar and karaoke room as well.
But the real draw if the friendliness of the folks who live their gay culture served with an ample dose of natural beauty — an affordable and rejuvenating way to be out and proud without having to worry about cover charges, valet parking or waiting lists. Not every gay adventure requires disco ball.
Rainbow Ranch near Groesbeck, Texas. Open year round. RainbowRanch.net.
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Arnold Wayne Jones
The Thirst is REAL at Unleashed LGBTQ - AussieBum, Grindr, ADDICTED, & RIDE BodyWorx Join Line-Up
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual is proud to partner with some of the hottest brands to bring you virtual fashion shows, topic discussions, and happy hour panels. Still thirsty? We got you! Here’s a few brands you can expect to see at Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual…
AussieBum celebrates 20 years.
AussieBum: This premier Australian underwear and swimsuit company has reached worldwide success and notoriety by making some of the sexiest mens apparel over the last 20 years. This virtual fashion event will showcase the latest products from their 2021 spring/summer collection. Fashion show will be followed by interview with founder and CEO Sean Ashby.
Grindr is renowned for being the world’s largest gay dating app. With such success, Grindr has learned a lot from a marketing standpoint. While large companies have been eager to show support to the LGBTQ community, for example: ads with gay couples, Andy Kraut explains from his own professional experience In brand partnerships, how many companies today have steered clear, and in some cases, discriminated against businesses like Grindr. Even with large audiences and preferred demographics, many companies are still reluctant to advertise with the tech giant. Advertisements obviously use sex to sell, So why not gay sex?
ADDICTED, the world famous Barcelona based, swimsuit, underwear, and athletic brand has always had a reputation for top-notch quality products, immaculate ads/marketing, and beautiful models. What's in store for 2021? Well, check out the online store, hun. Also, be sure to register to attend Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual, where Addicted will be hosting an exclusive online fashion show that will no doubt leave you wanting more. (Addicted yet? You will be.)
Sliquid- RIDE BODYWORX Part of unleashed lgbtq happy hour
RIDE BodyWorx has grown from a lube manufacturer, creating some of the highest quality lubricants on the market, to a lifestyle product powerhouse, producing grooming products, shaving cream and beard oil. partnerships with Rocco Steele and Buck Angel helped propel RIDE to new levels of recognition. RIDE Bodyworx Also shows its commitment to creating high performance products for diverse consumers. T-LUBE, is a water-based personal lubricant created for trans men based off of tEstimony and personal experience. Bravo! 👏🏽
See full line-up of brands, speakers, and performers here.
Unleashed LGBTQ creates a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ professionals to connect. ATTENDEES can see the latest products, services, and campaigns entering the LGBTQ market including apps, fashion, media, non-profits, travel/desTination, and more.
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual will host keynote speakers, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, television, & music.
Register Here.
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual Line-Up Expands with PA Rep. Brian Sims, Carmen Carrera, Matteo Lane, & Michael Sam
BY WESLEY SMOOT
Announcing Democratic Pennsylvania Rep. and activist Brian Sims- along with more featured speakers across entertainment, culture, and business for Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual, a premier digital experience March 25-27, 2021.
“I’ve always loved State Rep Brian Sims. He always brings a fresh and fearless take, it’s evident especially, in his Twitter posts. (Follow him!) He is vocal about issues he cares about, I applaud him for speaking openly about Planned Parenthood, I can’t wait to hear him at Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual.”
-Joseph Wayne Henry Love, Director of Operations- Unleashed LGBTQ
Congressman Brian Sims will discuss with Pink Media, LGBTQ marketing expert and host of #ILoveGayToday, Matt Skallerud how the LGBTQ community has effectively used their voice and their vote to change history for the better in the 2020 presidential election..
“Big change looks A lot like smaller efforts, performed consistently, with history and morality on their side.”
