That’s right, witches! Disney has officially announced a third installment to the beloved Hocus Pocus franchise.
48 Photos Liberating The Male Form With Tasty Smut
It was love at first click. That’s how Chris Klein describes his most recent passion project, Tasty Smut. Klein made a career out of his artistry long before working on this project. When he started Wantermore Creative, Klein didn’t know it would grow into the semi-lucrative business it is today.
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What started as an outlet for his creativity, shooting weddings and portraits of all kinds started putting food on the table. As is often the case, when he started to earn money, the whole process began to feel like “work.” Rather than lose interest, or push through it begrudgingly, Klein decided to find a new outlet. That outlet was Tasty Smut and the male form.
A Love of The Male Form
The concept for Tasty Smut started as pure intrigue. Klein says that the male form has “always been this sexy alluring thing” that he had to pretend not to like.
“This project was a liberation of sorts, in that sense, when I asked my husband what he thought, his support prompted that very first shoot. It was love at first click!”
We recently spoke to Chris Klein about this project and the highly sought-after coffee table book it inspired. Keep scrolling for an insider’s look at these gorgeous images and Klein’s thoughts about sex positivity and the many dualities contained within the male form.
Gayety: What differences are there shooting, say an engagement shoot, versus the photos for this series? What stays the same?
Chris Klein: Most of my photography career was aimed at high-stress moments in people’s lives, there is a lot of pressure to deliver something that the client will love, I actually enjoy that pressure to an extent. There is far more preparation and staging that goes into a wedding, engagement, or even just a family shoot. There is a degree of structure that the Tasty Smut shoots do not have, or need. The similarities lie in my relationship with the model, whoever they are, I strive for authenticity. I want them to feel special because they are. This never changes, no matter what I shoot.
Gayety: The photo series is currently hosted on social media. What has people’s reaction to the series been? Positive and/or negative?
Chris Klein: People’s reactions have been overwhelmingly positive! I have the odd mouthy troll who spews some quick hate, but this is life. People from all walks of life complement the shoots, and I do try to be as inclusive and diverse as I can with my imagery, I think people appreciate this.
Gayety: What sort of conversations do you hope your coffee table book will inspire?
Chris Klein: Hopefully smutty ones! I want people to flip through this thing and talk about being naked in nature, maybe a wild experience they had themselves. I think it sparks a sex-positive dialogue, and I hope it helps normalize the naked body. It’s like a tiny tool or weapon that’s meant to push the comfort zone conversationally. Also, the idea of male beauty has historically been rooted in the idea that a man’s desirability comes from society’s perception of his strength and power. We are told that a man cannot be both powerful and vulnerable for these are contradictory elements. However, man can be both soft and strong and it is this duality that is most captivating.
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Gayety: How do you set your work apart from other people who capture the male form?
Chris Klein: I think (and hope) my work feels organic. I strive to strip away the singular perception of power by portraying the male form in a state of vulnerability. Exposed it to the force and beauty of nature without his protective armor. To be naked and alone in nature is sacred and disconcerting; it has been my privilege to stand behind the camera while men undress, both their clothes and their masks.
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This forced vulnerability allows the model to expose his unguarded self and the moment captured is of sensual authenticity I only use natural light and I would never alter a body, there will never be spray painting abs in photoshop for me. I think a lot of what we see in our feeds is very tailored and “perfect” Nobody is perfect and there is beauty in absolutely everything, I don’t see this with everyone who does what I do, a few, but not all. I like my shoots to flow like a conversation, I talk to the models and dig for whatever makes them tick, I think this translates well on camera.
Gayety: What photo books are currently sitting on your coffee table?
Chris Klein: Beneath The Surface – Lucas Murnaghan: His work transcends everyday shoots, his whole book is shot underwater and although I didn’t know him personally, he was so nice to me when we messaged. Unfortunately, he passed away and we lost a really special and talented person. This Is Nowhere – Jeremy Koreski: A local BC guy, he captures a very special place to me in this book, it’s a town called Tofino and the surrounding area is so incredibly awe-inspiring. His work is so good. Wet Men – Fracois Rousseau: Wow, just wow. The very first, sexy photobook I owned. Check it out!
