DNA #302 – The Male Taboo
In this issue, we explore The Male Taboo – the way that gay male bodies are censored in our culture. For example, images of women wearing barely-there bikinis are common on social media, in advertising, and in mainstream culture, but DNA’s covers and other images are often removed by Meta as being “sexual content”. Expressions of gay male sexuality are oppressed and ridiculed, and this month, we show you how and why.
We explore the history of the portrayal of the gay male body through art, look at the way the HIV epidemic impacted how we presented our physical selves and helped shape the gay male body of today, and we give examples of the hypocrisy and double standards in the advertising industry. Luxury brands love the gays’ money, but they don’t want to be seen talking to us! The bottom line is, your bulge makes straight men nervous, and we are punished for that!
The Rise Of The Dad Bod is also worth discussing and why some gay men find it so irresistible! And, bulging in all the right places is model-of-the-moment, Julien Paje, in the latest briefs from Code 22.
On the culture front, we are already fans of the streaming series Invisible Boys. We speak with the author of the book, hunky Holden Sheppard, and with one of “the boys” from the series, Joe Klocek. This is the latest binge-worth TV. But if you prefer a little live theatre, the Melbourne revival of The Boys In The Band is also worth queuing up for! We chat to the cast.
On the cover is the exquisite Stevan Miladinovic, shot by Serge Lee. He’s got a certain kind of perfect, and we love the retro posing pouch styling. See plenty more of stunning Stevan inside and in the Extra Digital Pages.
Pack your toothbrush – we’re off to Puerto Vallarta to find out if it’s still the gayest hot spot on the globe; and we warm up the credit card to experience the budget-busting shopping of Bangkok. (Plus, a visit to the local sauna, of course.)
In Music, Madonna is working on a new album with Stuart Price, which should make everyone happy! Plus, there are new releases from Asbjorn and Durrand Bernarr. And in Books we take another look at William Burrough’s Queer and Rage: On Being Queer, Black, Brilliant… And Completely Over It by Lester Fabian Brathwaite.
Plus, DNA readers have their say and the real Jesus goes to The White House!
Print and Digital versions are out now! Get DNA #302 – The Male Taboo here.
