KRISTEN JOHNSTON: THIS GIRL HAS "GUTS"!

Kristen Johnston won two Emmys for her role as the statuesque, blonde alien Sally Solomon on “3^rd Rock From the Sun”. She is currently starring in the TV Land series “The Exes“, and (Betcha didn‘t know this!…) she also teaches acting at New York University. The girl with the killer looks and killer sense of humor can now add “author” to her list of credits. Johnston’s new book is called “Guts”. The title, as you may guess, is in part a nod to the strength and determination it takes for any woman or man to “make it“ in showbiz and still maintain one‘s dignity and sanity… and sometimes, even to stay alive! Being a star indeed takes guts. The title, however, is also a not-so-subtle reference to the emergent abdominal surgery she had in 2006 while she was performing in the play “Love Song“ in London. It marked a long, challenging period of healing for the actress-- not just physically but emotionally as well. “Guts” is a book about recovery, and Johnston is exceptionally candid about her addictions from the get go (Page 5: “I’ve been in recovery for five years, and I’ve worked my ass off to prevent a relapse, but one never knows with something as stupid and annoying as addiction. I could stub my toe, get a paper cut, or just be bored and all of a sudden it’s ’Has anyone heard from Kristen? She was supposed to be my maid of honor last night and she never showed up!’”).

Johnston shares about how, as a child and pre-teen, she was teased for her height, was relegated to special education classes, suffered epileptic seizures, and was branded with the label of “Freak“. A pivotal moment in her young life came, however, came when she’d had enough bullying by the school‘s Queen of the Mean Girls. She threw it right back to her tormentor, and in the process realized, “Hey, I’m funny!” Later, she recalls what would be “one of the happiest times in my life”, as a post-NYU grad working as a “Waitress-Slash-out-of-Work Actor”. Her first big break came at age 24 when she landed a pivotal part in the play “The Lights”, which wound up moving to New York City’s Lincoln Center Theater. “3^rd Rock From the Sun”-- and a LOT of fame-- followed shortly afterward. Unfortunately, along with her fame came her war/love relationship with painkillers and booze. It was a struggle which the star openly tells us that she always acknowledged, but was not quite committed to addressing completely… until that reluctant “vacation” in that depressing London hospital. I’ll spare you the graphic details (Ms. Johnston won’t, however. You were warned…) but let‘s just say that our heroine had to deal with recovering physically while also confronting her demons-- all while being alone in a foreign country to boot. And damn, did she want a cigarette too!

Were it not for Johnston’s idiosyncratic sense of humor, this book may have been as endurable as the awful English hospital food she writes about. But, lest we forget, Johnston IS a funny girl-- and therefore, her revelations about her life, celebrity culture, and her near-death experience are often hilarious (Would it be too inappropriate of me to describe the book as so funny that it’s “side-splitting“?)… as well as enlightening too. The author even gives us her own unique reflections and theories on addiction and recovery, without ever becoming heavy-handed or preachy. This is a girl who did it “her way”… and survived. She tells us that nowadays, when she’s in a play, it’s all about the play, not the cocktails afterward: “Nowadays when I’m in a play, the first thing I do when we move into the theater is to grab a dark red lipstick (frosty pink just doesn’t have the same panache) and scrawl in my dressing room mirror my new mantra: THIS IS THE MAIN EVENT!… You’re more than welcome to borrow my mantra, but to be fair I must warn you about a scary potential mind-fuck-- which really only applies if you’re a gay male and over forty. Whatever you do, please try not to think of the poster for the film ‘The Main Event‘, which showcases a tightly-permed Barbra Streisand in one of the most nauseating costumes in all of celluloid history: boxing shorts and nude pantyhose. Or, if you are gay and over forty, perhaps that would help?” As a gay guy who’s over 40 (gasp!), I met the lovely Ms. Johnston at her book release party. Dressed in full Leather, I asked her where her affinity for the gay boys comes from. She responded, “Uh, I don’t know… I guess it’s just from being a weirdo. I mean, only YOU would wear that! You know what I mean? Look at us! We’re freaks!” I retorted, “Freaks are a good thing.” She left me with, “Exactly!”

“Guts” is now available in print, audio book, and E-book.

BLACK BRIEFS: DVD REVIEW

Guest House Films has released a new collection of six distinguished gay-interest short films, and cleverly named it “Black Briefs”. All the short films have a rather dark element to them (“Black briefs”-- get it?!)… but aside from that, they are all widely and wildly diverse in nature. You have, for example, the searing psychodrama of Hong Khaou’s “Spring”, the gore-nography of Greg Ivan Smith’s “Remission”, and the dark comedy of Camille Carida’s “Winner Takes All”. That’s just the first half!

