A Touch Of Gay

The historic Rainbow Wave of 2026 elected dozens of LGBTQ+ candidates at local, state, and national government posts.Daily Inspiration: Take the win and be grateful* Pause when you win a huge victory to reflect on what it means* Be grateful for the feeling, the blessing, and for the fruits* Reflect on how you or we got there, give recognition where it is dueCheck In:* Heart is warm, hope restored from election* Still gathering the momentousness of our moment in time* Cautious about where we go nextTopic: The Rainbow Wave Of 2026National Races* First gay senator elected to US Senate from New Hampshire - Chris Pappas* First transgender congresswoman from Delaware (re-elected) Sarah McBride* First bi-sexual congressperson from California - Marni von Wilpert* First gay congressman from San Francisco, CA - Scott Wiener* Gay congressman from California (re-election) - Mark Takano* Gay congressman from California (re-election) - Robert Garcia* First gay congressman from Illinois (re-elected) - Eric Sorensen* First gay congressman from Indiana - J.D. Ford* First Native American lesbian congresswoman from Kansas (re-elected) - Sharice Davids* First gay congressman from Michigan - Jeremy Moss* First gay Afro-Latino congressman from New York (re-elected) - Ritchie Torres* First lesbian congresswoman from Vermont (re-elected) - Becca Balint* First lesbian Latina congresswoman from Washington (re-elected) - Emily Randall* First gay and longest running congressman from Wisconsin (re-elected) Mark PocanState Races* First lesbian governor Massachusetts (re-elected) - Maura Healy* First lesbian governor Oregon (re-elected) - Tina Kotek* First transgender woman state legislator in Alabama - Allison Montgomery* First queer state legislator and former veteran in Arizona - Joanna Mendoza* First lesbian state legislator in Delaware (re-elected) - Claire Snyder-Hall* First non-binary state legislator in Delaware (re-elected) - DeShanna Neal* First transgender non-binary state legislator in Georgia - Bentley Hudgins* First transgender state legislator in Minnesota (re-elected) - Leigh Finke* First transgender state legislator in Montana (re-elected) - Zooey Zephyr* First black gay state legislator in Pennsylvania (re-elected) - Malcolm Kenyatta* Lesbian state legislator in Texas (re-election) - Ann Johnson* First transgender state legislator in Wisconsin - Dina Nina Martinez-RutherfordLocal Races* First gay sheriff in Alabama, Madison County - Brett Jones* First trans person City College Board Of Trustees San Francisco - Monroe LaceCultural Highlights* First black US Speaker Of The House (pending) – Hakeem Jeffries* First Latino governor in California in 150 years - Xavier Becerra* First black woman governor in Georgia - Keisha Lance Bottoms* First Muslim senator from Michigan – Abdul El-Sayed* First black governor from Nevada – Aaron Ford* First Native American woman governor in US, New Mexico - Deb Halaand* First black woman as Judge in Harris County, TX - Letitia PlummerHistorical Highlights* First time Arizona state legislature both houses under Democratic control since 1966* First time Georgia state house and Governor under Democratic control since 2004* Michigan governor and both houses of legislature now under Democratic control* Minnesota governor and both houses of legislature now under Democratic control* New Hampshire house and senate now under Democratic control* North Carolina governor and house now under Democratic control* First time Pennsylvania senate under Democratic control since 1994, now all branches* First time Texas governor and house under Democratic control since 2002.* First time Wisconsin house and senate under Democratic control since 2010, now all* Virginia votes on constitutional protections for Marriage EqualityLesson To Keep* We didn’t win by alienating our neighbors, or by shaming our neighbors, or by ridiculing our neighbors. We embodies a new kind of politics. A politics rooted in a deep love - for our state, for our country, and for all of our neighbors. - James TalaricoCatch Of The Week: Wisdom of Lindsey Graham* “If we nominate Trump, we will get destroyed … and we will deserve it.” - Lindsey GrahamPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Get out to vote in election 2026, remembering Sir Patrick Stewart, congratulations to Eagle Bar Cathedral City, the sexy art of Tom TaylorDaily Inspiration: Honesty has the power to open minds* Words that align with the heart always land* Speak from the heart, to the heart.Check In:* New dog. Clear the calendar.* Jelly of all my brothers at Palm Springs LeatherTopic: Remembering Sir Patrick Stewart 1940-2026* Passed this week at 86* Accomplished stage, movie, and television actor for over 60 years* Champion of LGBTQ+ rightsAction: Get Out And Fucking Vote!* Vote like your life depends on it.* Have patience for results and be ready for drama* Set reasonable expectations – MAGA will not be over* Buckle up for two more years of the shit showTopic: Congratulations Eagle Cathedral City!* Grand Opening this weekend!* Palm Springs Leather Pride Weekend* Top to bottom rebuild of old Barracks BarCatch Of The Week: The art of Tom Taylor* Digital comic book style* Fun, sexy, provocative* Tells a story* Instagram @tomtaylorillustratedPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

