Tag Archives: Boston Guy

Vintage gay

George Dyer and Francis Bacon

George Dyer and Francis Bacon on the Orient Express in 1965

Francis Bacon met George Dyer in 1964 when the younger man burgled the artist’s apartment. Dyer was impressed by Bacon’s self-confidence and artistic success, and Bacon acted as a protector and father figure to the insecure younger man until Dyer’s suicide in 1971.  Bacon continued to paint Dyer for some years after, including works that are among the artist’s most famous: his black triptychs painted in 1972-74.

Previous Vintage Gay Photos

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 for a future post? Email me at bosguymail@gmail.com.

Jody Adams new restaurant: Porto Boston

Jody AdamsJody Adams opened Porto Boston this summer in the Back Bay. Due to its unique location it may be the best restaurant you are guaranteed to always get a table last minute. The restaurant’s address is 780 Boylston Street but it isn’t on Boylston St. It is actually located next to Saks Fifth Avenue across from Shaws, in a space that was not previously a restaurant – go figure.

I joined my friend Tracey who writes the Life Food Wine blog to check out Adams’ newest dining establishment. We had the bar entirely to ourselves until we were ready to leave at which point one of Boston’s best chefs, Ken Oringer, and his wife walked in the door. What can I say? I keep good company.

Photo Source: Porto Facebook Page

Photo Source: Porto Facebook Page

The restaurant has an open kitchen and several bars along with an outdoor, covered patio that has lounge furniture. We opted to sit at the long bar just to the right of entrance and enjoyed the undivided attention of a very helpful bartender who walked us through their menu which is almost entirely comprised of fresh seafood that changes frequently.

Most of the items offered are smaller plates and intended to be shared. I’ll be honest that this is generally a turn off for me, but I enjoyed the items we ordered and would certainly return based on how much I enjoyed what I ate.

porto-boston-olive-bread

Porto’s Olive Bread $3

Tracey and I started with two small plates: an olive bread ($3) that was served warm and looked like a funky pretzel as well as the raw hamachi ($16).  I’ve yet to meet a bread that I don’t like and I would recommend this for those of you who are not carb-phobic because it was nice to have alongside our other plates, but clearly the better of the two plates was the hamachi which rivals (if not is better than Ostra’s in the Theater District).  The Hamchi had a bit of a kick, that I believe was partly due to the use of paprika and a few other seasonings that we both really enjoyed but couldn’t place; definitely give it a try.

porto-boston-hamachi

Porto’s Hamachi $16

Dinner concluded with the Grilled Swordfish which was highly praised by our bartender and I’m happy to say lived up to the hype. Cooked to perfection, it sat atop sauce, grilled onions and green tomatoes (although I’m still convinced what was on my plate were figs – regardless of what the menu said). I should point out that we enjoyed a bottle of their Cote Mas Rose but if you are not partial to Rose wines,  Porto has an impressive wine list for you to peruse.

porto-boston-swordfish

Porto’s Swordfish $31

While Porto may not be for everyone, this is a restaurant you may want to put on your radar if you’re looking for an upscale, relaxing seafood restaurant.  Back Bay has very few such places, which I’m sure is one of the reasons Jody Adams wisely chose this slightly off the beaten path location. I wish Porto much success.

*Special thanks to my friend Tracey for sharing her photos.

Sign language: Ciabatta ass Salads for sale

humor, funny signA friend posted this photo on his Instagram account the other day and I couldn’t help but swipe it to post on my blog. What the heck are Ciabatta ass Salads and more importantly who is buying this?

Word of the day: Pitcher

spring trainingPitcher (\ˈpi-chər\noun
Definition: The active partner in anal intercourse
Example: Bars always seem to be filled with catchers looking for pitchers ready to go play ball.

Caption this photo

sports, humorEach Wednesday morning I post a photograph and ask readers to offer a funny caption.  Hopefully the caption below inspires you to share a few of your own.

He’s mine!

Mr Boston Bear 2016: Michael Cody

MASS BEARZ

Mr Boston Bear 2016 Michael Cody

MASSBEARZ hosted their annual Mr. Boston Bear this past weekend at The Alley Bar in Downtown Crossing and Michael Cody walked away with the title. Congratulations to all who entered and everyone who attended. Photos from the contest are on The Alley’s Facebook page here.

If you would like to learn more about MASSBEARZ, visit their website at massbearz.com.

How much revenue could Massachusetts gain from legalizing marijuana

Yes on 4, legalize pot in MassachusettsWith the Internet droning on endlessly about the Clinton / Trump debate I thought I would focus on a ballot initiative that will be on several states this fall: the legalization of marijuana for recreational use.

Currently Alaska, Colorado, Oregon and Washington (as well as Washington, D.C.) allows the recreational use of marijuana. In November five more states will ask residents to vote on making the sale of marijuana legal to buy and sell for recreational use (including Massachusetts).