“Spring” features two blandly attractive British men (the inexperienced sub [Chris O’Donnell] and the older dom [Jonathan Keane]) who meet up to negotiate an S&M scene. It’s a thrill to watch these two gents deviate from their… well, “oh-so-British” style of politeness into their role play personas when they finally wind up in their makeshift dungeon. Like an authentic S&M scene, the vibe in this one is titillating, sexy, and just a little bit dangerous (Or, as we learn, maybe MORE than a little bit dangerous?…) “Spring” manages to pack a wallop of suspense and tension into its 13 minute running time, although the open ending leaves the viewer wanting more. Next up is “Remission”, in which a middle-aged man (Michael Fitzpatrick) is alone in his country house with a dead cell phone as he waits to learn the results of his recent biopsy for cancer. He begins to suspect that something darkly dangerous is going on. If you are easily scared by the idea of being alone in the woods at night, a la “Blair Witch Project”, then don’t watch this one alone… and if you have any trace of nosocomephobia (Look it up…), then don’t watch it at all. “Remission” is disturbing simply for the sake of being disturbing. The final line of dialogue, intentionally or not, offers a “Touché!“ at one of the GLBT community’s most popular new (and quickly becoming overused…) catchphrases-- and only those viewers with the most deliciously sick senses of humor will likely appreciate it. “Winner Takes All” features an impossibly handsome and equally impossibly vain performance artist named Ryker (Gavyn Michaels) who organizes a boxing match between his two boyfriends: the urban trendster artist (Hunter Lee Hughes) and the Latino muscle boy (Adrian Quinonez). The winner gets not only gets Ryker’s love but also the promise of monogamy. Gay “It Boy” Alec Mapa plays Ryker’s “slave”, who oversees the festivities with all the guilty glee as if he were watching the finale of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”. The audience will likely feel the same glee with this irreverently funny short film… although I can’t help but wonder if I might have been able to guess the ending if I was a little smarter.

“Promise”, the best short film in the compilation, opens up with glimpses of a wedding cake, a newspaper announcing “Gay Marriage Ban Overturned”, and a framed photo of two happy, model-type guys: Stu (Korken Alexander) and Chris (Rick Cornette). Get the idea? Yes, there’s a gay wedding in the works. Unfortunately, certain instances of bad behavior come to light on the eve of the big event (One of the lines from the film is “Did you fuck him in our bed?!” Guess yet?…), and threaten to disrupt the festivities. Some fine acting and some genuinely creative directorial touches by Lalo Vasquez really boost this one, although I admit that I did feel kind of guilty about enjoying the film’s rather explicit and somewhat discomforting climax. The slasher-themed “Video Night” is the shortest-- six minutes-- of the films on the compilation, and to the credit of the directors (Jim Hansen and Jack Plotnick, who also stars in the film), the short manages to be both wickedly funny and outright wicked at the same time-- making it the most “bang“ per minute. It made me lock my windows after watching it…

“Black Briefs” concludes with Christopher Banks‘ “Communication”, which tells the story of a young Orthodox Jewish student Jacob (Rudi Vodanovich) who unexpectedly inherits the estate of his mentor, an older British gent named Andrew ( (Alexander Campbell). This one is more in the genre of “drama” than the others, and some viewers may be left wishing there was more character development or more questions answered. Still, this genuinely unique love story of sorts will definitely keep you thinking for a long time afterward, and the acting is excellent.

For viewers with a desire for a truly experimental film experience, this compilation offers the equivalent of a cinematic cocktail hour: a little taste of everything, with some very cool company as well. And aren’t cocktail parties a lot more fun than those long, boring sit-down dinners anyway? “Black Briefs” is now available on DVD. Visit www.GuestHouseFilms.com for more info!

"IN THE BAR OF A TOKYO HOTEL": Tennessee Williams Comes to Alphabet City!

On the night I saw a preview of Tennessee Williams’ “In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel”, The 292 Theater seated only sixteen people. There were ten chairs in the “back row“, and six plump red cushions making up the “front row”-- perfect for sitting lotus style. To say that the Theater‘s faithful production of the play, running through March 31, is an “intimate experience” is a major understatement. This production is so up-close-and- personal that it even lets you see right into the eyes of all the characters. And, let it be said that these eyes speak volumes! You have the wild, “too far gone” eyes of Mark (Charles Schick), an American artist who is losing his grip on reality at full speed ahead. You have the restless, hungry, and often wickedly manipulative eyes of his sexually frustrated wife Miriam (Regina Bartkoff), who is preoccupied with plotting her escape from her unhinged husband without losing his financial support. And, you also have the eyes of the character known only as “Bar-Man” (Brandon Lim), who watches all the unfolding drama from behind the bar. Limited by his servile status in the overly structured Japanese society of the time, this character is severely restricted in what he can say, even when he‘s having his crotched grabbed by Miriam or having drinks spilled all over the stage by the tremulous Mark. Like Bar-Man, the audience gets a magnified, almost voyeuristic view of all the highly emotional goings-on.

“In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel”, which premiered in 1969, is one of Williams’ lesser-known and lesser-produced works. Today, however, it is looked upon as one of the author’s more underappreciated as well as most personal pieces. Fans of the playwright will also soon realize that many of the elements of Williams’ more well-known, more popular plays are here. At one point, the major female character offers an oh-so-stylized monologue about her fear of aging and the potential loss of her beauty ("I'm fully aware, of course, that there's no magical trick to defend me indefinitely from the hideous product of calendars, clocks, watches…") which may remind you of the troubled Blanche Dubois of “A Streetcar Named Desire”. But vanity is only one of Williams‘ trademark themes. There’s also… desire (including sexual desires, as well as the desire for a higher social status), loneliness, and a good range of human neuroses-- cumulating with full-on madness. This being from Tennessee Williams, many audience members will expect a larger than-life, passionate female character, and we have it here with Miriam -- played with gusto by Ms. Bartkoff. The actor’s portrayal of the desperate housewife is dripping with vinegar… but her Miriam is often so funny that our feelings towards the character become as complex as Miriam herself. We even feel a bit sorry for the woman who’s clearly not suited for the confines of traditional marriage-- much less a marriage to a husband who started out as a “shy, gifted man” and is now talking to his paintings and embarrassing both himself and his wife in public. As Mark, Charles Schick (who co-directed the play with Bartkoff), establishes an almost otherworldly presence as a tortured soul who has gone, shall we say, way beyond the accepted quirkiness that we often expect from artists. In their less showy roles, Brandon Lim and Wayne Henry are perfectly cast as Bar-Man and Leonard (Mark’s friend and art dealer) respectively. Both are given their moments to compete with their tempestuous co-stars-- often when the audience least expects it!

