Gay Kitchen Table Talk

Today we get some wisdom from Queen Williamson, a new once-daily HIV medication for "the forgotten population", checking your sources before posting, and the latest leather scene news.Daily Inspiration: Your playing small does not serve the world* Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. - Marianne WilliamsonCheck In:* Leather weekend in Phoenix* Mr. Anvil LeatherPolitics Social: Misinformation* Verify news memes before you post or comment on them* Google, Associated Press, Reuters, CNN, NBC, etcHealth: One tablet per day HIV medication in testing for legacy HIV patients* New 1-tablet HIV medication being tested by Gillead for “forgotten population”* To replace multi-medication regine for patients from 80s-90s who have become resistant* Combines Bictegravir and Lenacapavir into one tablet that’s smaller than a multivitamin.* Gilliad expects to submit to US government for approal in near future* Source: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/03/nx-s1-5727702/hiv-aids-pillLeather News:* Mr. Fetish Berlin 2026 – Alexander – Stompee https://www.instagram.com/werepup_stompee/* Mr London Leather 2025 – Galen https://www.instagram.com/solidwolfg2/Event: Folsom Street East – June 21st* 27th street between 11th and 12th Avenues in Manhattan* Sunday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.* Information about all surrounding events* Tickets available at the website for festival* Website: https://www.folsomstreeteast.com/Please drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

In our 53rd episode of Growing Older Gay Kitchen Table Talk starts a new chapter as “A Touch Of Gay”, Supreme Court says yes to conversion therapy, a new STI among gay and bi-sexual men is emerging, plus the latest leather news and events.Check In: A Touch Of Gay* A leather scented discussion of sexual health, spirituality, advocacy and travels of a sober leather daddy.* New name, same mission to inform, engage and advocate for the maturing LGBTQ+ community.* New website, social media channels handles.Daily Inspiration: Tell someone you love them today* Make a conscious moment to say the powerful wordsPolitics: Supreme Court Sides With Conversion Therapy* Advocate - The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday, on Transgender Day of Visibility, struck down Colorado’s ban on so-called “conversion therapy” for minors.* The decision elevates abstract free-speech doctrine over a growing body of medical evidence and leaves LGBTQ+ youth more exposed to a practice doctors have long described as harmful.* The Court ruled 8–1, with a broad majority, including two liberal justices, joining the opinion striking down the law, and Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissenting.* The Court held that because conversion therapy often takes the form of talk therapy, Colorado’s law amounts to a content-based restriction on speech.....that it barred therapists from encouraging a change in sexual orientation or gender identity while allowing speech that affirms a patient’s identity or transition.Health: Drug resistant form of Shigella emerging among gay and bisexual men* Increase in cases of a more drug resistant form of Shigella in UK and Australia.* Cases particularly acute to men who have sex with men.* Shigella is a gut infection that can be passed on during sex, directly or through unwashed hands.* Symptoms including diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever typically appear between 12 hours and 4 days.* Shigella can last up to 7 days and in most cases it clears on its own.* Severe cases can be treated with antibiotics.* If diagnosed avoid having sex until 7 days after your last symptoms. Avoid spas, swimming pools, jacuzzis, hot tubs and sharing towels, as well as preparing food for other people.Leather News:* Mr LA Leather – Brian Hettler of Los Angeles aka Mr. LA Leather Bear 2026 - Instagram: midasheart* Mr San Diego Leather - Sal Leon of San Diego, tattoo artist - Instagram: savagesal* Mr Eagle LA Leather Update – Wyatt Heath title stripped, Daren McCoy - Instagram: honeyguu* Social media handles for all three are in the show notes!Event: Fire Island Bear Weekend – June 11-15* This June, Fire Island turns up the heat as bears, cubs, chubs, admirers, and friends from around the world descend on the Pines & Cherry Grove for the most seductive, unapologetic, and unforgettable bear event of the summer.* From sun-drenched afternoons on the beach to sweat-soaked dance floors after dark, Fire Island Bear Weekend is where desire meets community—and the vibe is as thick as the bodies. Expect poolside flirtation, moonlit walks, packed parties, intimate moments, and that unmistakable Fire Island electricity that keeps you coming back for more.* fireislandbearweekend.comPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email them to [email protected]* Website: atouchofgay.com* Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Bluesky: atouchofgaypod* Audio Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* YouTube Podcast drops a day early on Saturday* Our Podcast plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

