Pic of the Day

Art and the Naked Man

I post a lot of nude photography of men. I have always preferred images that look less professional or posed and I keep away from selfies, except in the pics of guys with cameras that I post on Tuesdays. Occasionally, I receive criticism for posting male nudes while at the same time talking about my faith each Sunday. I think the male body should be celebrated, and some of my readers come to see the photos I will post. If that means they also read my devotionals on Sundays, then it spreads the message I try to convey. That being said, I thought I’d start a weekly series on the male nude in art throughout the history. I doubt I will go in chronological order, but more of an introduction today focusing on the photography of male nudes.

Photography has been a crucial medium in LGBTQ+ art, providing a powerful way to explore identity, desire, and resistance. Male nude photography, in particular, has played a significant role in shaping the visual language of queer art, challenging societal norms, and creating spaces for LGBTQ+ expression. From the early coded works of the 19th century to the bold imagery of contemporary artists, male nude photography has been a key site of queer visibility and activism.

Art has been part of the appreciation of the male body throughout history. The male nude has been a central subject in the history of art, serving as a symbol of idealized beauty, power, and the human condition. In ancient Greece and Rome, male nude sculptures celebrated physical perfection and heroism, embodying philosophical ideals of harmony and virtue. During the Renaissance, artists like Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci revived classical traditions, using the male form to explore anatomy, movement, and divine inspiration. While religious and mythological themes often justified depictions of male nudity, these works also reflected shifting cultural attitudes toward masculinity, physicality, and artistic mastery.

In later centuries, the male nude became more controversial, especially in Western art, where shifting moral standards led to greater censorship. While female nudes remained common, male nudity was often restricted to academic studies or hidden in private collections. In the 19th and 20th centuries, artists like Édouard Manet, Egon Schiele, and later, queer photographers such as George Platt Lynes and Robert Mapplethorpe, used the male nude to challenge societal norms, explore eroticism, and assert LGBTQ+ visibility. Today, the male nude continues to be a powerful subject, reflecting changing perspectives on gender, identity, and artistic freedom.

Pic of the Day

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Jesus at the Gay Bar

Jesus at the Gay Bar
By Jay Hulme

He's here in the midst of it -
right at the centre of the dance floor,
robes hitched up to His knees
to make it easy to spin.

At some point in the evening
a boy will touch the hem of His robe
and beg to be healed, beg to be
anything other than this;

and He will reach His arms out,
sweat-damp, and weary from dance.
He'll cup this boy's face in His hand and say,

                                    my beautiful child
there is nothing in this heart of yours
that ever needs to be healed.



About the Poem

I have posted “Jesus at the Gay Bar” by Jay Hulme once before, but I really love the poem. Some won’t like it because it doesn’t rhyme, but I think it’s beautifully composed. Jay Hulme says he based the poem on Mark 5:25-34 “drawing a parallel between the unnamed woman in the passage, and queer people - more particularly, the "boy" in the poem, a young LGBT man struggling with his queerness, and, it is suggested, struggling with how that reconciles with his faith….To understand the parallel more clearly you first have to understand the context behind Mark 5. Under Levitical law (Leviticus 15:25-30), as it was followed at that time, the woman would have been deemed ‘unclean’ by religious authorities, and she would have been cast out from society for the ‘good’ of that society. (To read more about Hulme’s explanation of the poem, see “Jesus at the Gay Bar” on his website; to read my thoughts on the poem, continue reading.)

“Jesus at the Gay Bar” by Jay Hulme is a powerful and evocative poem that reimagines Jesus in a contemporary queer space, offering a vision of divine love, acceptance, and liberation. The poem challenges traditional religious narratives that have often excluded or condemned LGBTQ+ individuals, instead presenting Jesus as a compassionate and affirming presence. The poem portrays Jesus as someone who embraces and affirms those who have been marginalized, particularly within religious contexts. By placing Jesus in a gay bar, Hulme subverts the expectation that religion excludes queer people, instead showing that Christ’s love extends to everyone.

A key moment in the poem is when Jesus tells a man, “my beautiful child / there is nothing in this heart of yours / that ever needs to be healed.” This line is deeply significant, as it counters the messages of shame and guilt that many LGBTQ+ individuals have received from religious institutions. Jesus is depicted not as a judge, but as a liberator, offering reassurance and unconditional love. By placing Jesus in a gay bar—a space of joy, resistance, and self-expression—Hulme suggests that holiness is not confined to churches or traditional religious spaces. The sacred is found wherever love, truth, and authenticity exist. The poem reclaims religious imagery and reinterprets Christian theology in a way that aligns with radical inclusivity. It challenges the ways Christianity has been used to oppress queer people and instead offers a vision of faith that is celebratory and affirming.

Hulme’s language is tender and intimate, creating a Jesus who is close, personal, and deeply invested in human dignity. The setting of the gay bar, often seen as a place of refuge and community for LGBTQ+ people, reinforces the idea that Jesus meets people where they are, rather than demanding they conform to rigid religious norms.