To say that the Set Designer (Master Michael Quinn) makes the most of Theater 292’s small stage is, once again, making a huge understatement. The highly stylized set is elaborate and colorful, with the stage entirely bathed in red light. In addition, some creative directorial touches really boost “In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel” as well. In the play’s program, actor and Co-Director Regina Bartkoff recalls when she met Tennessee Williams himself when he visited a Lower East Side eatery where she was waitressing. It’s good to see that over 30 years later, Williams is visiting New York City again.

“In the Bar of a Tokyo Hotel” is now playing at 292 Theater, 292 East 3^rd Street between Aves C and D, New York City. Visit
www.292Theater.com for more information.

FRANCE JOLI COMES TO NEW YORK!

French-Canadian diva France Joli is best known for her quintessential disco classic “Come to Me”, which was a runaway hit in 1979. Joli was just 16 at the time. She debuted the song on Fire Island at a now-legendary concert on July 17 of that year, when the rising star stepped in at the last minute for Donna Summer. Gay men quickly became among Joli’s most loyal fans. Thirty-two years later, the singer’s love affair with the gay community continues. After countless appearances on TV and on magazine covers, six albums, and many dance floor hits through the years, Ms. Joli is still performing to her loyal fans as well as making new ones across the country. New York and Miami are among her favorite places to take the stage. On Saturday, March 17, Joli will be singing her best-loved songs as well as unveiling her highly anticipated new single to men in leather and their allies at the 20th Anniversary Celebration of The Long Island Ravens MC, Long Island’s gay Leather fraternity. Ms. Joli spoke with Jed Ryan about what she’s planned for us!

JR: Hello, Ms. Joli! Thanks so much for speaking with me. So, what surprises do you have in store for us at the Long Island Ravens MC Anniversary Celebration on March 17th?

FJ: Many little ones. The most important to me is that I will be performing my new single, a remake of the iconic Leonard Cohen ballad “Hallelujah.” I’m thrilled about that.

JR: I can’t wait to hear it! So, one of your most emblematic performances was when you sang “Come to Me” at a Fire Island concert in 1979, in front of thousands of guys (shirtless, no doubt!) under a hot July sun. That sounds like it was a LOT of fun… but what was that really like for you, as a girl of just sixteen?

FJ: Well, I was very nervous because it was my very first American performance--plus I was singing my very first single for the very first time. I also had never been exposed to the gay community before. I had been to gay clubs but nothing like Fire Island. It was quite the experience. What I remember the most was how free everyone was about being themselves. It was so nice to see and feel. Secondly, the immediate love and acceptance they had for me was unbelievable. They embraced me right away and the rest is history.

JR: While we’re on the subject: Where does your affinity for the gay guys come?

FJ: My best, best friend in the world came out to me when I was young and I always felt privileged to be part of that very special time in his life. I realized that I loved him more for it. (MUAH!) It made me want the world to be in that non-judgmental state-- just to love and accept and celebrate who you really are.

JR: Yeah! The late 70’s and early ‘80’s was a really wild and crazy time, especially in the world of nightlife. As a performer, you must have some amazing stories. Do you want to share one with us?!

FJ: I wish I could but I was soooo sheltered and protected that I never really saw anything crazy. Yes I was in all the happening clubs at the time, but I was in and out very quickly. I was there to work! I performed, said a quick hello to the DJ, and I was gone.

JR: “Come to Me” has become a truly timeless classic … but what other album and/or songs are you especially proud of? Put another way, what music should your new fans go and download immediately after they finish reading this interview?

FJ: I have to say that I am especially proud of “Hallelujah,” my new single. The very first time I sang it, in its original format, was at my father’s funeral. I remember feeling something out of the ordinary. Then the flash came to me! I wanted “Hallelujah” to dance. I decided I was going to produce it myself and got Giuseppe D. to collaborate with me. And so there it is.

JR: Very cool! So, do you ever get tired of always being labeled a “Disco Diva” by the press?

FJ: Absolutely not! I am proud of the music that made me famous and also proud of all the productions behind my voice. Disco made me shine! So how can I not appreciate it?!

JR: I agree! So, when you’re not performing, what do you like to do in your spare time?

FJ: I love playing golf. It’s my favourite sport. I also love swimming. Living in Montreal doesn’t give me a chance to do it all year long, but I do travel a lot, and so I take the time to treat myself once in a while.

JR: And, to leave us off: What does France Joli have in the works for the future? Where can we see you perform next?

FJ: I am writing new songs for an album that I hope will be in the making very shortly. And I will be performing at the White Party in Palm Springs in April for my LGBT friends. How lucky am I?

JR: How lucky are WE?! Thanks so much!