LA & M in Chicago getting huge remodel, ONYX Southwest Leather Brunch. five non-gear things for your scene.Daily Inspiration: I don’t always have to be right* In all areas of life from work, friendships, online.* Fight the urge to react always to correct or fix.* Choose the battles.* Let them.Check In:* New Pug dog joins the family. Welcome home Google!* Kink circuit party.Content: Five Non-Gear Items For The Scene* Five items that are not gear. But these help the scene as much as the gear does.* Hue Lights — Any color-changing LED you can control works; mine run through HomePods and Siri. Red and blue sets the scene, but I can snap to white the second I actually need to see.* Spotify — Any music service works. It’s not just mood — when I do impact play I work to the beat, so BPM really does mean beats per minute. The right playlist sets the headspace.* Air Purifier — I smoke cigars during scenes. The playroom is small. The air purifier matters.* Towels — A stack of cheap hand towels and microfiber cloths and shop towels. They handle every kind of mess.* Cheap Rug — Foam padding underneath, a cheap throw rug on top — it’s what turns the room from playroom back to office. I don’t worry about what ends up on it.* Instagram: @lthredgeHistory: Leather Archives & Museum. Chicago, IL - Restoration* The Leather Archives & Museum is one of the only places in the world dedicated exclusively to leather and kink history.* After 25 years in their building in Chicago, a restoration project is now underway.* Project announced in 2025, started this year in June, completion by spring 2027.* Upgraded HVAC with humidity control, archives-safe early fire detection system* ADA-compliant entrances, restrooms, and a new elevator serving both floors.* Improved galleries, a dedicated research room and flexible event space will allow more spaces for exhibits, lectures, workshops and community gatherings.* Redesigned main-floor galleries, updated lighting, and spaces that are better connected.* Website: https://leatherarchives.org/Event: ONYX Southwest Brunch – Saturday, November 14th – Phoenix, AZ* Second annual ONYX Southwest Leather Brunch* Fundraiser for Leather Archives & Museum* Catered with fine foods* Entertainment, 50/50 raffle, silent auction* Kobalt Bar, Phoenix* Tickets $40 Donation* Tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/onyx-sw-leather-brunch--2026Catch Of The Week: Hungary Rolls Back Anti-LGBTQ Regulations* Hungary’s parliament has approved changes to a law that restricted LGBTQ+ representation in material available to children.* The vote took place October 13th with 139 MPs supporting the amendments and 51 voting against. The changes target provisions introduced in 2021 under former prime minister Viktor Orbán, whose 16 years in power ended following April’s election.⁠Please drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Remembering Tom McBride, New ED nasal spray, LGBTQ rights threatened globally, artist Jason LloydDaily Inspiration: Our existence is not a threat. Our rights are human rights. Human rights are not negotiable.* UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has warned of a “comprehensive onslaught” against LGBTIQ+ rights worldwide.* “The backlash is deep. It is coordinated,” says Türk* LGBTIQ+ people are facing growing criminalization, political hostility and restrictions. Organizations defending our communities are losing funding, while some are being labeled as “extremists” or “security threats.”Check In:* Spiritual retreat weekend with gay sober brothers* Stated desire husband to bring a pet into our lives* BMW M5 and Aston Martin DB12SSexual Health: Roxus ED Nasal SprayRoxus contains vardenafil, an ingredient that’s been used to treat ED for years.* Instead of a pill you swallow, Roxus is a spray you use in your nose.* Because it’s absorbed through the nasal lining, it skips the digestive process a pill has to go through, so it can start working faster.* Can work in as soon as 5-15 minutes.* Consult your medical provider to see if Roxus is right for you.History: Tom McBride - Life And Death On The A List* Tom McBride was a successful model and photographer in the 1970s and ’80s, appearing in major advertising campaigns before moving into acting.