I’ve recently returned from my first cruise. There were eight of us in total who joined thousands of gay men from around the world for the Atlantis seven day cruise through the Western Caribbean.
Perhaps you’re curious to see what one of these cruises is like. It’s impossible to capture everything – there is too much to see and do, but here is a quick 5 minute video of my take on the 2012 Atlantis Caribbean Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas.
I’ve just returned from my first Atlantis cruise. For those not familiar, Atlantis Events is a gay owned events company that produces all-gay cruise and resort vacations around the world.
I’ll talk more about Atlantis and my experience on the cruise ship Allure in future posts, but today I thought I’d suspend my “Men of Twitter” this week and replace it with a “Men of Atlantis” posting. Here are just a few of the guys who joined me on the week long Caribbean cruise.
For those fans of my weekly Men of Twitter postings, thank you for visiting. I hope you like this one-time special “Men of”… and next Monday I’ll return with a brand new Men of Twitter.
I’m currently away celebrating Sergio’s birthday on the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise. While travelling I have no internet connection so I thought I’d feature some of my favorite and most read posts from the past year. I’ll be back to active blogging when I return in February.
Originally Posted June 2011
Dan Savage poignant “It Gets Better Campaign” came about because of a grim reality regarding how marginalized gay and lesbian kids feel and the bullying that further isolates them. This past weekend, I was reminded of the happier side of Dan Savage’s campaign – the part that addresses “The Better”…
There is a young man (18 years old to be exact) who lives in my complex. At first glance he looks like a tough city kid. His Boston accent, stocky build which mimics his gigantic father and cigarette permanently hanging from his lips makes him look anything like his friendly, easy-going personality. This kid (let’s call him Adam), comes from a solid blue collar, take no crap kind of family. We’ve been neighbors for a few years now and while I don’t know his whole story, I do know that he’s gay.
As far as I was aware, he was closeted (maybe he still is). However, the other day he told me with quite a bit of pride that his boyfriend was coming to visit him. I was happy for him and told him so, but it wasn’t until I saw him later this weekend that I realized how happy. On Sunday afternoon as my partner and I were driving through the courtyard we looked up and saw Adam with a friend. When Adam recognized us he lit up and started shouting as loud as he could pointing to the other young man. “This is Him!” I think he must have said it 2-3 more times at the top of his lungs. He was so excited and proud. And seeing this young, tough-kid from Boston all excited to be with his boyfriend and to be shouting it for all the world to hear made me think you know what Dan Savage is right, it does get better. And if you’re lucky like Adam – you don’t have to wait that long to realize it.
I’m currently away celebrating Sergio’s birthday on the Atlantis Caribbean Cruise. While travelling I have no internet connection so I thought I’d feature some of my favorite and most read posts from the past year. I’ll be back to active blogging when I return in February.
Originally Posted June 2011
Have you heard of the movie Beginners directed by Mike Mills and starring Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer? The movie is based on Mike Mill’s real life and his relationship with his Dad who at the ripe age of 70 (and 6-mos after his wife’s passing) reveals that he’s gay. The movie chronicles the father’s exuberant embracing of his ‘new gay life’ and Mike’s relationship with his Dad as well as his new girlfriend.
It got me to thinking when I first came out in my late 20s and the ‘exuberance’ or rush that I felt. I could totally relate to this 70 year old man played by Christopher Plummer. Watching an interview with Mike Mills, he referred to the phenomenon as a second or ‘gay adolescence’, which I thought was a perfect term. For many people who come out later in life it does seem like they go through a second adolescence filled with boy crushes, drama and a lot of emotional energy.
Regardless of whether you’ve heard the term second adolescence or gay adolescence. Did you come out after your teenage years? And if so, did you also enjoy an intense second ‘gay adolescence’? Do tell…
Thanks to Jen on twitter who alerted me to a NPR interview of the director you can watch here.
The handsome guy posted at the beginning of the post has nothing to do with the movie but would be just the kind of guy who would have stopped me dead in my tracks. I’ve been looking for an excuse to post this picture and it seems that although my ‘gay adolescence’ is some years behind me now; some things never go away. I like that I remain a bit boy crazy.
On Friday I flew down to Fort Lauderdale, and today a group of nine of us will join 5,100+ other men on the Atlantis Allure Caribbean Cruise.
I’ve never been on a cruise before and wonder what I’ll make of the experience. I’m fairly certain it will be a memorable, and after I return, I’ll be sure to blog about it and share some photos.
In the days that follow, I won’t have access to the internet so I’m scheduling posts from some of my most liked / and commented upon posts over the past few years to fill the void while I’m “cruising” the Caribbean.
Heads up this is incredibly funny but not safe for work (NSFW) Source: The Third Leg
Thank you Brenton for sharing.
Source: Aussielicious on Tumblr is Not Safe for Work (NSFW)
Although there is no nudity, this is most definitely NSFW (not safe for work). However, I do think its funny and thought I’d share the video which is chalk full of gorgeous men.
The UK video is entitled, Room Service: The Sex Tape Part 2, and it includes London DJ, Jodie Harsh. Still not sure if its his mix that is playing through out the video, but I do love the music accompanying the over-the-top clip. Thanks to Ministry of Pleasure blog for bringing this to my attention.
Like many subcultures, the GLBT community has come up with names that are widely recognized within our community but have failed to work their way into popular culture. For the sake of people who are confused by these terms, I’ll show you two pictures. You tell me which one you think is the bear.