In-depth interview with Mr. Cincinnati Leather Sgt. Alex on how he got started in leather, what motivates him, and where he is headed next. Follow Sgt. Alex: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elsargentoalex/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579373378664 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Pulse Nightclub demolition, LGBTQ+ workplace employment discrimination, and DadFest 2026.Our Daily Inspiration: Today I will affirm my worth as a human being and a gay person.* Growing up we were bombarded with negativity about being gay.* We were taunted, called names, and attacked.* We should feel good about being gay.Check In: High heat and navigating transportation* It’s already over 100 degrees in Arizona before end of March.* Sold vehicle requires strategies to get around, do errands, and smartly.Pulse Nightclub Demolition* March 18th demolition of the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, FL commenced.* Bittersweet moment as the building has been a makeshift memorial since the 2016 massacre where 49 were killed.* The demolition follows a symbolic step taken last week, when the club’s iconic sign was removed.* Demolition makes way for a new permanent memorial that will be built by the City Of Orlando.* A dedicated website offers a detailed narrative of the project: https://www.pulseorlando.orgLegal Alert: Fourth Circuit Federal Court to weigh LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination case* Zinski v. Liberty University, began as a straightforward Title VII claim. Ellenor Zinski alleges she was fired in 2023 after informing Liberty University – a conservative religious college, that she is a transgender woman and is undergoing medical transition.* This week, a federal appeals court in Richmond, Virginia, heard the case where Liberty University wants to invoke its religious beliefs to fire a transgender employee.* Her lawsuit argues that her termination violated Title VII’s prohibition on sex discrimination, relying on the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2020 decision in Bostock v. Clayton County, which held that firing someone for being transgender or gay constitutes discrimination because of sex. Writing for the majority, Justice Neil Gorsuch extended workplace protections to LGBTQ+ employees nationwide, but left unresolved how those protections interact with claims of religious liberty.* The court will rule in the coming months.Event: Dadfest – Cathedral City, CA – July 2-5, 2026* Time to show off those Dad Bods! Western Xposure’s Dadfest is a sexy daddy way to celebrate the 4th of July. This coming July weekend is your chance to get some quality pool time in with dads, bears, and other big friendly men.* DJ’s from Dry Heat will be poolside all weekend bringing their unique sound to all of Dadfest!​* Explore CCBC! There are trails to roam, grassy areas to relax in, dark rooms and outdoor play spaces, and much more including hot tubs, a steam room, and cold plunge waterfall.* Free lunch BBQ on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday* Passes and reservations for CCBC now available at https://www.westernxposure.netViewer Comments:In reference to Episode 43 topic, “Are you a traveling ho?”“Hi Sam! Would love if you could highlight the various Jacks clubs around the country (and the world), giving men access to safer play (and lower-pressure play for those who may be cock-curious), and also the social bonding that can come from mutual masturbation. It’s also awesome for breaking-down age barriers! “Please drop your comments on YouTube or email to me at [email protected]* Our website: growingoldergay.com* Follow our social media channels* Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* Video version of podcast drops a day early YouTube!* Our show plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Our 50th episode covers sex positivity and blunt discussion into moral judgements about sexual preferences, practices and STI prevention.Our Daily Inspiration: Sex positivity is an philosophy, not a behavior* Def: Having or promoting an open, tolerant, or progressive attitude toward sex and sexuality.* Viewing sex as a normal and healthy part of life, respecting others’ sexual preferences.* Not being judgmental of other’s consensual and legal sex practices and preferences.Check In: Choosing not to own a car* I sold my personal vehicle not out of need, but desire to live without one.* Reduce living costs and free up money for other priorities.