Author Archive
FORGETTING OUR COMING OUT:
The passing of time releases us from the trauma of our coming out, but it can also lead us to lose our humanity and empathy for those who are still going through what we once went through.
A VALENTINE TOO FAR:
Come February, it’s difficult to avoid the trappings of Valentine’s Day. But is this ‘day of love’ something to celebrate? Can you really show someone your love with a mass-produced greeting card?
CAPE TOWN: A GLOBAL GAY CAPITAL?:
These days Cape Town is often mentioned along with Sydney, London and San Francisco as one of the world’s gay hotspots. But, asks Al Mackay, is the Mother City really the gay capital we think it is?
THE GAYEST SEASON OF ALL:
The Festive Season: The last minute Christmas shopping, the holiday plans, the year-end events, the belly-swelling food. And then, of course, the dysfunctional family...
THE SECRET ALLURE OF THE STRAIGHT MAN:
We roll our eyes at straight men who’re paranoid about being hit on by gay men; hetero guys who arrogantly assume we all want to sleep with them. So why then are there so many gay men with crushes on straight men?
DOING THE SAMBA WITH MY EX:
Is it really possible to be good friends with an ex? Al Mackay finds out when he travels to Brazil with his ex-boyfriend and his ex’s current boyfriend. Could it be a recipe for disaster?
MAKE THE CIRCLE BIGGER:
As gay men we are often forced to broaden and diversify our social circles, more so than many straight people do. But why then, asks Al Mackay, are we so judgmental of others?
THE MOVING-IN CONUNDRUM:
Why do so many gay couples move in so quickly? Is it that we feel the need to prove to ourselves that we take relationships seriously? Are we lonelier? Or just more impulsive?
THE ALTAR VS THE DARK ROOM:
It is possible to be gay and old-fashioned, be both saint and sinner? asks Al Mackay, who recounts a drunken night at a local Cape Town steam bath.
DATING’S RACISM MINEFIELD:
Is specifying the race of your desired partner/s on a dating profile racist and offensive? Or is it simply justifiable personal preference? Al Mackay delves into this touchy minefield.