France Joli performs at The Historic Thatched Cottage in Centerport, Long Island, on Saturday March 17. Her show is the pinnacle of the Long Island Ravens M.C. 20 Year Anniversary Run and Celebration from Friday, March 16 through Sunday March 18. The weekend also includes cocktail parties, dinner, a silent auction, Sunday Brunch, and much more. For tickets, check out http://www.LIRavensMC.org/Anniversary2008/anniv19.html. France Joli’s new single “Hallelujah” is now available on CD Baby, Amazon Music, and I-Tunes. Stay posted for Joli’s new official website, www.FranceJoli.com, making its big debut soon!

(All photos are by David A. Lee. The production shot is of France in the High Desert of Southern California shooting her video for "Hallelujah." Also pictured are Director of Photography Alex Atkinson and Director David Rothmiller.)

THE SEMINARIAN: DVD Review

The main character of Joshua Lim‘s acclaimed film “The Seminarian” is Ryan Goodman (played by Mark Cirillo), a charming college student with big, vulnerable blue eyes and the trim body of a go-go dancer. In addition to being handsome, he’s also smart and sensitive… perhaps a bit too much so for his own good. Ryan is having a hard time with matters of the heart. He is seriously in love with an equally handsome guy named Bradley (Eric Parker Bingham), who lives quite a distance away; their relationship is mostly by phone and web cam. To complicate matters, Ryan is studying at a co-ed evangelical Christian seminary where being “out” is not looked upon favorably. His friends include fellow gay boys Anthony (Javier Montoya) and Gerald (Matthew Hannon). At one point when these guys gather for dinner, he (only partly) jokingly calls their get-together “a meeting of the closet seminarians”. In addition, Ryan has not yet come out to his supportive yet religious mother. When he is not waxing poetic about whether or not love can exist without a relationship and vice versa, our bona fide romantic of a main character is busy trying to write his grad school thesis. The thesis focuses mainly on how loving another human being should be the pathway to a greater relationship with God. It’s something of a paradox, then, that Ryan’s emotional struggles keep him from concentrating on his religious studies, and even put his faith to the test. At one point, he entitles his thesis “God Curses Us” and wonders: If love is a gift from God, why does it hurt so much? To the director’s credit, one of the characters asks another a question which many viewers will no doubt have: Why do the gay students in the seminary continue to stay there, even though the atmosphere is homophobic? The answer seems to be: a combination of (1) faith and (2) the desire to make changes. The film makes a point about how Ryan’s faith-- even in an environment that can be challenging (at best tolerant, and at worst hostile)-- allows him to survive, while several others in his peer group don’t quite fare as well. This doesn’t mean it’s easy for our protagonist. The emotional issues he faces (among them, loneliness and unreciprocated love) have likely been experienced by all of us from time to time.

How much the viewer will appreciate “The Seminarian“, Winner of the Directorial Discovery Award 2010 at The Rhode Island International Film Festival, will depend largely on how much affinity you have for Mark Cirillo’s portrayal of the main character Ryan. The actor is on screen virtually the entire running time; for some intense scenes, the camera gets VERY close. (There‘s also a fair amount of full-frontal male nudity. Just sayin‘!) “The Seminarian” doesn’t rely on any directorial gimmicks, heavy- handed messages, or elaborate plot twists; it‘s pretty straightforward, relying on the character‘s universally felt emotional issues and raising some very real questions about religion, love, and relationships. “The Seminarian” is also a very handsome and well-shot film; Every frame looks like it was hand-painted. Thankfully, the film doesn’t feature a tacked-on, overly contrived happy ending. By contrast, the movie has an open, somewhat abrupt ending, which may be a point of contention for some viewers and critics. Nevertheless, “The Seminarian” is a provocative character study about how faith and religious devotion can survive even where it is not always welcome-- which is an issue faced by many gay men and lesbians worldwide.

“The Seminarian” will be available on DVD from Breaking Glass Pictures on March 27th. Visit

www.TheSeminarianMovie.com to see the trailer and for more information. See also www.BreakingGlassPictures.com.

KENDALL: COME AND GET IT!

Kendall Kelly is your Bear for All Seasons… and I guarantee, this 5’9”, 215 lb. hirsute hotster could get temperatures rising even in the middle of a Buffalo winter. The popular singer-writer-artist-model, who lives in upstate New York, has made a splash in the areas of music, performance art, music video, and bear-otica. His killer looks-- complete with those magnetic cobalt blue eyes-- has indeed aroused many a Bear-lover’s carnal desires. An impressive body, indeed… but Kendall’s body of work is equally impressive as well. Perhaps the best example of this artist’s versatility is his brilliant compilation CD “Re-Kindled“. On the album you’ll find a diverse collection of tracks, recorded from 1997 through 2005-- with influences of new age, pop, rock, hip hop, and even ‘70’s style disco (“The Booty Song”) throughout. “Re-Kindled” features many fun, high-spirited pieces of ear candy like “G. I. Barbie“ and “Hot Drunk Guys”. Beyond Kendall’s smart and raunchy humor, however, we also get to hear his very impressive vocal skills with some truly beautiful songs like "Without Wings", "So Unreal", and “Kyo“. This Bear can sing! Two new CD‘s are in the works. As audiences at events like Bearapalooza will confirm, Kendall is also a dynamic live performer who always knows how to bring the house down-- from New York City to Nashville.