According to 24/7 Wall St., Massachusetts voters have a good chance of voting to legalize marijuana, and if legalized, Massachusetts is estimated to reap as much as $187 million in new tax revenues. Massachusetts projected tax revenues pale in comparison to the $1+ billion California could reap, but nearly $200 million ain’t exactly chump change and could go a long way to funding that pesky Green Line extension everyone says we need but cannot seem to afford to build.

Yes on 4:  Massachusetts Marijuana Legalization

Temptation Tuesday

handsome, hunk, bald, muslces

Past Temptation Tuesday Posts

King Cobra movie trailer released today

King Cobra, Brent CorriganKing Cobra which comes out next month is based on the early rise of gay porn headliner Sean Paul Lockhart a.k.a. Brent Corrigan. The movie trailer has just become available so I’ve posted it below to share.

According to its IMDB page the movie is about “Sean Paul Lockhart a.k.a. Brent Corrigan before his falling out with the producer, Stephen, played by Christian Slater who made him famous. When Sean decides he’d be better off a free agent, a cash-strapped pair of rival producers aim to cash in by any means possible.”

King Cobra has an impressive cast including James Franco, Christian Slater, Molly Ringwald, Alicia Silverstone Garrett Clayton and Keegan Allen. Look for King Cobra in theaters starting Friday, October 21st.

Boston area LGBT 2016 fall fund raisers and events

T4J #T4J2014

Toys for Joys annual fundraiser is Friday, Dec. 9th

Much like the spring, the fall is a season when many LGBT organization hold important fundraisers and events to raise awareness and funds to support the work they do in our community.

Below are some of the areas largest fundraisers so mark the dates in your calendar and get your tickets. If I’ve missed an event, please add the information in the comments section of this post.

Human Rights Campaign New EnglandStarting the fall gala season is the Human Rights Campaign New England Fiercely Forward gala dinner and auction at the Westin Waterfront in the Seaport on Saturday, October 8th. The event hashtag is #EqualityVote2016.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit hrcboston.org.

community-servings-pie-in-the-skyEach November since 1993, Boston’s best restaurants, bakeries, caterers, and hotels donate thousands of pies that more than 700 volunteers then sell to family, friends and colleagues. The money from each pie sold provides a week’s worth of nutritious home-delivered meals to a Community Servings’ client and a tasty Thanksgiving treat to the buyer.

Tuesday, October 18th is the official kick off party for Community Servings’ annual Pie in the Sky Thanksgiving bake sale at the W Boston Hotel. For more information and to RSVP link to the eventbrite web page, here.

glad-spirit-of-justice-awards-2016Friday, October 28th don’t miss GLAD’s Spirit of Justice Awards party at the Boston Marriott Copley Place, which brings together over 900 community members and allies to recognize and honor individuals whose achievements reflect a profound dedication to our ideal of a just society.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit their web page, here.

TTOWednesday, November 16th The Theater Offensive (TTO) hosts Beyond the Stage, Benefit for True Colors: Out Youth Theater. Beyond the Stage is your chance to learn more about TTO’s program, meet the remarkable youth of True Colors, and connect with others in your community. Discounted tickets remain available until October 16th.

For more information and to purchase tickets visit their web page, here.

Victory ProgramsThe Celebration of Life Dinner was born in 1987 when Peter Daniel Clark, one of the Boston Living Center’s (BLC) founding members, decided to bring people living with HIV/AIDS together with their families and friends around the holidays to celebrate another year of life. Clark died from AIDS-related complications in 1992, but his work lives on. The 2016 Celebration of Life theme is “Positive, Proud and Living Out Loud”.

Tuesday, November 22nd is when the Celebration of Life 2016 dinner will take place. For more information visit the event web page, here.

ProvincetownTis the Season for Giving is on Friday, December 2, 2016 and kicks off Provincetown’s Holly Folly Weekend 2016. The fun event features Provincetown’s amazing local talent.

For more information visit the event web page, here.

Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Jingle All The Way concertStarting Saturday, December 3rd and running through mid December, The Boston Gay Men’s Chorus will host five concert performances to celebrate the holiday season at the beautiful Jordan Hall (note the December 3rd concert will take place in Provincetown for Holly Folly Weekend).

For more information and to purchase tickets visit the event web page, here.

T4J 2016, Toys for Joys BostonSaturday, December 9th Toys 4 Joys will return again for their 8th year to collect funds and toys for children in the Boston area. This year’s event will also be dedicated to the memory of John Michael Gray (perhaps best known as one half of the Hat Sisters). His presence will be missed at this year’s event.

For more information like their Facebook Page, here.