PHOTO1: 
PHOTO 2: 
If you guessed that PHOTO 2 is the bear then you’d be correct. What is a Bear you may find yourself asking? In its broadest definition it is the freedom to be comfortable with your appearance and a celebration of your body no matter its shape or size. As a result you’ll often see men who identify as “bears” that are quite large and hairy.
Some – like my friend who I’ve included above – are actually very muscular and project images of masculinity through their grooming and appearance. You can learn more about this subculture within the gay community by linking here.
Click on the image to enlarge. Feel free to share.
Do elections matter? To quote an infamous American politician, “You betcha!” Yesterday, Hillary Clinton made news when she addressed the United Nations in Geneva and publicly declared the US will fight discrimination against gay and lesbians abroad by using foreign aid and diplomacy to encourage reform. Do I think that Saudi Arabia will stop beheading Gay men? I doubt it, but I do believe her and think this is more than just rhetoric.
Can you imagine this change in policy if John McCain won the last Presidential election? I can’t. When Hillary Clinton says to the UN, “Being gay is not a western invention, it is a human reality” it sends a message that being gay is okay to millions of men and women living in nations where they are persecuted, bullied, beaten and killed.
Did you know in more than 80 countries it is illegal to be gay? Source
Earlier this week I surprised my other half with news that we would be going on the Atlantis Allure Caribbean Cruise January 29 – February 5, 2012. He has always wanted to go on a gay cruise and this is a milestone birthday so with a bit of trepidation I booked the trip earlier this year and waited until this week to share the news so he would get excited about his birthday, which is now in a little less than two months time.
Although the two of us have never been on a cruise ship – let alone this massive gay cruise which will include 5,000+ men – we are in good company and will be joined by seven other friends who are familiar with Atlantis. Let me know if you too will be joining this floating circuit party in the Caribbean.
Each Monday I post #MenOfTwitter profiles of men who catch my eye and whom I think you may enjoy following. As always, suggestions for profiles to feature are welcome. If you’d like to follow me on twitter, you can find me @BosGuy. Below are this week’s #MenOfTwitter.
If so inclined, leave them a nice comment and start following on Twitter.
GayJim108 – Originally from Brooklyn, Jim now is part of Boston’s longest, most successful morning radio show, working as the producer for the Matty in the Morning show on KISS 108. Jim is has a devilish grin and throngs of fans that go far beyond the Boston gay community. The photo above was taken by yours truly at the dBar Harvest Tea Dance earlier this Fall. #WickedAwesomeDJ
DJBrightEyes – This 30-year old holds a massage therapist degree but has branched out to personal training and plans to pursue his education in nutrition. DJ has dreams of opening a wellness center where he can teach cooking classes (a hobby of his), conduct workouts and help people live happier, healthier lives. This 30-something from the Midwest is contemplating a relocation. Boston, Chicago, D.C., and California all have made his short list. #Hunk
DenisBevacqua – Denis joins a large (and growing list) of men from Brazil featured as a Men of Twitter. This 20-something is a lot more than good looks. He pursued his MBA in the US and has lived in New England, Lake Tahoe and even San Diego. He now lives in paradise (a.k.a. Florianopolis, Google it if you don’t believe me). Denis has a blog which is very much worth checking out at chicquero.com. #BrazilianBlogger
Each month I’ve been providing a bit of advice on how to survive a Boston winter, but really the suggestions are applicable to anyone residing in the northern hemisphere coping with shorter days and cold temperatures.
In September, I suggested one way to survive a Boston winter was to plan ahead by scheduling a trip someplace warm. In October, I offered a more economical option by identifying a ‘cuddle buddy’ you can turn to for body heat. My advice in November is not as economical as last month but need not be as extravagant as September’s suggestion.
This month, I’m suggesting that you embrace the fact that you are living in what resembles a frozen tundra and make the best of it by adopting the “if you can’t beat’em then join’em philosophy.” Book a trip to one of the many Gay Ski Weeks that are held around the world. There are many options through out North America and Europe so choose a local option to avoid costly airfare and extra travel / vacation time. In the northeast, the Stowe Gay Ski Week is a great local alternative. If interested you can read more about the Gay Ski theme week many in New England attend, here.
Sadly, I cannot promise that the three friends above will be attending your specific ski week rendez-vous.
Posted in GetMeTheHellOutOfHere Syndrome, Sports
Tagged BosGuy, Boston Guy, Gay, Gay ski week
It is easy to focus on the negative or feel frustrated that perceptions are not changing fast enough, but with regards to acceptance of the GLBT community and recognizing same sex relationships, this would be foolish. Of course, there is a lot of progress that needs to be achieved, but rarely on issues is time such an enemy to those who oppose recognizing the rights of our community. Take a moment to consider the progress made in the last decade.
10% – (Actually slightly more.) The percentage of states in the US that currently allow same sex marriage. They are as follows: Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Iowa, and as of June this year – New York. In addition, Washington D.C. allows same sex marriage. One decade ago no state recognized same sex marriages.
46% – The percentage of Americans who support same sex couples marrying (a decade ago this was 11%). New polls on marriage equality in 7 more states show mostly positive results for marriage equality advocates.
60% – The number of Fortune 500 companies currently offering same sex work benefits, including health coverage to their employees. This represents 100%+ increase over the number of Fortune 500 companies that offered same sex work benefits a decade ago.
80% – Current estimates from the US Census Bureau suggest there are now slightly fewer than 650,000 same sex households in the United States; an 80% jump from a decade ago.
BosGuy 