Monday, November 5, 2007

Reading, and pictures...

OK, so I love to read.

Books are wonderful. When I moved back to Toronto, I literally purged my entire collection of 'literature', which was composed of lots of second-hand mystery and crime novels handed down from my family, a few poorly chosen science-fiction novels and my university level literature collection.

After I made quick work of practically all the crappy second hand trash (donating them to charity), I proceeded to reorganize my collection and start to fill in holes. My dream would be to have a nicely fleshed out library in my home, nothing too fancy but full of substantial works. Not that I've got lots of time to delve in to Beowulf...but books on shelves, complete with fancy bindings, are always impressive. And the leather club chair. And the bottle of cognac.

Tonight, however, my mind is far more preoccupied with slightly less learned reading (and slightly more erotic).

I've been trying to find a good gay magazine, and damned if I can get hold of one that addresses everything that I'm looking for. I want something with a style and fashion section (preferably one that I can afford at least the socks from), but not simply hot guys in swim gear that I will never wear. Some entertainment would be nice, but not all campy Madonna praising drivel. Interesting features are a necessity, and if they include sexual-related stories that's even better.

Photography is good, but not when it becomes the bulk of the publication. And though I love looking at the really hot model boys in practically nothing, I also love looking at really hot model boys wearing really hot clothes too.

A food/wine/entertaining section would be nice, but may be asking for too much.



I picked up DNA the other day, and really did like the photography. However, it's a little content-light, and at $11, I don't know if I'm willing to spend that much just for sexy speedo boys.



Tetu is an excellent option...but only in French. I picked up a copy while en France, and found it to have a nice selection of photography as well as written content. Thought I could muddle through it with a little work, I don't think I'm taking quite enough out of it with the language barrier. But hot damn their coverboys are gorgeous.



Attitude is an English magazine, and I did enjoy the mixture of photography and newsy pieces. But it just didn't feel like a fit for me. It did, however, feature a good amount of sex-related articles without being trashy or too much of a cheap porno.



I tried XY once, and would probably have liked it when I was *gasp (God help me)* younger. The boys are super-cute. But the content is as fluffy as the twinks.



The best fit I've found is M Mensuel. It's got a great assortment of products and fashions that I can actually afford but also look good, celebs, hot boy photo shoots, and some interesting 'gay news'. There was even a section on gay blogs (though I already knew of the ones written about). The only downside...it's another French magazine, though with shorter and a little lighter fare, this one is an easier read for me than Tetu.

One of the great advantages of living in both Canada and Toronto is my access to gay magazines, everywhere. Large book retailers stock them in the normal magazine section. There are shops in the gay village that no doubt sell all the latest issues. Hell, even larger 'news stand' stores have a gay section. So it's not about lack of choice thus far.

So I'll turn it over to you now, and ask for your advice. What are your favorite magazines to curl up with? Is there one that has a bit of everything I'm looking for in it? Or maybe some that compromise a few things, but are still good reads?

It's the beginning of the month, so lets choose me some new reading material!

P.S. - Even though I have lots of porn on my computer, every so often I like to grab a magazine. I have no idea why, since these boys don't move, don't speak and don't make noise. Maybe that heightens part of the fantasy. Not to mention it holds them in a perfect pose for all eternity.

When I grab a copy and head to the bathroom, it's usually:



10 comments:

Gossip Boy said...

I've never really thought of reading gay magazines, but you make me want to pick a copy of those French magazines (especially since I'm fluent in French ;)!

Cody said...

I don't know much about it, but have you heard of Qr? I'm not sure at all if it's what you're looking for, plus, I don't think they've actually started releasing issues quite yet. Still, I love their visual style.

P.S. I laughed out loud at "Why I Licked a Sticky Stiffie" complete with the I's being dotted with hearts. LOL!

Matt in Argyle said...

I bought and online subscription to Out a couple of months ago. Its not really the same as having the print copy, but it works for me. Not a ton of the pictures and sex stories though :)
Now I have to go to the book store and see what of these mags are there!

GEORGE said...

my favorite "gay" magazine is Details. it doesn't claim to be gay, but it is.

Queen of Arts said...

The Advocate stands as my favorite GLBT publication with its blend of human interests, popular culture, and timely issues. You'll find current events as they relate to gay life, interviews with celebrities, personal essays, and (I have not looked in a long time but I am sure it will be in there) the frequent fashion commentary.

B said...

Well, I also love to read but I never bought a gay magazine. I had the idea that in there I would only find good looking man and nothing to read. So, I usually choose other magazines, and whenever I want to see good looking guys, well, Internet is wonderful for that kind of thing...

Troystopher said...

I had an article published in XY 3 years ago! haha

Sooo-this-is-me said...

Did you just say "when I was younger" O_O ? You are not allowed to use the phrase "when I was younger" at 21! That is just so wrong.

Steven

K said...

It is all about Details and GQ baby. They are about as close to gay as you can get...HAHA!

Def been my mainstays since High School.

S said...

Try Details.

It's the perfect gay-straight magazine.