This photo comes from the private group on Facebook, Vintage Working Man Beefcake. I always like getting photos of servicemen because their uniforms can usually help date and sometimes even locate the men. Does anyone recognize these uniforms? When or where do you think this chummy couple is posing? I love how the guy on the left is clasping the hand and they lean in to each other despite the camera obviously being quite a distance away from them.
I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.
For those of you looking for a mid-week escape, head over to Legacy Boston in the Theater District for Latino Wednesdays. This popular dance night has returned. The weekly party is hosted by Gay Mafia Boston.
Get more information about Gay Mafia weekly parties by subscribing to their mailing list.
Boston-based non-profit, Verna Felton, launched their website last week. The non-profit aims to support LGBTQ+ emerging adults interested in drag by applying the green concept of “reduce, reuse, recycle”. Verna Felton encourages anyone who may have one of a kind, beloved statement pieces such as drag costumes, dresses or gowns that have been relegated to closets and storage to be donated to LGBTQ+ young people who have an interest in drag but lack the financial resources to purchase such garments. I think of it as giving these sequins and sparkles previously worn to parties, tea dances and cruises an opportunity to shine in the spotlight once again.
The popularity of drag is hard to deny. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, drag was experiencing a renaissance. Drag nights, brunches and contests were everywhere, and the growing popularity of shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race has helped fuel the interest in drag with LGBTQ+ youth.
Scottie Gage conceived of the non-profit after he realized he had a closet brimming with statement pieces he was no longer using or intended to wear again and wanted to share with other young men who could make new memories with their friends in these clothes.
Recognizing that many gay men have garments that no longer fit or will be worn again provides a thoughtful approach and alternative to discarding these items. In addition to providing a practical solution to gift drag costuming, Verna Felton aims to be a resource for LGBTQ+ young people seeking additional clinical and behavioral health resources.
For more information about how to help support this non-profit financially and through clothing donations, or if you would like to learn more about how to receive a donated garment from Verna’s closet, please visit, vernafelton.org.
I’ve written a four-part series featuring different luxury hotels in Boston for gay travelers who may be visiting the area. These articles are also for locals who may want to pamper themselves with a posh stay-cation and those who may never spend a night but would like to treat themselves to hotel services and or dining. We can all do with a little pampering and these hotels are ready, willing and more than able to help you feel special.
lux·u·ry ˈləɡZH(ə)rē/ noun: the state of great comfort and extravagant living.
Boston luxury hotel spotlight for gay travelers
Over the past few years several luxury brand hotels in Boston have opened and / or undergone significant renovations and are now open for business. Even if you don’t have the budget to fully experience the ammenities, it is possible to experience luxury in doses. The XV Beacon in Boston’s Beacon Hill is one such property worth checking out.
Although it is not part of the definition, exculsivity is often associated with luxury. For that reason, XV Beacon stands out as the only boutique property in this series.
XV Beacon first opened on Beacon Hill in 2000 and is consistently noted as one of Boston’s preeminent places to stay. It has earned the admiration and respect of Bostonians, guests and the travel industry. It was named by Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Best Hotel or Resort in every state and has many rave reviews on Trip Advisor.
This 63-room boutique property is in a beautiful ten story Beaux Arts building of iron, limestone and brick. It is capped with a copper cornice exterior and exudes great curb appeal. The hotel rooms were individually designed and have four-poster queen bed classic rooms or queen and king-size bed studio rooms that include whirlpool baths, heated towels, in-room fireplaces, complimentary high-speed Internet access, 400-thread-count linen sheets, and museum-quality artwork throughout.
XV Beacon goes the extra mile by providing helpful guest services like their fleet of chauffeured Lexuses for complimentary trips around Boston. Their superb conceirge services can arrange for on-site massages in your rooms, private tours to places of interest and of historical significance, tickets to shows as well as airport transfers. Tempted? Check out one of XV Beacon Hotel Packages & Promotions and treat yourself.
XV Beacon Hotel restaurant and more
However, if a stay at this beautiful property is unlikely, one can appreciate this unique property’s excellent restaurant (also part of the Columbus Hospitality Group), MOOO. The modern steakhouse is perhaps best known for their private dining room ‘The Wine Cellar’, with double vaulted ceilings and 4,000 bottles of fine and rare wine dating from the 1700s to present day. For an additional private dining option, XV Beacon’s Parlor Suites can be booked, but a more realistic option for those seeking luxury on a budget is to visit MOOO for a cocktail at their bar with a few apps. The staff is superb and the cocktails delicious. Also be on the lookout for MOOO to (hopefully) bring back their acoustic jazz brunch this fall.
The central location of XV Beacon makes it easy for visitors to enjoy some of Boston’s most popular attractions. From the historic Freedom Trail to biking and walking paths by the Esplanade to Fanueuil Hall and shopping in the Back Bay there are plenty of ways to spend your time. If you have limited time and unsure what to do, speak to the concierge team at XV Beacon who have an impeccable reputation and can tailor suggestions to your interests.
After you are done sight seeing, perusing the unique shops on Beacon Hill’s Charles Street or strolling down Newbury Street, head over to Club Cafe for a cabaret show or dancing in the back. For more information about places to shop, dine or go out read my post about the Back Bay and South End which include more places to eat or enjoy a few cocktails at Boston’s gay bars.