-Congressman Brian Sims
PA Representative Brian Sims
Other speakers, performers, and brands confirmed for Unleashed LGBTQ ViRtual include activist, actresses, model- Carmen Carrera, who will be discussing her latest business venture CC3 Entertainment, a talent agency where Carmen aims to change the entertainment industry one booking at a time.
“I’m excited to support and work with all the iconic talent within CC3 Entertainment. We are a family. I want all of our talent to use their minds and their voices to go after all their dreams and goals. I believe in all of our talent and we will change the world in a great way.”
-Carmen Carrera Founder of CC3 Entertainment
Carmen Carrera
Matteo Lane will seduce our virtual attendees with a sultry yet hilarious rendition of Barbara Steisand’s famous jazz set at Bon Soir with his own updated stylings. Award winning director and composer Henry Koperski Accompanies Matteo on piano, together flooding Audiences with musical magic from the 1960’s.
“She was wacky, brilliant, and beautiful. She had a musical sensibility that was far too advanced for someone her age. Thankfully one of her shows was recorded and lives on as Barbara Streisand, Live at the Bon Soir.”
-Matteo Lane
Matteo Lane
Additional line-up confirmed for Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual includes:
LGBTQ Sports Icon Michael Sam
Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker Wadooah Wali
League at AT&T CEO Stacey Chosed
Find current line-up at www.unleashedlgbtq.com/lineup
Registry is open to public at no cost until January 29, 2021. Prior to closing registration, access code will be required and provided exclusively to individuals working in specific industries.
Unleashed LGBTQ creates a space for brands, entertainers, and LGBTQ professionals to connect. Attendees can see the latest products, services, and campaigns, entering the LGBTQ market including apps, fashions, non-profits, travel/destination, and more. Unleashed LGBTQ will host keynotes, panels, and performances from some of the biggest names in LGBTQ film, television, and music.
Unleashed LGBTQ Virtual
Martin Stark takes a jab at homophobia in sport
BY ARNOLD WAYNE JONES
Martin Stark
There was a time not that long ago when Martin Stark wondered whether he would live to see another sunrise.
At the end of 2017, he nearly died from Addison’s disease, a rare but grave autoimmune disorder. He survived it (barely) but found himself suffering from a form of post-traumatic stress. To shake himself from a stupor, he happened upon boxing, and his passion for the sport grew — grew so quickly and strong, in fact, that he founded the World Gay Boxing Championships (WGBC), a nonprofit dedicated to inclusiveness inside the ring.
Even though the main event — the worldwide championships bout — won’t take place for another two years, Stark is planning several gay “fight nights,” and has already generated buzz across the globe with his mission, having been profiled by the BBC, Reuters, Out.com and more.
Stark, who will deliver a keynote address and conduct an online forum for Unleashed LGBTQ, sat down with us via Zoom (he lives in Australia) to discuss boxing, his organization and the need for diversity throughout sports.
How did boxing — or sport in general — enter your life like it did?
I was always a good swimmer — I think of myself as athletic — but was always the last picked at team sports. I think [sports] is where people feel comfortable in expressing who they are. After suffering [PTSD following my near-death experience], I signed up for a series of classes [in various disciplines to get out in the world]. The second class happened to be boxing — something I never thought I’d be good at. But what more than just boosting my confidence, I really discovered a love for the sport.
What is the “outness” of athletes in Australia like — across all sports, not just boxing?
Very similar [to where it stands in the U.S. — i.e., some retired but few active openly LGBTQ players in professional leagues]. Recently, a former rugby union player, now retired from the sport, came out. What’s slightly different here is, there has been great leadership on trans and gender-diversity inclusion.
One thing that really sets WGBC apart, I think, is how inclusiveness at all levels really drives it.
Yes, we call it a straight-friendly organization! We just want to increase inclusion and participation in boxing. It’s important to share your vision and connect with people in the community. And the truth is, it could not have happened without straight allies backing me. A friend who is a lawyer set up the [articles of incorporation]. Another developed the first website for free. I approached Boxing Australia [the governing body for amateur boxing Down Under] and they agreed to endorse and support the championship. They are also providing institutional guidance. There is also a London group [dedicated to inclusive boxing] but nothing on the scale of the championships [we will be presenting 2023]. We already have a high number of trans men who want to box. We have good diversity across the boxing community.
