An evening of music, sensuality and unforced masculinity dedicated to the men we see all around us each day, helping great men who volunteer their physicality and time to helping people with HIV. What could be better than that?
I interviewed producer extraordinaire Gehno Sanchez Aviance, whose Hardbox events blend capioera demonstrations with cruisy bar fun.
His new event, Construction Zone, will hopefully become one of SoMa's hottest nights, along with The Powerhouse's weekly array of sexy-themed events.
Now, if I could just find my 501s and construction boots.
Cornelius Washington: The Bare Chest Calendar truly represents the sensuality and diversity of gay men in San Francisco, and it's one of my favorite charities. What made you decide, with DJ Sergio Fedasz, to dedicate an event to fund them?
Gehno Sanchez Aviance: I have been producing fundraising events in San Francisco for over 14 years and have collaborated with many non-profit organizations such as Project Open Hand, St. James Infirmary, P.A.W.S. and Abada Capoeira, to name a few. The decision to fundraise for the Bare Chest Calendar competition is that they also raise funds for a variety of causes. They have been around for quite a while and the majority of its members take a very active and visible role in our community. As a group, they have put in countless volunteer hours.
With "Under Construction," what do you expect to bring to the gay club event scene that's unique to San Francisco?
In the last decade I have found that many events that are marketed to "masculine" men seem to only focus on exaggerating stereotypes to the exclusion of those who do not fit those stereotypes. Dancing, communicating, loving and even vogueing can be extremely masculine expressions. We want to take the drama out of the party.
What do you see as the attraction that working-class men hold for gay men?
That is a tough one. There have been many studies and theories around that issue. I can only speak for myself. I am sure that social influences might have played a large role in the development of my attraction towards that Blue Collar look and personality. Also, most of my life I have been surrounded by and have developed deep friendships with working-class straight men. There is also the implication that a working-class man is physically active, which to me is sexy.
Do you want to have "working-class realness" be a part of San Francisco's vogueing/ballroom scene?
Personally, I would. I feel that the earlier Ballroom scene in the 1990s had a wider range of styles beyond Femme and Queen. Realness categories were not only confined to emulating traditional feminine "traits." You had Trade, Banjee, Executive, Military, Town & Country and countless other categories that encouraged us to also explore our more outward masculine expressions of self. I'd like to see a return to a ballroom scene that reflects the wide variety of styles and behaviors in our community.
The Powerhouse is one of my favorite bars. It has a great sexual aura. What made you want to hold the event there?
I have been working at the Powerhouse since 1999. When I first started working there, I was 26 years old, so I pretty much grew up in that bar. From the beginning, I felt accepted into a family with deep roots in San Francisco's gay history. Scott Peterson, the general manager, has done an incredible job of creating a space for generations of men and women to come together on a multitude of levels from light-hearted and fun to life-changingly serious.
Music, of course, sets the mood for all of life's sensual acts, and Sergio is very popular. What sounds will he serve the studs 'under construction'?
Sergio is a multi-faceted DJ and music producer. Recently, he has received a lot of attention along with Steve Fabus for their Atomic Disco Dancefloor Action party called Go Bang! which is held every first Saturday night of the month at The Stud. He is also a part of the SythTigers, a project that has been making waves in the Bay Area and beyond. That being said, all I know is that he will be throwing down grooves to make your booty shake; be it House, Disco or whatever other style he decides to play. And he will rock the house.
There is a lot of construction going on in the South of Market area, and the guys doing it always look great. Have you noticed anything that they wear that 'sets you off?'
For sure! Their utility belts and those work boots!
When did you first notice working-class men?
Hmmmm. Since I noticed men!
What is your dream/goal for "Under Construction?"
"Under Construction" is a celebration of unexaggerated and unaffected masculinity without all of the trappings of the the "pop" gay scene. We aim to raise money for various Bay Area non-profits while providing some of the best House, Disco and Techno around. The Gay/Bar scene and San Francisco in general is changing so fast that once again we are "Under Construction." We strive to provide an encouraging environment to promote a positive outcome for all those involved.
Who is your favorite working-class man?
My homie, Mike! A sexy, tall, tattooed, pierced construction man who can kill it in a dance battle.
"Under Construction" at The Powerhouse (1347 Folsom Street at Dore) is every first Sunday, 10pm-2am. The next event is September 7. Hardbox is each third Friday, with the next edition on September 19. www.powerhousebar.com