Tuesday 03.28.17
PWR BTTM – ‘Answer My Text’
PWR BTTM's got another millennial anthem under their belt

Much to the queer universe’s delight, PWR BTTM released a new music video this morning! ‘Answer My Text‘ sticks to the band’s declarative and unapologetic ethos with the chorus’ central lyric stating “answer my text, you dick!” (If that’s not a mood, I don’t know what is).
The single, which is off of their forthcoming sophomore album ‘Pageant’ follows the band’s D.I.Y. formula of simplistic chord progressions matched with lyrics that are not only relatable to the band’s variety of fans, but also do a bit more for listeners by revealing Liv Bruce and Ben Hopkin’s own autobiographical struggles. The twosome have approached music-making with a pedestrian skill set, but their willingness to be vulnerable and vocal about queer identity has propelled them into intersectional crusaders.
Just last week I was retelling a friend about the first time I saw PWR BTTM. They were playing at Legion Bar in Brooklyn with Diet Cig who were also newcomers on the scene. I don’t even remember when their set started, and I didn’t even know who they were really, but their now notorious banter blew my mind. I had never seen two people be so obviously queer on stage at a D.I.Y. show.
It’s been a pleasure to watch them grow into globally recognized musicians, and ‘Answer My Text‘ is another addition to PWR BTTM’s radical image making. Bruce is as darling as ever in a bubblegum pink bedroom, and they are even more intriguing with neon-blue lipstick paired with a pink gown. …

Mouthfeel Magazine Issue 3 Release Party
The party was hosted by Stumptown - with beers from Sixpoint and burgers and fries from Shake Shack!
Monday 03.27.17
Trumpy the Rat
Help make this inflatable Trump-esque “Scabby the Rat” a reality

There’s a long history of scabby rats being used to symbolize resistance and ridicule. However, there’s no historical instance of a president worth resisting and ridiculing with a 15 foot inflatable scabby rat. At least not until Donald Trump (ooof!). BravinLee programs (manned by Karin Bravin and John Post Lee) and artist Jeffrey Beebe have teamed up to design a huge rat — complete with Trump’s “too-long tie, ill-fitting suit and ludicrous comb-over.” Honestly, the only thing missing would be the fake tan — but rats can’t tan. That’d be silly!
The purpose of this project is three-fold. On the most basic level, BravinLee would like to have this inflatable rat manufactured (it’d take about 12 weeks from funding to completion) so that it could be used in New York and elsewhere in anti-Trump protests. A longer-term goal is to form the Public Display of Disaffection Political Action Committee (PDDPAC) which would use the power of art to influence and strengthen opposition to Trump and his administration. Beyond either of those tangible goals, however, is the less-tangible but just as significant intent to show that art and creativity are crucial in times of darkness.
The maiden inflation is slated for July, 2017, and you can help bring all this to fruition. According to the Kickstarter campaign, $10,000 in funding needs to be raised. Presently, $4, 524 has been pledged by 114 backers but there are still 23 days left!
You can help fund the project and learn more about the campaign here. …

Friday 03.24.17
Event: GAYLETTER PRESENTS – RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE AT THE LIBERTY HALL AT ACE HOTEL NEW YORK
Coffee Grinder: Mouthfeel Issue 3 Release Party

The bi-annual print and online publication Mouthfeel Magazine is celebrating the release of their third issue — “its first ever Coffee Issue.” For those of you that are not familiar, the magazine “explores the complexities of food, the characters involved and is written from a gay point-of-view…Each magazine comes in a collectible package and showcases personality forward profiles, essays, articles and original artwork…” This issue features “the untold story and search for prolific 80’s adult film star Buck Hayes, an in-depth interview with coffee media maven Zachary Carlsen of sprudge.com, interviews with international DJ, Kim Ann Foxman (Hercules and Love Affair),” and much more.
The launch celebration is presented by Stumptown Coffee Roasters which clearly makes a lot of sense because it’s all about that good coffee. We love Stumptown, I remember I used to sleep with a guy that worked at the location at Ace Hotel just to get free coffee — you know how expensive it can get to buy a cup of coffee a day — those of you that need coffee to get their days going can understand where I am coming from. Please don’t bottom right after you drink coffee, please don’t ask me why, you know. Music for the night will be provided by Sean McMahill (Fire In the Hole, Everyody Everybody). They’ll have snacks and a bar.
Below is a preview of what’s inside this issue:
March 24th, FREE, 7:00PM, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, 30 W 8th St. …

Tuesday 03.21.17
Gerardo Vizmanos’ Hidden Figures
"Hidden Figures" takes Vizmanos' anonymous subjects into the gallery

You may have already seen Gerardo Vizmanos work before. Possibly on Instagram. Possibly on Tumblr. His knack for crafting particular views of the male form are myriad in their emotional experience, and the work remains endearing regardless of how often it may be shared across the internet. The anonymity of his subjects keeps his viewer in the grip of a desire to know more about the body’s story.
Some of Gerardo’s work seems foreboding, like the ones where a protruding spine is focalized, but some of it is wild with tenderness. When we asked Gerardo to shoot our Tea Party story in Issue 4, we ended up with a cover. Our limited-edition GAYLETTER (which sold out) featuring the United States-of-skin-tone are a result of our day in the studio with him. He played around with body shapes, we brought some pastries and the models got comfortable with each other as well as Gerardo. He is vocal behind the camera, knowing which parts of the body are meant to go where in his frame.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to hear his work will now take to exhibit at Prince Street Project Space (of Leslie Lohman), “Hidden Subjects“ — “is about the subject and particularly this is an investigation of the substance of the subject through the form,” he said.
Over email, Gerardo let us know that “Hidden Subjects is the result of my own experience. There is something present and something hidden. …

Thursday 03.16.17
She’s Coming!
Katya Zamolodchikova photographed by Slava Mogutin for GAYLETTER Issue 6