* Horror fans may know him best as Mark in Friday the 13th Part 2.* In his final months, filmmaker Jay Corcoran documented McBride as he lived with an AIDS-related brain disease for the film Life and Death on the A-List.* The film looked beyond his illness, examining the beauty, status, and body culture surrounding gay life in New York. It also explored what happened when a man once celebrated for his looks watched his body change.* McBride died from AIDS-related complications on September 24, 1995* Life And Death On The A List:Catch Of The Week: Jason Lloyd Art* Digital and Mixed Media Artist.* Art Shops, T-shirt Shop, and More* Instagram: @jasonlloydartPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Getting out to vote, big gay apps merging, matriarch Mama Vi, artist Anthony HurdDaily Inspiration: Ask for what you want* Life is too short to beat around the bush or hope what you want lands in your lap* When you know what you truly want, state your intentions, ask for it, own it.* Take the risk, even if it’s a long shot.* If you don’t get it, at least you tried.Check In:* New recovery and spiritual mentor* Retreat weekendEarly Voting* Early voting open in many states* Mail-in voting underway* Utilize opportunities to free up in-person space on poling daysGay Apps Rising* Scruff buys Growlr – Back in the LGBTQ+ family* Grindr buys Freddie – Expanding footprint of telehealth service for PrEP and other meds.Trailblazer: Mama Vi* Viola Johnson know as Mama Vi is an elder, historian, and advocate within our international leather, fetish, and kink communities - a living and celebrated matriarch.* Born in 1950, she entered the leather community in the 1970s and over the decades trailblazed a path to become a prominent figure and long time mentor.* She is one of the eight original founders of the Mid-Atlantic Onyx Pearls, a sister leather organization to ONYX.* She is the founder of the Carter Johnson Library, which archives thousands of books, posters, and newsletters documenting the history of S/M and leather culture - one of the most respected leather archives in the world.* She has served on the board of directors for the Leather Archives & Museum in Chicago and the Leather Hall of Fame.* She is the author of multiple books including most known “To Love, to Obey, to Serve: Diary of an Old Guard Slave”* She has received countless awards from the Leather, Fetish, and Kink community including the Leatherarian Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018, the FORA Award in 2019, and the Race Bannon Advocacy Award in 2020.* The Carter Johnson Leather Library & Collection became a living historical resource for scholars, activists, artists, and community members seeking to understand leather culture.* Website: https://www.carterjohnsonlibrary.com/Catch Of The Week: Artist Anthony Hurd* Artist, Designer, illustrator living in Austin TX or Albuquerque, NM.* Works in acrylic on wood with originals and prints available* Beautiful romance of real people, imagined and unseen.* From his about, “ I recently found that my inner child has been craving one thing, the representation that didn’t exist. Queer people of all ages, body shapes and sizes as well as skin color basking in the glory of loving tenderness. Taking up space in nature, in public. New love, old love, friendships and beyond, it’s a vulnerability most queer people didn’t grow up with in my age. So I’m painting it, I’m planting those seeds, I’m paving new roads and amending old contracts I had with myself. “* Website: https://anthonyhurd.com/Please drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Chuck Fleck and Flex Spas, LGBTQ+ Bill Of Rights, California Governor expands LGBTQ+ protectionsDaily Inspiration: Live your days on purpose* Structure your day in the morning* Take inspiration from something* Set spiritual or emotional intentions* To do list for tasks to complete* Use a calendarCheck In:* Roagui Calendar - https://www.instagram.com/roagui/* Building paint continues* Getting ready for gay men’s spiritual retreat next weekTopic: October is LGBTQ+ History Month* Established in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high-school history teacher.* October was chosen because public schools are in session, making it ideal for classroom education.* Dedicated to highlighting historic figures, trailblazers, and the societal impact of the queer community.Topic: Chuck Fleck and Flex Spas* Chuck Fleck opened the first Man’s Country bathhouse in 1972 in New York City before co-founding Man’s Country/Chicago with Renslow.* Before opening Man’s Country/Chicago, Renslow co-owned franchise locations of the Club Baths chain in Chicago, Kansas City, and Phoenix with Chuck Fleck.