Editors Pick
blogs > Editors Pick
Gaydemon's handpicked and recommended gay sites. The good, the bad and the just downright weird.. Gay sites and blogs that deserve to be noticed!
QueerPixels
QueerPixels is a "tube site", called so by its similarities with YouTube. You click on an image and watch whatever movie there is promised in the thumbnail. QueerPixels has an absolutely astounding array of very diverse niches within the gay niche itself. From transvestites to bears to twinks to spanking and some S & M stuff, this site gives a fairly impressive range of styles and examples.Yes, it is completely free and, in some ways, it is risky to provide this much free entertainment, simply for the fact that subscription websites have vested interests in keeping the best stuff in a "for-pay" area. There has been much talk about the issue and many seem to have seen that these sorts of compendium sites, with their amazing and instantaneous array of flash videos, are just the way things are and will be. In a way, we should be glad, because it will keep the quality up in those pay-for-view sites, in a strictly competitive sense. But make no mistake - this is hot! There is much to see in this immense and interesting tube site, and enough new videos added each day to keep porn surfers coming back.
The Bilerico Project
If I were forced to choose one blog to get all of my most important and stereotype-shattering information and opinions concerning gay rights and issues affecting the Gay Community, I might very well opt for this blog: The Bilerico Project. Typical of any blog, theirs is not a strictly news-gathering mission. Hardly. It is in fact a forum for 50 very divergent voices to vent their own thoughts in a more relaxed manner and simply say what they feel. That the speakers here are some of the most astute and intelligent minds in the known universe doesn't hurt at all, either. The primary strength of blogging in general is the lack of formality and the ability to say exactly what's most important to express. Sure, many of the posts are speaking to the already-converted masses, yet by far more posts are concerned with breaking the mold and the outdated structures against which we all continually bash our forelorn heads. It is the spirit and the novelty that so many of this talented group bring to the fore which makes this blog so enriching. And that is exactly what it is - enriching. This is an award-winning blog with attitude and style and it is not hard to see why it is so highly regarded. Put this blog in your bookmarks because there are insights here worth taking with you for more days than just a few. The truth is cut closer to in here.
Gay Cities
Gay Cities is an excellent and valuable travel guide to the hottest and most gay-friendly spots in cities across the world. It has an impressive and comprehensive list of reader reviews, entered by those people who have actually been to these places. In fact, it is the user reviews which make this particular site hum. Each city not only offers such reviews but also each restaurant or club has a map attached to help with directions. The casual perceptions of those who have actually used the services listed means a pretty unvarnished view of the pluses and minuses of each place. A critical eye can be extremely valuable in restaurant choices, for example, and there are many potential reviewers who opt to opine on the case at all these typical travel destinations. Popular spots worldwide are reviewed in terms of their gay-friendliness and their own idiosyncrasies, and for both males and females. Clubs take a very prominent position in the hierarchy of reviews and therefore provide the best possible pre-visit planning analysis of how to get to them as well as what happens there. I like this site for its informality and thoroughness.
EDGE Boston
EDGE Boston is a virtual online newspaper devoted to the city of Boston and not only its gay network - although that is a focus - but also anything relevant to art, society and social life revolving around this, one of my favorite cities. I use the term "newspaper" simply because of EDGE's breadth of vision. The scope is more than city-wide for one thing, and the range of topics and concerns covers pretty much the entire spectrum of life in any city and its metropolitan area. There are columns and news articles dealing with local and even national politics. There are 'takes' on bills and debates pending at various legislatures touching on similar areas of interest to the gay community. Wedding announcements, great eateries, good shows coming, business and finance, technology, arts and sciences. In short, they don't miss much. But above all in my own particular vision, it is the overall quality of the writing and the observations made which capture my interest and make me promote this rag the most. This is simply an intelligent spot and I don't know how to add much to that in a short space. It does however make it easy to advocate for. These are the good guys.
jdvision
jdvision is an extremely hip blog coming from a well-connected and intelligent poster located in the fashion and arts capital of North America, New York City. As a result, our writer finds himself at the epicenter of some very fascinating events, such as parties, backstage scenes, and show openings. As well, we get not only his photographer's view of life - which in itself is extremely well-done and tasty - but also his particular and very singular view of the world around him. His personal takes are sometimes rich in exposition and also rich in a certain naughty proclivity - this dude likes his guys nice-looking and - well - as often as he can seem to get them, for lack of a better phrase. I find his honesty refreshing and his subject matter fairly compelling. I mean, finding an intelligent person with a wry and humorous slant like his is not only different - it is also artistic at its very soul. I really enjoyed this blog.
Your Bearded Confidant
I love the title of this very informative blog. Its website address is http://keepstill.com, yet the title is much, much different than just the address itself. It was a shock, I suppose is what I am saying, sending myself to Keep Still and finding this "confidant" in his 19th Century garb. But I like these kinds of surprises.What's even better is we find in this blog some of the most enlightening perspectives related to topics about sexuality - with particular and hard-hitting emphasis on sex with and between males - well-explained by someone with experience and and an obvious urge to inform. Nor is it a half-assed attempt to substantiate a reason to post a blog. The lack of vanity and the sensible answers to typically difficult questions is manifold. Questions regard such things as the flavor of cum, sucking oneself off, a large section on anal sex, an essay on foreskin hygiene - even questions regarding Masturbation Guilt. Indeed, I was delighted to see his explanation of masturbation guilt get turned around on the questioner with a request for an honest assessment of how the questioner regards his own body and sexuality, particularly understanding the palliative which is an orgasm. There is much wisdom here, delivered in a frank yet entertaining and not oppressive style. The author of these articles cares - and his information seems very solid. When I consider the breadth and ambition of the reaches he makes for exploring the questions, I end up impressed.