One of his most recent and also most serious endeavors is a video on You Tube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPoNwMrdUNw) where the artist talks openly about being a survivor of child molestation. To date, Kendall’s video has received well over 2,000 hits.

Kendall spoke with Jed Ryan about what makes a Bear a Bear, his upcoming plans for his fans, what he finds sexy in a guy, and much more:

JR: Hi Kendall! Thanks for speaking with me. So, as a bona fide Bear icon, what makes a Bear a Bear?

Kendall: I'm sure there are well over a million Bears or Bear admirers in the world, and all of them have a different definition of what a Bear is. They are ALL correct. It's not up to me or any one person to determine that. I can tell you what I find attractive in a man but it's not fair for me to try and put specific traits and attributes onto that definition.

JR: A lot of people may say that the Bear world isn’t really a “community” in the same way that, for example, the Leather community is… that we are just a bunch of big, hairy guys and their admirers who like to drink beer, eat pizza, and have crazy sex. What would you say to them?

Kendall: I believe the Bear "movement" to be a VERY important social marker. It is about men reclaiming their masculinity. Male beauty was measured against the blueprint of female beauty for quite some time, and being a male is important for the survival of our species. Men also have been taught to keep their libidos buried deep and not to "hunt" or seek out sex. Men are built for sex and intimacy, straight or gay. The Bear community serves a huge purpose beyond our individual attractions.

JR: I agree! So, who is your idea of a Bear role model?

Kendall: A man who isn't afraid of being himself and of his natural proclivities.

JR: You’re a Bear who wears many hats: musician, performance artist, model, actor… Artistically, which of those personally gives you the most satisfaction?

Kendall: Right now I find a lot of satisfaction in editing in general. Music ,videos, photos… Being editorial and creative gives me a lot of joy.

JR: We can all be thankful for that! Now, you live in upstate New York… specifically, Buffalo. A lot of people who live in a place like New York City may have their own preconceptions about what life in your neck of the woods may be like. Are there any misconceptions about your hometown that you’d like to dispel?

Kendall: (Laughs)Yeah… First of all I live NOWHERE near New York City. It's about a seven hour drive. Where I live is very suburban, not metropolitan like New York. I live in Buffalo, 20 minutes from Niagara Falls and the border of Canada. Being so close to Canada, I have a bit more of a European and even English influence as well as French-Canadian. I always say that crossing the border to Canada is like stepping into a 1970s science fiction movie where people have numbers instead of names. The air is thinner there. They are nicer and less stressed out. The summers here in Buffalo and in Canada are beautiful. Just amazing. The winters, however, usually suck a cold bitter ass!

JR: That would be a great time to find a warm Bear to snuggle with! So, have you ever had an experience where someone has recognized you from one of your magazine pictorials or videos? What was that like?

Kendall: That happens constantly, but almost never outside the gay or Bear world. Here in the States I've gotten to a point that a lot of Bears have seen my porn or music videos and it's really cool. A lot of guys want to have sex and that's cool. I like hearing people’s opinions of my work, good or bad. The most amazing thing has been people using my work for other things. I just got back from performing at a club down south in North Carolina last weekend. There was this guy who had won a Bear competition. He told me he used my song “Bears” as his talent. I think he was a bit nervous about telling me because he didn't ask my permission, but I was way flattered. And oh yeah, once this guy my housemate works with found the site cakefucker.com . It's basically a short video clip of me fucking a cake. That was odd.

JR: I saw it and thought it was really hot… where “American Pie” would have gone if it only had the balls!! Anyway, your body… ahem, of music is very impressive. I am partial to your album “Re-Kindled” from 2005, but which songs or which album would you consider “quintessential Kendall”… in other words, what music must your fans listen to if they want to “get to know” you as an artist?

Kendall: My writing comes from a lot of different places and they all represent me in one way or another. I can tell you some of my favorite songs: “Living in my Headphones“, “It Doesn't Have to be a Dream”, “So Unreal“, “Bears“, “G.I. Barbie”, “One Sex”, “Kyo”...

JR: What do you like to do in your spare time?

Kendall: Spare time?...Don't have much of that. I make my work play and my play work.... Any spare time is spent with the husbear or at the gym...or jerking off.

JR: While we’re on the subject: As a bona fide sex symbol, what do you personally find sexy in a guy?

Kendall: I have a wide range of tastes for different reasons. I like chubby guys, hairy, smooth, young, older, shy, aggressive...It really depends on the person. I'm TOTALLY an ass guy. I'm mesmerized by men's butts. I stare at them CONSTANTLY. Yesterday this husky guy walked into the gym and got on an elliptical. I got on the elliptical behind him and just tried not to faint watching his ass bounce. Fuck, he was hot! I just wanted to bury my face in that goodness! But there can be a lot of things about a guy that just click with me. I've had amazing times with men that weren't even my "type".

JR: Your work for Bear Films has gotten a lot of positive buzz… and no doubt, a lot of new fans! Was there a particularly hot moment or scene that you remember from your video work?

Kendall: (Laughs) Yeah. I liked playing butt bean bag!!!!!!!!!!!

JR: (Laughs) A lot of guys would imagine that being an actor in an adult film-- having sex with a bunch of hot and hairy co-stars while the camera rolls-- would be a real sexual turn-on. Is it a turn-on for you?

Kendall: I like sex for sure, but I have only done one porn with another guy and it was a LONG day! He was an amazing, sweet, fun, and hot guy but I really wanted to grab lunch after an hour of fucking. I want to do spanking "porn". I actually like some of the spanking porn coming out of England. Spanking and caning is such a huge thing there. Somebody hire me over there for that, please!