XV Beacon Hotel 15 Beacon Street, Boston 02108 1.877.XVBEACON xvbeacon.com
This weekend would’ve been Boston Pride’s parade and block parties would be scheduled throughout the weekend, but due to the pandemic that has been deferred. In place of the large celebrations, I hope friends will come together and make the most of the weekend.
I’ve featured photos of the handsome French model and personal trainer Killian Belliard before. Most recently, I shared this photo of Killian for a Temptation Tuesday post this past February, and I’ll probably feature him again in future as well. However, I have to say he certainly makes for an ideal Furry Friday.
This is what is happening in Boston and Provinceton this weekend. If you haven’t been out in a while, come out and show your love by supporting our gay bars and businesses. If you have an event or program you want included in upcoming posts, email bosguymail@gmail.com with the details.
THURSDAY: Pride Night @Fenway June 10, 2021 Click here for information and tickets.
FRIDAY: Big Gay Dance Party (Outdoors) Friday June 11 (rain date June 18) from 6:30PM – 9:00PM in Union Square, Somerville with DJ FrenchY and drag performances by Amanda Playwith and JP. More info here.
SATURDAY: Boycott Boston Pride Meet Up A growing list LGBTQ+ groups are calling for a boycott of Boston Pride 2021. Learn more about why and what is happening on Saturday at 10:30AM in Nubian Square and march to Franklin Park where a vigil for black trans lives will take place at the Park Playstead / Trails on Pierpont Road in Jamaica Plain.
SATURDAY:Kiki Beach If you’re unsure where the boys go on M Street Beach, check out the map on the Kiki Beach Boston Facebook Page, but when in doubt follow the good music and speedos.
SATURDAY: Big Ass Cookout starts at 4PM in Mattapan. Tickets can be purchased here. For more information about this group visit, Boston’s Lesbian Urban Foundation.
SATURDAY: The Loud & Proud (Drag Show) at Icon will help raise $$$ for industry friends and family who have been impacted by COVID-19. Hosted by Miranda Wrights with performances by: Mizery, Kris Knievil, Penny Tentiary, Destiny, Khloe, Miranda Wrights, Adeli Meat, and Haus of Snap and of course great music from Gay Jim.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY: Join the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus concert broadcast on WCVB-TV on Saturday at 7:30PM, Sunday at 12:30PM or on YouTube on Sunday at 2:00PM.
SUNDAY: Drag Bingo @DBco will likely sell out so don’t delay and get your tickets. All proceeds go to BAGLY.
Sunday Tea Dances in Boston
Sunday Fun Day: This weekend Boston has several Pride themed tea dances.
Anyone up for hosting a drag brunch? Seems like a missed opportunity!
Provincetown gay bars & live entertainment
For more information about live entertainment in Provincetown this week (and all month) click here. Click the links below for more information about each bar.
A House – One of Provincetown’s most popular dance clubs.
Aqua Bar – Located at the Aquarium Marketplace, with views of the harbor.
Backstreet Club – Previously Club Purgatory will NOT reopen this summer.
Buoy Bar – Located on Commercial Street at The Boatslip. It is fabulous for people watching (esp after Tea).
The Club – Lea Delaria’s supper club includes live entertainment in the lounge.
Dive Bar – Weekend piano bar at The Crown & Anchor.
Harbor Lounge – Waterfront cocktail lounge in the East End.
Boston Pride has been embroiled in a nasty back-and-forth with activists who have (for some time) called the non-profit organization racist and “trans-exclusionary”.
The tipping point for activists came last summer after the Boston Pride board’s tepid response to the police killing of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement. The organization’s response was developed without consulting Black Pride subcommittee members. Critics said the board routinely disregard LGBTQ+ minority groups (especially those in the trans community) and that the all-white Boston Pride leadership and board needs to go. Organizers say by removing the entire board it will give the organization a fresh new start – one that is hopefully more representational of Boston’s LGBTQ+ community.
In today’s Boston Globe, Sue O’Connell, copublisher of Bay Windows and a host at NECN, the official media sponsor of Boston Pride, said, “The pandemic and the reckoning of our unjust racial past has just claimed the Pride committee because they were unable to actually do the right thing over many, many years.”
Activists are calling for the entire Boston Pride board to resign and are holding their second annual vigil for Black Trans Lives on Saturday. DiMarco’s announcement will certainly be acknowledged from the stage, but will DeMarco’s resignation be enough? The protest and vigil will start in Nubian Square and people will march to Franklin Park. More information about that is available here.
Much thanks to my friend Jim L for sharing this photo with the hand written note “Let not your hearts be troubled”. I can’t imagine what that might be referring to and think the heart-shape cut out for the photo seems quite sweet. Does anyone have any guesses on when or where this photograph may have been taken?
I dedicate this weekly post, featuring vintage gay photographs, to the men and women who lived in a more critical time where being true to yourself and loving who you want wasn’t always an option and came at a great price. Do you have a photo you would like to share? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.
The summer has arrived and I cannot wait to be able to put my toes in the sand. May this handsome model at the beach distract you from the fact that it is sadly a Monday morning.
BosGuy 