BARtab :: Sexuality

Sex and sensibility: Alexander Cheves' 'My Love is a Beast: Confessions'

Sex and sensibility: Alexander Cheves' 'My Love is a Beast: Confessions'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Sep 20, 2021

In this commanding, in-your-face debut memoir by Alexander Cheves, the author lays bare the "sins" of his past but he rightfully refuses to atone for them. Instead, a libidinous celebration of sorts takes place within these pages.

Fifth B.A.R. Talks panel, Living in Leather, features community leaders

Fifth B.A.R. Talks panel, Living in Leather, features community leaders

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Aug 27, 2021

The Sept. 2 oniline B.A.R. Talk will be a conversation with Race Bannon, Scott Brogan, Gayle Rubin, Rich Stadtmiller and Graylin Thornton, who each have a longtime connection to the leather/kink community.

B.A.R. Talks 4: That's (Adult) Entertainment, with John F. Karr & Cornelius Washington

B.A.R. Talks 4: That's (Adult) Entertainment, with John F. Karr & Cornelius Washington

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 25, 2021

In the fourth edition of the Bay Area Reporter's monthly online chats celebrating the 50th anniversary of the publication, writers John F. Karr and Cornelius Washington will discuss the history of sexuality in the publication in an Aug. 5 online chat.

50 years in 50 weeks: 1986 - Call me

50 years in 50 weeks: 1986 - Call me

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 22, 2021

Determined to pick some prominent arts event from 1986's Bay Area Reporter issues, what stuck out more prominently was the high number of phone sex ads.

The absence of doubt: Michael Lowenthal's dynamic 'Sex with Strangers'

The absence of doubt: Michael Lowenthal's dynamic 'Sex with Strangers'

  • by Mark William Norby
  • Jul 20, 2021

In Michael Lowenthal's fifth book, Sex with Strangers, the writer steps out of the novel and delivers a fiery collection of eight stories coursing through queer and straight lives.

Fred Halsted art-porn classics at Embarcadero, Shattuck cinemas

Fred Halsted art-porn classics at Embarcadero, Shattuck cinemas

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jul 8, 2021

What are the cinematic boundaries between art and pornography? Two gay porn classics by Fred Halsted blend both in a strange mix, and will screen at Embarcadero and Shattuck cinemas July 9-15.

50 years in 50 weeks: 1984: Bathhouse battles

50 years in 50 weeks: 1984: Bathhouse battles

  • by BAR staff
  • Jul 7, 2021

In 1984, the AIDS epidemic was raging and some officials in San Francisco thought that if the city closed bathhouses, which were frequented by gay men, the spread of the disease could be slowed.

Gay sex venues return

Gay sex venues return

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jun 23, 2021

Patrons showing up to take a dip in the hot tub or sweat in the saunas of Steamworks Baths in Berkeley last weekend may have seen something they haven't witnessed in a while — long lines of men stretching out the door.

50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1979, Divinely Granted

50 Years in 50 Weeks: 1979, Divinely Granted

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jun 3, 2021

While News stories covered the May 21 White Night Riots, in lighter fare, drag theatre in 1979's Arts section included an interview, ads and a review of Divine's show, 'The Neon Woman,' while porn stars served as a lure to a members-only health club.

Doors to Bay Area gay sex venues swing open

Doors to Bay Area gay sex venues swing open

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jun 2, 2021

Bay Area gay sex venues are welcoming back patrons as the region reopens up after over a year of lockdowns due to the COVID pandemic.

50 Years in 50 Weeks:  Nudes in the news, 1973

50 Years in 50 Weeks: Nudes in the news, 1973

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Apr 22, 2021

January 24, 1973's issue of the 'Bay Area Reporter' features reportage on the Gaslight nightclub's legal battle to allow nude gogo dancers.

Mississippi mudpuppies: Samuel R. Delany's 'Big Joe'

Mississippi mudpuppies: Samuel R. Delany's 'Big Joe'

  • by Jim Piechota
  • Apr 19, 2021

Delany's latest creation is a racy, pungent illustrated novella of explicit gay erotica inspired by and dedicated to childhood friend Kenroy Thorsten "who started it all on the first night of summer camp in the boys' bunk-five tent in 1952."

That's (adult) entertainment: veteran editor & columnist on the B.A.R.'s erotica true connection

That's (adult) entertainment: veteran editor & columnist on the B.A.R.'s erotica true connection

  • by John Karr
  • Mar 31, 2021

Our veteran erotica reviewer reminisces about the early glory days of gay porn on film, vintage B.A.R. coverage, and porn's rise, (ahem) in popularity before changes made into VHS and online formats.

Golden age of hustlers: The rise and fall of the B.A.R.'s famous escort ads

Golden age of hustlers: The rise and fall of the B.A.R.'s famous escort ads

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Mar 31, 2021

The Bay Area Reporter has never shied away from expressing and exploring every aspect of the community, including sexuality. A look back at the 1990s peak of escort ads leads to bit of erotic nostalgia.