JR: Casting agents, are you listening? So, Kendall, what surprises do you have in store for us in the upcoming year?

Kendall: I will be releasing at least two more CDs this spring. I also will be releasing my short film “DOT” about working with an autistic person probably within the next month on YouTube or Vimeo. People know me generally for my fun and goofy videos and songs, but I have a very deep intellectual side and love exploring that. The most surprising thing about me is probably that I'm grounded, balanced, and fairly sane.

JR: On a more serious note: You have been very open about having been sexually molested as a child. Do you want to say more about that?

Kendall: Yes, sure. I appreciate the opportunity. A lot of people have had abuse in their childhood or even adult lives. It's nothing to be ashamed of. I say this not just to other people but to keep reminding myself. It's a hard thing to escape. I myself was abused on a regular basis. I've had a lot of body and self image problems in my adult life because of the abuse. Again, in my late twenties after my ex-partner stabbed me, I went through similar feelings and emotions. I never felt like a physical being up until my late 30's because I left my body so frequently as a child and then again in my twenties that it was hard to reconnect. It's an easy thing to say that we should all love ourselves physically for who we are, but it is another to actually get to that place. It is an ongoing process. I hope that anyone who has suffered abuse and yes, those who have abused, can find a place in their lives where they can love themselves and forgive themselves or others. I used to think forgiveness was something you only gave to someone who asked for it. I was angry and hurt and didn't want to give it to anyone who didn't ask me for it. But holding on to pain made me pain-FULL. I deserve to be pain FREE and let go of hurt and anger. I have a great life now and wonderful partner. It IS possible to move on and have a fruitful and emotionally fulfilling life.

This story about abuse in unbelievable and inspirational to me - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ME2wmFunCjU .

Then go here. This is a foundation co-founded by the same little girl seen in that video. INCREDIBLE!!!!!! - http://www.attachment.org/pages_seminars.php

JR: Thanks for sharing! So, where can your fans meet you in person?

Kendall: Join my Facebook Kendall Kelly fan page(http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kendall-Kelly/214240355311976?ref=tn_tnmn) for updates on my touring schedule, my music, and more.  My new album is called "Truth Changes".   Also check out www.Bearapalooza.com which I work with a lot.

JR: Thanks Kendall!

Kendall: Thank YOU Jed! BIG ASS BEARHUGS!

You can see Kendall live at New York City’s Rockbar (185 Christopher Street, NYC) for “Spring Awakening With Kendall Kelly” on Saturday March 24^th.

You can also see Kendall live:

March 2 & 3: Sawmill Campground Dade City, Florida

March 15, 16 & 17: TBRU Dallas, Texas

April 19 -29: Two Bears One Van with Jeff Rockcub Columbus, Cincinnati, Lexington, Nashville, Little Rock, Tulsa, Wichita, Kansas City, St. Louis, Indianapolis

May 2 -6: Bear Hunt Myrtle Beach

Hear Kendall's music on itunes -

http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/kendall-kelly/id494318140

DOUBLE PENETRATION, Part 2 (AKA: A LEATHER LOVE STORY)

DOUBLE PENETRATION, Part 2

(AKA: A LEATHER LOVE STORY):

An Interview With Tom Savage, American Leatherman 2011 & Danny Tamez, Mr. New Jersey Leather 2012

(Photos 1& 2 courtesy of Tom Savage/Danny Tamez

Photo 3 courtesy of DJ Kaiser

Photo 4 courtesy of Peter Lau)

Call it a true Leather Love Story. Chances are you’ve already met this dynamic and dedicated duo-- or at least seen the two of them-- at any given Leather event, be it big or small. (Trust me, these guys are difficult to overlook. Woof!) But perhaps it’s time for a formal introduction: Meet Tom Savage, American Leatherman 2011. At 6’1”, Tom makes a very imperious presence, especially when in full gear. He is originally from Colorado, but has clearly found his true home with the New Jersey Leather family. Savage is a member of the Argonauts, an Asbury Park Leather club, for which he has served as President. He is also Mr. New Jersey Leather 2006. Tom’s successful philanthropic endeavors have included the hugely popular NJ Leather Family Chili Cook-off every February, as well as “Foreplay”: the Leather, Bear, and Kink block party held every June in Asbury Park which kicks off New Jersey Pride.
 
Now meet Danny Tamez. In October 2011, this boyishly handsome charmer won the envied title of Mr. New Jersey Leather 2012, taking on the role of The Garden State‘s Ambassador to the Leather Nation. Like Tom, he takes the job of activist very seriously, making many public appearances and donating loads of time and energy at events both in his home state and beyond. (Incidentally, he also fills out a pair of Levis very well!…) Tom and Danny had their first date in January 1998 (For some perspective, the hit songs on the radio at that time were Savage Garden’s “Truly Madly Deeply“, Janet Jackson‘s “Together Again“, and Celine Dion‘s “My Heart Will Go On“.). They’ve been seemingly inseparable ever since. The two Leathermen had a commitment ceremony in the summer of 2002 in Denver, before moving east; and then had a Civil Union Ceremony in New Jersey in January 2009. Today, they share their home with their two cats, brothers Mickey and Max. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, Tom and Danny spoke with me about their unyielding commitment to each other and to the Leather community at large:

JR: Hello, gentlemen! So, let’s start at the beginning. How did the two of you meet? Would I be too bold to assume it was at a Leather event?

