The Reading List for Feb 3, 2014

From voguing to steroids among young gay and bisexual men, it’s all here in today’s edition of The Reading List.

– First and foremost, actor Philip Seymour Hoffman died this weekend. He was 46. Hoffman was arguably this generation’s greatest actor and had played numerous gay roles, including Truman Capote in the 2005 biopic and the painfully shy Scotty in Boogie Nights.

It is being reported that Hoffman died of a drug overdose, a point that has writers discussing the topic of addiction from various angles, including drug policy in the Western world.

But no matter how he died, Hoffman will be remembered as an actor who was unafraid of his characters.

– The Canadian Press reports that gay and bisexual young men have a higher rate of steroid use than their straight counterparts. In fact, the rate may be almost six times higher.

– Think Paris Is Burning was the end of voguing? Think again. A short documentary film entitled Vogue Knights picks up where Paris Is Burning left off, more than 20 years later. The music has changed, the moves are faster, but the drama is all the same.

And for one last bit, something a little fun: a chubby bearded ginger offers his pink bits as the perfect spot for product placement, online. (Vaguely NSFW)

Journalist, writer, blogger, producer.

Keep Reading

A pink background with two hands made out of American dollar bills in a handshake; behind the hands are women playing sports

Womens sports is booming. Can it continue ethically?

ANALYSIS: The WNBA and PWHL are thriving, but will problematic partnerships in the interest of profits threaten their success?
Protestors under a silhouette of a singer.

Is it time for Eurovision to face the music over Israel’s participation?

Pressure is mounting for the über-popular song contest to drop its most controversial contestant
Six members of the Rideau Speedeaus hold a sign with the league's name on it in front of a pool

Queer sports leagues offer safety and joy

Recreational sports leagues across Canada are offering LGBTQ2S+ people something essential: the freedom to just show up and play
The cover of 'I Remember Lights'; Ben Ladouceur

‘I Remember Lights’ is a time machine trip to Montreal’s gay past

Ben Ladouceur’s rigorously researched new novel is romantic, harrowing and transportive