Arts & Entertainment
Coming soon: the ‘International Male’ documentary you never knew you needed
For gay men who came of age before the turn of the millennium, the International Male catalogue holds a special place in their memory.
Glossy, risqué, and as trashy as it was alluring, it was more than just a way to order mail-order clothes – it was a cultural touchstone. The items they sold might sometimes have been more than a little tacky (pirate shirt, anyone?), but the men who were modeling them for us were enough to stir any young gay-curious boy’s imagination in the way that leaves a lasting impression.
The company behind this little gem of gay history disappeared along with the 20th century, and the world has moved on – there’s internet porn now, after all. Still, though International Male is gone, the fond memories linger, and a trio of filmmakers is counting on that – they aim to make a documentary telling the story behind the iconic queer catalogue, and they’re asking for your help to do it.
According to their fundraising pitch on the Film Collaborative website, the film will be, “The story behind the iconic International Male fashion catalog that transformed the ‘All-American Boy,’ changing fashion, masculinity, and gay rights forever.”
They offer the following synopsis:
“More than outrageous fashions, hunky models,
and scandalous undies, ALL MAN is a journey across three decades of the
International Male catalog’s lasting impact on fashion, masculinity, and gay
rights.
With revenues at its peak of $120 million and circulation of
over 3 million, the catalog successfully appealed to both gay and straight
audiences. For gay men, the images of sensually dressed men were a gateway into
a fantasy world providing an escape from the AIDS crisis and widespread
homophobia. For straight men and their female admirers, the catalog gave
permission to take fashion risks and enjoy a more carefree expression of
sexuality without threatening their masculinity and sexual appeal.
ALL MAN: The International Male Story is designed as a tribute
to the catalog’s unique aesthetic and cultural relevance. The film mixes
exclusive never-seen-before photographs and videos, interviews with super fans
and celebrities, and creative re-enactments of the infamous photo shoots, and
more!”
The movie’s directors are Bryan Darling and Jesse Finley Reed, with Peter Jones as producer. According to the film’s Facebook page, Jake Shears is set to appear in it, along with Carson Kressley, Brian Buzzini, David Knight, Steve Lyon, Robert Goold.
You can donate through the Film Collaborative page.
2025 D.C. Trans Pride was held at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday, May 17. The day was filled with panel discussions, art, social events, speakers, a resource fair and the Engendered Spirit Awards. Awardees included Lyra McMillan, Pip Baitinger, Steph Niaupari and Hayden Gise. The keynote address was delivered by athlete and advocate Schuyler Bailar.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
a&e features
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Washington Blade’s unique archives chronicle highs, lows of our movement
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of LGBTQ Pride in Washington, D.C., the Washington Blade team combed our archives and put together a glossy magazine showcasing five decades of celebrations in the city. Below is a sampling of images from the magazine but be sure to find a print copy starting this week.
The magazine is being distributed now and is complimentary. You can find copies at LGBTQ bars and restaurants across the city. Or visit the Blade booth at the Pride festival on June 7 and 8 where we will distribute copies.
Thank you to our advertisers and sponsors, whose support has enabled us to distribute the magazine free of charge. And thanks to our dedicated team at the Blade, especially Photo Editor Michael Key, who spent many hours searching the archives for the best images, many of which are unique to the Blade and cannot be found elsewhere. And thanks to our dynamic production team of Meaghan Juba, who designed the magazine, and Phil Rockstroh who managed the process. Stephen Rutgers and Brian Pitts handled sales and marketing and staff writers Lou Chibbaro Jr., Christopher Kane, Michael K. Lavers, Joe Reberkenny along with freelancer and former Blade staffer Joey DiGuglielmo wrote the essays.
The magazine represents more than 50 years of hard work by countless reporters, editors, advertising sales reps, photographers, and other media professionals who have brought you the Washington Blade since 1969.
We hope you enjoy the magazine and keep it as a reminder of all the many ups and downs our local LGBTQ community has experienced over the past 50 years.
I hope you will consider supporting our vital mission by becoming a Blade member today. At a time when reliable, accurate LGBTQ news is more essential than ever, your contribution helps make it possible. With a monthly gift starting at just $7, you’ll ensure that the Blade remains a trusted, free resource for the community — now and for years to come. Click here to help fund LGBTQ journalism.
The fourth annual Equality Prince William Pride was held at the Harris Pavilion in Manassas, Va. on Saturday, May 17.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
Laverne Cox, Reneé Rapp, Deacon Maccubbin named WorldPride grand marshals
House passes reconciliation with gender-affirming care funding ban
PHOTOS: D.C. Trans Pride
Men convicted of murdering two men in NYC gay bar drugging scheme sentenced
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
Looking back at 50 years of Pride in D.C
WorldPride events round-up
Pope Leo XIV: Family based on ‘stable union between a man and a woman’
Wes Moore signs HIV decriminalization bill