TS: Well, it wasn’t at a leather event, bathhouse, or backroom. It was late 1997 and I was recently divorced from my ex-wife after having come out. There used to be a phone line called Interactive Male. I called and left an ad message on the line. After a few days I got several responses, and I liked Danny’s the most. Somewhere we may still have the piece of paper that I wrote everything down on. He’d left a number so I called. He was reluctant to meet with me, I think because I was more interested in meeting for coffee and talking. He was only interested in meeting for a fling. We talked several more times, and finally set up a date to meet at the 17^th Ave. Grill in Denver, on or about on Jan. 10^th of 1998. He was wearing a green flannel shirt and jeans, I don’t remember what I was wearing. We had dinner and drinks then went to The Grand, a bar just down the street (now closed, but would become my favorite hangout for the next several years before discovering The Wrangler Bar). We went to his place afterward, I stayed the night, and for probably the next six months we stayed with each other every night at either his or my place. We moved into an apartment together the summer of 1998 and have lived together ever since.

DT: Yes, we met over a phone hook-up line. This was before the age of computers. We met face-to-face for dinner and never separated from then on. Leather came into our lives later, and in many ways gave our relationship a new bond. We had our NJ Civil Union in Leather.

JR: Very cool! So, the two of you have been a couple for a long time: 14 years. Wow! Do you have any secrets for a successful relationship? Inquiring minds want to know! But then again, I guess if you told us, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore, huh?

TS: Fourteen years this last January. Hmmm… Secrets for a successful relationship? Good question. Not every day is like a honeymoon! We bicker and fight like any other couple. Trust is important, we love each other, and we have a lot of time invested between the two of us: something that I think which solidifies a commitment between two people. We’ve had our ups and downs like anyone else. We’re not infallible. Love, patience, give and take, and a feeling of knowing you’re with the one you want to grow old with.

DT: Sometimes I think it is either dumb luck or that we are too lazy to split up. Really though: For me, even through the tough times, I know Tom is a good man and that is why I married him. I am very fortunate and know it, although I should say it to him more often.

JR: Well, you’re saying it now! So, Tom, you are originally from Colorado. What was your adjustment to life in New Jersey like when you first moved here?

TS: I moved out to the East Coast in 2002 to be closer to my daughter, who is now 16. At the time she lived with her mother in the NYC area. She now lives in Virginia, so I travel there often to see her. The adjustment for me was more along the lines of being around people who sounded much different than in Colorado. The various NY and NJ accents were something to get used to… and not being able to pump my own gas in NJ. (I dislike that!) It’s kinda funny, but some friends say I’ve picked up some of the local accent in some words I say.

JR: (Laughs) Now, the legalization of gay marriage is gonna be a very hot issue in New Jersey this season. How do you two feel about it?

TS: We both think it’s important that people in the GLBT community get the right to marry with all of the same legal benefits afforded to straight people. Our arguments against opponents of marriage equality echo those of others in the GLBT community. We plan on marrying if marriage equality becomes a reality in New Jersey.

DT: It should be a hot issue. Civil rights are to be fought for. I think sometimes we forget that in all the fun of Pride Celebrations. We are still fighting for our civil rights. We as Leather people need to be heard and seen in this fight. A right is a right regardless, and not to be subject to popular vote!

JR: I agree. A lot of the GLBT community at large may view the Leather community as “vintage”, “outdated”, “caught in the past”, or even “scary” and “menacing“. Some of them think that we are stuck in a time capsule from the ’70’s or ’80’s. What would you say to these fools?

TS: I think there’s something vintage about the Leather community but I don’t think that makes it outdated. Rather, I think there’s something timeless about it. To me Leather represents family, integrity, and strong bonds between us. If “vintage“, it’s because some of that look and feel which began a long time ago is something that I find raw in the masculine sexuality that drew me into Leather. Think James Dean and Marlon Brando back in in the 50’s, the biker clubs since then, denim, leather, boots, rough sex… all of it! For the people that think of it negatively as being scary, menacing, or stuck in the 70’s and 80’s, I try to tell them it’s not like that. When they persist, I say, “Fine, you don’t know what you’re missing“, and leave it at that.

DT: I honestly don’t spend a lot of time caring what others think about my Leather or how I express it. I don’t have the time. If you don’t like Leather, then don’t take it as a lifestyle. But in the same breather, if you are interested I’ll be more than glad to talk to you or to direct you to resources that are more versed in the history and culture than me. I am a proud, open Leatherman with family, at work, and with everyday life. I hope people see who we are and the work we do in the community-- and not hold on to negative predispositions.

JR: Well said, gents! While we are on the subject of the community: There’s a lot of talk about The Old Guard and The New Guard when people discuss Leather. A lot of our older brothers believe that the only way to be a bona fide Leatherman is to be initiated, and others feel that if you choose to identify as a Leatherman, then you are one. And then you’ll have someone like Mark “Spanky” Bialous-- Goddess bless him-- who definitely marched to the beat of his own drum. How do you two feel about the Old Guard versus the New Guard theory?