* Club Baths was a chain of gay bathhouses in the United States and Canada with particular prominence from the 1960s through the 1990s originally founded by Jack Campbell.* At its peak it included 42 bathhouses around the US and Canada and some 500,000 members.* Chuck Fleck eventually converted his interests in the Club Baths chain into the he Flex chain of bathhouses, spas and hotels which remain in Los Angeles, Cleveland, Los Angeles, and Phoenix.* Fleck started Flex Cleveland by moving from the original Club Baths location to a former Greyhound bus garage and drivers dormitory. The space is now considered the chain’s flagship location with hotel rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and a bar.* Long a champion of community organizations, Fleck led the response to the HIV epidemic by bringing in local service organizations to the spas to do testing, providing informational pamphlets and distributing thousands upon thousands of free condoms. A legacy that still lives on today.* He fought both Atlanta and New Orleans, where local politicians tried to block the opening of bathhouses, going all the way to the Georgia Supreme Court, where he claimed victory.* Chuck passed away in 2012 at his home in Miami, Florida. His death at age 73 was described as suddenly, from natural causes. He had put together a corporateTopic: Lambda Legal Calls For New LGBTQ+ Bill Of Rights* To mark LGBTQ+ History Month, Lambda Legal, the nation’s oldest and largest legal organization committed to achieving full recognition of the civil rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV.* They have unveiled a “New LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights” inspired by the legacy of the original “Homosexual Bill of Rights”.* This policy push is part of Lambda Legal’s five-year Strategic Plan, “Rising Together,” that is designed to meet the unprecedented challenges facing LGBTQ+ communities across the country.The LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights builds on decades of progress to confront today’s realities. It centers five interconnected priorities:* HEALTH: Quality, affordable, and culturally competent health care that allows all LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV to thrive.* EDUCATION: Public education that respects and cultivates the full potential of every student.* OPPORTUNITY: A Society of Opportunity that offers all LGBTQ+ people meaningful and dignified access to the American economy and our society.* FAMILY: A Culture of Belonging for LGBTQ+ people and their families.* DEMOCRACY: A Constitutional Republic that truly represents and serves LGBTQ+ individuals.To learn more about “Rising Together” Lambda Legal’s Strategic Plan and the New LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights, visit https://www.lambdalegal.org/strategic-plan.Catch Of The Week: Gavin Newsom Expands LGBTQ+ Protections in California* As he heads out of office for the last time, California Governor Gavin Newsom signs a flury of bills for the LGBTQ community, bolstering California’s nation-leading protections and resources for the LGBTQ community.* SB 1023 - Enhancing access to vital HIV prevention medications such as injectable PrEP, traditional PrEP and PEP, even as the HIV services are rolled back at the federal level.* SB 1114 - Stronger privacy protections, by both limiting the sharing of sexual orientation, gender identity, and intersex data, and requiring healthcare providers and institutions.* AB 1775 - Support for LGBTQ veterans impacted by President Trump’s ban on trans servicemembers. Bill provides critical housing, employment, and transition-to-civilian-life support to discharged servicemembers.* SB 934 - Updates California’s longstanding ban on conversion therapy to protect vulnerable LGBTQ youth following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling striking down another state’s ban on conversion therapy.* Gavin Newsom may be running for President in 2028 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Uncircumcised men stealing our nation, Chicago ranked safest city for LQBTQ+ travel, gay bar safety.Daily Inspiration: Vote for people who have your best interests at heart.* Registration deadlines coming soon – early voting beginning.* Vote like your life depends on it because it does.* Educate yourself on the actions of candidates - not the noise.* Character matters now more than ever.