Entries Tagged 'Movie/Video' ↓

Before making movies, good-looking Mike Henry played pro football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and later for the Los Angeles Rams, where his firm body was nicely showcased in those tight pants. It was while with the Rams that heterosexual Henry began acting. Sy Weintraub was a Rams fan and had seen a TV documentary about them called “Men from the Boys” produced-by and featuring none other than Mike Henry. In 1965 he was signed by Sy Weintraub to replace Jock Mahoney as Tarzan.

Born in 1936 in Los Angeles, Mike made 3 Tarzan films, all shot back-to-back between 1965 and 1966; Tarzan and the Valley of Gold (released 1966), Tarzan and the Great River (released 1967), and Tarzan and the Jungle Boy (released 1968).  – from Vintage Gay Media History

Yes sir boys it will soon be time to put on your chaps and spurs and get along little doggies as the International Gay Rodeo Association gets going into it’s almost 30 years of yippee and kyaying, roping and wrasslin and showing off some of the best buns since Clint Walker played Cheyenne.

For those of you not familiar with the growing popularity of gay rodeo, the mission statement of the IGRA reads in part, Gay Rodeo had its beginnings in 1976 at the National Reno Gay Rodeo in Nevada. Over the next eight years local rodeo associations were formed in Colorado, Texas, California, and Arizona. In 1985, these four Gay Rodeo Associations along with Oklahoma founded the IGRA. From these beginnings, the IGRA has spread the Rodeo spirit across the United States and into Canada.

Through a Convention of its Member Associations, the IGRA has evolved a code of fellowship and good sportsmanship including the provision of standardized rules and resources for the production of rodeo events. IGRA-sanctioned rodeos are hosted by local associations each year and culminate in an IGRA Finals Rodeo where the top 20 contestants in each event compete for the title of IGRA International Champion. The IGRA has expanded its enrichment activities to include social Country & Western activities. Throughout the year, the regional associations sponsor dance competitions in preparation for the IGRA’s annual International Dance Competition featuring the best men and women dancers from across the country.

First up for 2010 is the IGRA University Academy of Rodeo Arts which will be held January 15 – 17 2010.

The first rodeo of the year will be held in Arizona at the Gila Indian Community Reservation at Wild Horse Pass, February 12- 14 which is President’s Day Weekend.

Then the cowboy and cowgirl action moves to sunny Florida April 16- 18 at the Bergeron Arena of Davie, near Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

For those of you cowpokes who are a little skiddish around bulls and broncos, but can kick up a heel or two, there will be the IGRA dance competition on Saturday January 16 at the IGRA University.

A great website to follow the IGRA and its cowboys plus meet and connect with fella cow punchers is Homo Rodeo where you’ll also find the schedule for the IGRA rodeos and events. It’s also a great source for info on past rodeos, keeping up with stats and of course pixs of those gorgeous men, just don’t be looking for the butt naked kind. You’ll have to find other sites for them. But to put a little poke in your cow, here’s a site with tons of cowboys PG style.

If you’ve never seen the documentary “Gidyup ! On The Rodeo Circuit” on LOGO watch it below. If the movie doesn’t load right away give it a minute. If the player doesn’t work you can watch it at LOGOonline. It’s about 45 minutes long, so put on your best ten gallon hat, chaps, boots and spurs (other clothing optional) and get ready to do some hoot’en and holler’in.

Gidyup cowboy and ride ‘em high in the saddle.

I came across an article over the weekend at the OC Register about Greg Louganis and his reflection on his life as he nears 50.

After years of turmoil about being a closeted gay, his strive for excellence in the Olympics and an abusive relationship, one can be nothing but happy for him that he has finally found peace with himself , his life and future.

Before it was “fashionable” to come out, and at the great possibility of losing endorsements, Louganis announced in 1995 he was HIV-positive and wrote his autobiography “Breaking The Surface”.

Before his HIV status became public, He considered injecting himself with a syringe full of air, with one burst blowing away all his demons once and for all. He had a change of heart and slowly came to grips with his disease, only a small group of friends aware of his secret, according to the article at the OC Register.

While it’s not easy for anyone to be in the closet, throw into the mix being of celebrity status and having the knowledge you are HIV-postive with very few people you can trust to talk about your overall situation in life, Louganis certainly deserves another gold medal for making it as far as he has.

Good guys always finish first, it may take awhile, but nonetheless they succeed.

Writer’s Note – This was published at Focus On The Rainbow/Hearst on July 27, 2009 with the original title “Greg Louganis …. One Of The Good Guys”. You’ll find a link to Louganis’ website here.

AVAILABLE ON DVD THIS DECEMBER