You’re basically following the rules applicable to all amateur boxing, though, aren’t you?
Yes, we have weight divisions but also [categorize athletes] by experience and age to make sure it’s safe. You would never have an experienced heavyweight boxing a welterweight [new to boxing]. So there’s physical safety, but also the psychological safety that people feel when they know they are welcomed, accepted.
What do you hope to accomplish?
Sport has been a bastion in homophobia and transphobia for years and it takes an individual to stand up and say. “This is where it ends.” I set up the organization to disrupt homophobia and transphobia in sport so that in 10 years, it no longer exists. We have gone from champions who make transphobic remarks [in the past] to those same champions attacking those who make them now. Hopefully we have reached a point in society where we don’t need to use the word like “ally.”
How will you achieve that?
It’s all about speaking up. Most people object to offensive behavior, but more people need to report it and stand up to it to really force the mainstream [culture] to step in, and not to hear racist or homophobis remarks [and let them slide]. We should call out racism, sexism or behaviors where people are made to feel disrespected.
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Arnold Wayne Jones
MaRtin stark
Product Review - TOM OF FINLAND ORGANIC VODKA
May 7, 2020
Dallas, TX
Most of us are familiar with Tom of Finland, (Touko Laaksonsen) the Finnish artist and gay icon known for his homoerotic artwork. He created images of hyper-masculine bikers, sailors, and cowboys that are just as relevant today as ever. Want proof? Just stop by The Eagle on leather night and take a peek. Hell, you might even be one of them (DM me pics if so).
Tom of Finland’s name has been used to sell not only his artwork but everything from apparel to sex toys. It has been the inspiration for a feature biographical film (Tom of Finland) as well as the inspiration for many gay porn films. There is even a Tom of Finland Foundation in Los Angeles, created to preserve erotic art and advocate tolerance towards sexuality.
While shopping at my local liquor store in the gayborhood (Cedar Springs in Dallas, TX), I spot something with a very familiar name. Was it Tom of Finland? Yes! Was it a sex toy? No! It was Tom of Finland Organic Vodka. I was immediately intrigued. The bottle was equipped with the iconic artwork you would expect from the Tom of Finland brand. It included a masculine male profile rocking a leather hat, leather jacket, and a thick mustache. The bottle read: Distilled from Organic Grain (Rye and wheat to be exact). I took out my phone and with a quick google search I found this vodka is distilled using pure arctic water and made with no sugar. Sounds impressive, I thought. I went in deeper.
Tom of Finland Organic Vodka is the brainchild of One Eyed Spirits, a progressive Finnish company made up of ex ad creatives who aim to nurture brand ideas and find ways to bring them to life. Not a bad mission statement. After all, these are the same guys who brought us Ron de Jeremy Rum (yes, pornstar Ron Jeremy has his own rum).
I proceeded to check out and even with paying considerably more than I normally do for my Tito’s Handmade Vodka, I was excited to get home and give it a try. I typically put a half ounce in a shot glass for a quick taste if I’m trying a new spirit. I do this to appreciate the quality (or lack there of) even though I plan on mixing it later with Topo Chico or club soda later. What did I learn?
I can honestly say this is one of the best vodkas I’ve ever tried. I am not much of a martini drinker but after that sample the martini glasses came out. I put two ounces of Tom of Finland Organic Vodka, a bit of dry vermouth, and some ice in a shaker. I did a cute dance (seriously adorable) and poured what is now one of my favorite drinks in my fanciest martini glass.
Vodka and martini drinkers, I highly encourage you to give this one a try. While it’s not the most available product yet, you can request your local liquor store to order it from their distributor. You can also take it upon yourself to do a little cruising. I promise you this, he’s worth finding.
Wesley Smoot