Focusboy
Focusboy is one of those blogs about the very glossiest advertising models, generally good-looking male celebrities and advertising techniques which could only be put out by - you guessed it - an advertising guy! What this blog features far more than anything else in a very straightforward way, is hot men. Pictures abound of guys posed in stunningly well-photographed poses and situations, including some involving pairs. It is "softcore" in the sense that it presents gorgeous bodies without the exposed individual parts, but the sexy suggestion is always present. Brooding hunks displaying awesome muscles, celebrities in supremely hot poses, smiling athletes, some famous, some not so much, pose in utterly alluring ways in some of the best photographic technique in the world. Any fan of beefcake or even of simply gorgeous males has an urgent need to at least check out this sizzling, glossy but extremely hot site. This is professional voyeurism, done by professionals for professionals. We can go along for the ride and enjoy every second of the trip!
Qlipp
Qlipp is a virtual compendium of videos compiled by users and the editors both. They self describe themselves a "an ultra fab, Gay / Queer You Tube website" which has been in operation since September of 2006. In Internet terms, this is obviously long enough to amass a very substantial library of videos, and they have most definitely done just that. Topics listed cover the entire spectrum - fashion, celebrities, HIV/AIDs, politics, gay marriage and even the video I somehow can never quite get enough of - a terrible thing, I realize - Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl", from their music section. There are hundreds of entries in all categories and a search function as well, for those overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of entries. The relevance maintains a strict discipline, in the end, always returning to the roots of the birth of a gay-friendly site, devoted entirely to the life, art and politics that move us all so dramatically. Users can also vote on popularity and appeal, something many "tube sites" like this offer and which give a very interesting look at the cross section of attitudes and tastes of the users. I find this site to be wide-ranging enough to provide me with access to some otherwise obscure places which I would have little notion of how to find otherwise. As well, the most serious and relevant videos are equally available at the touch of the screen. Very cool place, Qlipp.
ultranow
utranow is one of those blogs which are highly personal yet we are glad they are that way. The author has some splendid takes on events and people as well as an ironic and humorous viewpoint on vanity and pomposity as well. Make no mistake - this is a blog about extremely gorgeous men. ultranow blends posts with pictures and links to sponsored websites like Perfect Guyz or Male Perfection and mixes them with interesting and relevant other sources such as the news. For example, there is the recent outing gossip dealing with the latest character from the M.A.S.H, TV series and more on Bea Arthur, both of which deal with lives lived inside the gay community, sometimes very quietly. I appreciated the stylishness of the entire site - it is glossy without being overbearing and it is also one of those sites you plain don't want to miss for fear you'll lose out on news or some fetching model you are typically glad you came for and would not have encountered had you not dropped by. It has very entertaining qualities and it is written well enough to pique anyone's curiosity. The pictures are almost gravy, but then, who doesn't like gravy??
CockSearch2009
CockSearch2009 is one man's chronicle of his sexual endeavors over a year. In fact, he puts it this way in his profile: "I started this blog with the intent of recording accurately, and without exaggeration, a year's worth of my sexual activity." What you get in perusing it is exactly and very precisely what he alludes. This is an honest, intelligent guy who talks very frankly about his adventures. Admitting he is in a sexless LTR, he has a modicum of permission to do his thing out on the street and elsewhere. He uses Craiglist, book stores and various places to promote his own interest in finding and dealing as pleasurably as possible with his stated goal: cock. Oh, and he gets it. Oh my, does he get it. There are frighteningly honest self assessments and goals in here that inspire admiration and some definite awe - I mean for his disclosures if nothing else. In short, in terms of what he promises, there is no reason whatsoever to feel slighted concerning the veracity of events. There is little doubt we get the steam and shout of real events in real time, enjoyed and partaken voluntarily by a restless seeker. This is something of a revelation, actually, I highly recommend spending some time with this chap.
Queercents
Queercents is a very apt and inspiring effort of a blog addressing practically all of the financial aspects of life, from those with money to invest to the myriad other concerns we all face in everyday life, such as shopping and value. Even on a strictly objective plane, this blog is informative and a heck of a good read. But given its obvious bias toward gay life, it has even more relevance. In fact, I have not seen better. It features contributions from a wide range of both professionals and just plain smart folks with something to add. Queercents covers a range of situations from the best values and gay-friendly places to travel to shopping and saving every day; from investing in organizations who are decidedly "green" and "gay amenable" to advice on divorce among gay couples. I think what I may have found most impressive of all, however, is the most-apparent cooperative spirit that emanates from this compassionate but still hard-hitting and very relevant site. This blog is a healthy and very productive read, complete with the most mature and incisive looks at every cranny - and some surprising ones! - of our everyday lives. The list of contributors is impressive but their advice is even more so. The fact that it is given so freely testifies to a pretty remarkable community-oriented and rather selfless success. This is a highly recommendable blog.
Confessions Of A Bad Boy
Confessions of a Bad Boy is a pretty doggone delightful newer blog which is funny, hip and just a little combative in the most cheeky sort of way. Designed and inspired by a young and talented guy, Confessions of a Bad Boy shows just tons of promise. His profile and personal sections are must reads in order to get a real feel for the blog, which then provide a by far more obvious view of where this irreverent and fresh cat is coming from. His "takes" are highly personal and mannerly and yet he poses some steamy semi-soft-core pictures of athletic studs who are somewhere beyond attractive in a very lusty sort of setting. His world of images does occasionally tend to run to the commercial with hot pictures of attractive guys in swim wear and other hot younger men posed in high-fashion duds, fresh from the latest and most hip designer wear. He features his fantasy love objects from the celebrity world in no uncertain adoration. In the end, we will see what he offers over the longer term but, as for now, this is a fresh and promising young guy with an eye for art, men and refreshing honesty. That's a good combination in anyone's book.