The contrast between traditional religious depictions of Jesus and this reimagining makes the poem striking. Instead of being distant or judgmental, Jesus is in the midst of dancing, embracing, and healing—actions that symbolize love, grace, and inclusion. “Jesus at the Gay Bar” is a radical and hopeful poem that reclaims faith as a source of love rather than condemnation. It offers a vision of a Christ who is not only present with LGBTQ+ people but actively affirms and delights in their existence. Hulme’s poem is a powerful response to religious exclusion, offering an alternative theology rooted in unconditional love.


About the Poet

Jay Hulme is a British poet, writer, and public speaker known for his work on faith, gender, and LGBTQ+ identity. He is particularly recognized for his accessible and evocative poetry, which often explores themes of queerness, religion, and social justice. Hulme is a transgender man, and his experiences with gender identity and faith frequently inform his writing.

His poetry blends modern, often urban imagery with deep emotional resonance and themes of inclusivity, hope, and belonging. In addition to poetry, Hulme is an advocate for trans rights and speaks publicly about the intersection of faith and queerness, challenging exclusionary religious narratives.

Hulme has published several poetry collections, including Clouds Cannot Cover Us and The Backwater Sermons, the latter of which explicitly engages with spirituality and justice. His work has been widely praised for its lyrical style and its ability to bridge divides between faith communities and LGBTQ+ individuals.

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Presidents’ Day

Presidents' Day is often seen as a celebration of leadership, democracy, and the vision of those who have shaped the United States. But for the LGBTQ+ community, this day can carry a more complex meaning. It is both a reminder of how far we have come in the fight for equality and a call to action against the rising tide of fascism threatening our freedoms.

In recent years, far-right politicians have worked aggressively to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, attack transgender individuals, and undermine democracy itself. This Presidents' Day, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leadership do we truly honor? Do we celebrate those who uphold justice, or do we resist those who seek to oppress?

American history has been shaped by leaders who both upheld and denied justice. While presidents like Abraham Lincoln fought to expand freedom, others have enforced policies that marginalized communities. The LGBTQ+ community has had to fight for every inch of progress—from the Stonewall riots to marriage equality—often against leaders who sought to erase us.

Today, we face new threats. Across the country, lawmakers are banning gender-affirming healthcare, censoring LGBTQ+ history, and criminalizing queer existence. These actions are not just about policy; they are about power, control, and the systematic erasure of marginalized people.

We cannot afford to pretend that what is happening in the U.S. is politics as usual. The rise of authoritarian leaders pushing anti-LGBTQ+ policies is part of a broader attack on democracy itself. Fascism thrives on scapegoating vulnerable groups, restricting freedoms, and silencing dissent. If we do not resist now, the consequences will be catastrophic—not just for LGBTQ+ people but for everyone.

How to Fight Back:

1. Vote and Mobilize – The LGBTQ+ community and allies must organize, vote in every election, and push for leaders who uphold human rights. 
2. Support LGBTQ+ Organizations – Groups like the Trevor Project, Lambda Legal, and the ACLU are on the front lines, fighting for our rights. 
3. Challenge Hate in Our Communities – Whether in churches, schools, or workplaces, we must speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric and policies.
4. Engage in Peaceful Protest – From Pride marches to demonstrations, public action remains a powerful tool against oppression. 
5. Uplift and Protect One Another – In times of rising hate, mutual aid and community care are essential. No one should have to fight alone. 

Presidents' Day should not just be about honoring the past—it should be about shaping the future. We must demand leaders who fight for justice, not those who spread fear and division. The presidency should be a position of service, not oppression. If those in power refuse to uphold human dignity, then it is our duty to resist them with everything we have.

The LGBTQ+ community has always been resilient. We have survived persecution, discrimination, and violence. And we will continue to fight. Presidents' Day can be a reminder that leadership is not just about those in office—it’s about all of us, standing together, building a future where love, justice, and equality prevail. This year, let Presidents' Day be a call to action. The fight is far from over, but we are not alone. Together, we will resist. Together, we will win. 

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Let Us Not Forget

Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.

— Deuteronomy 4:9

Throughout Scripture, we are reminded of the importance of honoring those who came before us—our ancestors, mentors, and spiritual forebears. Their struggles, sacrifices, and faithfulness shape who we are today. For the LGBTQ+ community, this truth carries deep meaning. We stand on the shoulders of those who fought for dignity, justice, and inclusion—those who lived their truth despite discrimination, those who marched for equality, and those who created spaces of love and belonging. We honor them not just in memory, but in action—by continuing the work they started and ensuring that future generations inherit a world of greater love and acceptance.

Many LGBTQ+ individuals have suffered and died due to systemic injustice, oppression, and neglect. The AIDS crisis took the lives of countless people while governments and religious institutions turned their backs. Sodomy laws criminalized love and sent people to prison simply for being who they were. Many were cast out of their families and churches, denied healthcare, and left to die in isolation. In Matthew 5:4, Jesus tells us, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." We must remember them—not as victims, but as beloved children of God, as warriors of love, as sacred souls who deserved so much more than what the world gave them. Their lives mattered, and their memory calls us to action.