* Change perspectives and strategies on transportation local and long distance.What our podcast is about and our perspectives* Our tagline: A leather scented weekly discussion of LGBTQ+ kitchen table issues, can’t miss events, and life lessons.* Sex positive, unashamedly advocating for sexual health, safe practices, and prevention.* Open and frank talk about health, sex, social topics, and how political matter affect us.* Celebrates a vibrant lifestyle – just because we are aging doesn’t men we quit living.* Support transgender community 110% - no apologies.* Content admittedly leans toward topics concerning gay men.Viewer Comments:In reference to our topic on last week’s podcast episode alerting our community to a new STI that is beginning to circulate:“We are who we are and we do what we do” ??? Only SOME in the community do what they do. SOME of us prefer stable partnerships instead.............Really speaks to the benefits of fewer partners or monogamy for our community”* Monogamy is not a foolproof or reliable STI prevention method.* We do not judge our community around legal and consensual sexual practices – especially in when discussing important health issues that people need to learn about without bring contextualized around shame or shade.* Making judgements, throwing shade, and speaking down to people around their relationship styles, sexual practices, and their preferences is no better for our community now than when people shamed AIDS victims in the 1980s and 1990s. There is no place for this behavior in our community in 2026. Period.* Viewer followed up but we will not platform them further.Please drop your comments on YouTube or email to me at [email protected]* Our website: growingoldergay.com* Follow our social media channels* Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* Video version of podcast drops a day early YouTube!* Our show plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Alert for a new sexually transmitted fungal infection, embracing the unknowns, tax time and viewer comments about consent and etiquette.Our Daily Inspiration: Accept the full force of your mystery* Embrace your unknowns - the new questions that arise, let them exist.* Let go of the need for immediate, logical explanation or certainty in everything.* Finding comfort in the inherent, unfolding process of life - trust in the journey.Check In: Tax Time* I put it off until the last minute as always.* Gig work, business corporation tax return.* Changing income formula requires constant adjustments to the withholding or tax prepayment scenarios.Sexual Health Alert: TMVII sexually transmitted fungal infection emerging* Trichophyton mentagrophytes genotype VII (TMVII) is an emerging, highly contagious, and often painful sexually transmitted fungal infection.* A form of ringworm, it causes causing inflamed, itchy, and scaly skin rashes, found primarly in areas of sexual contact including the genitals, buttocks, and face.* First identified in the US in 2024, it is primarily reported among men who have sex with men (MSM).* Treatment requires extended oral anti-fungal treatment with medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole.* Avoid skin-to-skin contact, including sexual activity with infected person(s).* Can also be be transmitted via contaminated towels, clothing, bedding and sex toys.Viewer Comments:Question on our video about sex play space etiquette: How often do smaller or younger or inebriated guys get raped in these places?Please drop your comments on YouTube or email to me at [email protected]* Our website: growingoldergay.com* Follow our social media channels* Podcast drops on all major platforms every Sunday* Video version of podcast drops a day early YouTube!* Our show plays on GayPHX.com streaming radio every Monday at 10:00am This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Kitchen Table Episode 48Getting consent before you touch and other fine forms of gay play space etiquette.Our Daily Inspiration: Consent Is Sexy* Always ask before engaging* Gear is not consent* Implied consent* Situational consentCheck In: Work From Home* Starting month three of work from home* Requires extra dilligence for diet, exercise, social interaction* Requires conscious change of environmentSocial Beat: Play Space Etiquette* Just because we are more mature doesn’t mean we are socially adjusted* Wherever we go there we are* Bring a good attitude and leave your expectations at the door* Bring confidence, but be self aware* Be friendly and willing to converse. Ask for what you want.* Don’t be over aggressive or pushy, respect other people’s space* Don’t invite yourself into other people’s scene* Learn to accept a no response and don’t take it personally* Read up and recharge – Leo Herrera Analog CruisingPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email to me at [email protected] Plugs:* Our website: growingoldergay.com* Follow our social media channels* Podcast now on Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, Substack and Apple Podcasts* YouTube! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