* Voting is not always a love letter, but a chess move.Check In:* Election season fatigue already – commercials, online ads, memes, propaganda* Started binge watching Mobland – then got the nasty surprise of needing to subscribe.Travel: Chicago Ranked #1 Safest City For LGBTQ+ Travelers* From so.gay: According to the Queer Safety Index, created by the queer travel platform misterb&b, Chicago is the nation’s #1 safe destination for LGBTQ+ travelers* Developed with data analysts, the index identifies not only where queer travelers are booking trips, but also where they are most likely to feel safe, supported, and celebrated.* Chicago’s top ranking isn’t just about policy or reputation; it’s built on decades of visible queer life woven into the urban fabric.* At the heart of it all is North Halsted, the first officially designated gay village in the United States, where rainbow pylons line the streets and historic landmarks celebrate the activists who helped shape modern LGBTQ+ rights.Topic: Gay Bar Safety And You* From LookoutNews, A federal appeals court ruled recently that victims of the Club Q Colorado shooting cannot sue the bar’s owner over its security.* Colorado law heavily protects property owners from third-party violence, and the 10th Circuit upheld a lower court that had already dismissed the case.* They talked to four queer bar owners and managers across Colorado about what that means for them.* Every one of them said the same thing. A gay bar has to be a safe space physically and emotionally, and that responsibility sits with them whether or not a court ever assigns it.* Bars increasingly taking charge of their own security by hiring guards, police presence, installing cameras, and even scanning you ID at the door..* Patrons need to play an active role by being aware of their surroundings.* Always have an escape plan.* If you see something, say something.* Be willing to tolerate security measures that may seem intrusive.Catch Of The Week: Uncircumcised men stealing our nation?* From lgbtqnation, MAGA pastor and self-proclaimed “prophet” Hank Kunneman of One Voice Ministries recently said that uncircumcised people are trying to steal the nation. His comment was part of a bizarre transphobic and Islamophobic statement on the midterm elections.* “I am not going to let uncircumcised, uncovenanted people try to steal this nation that was dedicated to Jesus Christ, the God of my covenant!” Kunneman said in a broadcast recently shared by Reich Wing Watch.* “That’s why you need to get out at the midterms and you need to vote. Show up in force!Please drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

IMLBB makes huge changes in who gets to compete, CLAW 2027 now open for registration, and public shaming for “smart glasses” in the UK.Daily Inspiration: When we were wrong we promptly admitted it* From Step 10 of 12-step recovery programs.* Have a look at your thoughts, feelings, and actions every day.* Learn to catch bad attitudes, anger, or dishonesty as they happen.* Acknowledge you are wrong right away instead of letting bad feelings grow.* Keep small problems from turning into big anger.* Turn self-reflection into a normal daily routine.Check In:* ONYX SW 11th Anniversary in Los Angeles* Visiting early childhood homeLeather News: International Mr. Leather Contestant Restrictions* Announced sweeping changes in how IMLBB would gatekeep future contests with approved list of 50 “feeder titles”.* The announcement met with near unanimous contempt for various reasons including:* Charges of classism and gatekeeping* Unfair geographic balances, eliminating entire US states, regions, and countries* Inaccurate “approved feeder titles” list with defunct titles* Lack of fairness by changing rules in the middle of the year.* Goal to reduce contestant count to 50 people is generally agreed upon but the solution presented just feels morally wrong on so many levels.* IMLBB has admitted it was a wrong move and has heard the community’s concerns saying in a statement:* “Based on your feedback, we missed the mark completely, and for that we are truly sorry. And given that the responses were so passionate, we have decided to rework the approach from the ground up. “IMLBB has come up with a replacement solution:* Applications will be open from December 1 to December 31.* Every application will be reviewed to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria for IML contestants. The eligibility criteria have not changed.* All eligible applicants will be put into one of two contestant lotteries: one for 25 international spots and one for 25 US spots.* If there are fewer than 25 international applicants, they will all become IML contestants and additional contestant spaces will be added to the US lottery.* The lotteries will be held publicly at Mid-Atlantic Leather in January.Frequently Asked Questions:* Why don’t you pre-judge all applications to pick the 50 best?* Each contestant has already won a title. We can assume those judges picked strong title holders to represent their communities.