The LGBTQ+ rights we have today exist because of those who risked everything to fight for them. The activists who protested government inaction during the AIDS crisis, the individuals who defied sodomy laws, the countless people who lived openly in times of deep persecution—all of them paved the way for the progress we see today. Psalm 145:4 says, "One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts." Honoring them means carrying their torch forward. It means fighting against modern forms of discrimination, advocating for better healthcare, and ensuring that queer and trans youth grow up in a world where they are loved, safe, and valued.

This week, the National Park Service made significant changes to the Stonewall National Monument's website, removing references to transgender and queer individuals. The updated site now mentions only "LGB" communities, omitting the "T" and "Q" from the LGBTQ+ acronym. This action aligns with an executive order from our disgraceful current president, which mandates a strict binary definition of sex as male or female. The Stonewall National Monument commemorates the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal event in LGBTQ+ history, significantly led by transgender women of color. The recent alterations have sparked widespread criticism, stating that erasing transgender history dishonors the community's contributions to the LGBTQ+ rights movement and ignores the essential role transgender activists played in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. 

Psalm 112:6 states, "The righteous will be remembered forever." True honor is not just remembering—it’s living in a way that reflects the love, justice, and truth of those who paved the way. For LGBTQ+ Christians, this means embracing who God created us to be, showing love to others, and working to make our faith communities more inclusive. It also means demanding justice. The AIDS crisis taught us that silence equals death. Sodomy laws taught us that unjust policies must be challenged. Our faith teaches us that love must be louder than hate, and justice must be pursued with unshakable faith.

We need to give thanks for those who have come before us—the LGBTQ+ pioneers, the activists, and the everyday heroes who fought for justice and dignity. We must remember those who were taken too soon by AIDS, by state violence, by unjust laws, and by a world that refused to see their worth. We should honor their legacy by living boldly, loving fully, and advocating for those who still face discrimination. Deuteronomy 4:7–9 says, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” Let us not forget.

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Moment of Zen: Coffee/Tea

While my guess is that most of these guys are drinking coffee, I always have a morning cup of tea.

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❤️ Happy Valentine’s Day! ❤️

Valentine’s Day is often seen as a celebration of romantic love, but it can be much more. It’s a day to celebrate love in all its forms—romantic, platonic, and most importantly, self-love.

For those in relationships, Valentine’s Day is a beautiful opportunity to honor and cherish your partner. It’s a time to appreciate the journey you’ve taken together and the love you continue to build. Whether it’s a romantic dinner, a cozy night in, or an adventure together, the day is yours to make special.

For those who are single, like I am, Valentine’s Day can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Love isn’t just about a partner—it’s about community, friendships, and self-acceptance. Take this day to celebrate your personal growth, your friendships, and the love that exists in your life in so many different ways.

If you’re single this Valentine’s Day, know this: our worth is not defined by our relationship status. We are whole, valuable, and deserving of love—especially from ourselves. Take today to do something that brings you joy, whether it’s treating yourself to something special, spending time with friends, or simply reflecting on how far you’ve come.

Back when I was in college, I read the book Finding the Boyfriend Within: A Practical Guide for Tapping into your own Source of Love, Happiness, and Respect. For me and many others who read the book by Brad Gooch, it was an inspiration at a time when I didn’t fully understand my sexuality, when I wondered if I’d ever be in a committed relationship, and whether that could ever happen if I came to accept myself for who I was—a gay man. I’m sure there were a lot of things other people who read the book got out of it, but for me, there was the message of self-love, even though at the time, I hated myself for being gay.

One part of the book that has stuck with me all these years was to the notion of going on a date with myself. I could put on a nice outfit, eat a wonderful meal, maybe even light some candles to set a romantic mood—whatever I did to pamper myself. Whatever I did, I would take myself on a date. I could even go out if I wanted and have a nice meal at a restaurant I loved. Whatever I did, I planned a real date with myself, and if that meant that I’d come home to have a more hands on “self-love” than I’d let myself do that too.

Love will come when it’s meant to, but in the meantime, we should cherish the love we have for ourselves and those around us. Whether you’re in love, looking for love, or simply loving life, Valentine’s Day is a reminder that love exists in countless forms. Embrace it, celebrate it, and most importantly, never forget to love yourself.

❤️      ❤️      ❤️      ❤️      ❤️ 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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Another Snowy Morning

I almost titled this post “Another Snow Day,” but snow day usually implies a day out of school or off work because of snow. For there to be a snow day in Vermont, a snow storm must be particularly severe. This morning’s snow doesn’t seem to be severe nor as bad as had been predicted. Some parts of Vermont did get a significant amount of snow, but where I am, seems to have only gotten about an inch or so of snow. Of course, there is always the possibility of two things: 1) the snow may begin to come down at a faster pace before I leave for work, and 2) there may be places between my apartment and work that are in worse shape than we are. Thankfully, the snow should be over by mid afternoon, and when I head home at 4 pm, the roads should be in better condition. I wish I could just stay home today. However, I have a class to teach, and I will be the only person in the museum today.

My plan today is to leave earlier than usual and give myself plenty of time to take it slow and get to work safely.