The reality is: there are men who make a decent living from being naked, dancing and entertaining gay men, whether or not they're queer themselves. Nude for pay. These gentlemen may or may not be naturists/nudists. They perhaps are starving collegians who appear without clothes to pay their way through university. Then again, they could be working a second job to simply help make ends meet. In today's economy, it's feasible and more than likely true. Possibly they are stay-at-home dads who keep the kids during the day while their spouse is at work and then go off to earn a living after normal business hours. Or, they just might be exhibitionists who see this as an ideal employment. Last, but not least, maybe they really and truly are same gender loving naturists/nudists who actually like to dance or a skilled dancer who enjoys performing nude.
Whatever the reason for their dancing nude or as-close-to-nude as possible, these men are trying to make an honest living. What's more, they're legitimately employed, paying their bills and not breaking any laws. Yet, despite their hard work and their contributions to our national economy, more often than not, they're still looked down upon by most of the population, sometimes us queer folks but more often than not, heterosexuals of both genders. Not all, but a sizable number of both persuasions.
I mean, c'mon, think about it for a moment. For one, the work isn't at all that glamorous. In fact, all those nocturnal hours after a long day of whatever have got to become tiring after awhile. Night on top of night of performing practically the same routines have got to take a serious toll, physically and emotionally. That's not even to mention the overall monotony. Then, there's the drain and strain on a mans' social life. Consider this, the dancer is working while the rest of the world, gay and straight, is usually partying and playing. That's bound to challenge any hope of building a relationship. On the flip side, most dancers are off and free while the rest of us are toiling away in our respective careers. Not conducive to dating or simply hanging out with acquaintances and friends.
Then, for a minute, recall the actual work environment. Practically all dancers are employed in establishments that attract and cater to the drinking (alcohol) crowd. In many cases, the clientele generally arrive at these bars after an evening of imbibing elsewhere and some of these probably partook of other substances while or in-between consuming their liquid refreshments. At first glance, these conditions might make the job initially appear, shall we say, exciting and interesting. However, most of us will admit that repeatedly, night after night, this too will get old and tiresome, fast. There are only so many ways to handle so many men under the influence of their substance of choice.
Accompanying all the attention bar patrons give to the entertainers is the unwanted physical connection. Some men slip a performer a one-dollar tip and think it gives them unlimited license at the complete buffet. Outside of the usual contact professional sports, no other employment involves as much physical interaction, save perhaps sex workers (exchanging sex for money). Groping, stroking, pinching and squeezing might seem sensual to the outsider; but, night after night is not a pleasure to the person laboring to earn a living. Especially when the man offering these advances more than likely won't remember his behavior (nor recognize the man he's fondling) the next morning.
Remember, in most localities, touching between a dancer and patron is illegal and in some cases grounds for arrest with the possibility of incarceration and/or exorbitant fines. When this happens, we all know precisely who law enforcement or alcohol licensing personnel are going to believe. This results in the very real fact that a dancer will be fired should management witness just one instance of any contact between a performer and the public. Even an innocent touch when giving a one-dollar gratuity can lead to immediate dismissal and loss of income.
The workplace site issues aside, there are other points to ponder. The constant need to exercise or workout just to keep a pleasing public image. For most dancers, this means a few hours daily, no matter how exhausted or worse, sick. Skipping even one session can cause an entertainer to lose their edge or cause a misstep in a routine. Nothing can end a career faster than becoming sloppy and off kilter.
In addition to the requirement of training and keeping in shape is the endless need to rehearse. After all is said and done, practice does equate perfect. Miss only one beat and the entire dance can literally unravel, fall apart. Then, there is the creative aspect. A conscientious dancer must choreograph and develop new routines using different and complex moves in order to remain ahead of the game. A stale and predictable performance can just as easily become the proverbial swan song on the bar or stage. Gyrations and thrusts can carry an audience just so far. It takes both an innovative mind and an agile, yet, compliant body to keep men entertained. None of this comes easy or overnight.
All this, please trust me, there are also many other issues at stake here, for a job that doesn't pay all that well. A paycheck, at best, usually reflects only hours worked and the wage scarcely matches the prerequisite skills and dedication. Wage increases are virtually unheard of in this profession. Employee benefits, such as health/medical insurance, paid leave or retirement, for the most part are nonexistent. All things considered, when men refer to a thankless job, gay nude dancing immediately comes to mind.
Why do men do this? The reasons are as diverse as the number of men dancing naked. They may be serious, committed trained dancers, dedicated naturists/nudists, amateur dancers or performers with skills. They may be exhibitionists. They may even be between jobs or just the curious trying it out for fun. Regardless of the motivation, these men are involved in an honest job in an effort to pay their way in this world.
So, why all the hatred, judgement and scorn? Jealousy? Envy? Gymnophobia? Homophobia? Insecurity? Self-loathing? Who knows for certain. Just as there are as many reasons for dancing naked as there are performers, there's probably as many for ridicule as there are detractors. One point to ponder here: the most vocal bigoted opponent of gay nude dancers is the one who is eventually caught with his pants down in a compromising situation with one. Shakespeare summed it up best when he wrote: Methinks he doth protest too much. Food for thought, my brothers.
By the way, look for me the next time you visit your local dance establishment. I go onstage shortly after midnight, Tuesday through Saturdays!
Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!
There's been so much coverage in the media lately on being same gender loving and the negative impact that it has on the lives of many of our queer youth. To listen to the political rantings of the recent crop of GOP presidential hopefuls, it is perceived as a "fate worse than death." Fortunately, the most fanatic homophobes have all but been eliminated from that race; but, one bigot does remain in the running. Hopefully, someone will be able to school him before the election in November. However, I'm not holding my breath waiting for that miracle to happen. I'm not at all fooled by his appointing a gay man as a spokesperson on foreign policy: it's a paid position and we all know that some will say anything if there's money involved. I'm offering a few quotes here today to reinforce the idea that it's perfectly okay to be gay. Not everyone who's heterosexual is automatically homophobic.