Gayety: What would you say to someone considering being photographed in a series like this?
Chris Klein: I shoot a lot of first-timers, they are nervous, in fact, a lot of people are nervous in front of a camera. I would tell them that my bad jokes will keep the mood light and authentic, that this isn’t a big scary thing, we aren’t aiming for perfection or anything other than authenticity. Shoots with me flow like conversations and it’s important that the model knows this. It takes the pressure off.
Gayety: Do you have any advice for men trying to get over hangups about their bodies?
Chris Klein: I think it’s really easy for people to get caught up in what our bodies or general image “should” be. Our own mental health gets shelved while we strive for the “perfect body.” As long as you are happy, healthy, and confident, you’ll see the sexiness in everyone and they will see it in you. Confidence is sexy. own it.
Gayety: What’s next for the series? Can we expect more from Tasty Smut?
Chris Klein: More books! More shoots! maybe even a magazine or prints! I’m not too sure yet, but I continue to shoot because this has become such a special outlet for me.
Gayety: What’s your personal favorite shot, and why?
Chris Klein: It was from my second Tasty Smut shoot, the model is on one knee and one arm is down on the ground and the other is on his upright knee. […] It’s super dualistic and captures both masculine and fragile masculine energy in such a moody way. I just love the shot, to this day.
Make sure to follow Tasty Smut on Instagram, Twitter, and Reddit. After selling out its first print round, Tasty Smut Volume 1 is available for pre-sale. The book will come to print in early December, making it the perfect stocking stuffer.
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Want a Superhero Crotch? Meet Matador Meggings
I’ve been converted. I have to admit: I have three outfits on rotation. Four if you count pajamas. For every outfit, I have countless excuses. I’m so busy, I’m not happy with my body, or I’m not ready to go outside of my comfort zone. How can I know my style if I’m still figuring out who I am? All of that fell to pieces when I spoke to Valentine Aseyo, the founder of Matador Meggings.
What Are Matador Meggings?
Valentine’s exuberance hit me like a kick to the crotch (more on that later). I was still blinking a restless 5 hours of sleep out of my eyes when I hopped on a call with him. His energy was like an alarm clock. As he graciously complimented the bedhead I tried to tuck under my baseball cap, I realized I was in for a wake-up call.
Valentine had his own moment of realization when the idea for Matador Meggings came to him. Growing weary after a long career in tech, he decided to make a change and begin his training as a yoga teacher. He even intended to escape to an ashram in India. Tech will do that to you. During his first yoga class, when everyone else was looking inward, Valentine—ever the entrepreneur—was noticing something. He was surrounded by women in yoga pants. It was then he thought to himself, “WTF? Why am I the only one in this room who can’t wear leggings?”
Put simply, Matador Meggings are leggings specifically designed for the male anatomy featuring a no-VPL (visible penis line) modesty pad concealing the groin department, multiple pockets, a t-shirt/towel loop at the back, an inner drawstring, and high-performance sweat-wicking silky fabric. They also offer dozens of bold colors and wild prints!
“People shouldn’t tell your religion by your leggings. Our modesty pad hides Victor’s secret.”
– Valentine Aseyo, Founder of Matador Meggings
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What Makes Matador Meggings Different?
Of course, Valentine could wear leggings, but at what cost? The truth is, most leggings aren’t made with people with penises in mind. If you decide to defy expectations and buy from any mega brand, your goods will likely be on display for the world to see.
This brings us to the most important issue of the century: VPL, Visible Penis Line, or the dick print. Don’t get me wrong, Valentine is no prude. As a proud openly gay man, he will gladly espouse the benefits of a VPL. As with most things, however, there is a time and place. According to Valentine, that place is Burning Man, not the yoga class where those ladies haven’t paid to get a show.