On the anniversary of the death of Marcus Freiberger we’re still looking for answers and you might be able to help.Our Daily Inspiration: Watch out for yourself* Recognize we are a targeted group* Take precautions* Trust your gut* Safety netSpecial: Michael Bayne Missing* Age 32, 6 feet 4 inches tall, 215 pounds, brown hair, brown eyes* Last seen Monday February 16th at 9:40 am in Tempe, AZ* Wearing blue baseball cap, light-colored jacket, and jeans.* His wallet was left at home and no signs of foul play were found there.* His 2017 white Volkswagen Jetta is missing. License plate KDA39X* His cell phone was pinged in Mesa, AZ in the area of McKellips and Country Club Rd at 6:30 pm Monday Feb 16th. The phone has since been off the network.* Please contact Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311 immediately.Special: Marcus Freiberger* Marcus disappeared this weekend a year ago, his body found a month later floating at a rock quarry in south Phoenix.* According to the police report, his phone GPS information put him in the area of south Phoenix along the Salt River corridor between 7th street and 25th Avenues on the day of February 21st and into the morning hours of February 22nd.* He spent nearly 11 hours at a location near 25th Avenue and Broadway Rd between approximately 5:00 pm and 4:30 am.* For the remainder of the morning and day of February 22nd he moved around to various locations in the industrial and river-bed area south of I-10 before his phone disconnected from the network around 2:00 pm.* Marcus body was found in the pond of the rock quarry nearby on or about March 19th, a very remote area with no immediate public vehicle access.* Marcus’s truck was later found locked up and secure on March 26th at the parking lot of the Rio Salado Audobon Center at Central Avenue and the Salt River, having been reported to have been seen parked there for weeks.* The t ruck was impounded and DNA was found on and inside Marcus’s personal belongings.* After cursory interviews with a number of people close to Marcus in his last days, those he was identified as speaking to on the dating apps, and the collection of information from his truck the case has been closed.* Marcus mattered. His life mattered. And his family deserves answers.* Marcus’s family has hired a private investigator and are launching a website where tips can be submitted anonymously.* A GoFundMe has also been created to help fund independent DNA testing through a private lab, testing that should have been prioritized when his case was fresh!* Submit Tips: https://www.securesolutionscollective.com/marcus-freiberger* GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-marcus-support-our-investigationPlease drop your comments on YouTube or email to me at [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com

Finding joy in a sea of chaos, a Benito Bowl recap, new Wegovy tablets available, leather season kudos and eye on upcoming events.Find Your Joy No Matter What* Find ways to rise above the bad news and trauma of our times* Change the media, social, activity channels* Be open to try new activities, new hobbies, explore new interestsCheck In:* My Birthday* AZ Gay Rodeo, HIV Testing, Gigs* Test driving Hyundai Tucson Hybrid - TestDrivenTVBenito Bowl Recap* Bad Bunny Half Time Show* Celebrities* DancersNew Wegovy Tablet* Injectable GLP-1 now available in tablet form* Taken once daily on an empty stomach in the morning with water.* Various dosages from 1.5mg to 25mg maintenance dose to manage side effects.* To be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity to aid weight loss and reduce major cardiovascular risks.* Available in U.S. pharmacies now with self-pay prices ranging from $149 per month for lower doses to higher costs for higher dose.* Insurance may be more likely to cover tablets than injectables.Leather Season:* RGV Leather Weekend – Rio Grande Valley Bears* Congratulations Mr RGV Leather - AlejandroEvent: Lazy Bear Week - July 27 – Aug. 3, 2026 - https://www.lazybearweek.org* Celebrating 30 Years of Lazy Bear Magic!* Over 2500 bears in Guerneville, CA* Week long supply of playtime, parties, events, and touristy goodness* 2026 Tags now available – get in earlyEvent Save The Date: Palm Springs Leather – October 29-November 1 – https://www.pslod.org* Valhalla Theme* Registration Opens SoonAs always you can click on the EVENTS tab at our website for LGBTQ gatherings nationwide all year long. If you have an event you would like featured in our event calendar or even here on the podcast, send an email with the details to [email protected] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com