* Does a title holder receive anything if they are not selected?* Yes, any applicant who is not selected will receive a free full run pass to come support, cheer, dance and play!* If I don’t get picked in the lottery can I enter the following year?* That’s up to your producer. You have 2 years to enter, but each producer can only send one contestant.For more details, additional FAQ’s, and eligibility requirements, please visit the IMLBB website: https://www.internationalmrleather.com/Event: CLAW – Columbus, OH - July 29-August 1, 2027* Returning to Columbus, OH for summer of 2027* CLAW hosts immersive, educational events, hands-on kink, and inclusive community programming.* CLAW After Dark is getting DARK again. “We heard you.” For CLAW 27, we’re planning a nearby off site CLAW After Dark experience that brings back the dungeons, darkrooms, and adult play spaces you’ve been asking for. More space. More play. More of the CLAW After Dark you remember.* Registration open, hotel reservations open, presenter space open, vendor space open.* Website: https://clawinfo.org/Catch Of The Week: Activists Slam “Pervert Glasses”* Guerrilla campaigning group @everyonehateselon_ has unveiled a new campaign on the London Underground that criticises Meta smart glasses and their built-in camera technology.* Using blue-and-white notice sticker signs, they highlight the glasses’ capability to facilitate covert filming in public.* Meta’s smart glasses were first launched in 2021 in collaboration with Ray-Ban, while in June a new partnership was unveiled with Kylie Jenner.* Beyond the controversy over its filming technology, others have pointed towards the tech giant’s controversial record of sharing its users’ data.* Instagrams: @huckmagazine and @everyonehateselon_ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Walking our talk, clones Mar-a-Lago, Salt Lake City Leather Pride, Leather newsDaily Inspiration: Be what brings you joy* Life is too short to build your life around others expectations.* We all have core desires, passions, and drives that need to be fed to be happy.* Stifling even the smallest part of ourselves is trauma.* Find small ways to come out over and over again, until you are in the light.Check In:* LA travel weekend.* Training week at work.* Neighboring construction project nearing completion.Surviving Anti-LGBT Politics Part 8: Walk Your Talk* No matter how large or small a part we play in the collective mission of our existence we need to do it right.* Recognizing we are on the right side of history, we need to be the adults in the room no matter how sharp we dig our claws in.* Walking our talk will be more important than ever because part of our fight is asserting our rightful place in society.* We need not hide who we are, downplay our culture or spin our message. We do need however to present our message with grace, maturity, and a sense of confidence.* Demonstrate what healthy LGBTQ+ life looks like. We need to proudly present who we are and the inherent healthy lives we live.* Be impeccable with your words.* Honesty and integrity in our message, our actions and our commitments is the cornerstone of any good life.* Be credible in all areas of your daily life, and especially when you’re advocating for our cause.* Don’t fight hate with hate.* Our opposition is powered by a level of immaturity, ignorance, anger, resentment, fear, jealousy and hate that is explicitly raw. While it’s easy to fight fire with fire when it comes to emotion and drama we must not.* Demonstrate our message with strength, intelligence, and love. Advocate from a position of power and professionalism in action.* We must fight strong, hard and smart. We need to be the adults in the room.* Encourage our tribe.* We must empower our brothers and sisters to feel confident, self assured and worthy.* https://atouchofgay.com/surviving-anti-lgbt-politics-part-8-walk-your-talk/Leather News:* Mr. Los Angeles Cuero 2026 - Christian “Beefy” Sanchez @theb33fy* Mr. MorbOso 2026 - Jacob / Jake / Mistah J / J - @mistahhhhh_jx2Event: Salt Lake City Leather Pride* Sunday October 18th.* Join us in celebrating the Salt Lake City Leather, Kink, and BDSM Community.* MR & MS LEATHER SLUT 2026 title contests.* Charity silent and live auctions,giveaways/prizes.* Bootblacks, local and national vendors, entertainment, food, and a full bar.* Free entry for all. Everyone (21+) is welcome.* https://www.slcleatherpride.com/Catch Of The Week: MAGA MUA for the Mara-Lago Look* From Them: If you’ve ever looked at women with “Mar-a-Lago face” and wondered who’s apparently teaching them to apply foundation with a concrete trowel, wonder no more.* From Them: It seems that MAGA has their very own, somewhat cursed equivalent of a drag mother, and her name is Adrienne Gray. The former Fox News commentator turned “makeup artist” — scare quotes ours — now finds herself catering to Trump’s elite circle of blonde women, including former White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, Bettina Trump, Lara Trump (reportedly her most regular client) and more.* Article: https://www.them.us/politics/adrienne-gray-maga-face-makeupPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