No-VPL Technology™
More often than not, you’ll want to opt for a healthy cocktail of modesty and pride. Matador Meggings allows men to highlight their family jewels without revealing too much. What sets Matador Meggings apart is their roomy crotch and soft-molded removable cup. This No-VPL Technology™ works to elegantly conceal your junk and give you a perfectly-rounded superhero crotch without sacrificing comfort. It allows you to go to the gym and pick up a protein shake at the local grocery store without traumatizing your older neighbors.
Leggings That Just Make Sense
Matador’s ingenious design doesn’t end there. All pairs offer functional pockets, both with zippers and without, because where do you put your phone and wallet when you’ve ditched your shorts? The clever addition of a towel loop in the back was inspired by long runs on the beach spent gripping a t-shirt. High-tech performance fabrics that wick moisture for those rainy-day workouts. These are men’s leggings on steroids! I’d call them the Swiss Army knife of men’s leggings.
Meggings Inspired By Bullfighters
The inspiration for the brand comes from Spanish bullfighters, hence the name. Something of a fashion history enthusiast, I immediately saw this vision. The edges of fashion history, gender dynamics, and queer theory were jumping out at me like an unfelled seam. The matador costume has stood the test of time. An enduring symbol of masculinity, the uniform was designed to be highly practical without sacrificing any of the flair and embellishment.
That is the balance Matador strikes with its simple, yet elegant design. Reminiscent of horns, two thick stripes curve up and around the calves, then the thighs, and finally cup and lift the butt. In keeping with their roots—and unlike most men’s athletic wear—Matador embraces color and pattern. If vibrant color is good enough for bullfighters, then it is certainly good enough for your average gym rat.
With Thanks to Queer People
Therein lies the beauty of Matador. When I spoke to Valentine about who he envisions wearing his leggings, he said that Matador Meggings are not for only queer people, but they are here thanks to queer people. As an LGBTQ-owned and operated business, he understands that his product has taken on a life of its own.
Not only are they ideal for gay men who want to express themselves through their athletic wear, but they are also great for festivals, parties, and so much more. They bridge the gap between function and fashion and allow the straights to dip their toes into the vast ocean that is gender nonconformity. Matador has a large client base of trans men who also love the additional room his leggings provide in the crotch. The cleverly concealed pouch, not unlike a codpiece, is perfect if you’re used to packing your underwear.
All Bodies Deserve Spandex
Perhaps you’re still skeptical. Maybe, like me, it’s not always easy for you to envision yourself in athletic wear. When you scroll through endless pictures of sculpted bodies, it can be easy to feel like you don’t fit in. Rest assured that Matador Meggings will accentuate your finer assets, no matter what body you have. If you don’t believe me, you don’t have to take my word for it. You can find Matador’s clientele on display on their Bulls of Matador Meggings Instagram account.
The Function You Require, The Form You Desire
As I think of Valentine all those years ago, excitedly pouring over archival images of matadors and frantically cramming bra cups into tights, I am reminded of fashion’s fluidity. The bullfighters of yesterday become the gym rats of tomorrow. As he sets his sights on even more sportswear, including compression shorts, bike gear, and a new line of tops, I feel encouraged by the idea that men’s attitudes are slowly changing.
Mere minutes into my call with Valentine, he asked me if I ever wear leggings. I sheepishly told him I didn’t. “Are you even gay?” he joked. Of course, it was all in good fun, but it stayed with me after the call. As I poured myself a cup of tea I thought about the choices (or lack thereof) I make regarding how I dress. There is no “gay” way to dress, but there is a proud way to dress. A way to express yourself that serves the function you require and the form you desire. It may be a small move but I just picked up my first pair of Matador Meggings. If you’re keeping track, this takes my outfit count to a grand total of four. Five if you count pajamas.
Gayety Favorites
Not sure which pair to pick up for yourself? Consider starting with our picks. I promise, there is something for everyone on this list.