What to do this week: September 26 – October 2

Gay men, Provincetown

Mates Leather Weekend is in Provincetown Sept 29 – Oct 3, 2016

What to do this week: September 26– October 2

Play Me I’m Yours Boston brings 60 street pianos to the streets of Boston with each decorated by a local artist and runs through Oct 10 in Boston

Karaoke Night starts at 10PM every Tuesday at Jacques in Boston

Showtune Tuesday hosted by VJ Ryan Grow starts at 9PM every Tuesday at dbar in Dorchester

November Project: Stair workout at Harvard takes place at the Harvard Stadium from 6:30 – 7:30AM every Wednesday in Boston

DotOUT Boston, gay bostonDotOUT Midweek Meltdown starts at 6:30PM at the Dorchester Brewing Co. on Wednesday, September 28 in Dorchester

Stump Trivia lets you impress your friends with all the trivia you know from 5PM – 10PM every Wednesday at Cathedral Station in Boston

Karaoke Kween is a lot of fun and if you’re good you may nab the $75 cash prize at the end of the night – hosted every Wednesday at Club Cafe in Boston

ICA Boston every Thursday from 5PM – 9PM admission is free to the public

amy-schumer-in-bostonAmy Schumer in Boston is a tough ticket to come by but she will be at the Boston Garden on Thursday, September 29 in Boston

Mates Leather Weekend returns on Thursday, September 29 and runs through the weekend in Provincetown

Drag Race Thursdays join Mizery and friends for “Queens are Wild” RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 2 starting at 8PM at Club Cafe in Boston

exDRAGvaganza Flag Football party starts at 7PM at Club Cafe on Thursday, September 29 in Boston

ogunquit, mainestreet, bearfest ogunquitOgunquit Bearfest starts on Thursday, September 29 and runs through the weekend with parties at Mainestreet in Ogunquit

Harpoon Oktoberfest kicks is Friday and Saturday, September 30 – October 1 at Harpoon Brewery in Boston

QuICK Weekly Climb starts at 6PM at Brooklyn Boulders on Friday, September 30 in Somerville

Gay Takeover of FrightFest @SixFlags goes from 9AM-9PM on Sunday, October 2 in West-Bumblef*ck, MA

Boston Gay Beer Club Oktoberfest 5k run starts at 9:30 AM on Sunday, October 2 in Kendall Square, Cambridge

Hat SisterCelebration of Hat Sister John Michael Gray is taking place at Jacques Cabaret with all money raised going to help pay for his medical bills on Sunday, October 2 at Jacques starting at 6PM in Boston

South End Open Market and SOWA Open Market return separately in the South End every Sunday from 10am-4pm in Boston

Back 2 Basics Tea Dance never has a cover and always has great music from 70s 80s & 90s, starting at 5PM no cover every Sunday at Club Cafe in Boston

Send me information about your upcoming programs and events in my blog’s comment section or message me the details on Facebook.

What would you do if your income were taken care of

What would you do if your income were taken care ofThe above photo is a poster placed by the Swiss Initiative for an Unconditional Basic Income is displayed on the Plainpalais square in Geneva, Switzerland, on May 14, 2016. (Reuters / Denis Balibouse)

What would you do if you didn’t need to work?

While I’m not 100% certain what I would do, I know that it would involve traveling, blogging and advocating for a handful of causes that are important to me and which I feel like I could help make a difference. It is an interesting question and one that I find very appealing to daydream about. If you like, share with me what you would do in my blog’s comment section.

AC Hotel by Marriott in South End is under construction

ac-hotel-south-end-boston-massachusettsThe six-story, 200-room AC Hotel by Marriott is now under construction in Boston’s South End along Albany Street where three low-rise buildings previously stood.

AC Hotel South End’s ground floor will  include a bar and lounge area, fitness center, indoor pool and conference room space.  The hotel is scheduled to finish construction in late 2017.

Scruffy Sunday

men in bed, men in loveI wish everyone could wake up each morning being kissed by the one they love.

Previous Scruffy Sunday Posts

John Michael Gray (one half of the Hat Sisters)

john-michael-gray-hat-sisterBoston and Provincetown’s gay community is a little less fabulous today.

John Michael Gray who is survived by his husband Tim O’Connor have been known far beyond Boston and Provincetown as the iconic “Hat Sisters” for as long as I have lived in Boston.

For those of you from Boston and Provincetown, I’m sure your Facebook feed is already flooded with tributes and photos of these two very special men, and I wanted to join in my own way by sharing how much I love these two. I want to also express my profound respect for how their love for each other and Boston and Provincetown helped many of us become a little more comfortable with ourselves and feel welcomed. My fondest memories of John are of him having drinks at Fritz on Chandler Street, lighting the Pride Lights tree on Tremont Street each year and of course his fabulous entrance to Tea Dances at the Boatslip in Provincetown.

My heart is breaking for Tim O’Connor.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Tim with the medical costs incurred. You can learn more and help Tim by visiting the page here.