TS: I feel there’s a lot of chivalry and respect in Old Guard ways-- things that were part of what captured my interest in Leather in the first place. I think Old Guard teaches us history, and it serves as a foundation for all of us, and it’s bound in tradition. That said, while respecting Old Guard ways, there’s New Guard-- or in my mind, an evolution of sorts in that the Leather community isn’t as secret and rigid as it once was (having to be initiated, as an example). I respect Old Guard protocol and tradition, but I view New Guard (loosely defined, I guess) on building upon those Old Guard ways with a new flexibility in rules and groups associated with what we collectively call “Leather”.

DT: I like the fact that this is being discussed. A culture takes time to develop and with that comes the vernacular, the rituals, and the identifications. This is natural growth of Leather as we truly take the mantel of a Culture. As far as Old Guard vs. New Guard, I really don’t take a point of view. I respect and treasure all I have learned from both camps. I feel there is room for all.


JR: One of the responsibilities of a Titleholder is to raise money and awareness for our community. Danny: As Mr. New Jersey Leather 2012, what are your philanthropic goals this year? What charities do you have a particular affinity for?

DT: They are varied, from The Center in Asbury Park, to The Carter-Johnson Library, to Imani House-- each serving a significant need in NJ. But I have to say both Tom and I find The Center in Asbury Park to be dear to our hearts, as it serves persons living with HIV/AIDS.

JR: Speaking of fundraising, Tom, you created the Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser which is now in its seventh year. How did the idea for that originate?

TS: It originated shortly after I was chosen to be Mr. NJ Leather 2006, and I was excited to put on a fundraiser. I was watching “Iron Chef” one afternoon at Cruisin’ (a men’s bar in Asbury Park, now closed unfortunately), and thought chili and competition. It’s been fun ever since, and continues to pack the house every February.

JR: While we are on the subject of food, I have to ask: I am always very fascinated by how couples divide the household responsibilities. Which one of you is the cook? Which one of you does the home repairs and that kinda stuff?

DT: I cook and do most of the cleaning and the bills. Tom does laundry. We both are bad at home repairs, so if there is a handyboy out there, applications will be accepted.

JR: (Laughs)…and make sure to include a photo with that application!…

DT: …and you can often find Tom under the hood of our two VW‘s.

JR: Besides the Chili Cook-Off and Foreplay, what events throughout the year are we always guaranteed to see you the two of you at throughout the year? Put another way, what events would you never miss?

TS: We’ve been to MAL every year since 2006 and we attend and assist at most, if not all, of our NJ brothers and sisters events. We go to almost every New York Eagle Contest, most events and contests in Maryland, and we try to get to the campgrounds and Bear Week in P-Town during the summer. Of course for me, ABW every year will be something I try to get to from now on. And we’d never miss the Mr./Ms. NJ Leather contest every October!

DT: CLAP, CLAW, NYLPN, IMsL, IML, MAL, SECC, to name a few. I am also looking forward to branching out through my year to visit other Titleholders and their events.

JR: That’s quite a schedule! You should be proud. Actually, you should be tired! Now, Leathermen are often seen as the epitome of masculinity and sexiness. As a role model/Ambassador to the Leather community, what makes a man sexy? Danny, you first…

DT: It’s all in how he carries himself. Does he feel comfortable in his skin and his Leather? After that, it is very individual. Personally, I am a butt man. Just look at my husband.

JR: If you insist! And, Tom?

TS: I think a man is sexy in this context especially if he shows that he feels sexy and comfortable in his own skin. To me, it’s not about being a perfect 10, an Adonis, or porn star poster icon. Sexy is so much more that-- like being approachable, welcoming, and eager to share in discussion with all types in our tribe.

JR: In your opinions, what is the most important single issue our community faces?

TS: I think our tendency to meet online, versus at bars and other meeting places, is a big issue. There is what’s becoming an age-old issue of the loss of Leather bars and places to meet and to interact socially, beyond hooking up online. Leather Contests are another controversial issue. While some may die a natural death because they no longer serve their purpose, contests in general I think, are important as long as they serve to grow our community beyond what we are today. We choose Titleholders as ambassadors of our community to spread the word, to help grow and sustain our community. Contests and other events are important in bringing all of us together, sharing and learning tradition, and hopefully getting some new blood in our community. Our inability or lack of interest in carrying on our traditions to new generations is one of the biggest issues facing our community. We need to mentor those to take our place in the future.

DT: I feel we are losing our places to gather. Bars are being closed or altered to appeal a “broader” demographic. The internet has replaced face-to-face meeting. This lack of meeting places for Leathermen and women, and being reduced to a “profile” online, does not allow for the interpersonal communication needed to really maintain our community.

JR: How true! Now, Lastly, what are your plans for Valentine’s Day?!

TS: A nice date and some hot sex.

DT: A smooch and sleep! Well maybe a bit more. ;-)

JR: Thanks, guys! See you soon!

Learn more about the New Jersey Leather family at:www.LeatherNJonline.com.

You can visit Danny Tamez’ Facebook page at:www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mr-NJ-Leather-2012-Danny-Tamez/237235279664154

Learn more about the American Brotherhood Weekend at:www.AmericanBrotherhood.com.

Visit Tom Savage’s Facebook page at:www.facebook.com/pages/American-Leatherman-2011-Tom-Savage/308449185843418

See also:
DOUBLE PENETRATION Part 1: Mr. Connecticut Leather 2011 and Mr. New Jersey Leather 2011 Speak!
http://jedcentral.blogspot.com/2011/02/double-penetration-mr-connecticut_2064.html