A Touch Of Gay Podcast 75Tucson Venture-N Bar Tragedy, San Diego drops bathhouse ordinance, calling out LGB Gays.Daily Inspiration: Our freedom to live our lives authentically terrifies those who do not - Chris Mosier* From GayTimes article* Second half of quote, “but that is one of the greatest gifts of being queer.”* Additionally, “queer people should never limit our own greatness to make other people feel more comfortable with their own mediocrity and conformity.”Check In:* Heat of summer waning, getting down under 100 degrees again.* Winter is coming, which means leather weather.* It also means exercise weatherNews: Tucson tragedy at Venture-N Bar* Apparent murder suicide outside the Venture-N bar in Tucson, AZ* Early morning hours of Monday, August 31.* Victims are Vincent Anthony Siqueiros, 42, and Cameron Davis Capara, 33.* Shooter was a male of 44 years old and had a list of LGBTQ+ businesses with him.* It is believed the shooter died of a self-inflicted wound.Editorial: Calling Out The LGB Gays* From POST by Leo Herrera responding to deportation of UK gay MAGA influencer Milo Yiannopoulos. He was supposed to be one of the “good ones”, but arrested and deported all the same.* “The call to split the TQ+ from the LGB is not new. “Acceptable Gays” have tried to distance themselves from Queers, Transgender, and Non-Binary folks since before those words existed. Yet, Acceptable Gays were not spared in the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, or 90s, no matter now subtle, rich, famous they were. They still got their ass beat, still outed and arrested under sodomy laws, still lost their jobs, their names were still printed in the papers, still couldn’t marry or serve. Acceptable Gays still died of AIDS in droves.Today’s “LBG Gays” are not enlightened or groundbreaking free thinkers, no matter what social media says. They’re cliched bootlickers with no sense of history. They believe this split would spare them but our persecutors are just working their way backward through the LGBTIA+. Those who hunt us always come for the entire alphabet.”* The shooter in the Tucson tragedy last week didn’t care about what letter he was shooting at. The shooter in the Orlando tragedy didn’t care what letter he was shooting at. The shooter in the Colorado tragedy didn’t care what letter he was shooting at.* The MAGA government cancelling funds for HIV prevention and treatment doesn’t care which letter suffers. The MAGA government looking to erase us doesn’t care which letter it eliminates. And as we found out this week the MAGA government doesn’t care which letter it deports.* Last week’s HRC report on LGBTQ+ community being 12% of population includes everyone – not LGB, but LGBTQ+.* We are more powerful when we are together as a community, including one another, supporting one another, advocating one another, and voting as one.Health: New Once Daily HIV Medication Approved By FDA* Bixlenvo is a new once daily tablet smaller than a dime from Gilead Sciences, providing another treatment option.* Combines Bictegravir, the active ingredient in Gilead’s Biktarvy, with Lenacapavir, a capsid inhibitor.* Bixlenvo is aimed at individuals whose HIV is already under control but who are still dealing with complicated treatment regimens.* The FDA’s approval makes it the first single-pill regimen available for HIV+ adults whose virus is suppressed but who, for various reasons, are unable to use any of the single-pill treatments currently on the market.News: San Diego Bathhouse Ordinance Repealed* The San Diego City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to repeal an ordinance related to bathhouses that was passed at the height of the HIV/AIDS panic.* The ordinance, which was passed in 1988 and amended in 1991, was not being relied upon by police or code enforcement officers for any regulatory authority.* Council President Joe LaCava said. “This code reflects an offensive and outdated perspective of our LGBTQ+ community.”* Several council members and members of the public also spoke in support of the repeal.Catch Of The Week: James Falciano Artist* Touching and playful erotic male art by hand* Pencil, Gouache, acrylic pen and colored pencil.* Instagram: jamesfalcianoPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com