Navy/Blue Meggings
These true starter Navy/Blue Meggings benefit from a pop of color and a sleek design. If you’re making your first foray into meggings, this is the place to start. The blue bull-horn stripes stand out, give these leggings that matador vibe, and can be easily paired with anything in the workout wardrobe.
Gray Camo Meggings
For the more adventurous wearer, I recommend the Gray Camo Meggings. With these, you get to step outside of your comfort zone with a bold print without losing that butch aesthetic. There is more than enough visual interest here to keep people staring for all the right reasons. You can also pair these with your current gym wear, or kick it up a notch with some bold color choices if you’re feeling up to it.
Arrow Meggings
Congratulations! You’ve graduated to pattern and color with the Arrow Meggings. This stunning print will help you stand out in a crowd, exactly as you should. Why not show off your body in a unique print that is perfect for festivals, parties, and the gym? Consider pairing this with the Arrow Tank Top for a coordinated and uniform look.
Our “Bottom” Line (Pun Intended)
If, like me, you’ve been converted, check out Matador’s selection and take your activewear to the next level. They are graciously offering our readers 11% OFF when they use the code “GAYETY.” If you aren’t yet a true convert, order a pair and try them out for yourself. Matador offers 30-day returns and free shipping on any order, regardless of the purchase price. If you’d like to do some more window shopping check out their Instagram—not a single VPL in sight.
In the US, UK, or Canada? Shop Matador Meggings here.
In the EU? Shopping Matador Meggings here.
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Disney’s ‘Tales of the Jedi’ Fails to Deliver Queer Representation
The latest edition to the Star Wars franchise is the animated miniseries Tales of the Jedi on Disney+. The six episodes are divided in half, with three focusing on Count Dooku while the rest tell the origin story of Ahsoka Tano. Though the series does a decent job of bridging the gaps between storylines throughout the Star Wars universe, one episode left many LGBTQ+ fans feeling disheartened.
In the final episode of the series titled “Resolve,” Ahsoka hides from Jedi hunters among a group of farmers on a rural planet. The episode pulls inspiration from the 2016 novel Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston, which takes place between the event of the series Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels.
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Ahsoka meets one villager named Kaeden and they form a special bond over the course of the book. Following being saved by Ahsoka from imperial imprisonment, Kaeden, a black queer woman, admits to the Jedi that she would like to kiss her. It’s a short but sweet scene, and according to the author, their relationship is left ambiguous on purpose. However, Johnston did admit to curious fans on Twitter that Ahsoka had romantic feelings for Kaeden.
E.K. Johnston Talks Ahsoka’s Sexuality
“Since Ahsoka isn’t mine to label, I tried to write her in such a way that anyone who wanted to see themselves in her, could. I know how much she means to the queer community, and because I couldn’t be specific, I went as general as possible,” she tweeted.
She clarified that Ahsoka likes Kaeden, but “she had terrible role models in the ‘managing your feelings’ department, and she’s dealing with some pretty stiff PTSD in addition to the whole, you know, on the run from the Empire thing. So.)” So this almost kiss is all we have. And the Disney+ series is not doing the queer community any favors.
“Resolve” places Ahsoka on a planet with farmers but does not introduce us to Kaeden. Instead, Ahsoka befriends an unnamed villager and her brother. Ahsoka and the villager share a few glances, but that’s it. There’s no almost kiss. There’s no confession. And then the episode ends.
dave VERY EASILY could’ve added in kaeden and her sister in episode 6 but instead chose to replace what should’ve been kaeden & her sister with white character’s and also took away any hint at ahsoka’s queerness as well as kaeden’s
— violet ???? tano family enthusiast (@ahsokasverse) October 26, 2022
The Star Wars franchise has included small nods to the LGBTQ+ community – like the two women kissing at the end of the Rise of Skywalker – but has not included a significant queer storyline in any of their projects. Ahsoka’s story is another missed opportunity for authentic representation.
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