Drinking

Another repeating theme in vintage homoerotic photography is guys casually holding a drink — beer, soda, whatever happened to be nearby — and today’s set begins with an unknown blond guy straight out of the early ’70s: dangerously short cutoffs, ripped tank top, tube socks, sneakers, and a can of what looks like either Budweiser or PBR in hand. 

1. Unknown model with beer

From there we move through a mostly anonymous lineup of guys drinking beer, soda, or just lounging around half dressed like the camera caught them mid-afternoon. Besides Larry Bordeaux — who reminds me a little of Alfred E. Neuman in a physique shoot — the only names I have are Steve Chambers and Shawn Wilson.

2.  Larry Bordeaux kneeling in bed with a beer and a grin. - Bobco (Thanks Naven)

3.  Larry Bordeaux taking a swig - Bobco (thanks Naven)

What I love here isn’t really the drinking itself — it’s the relaxed masculinity running through these shots: cutoff shorts, jeans, work boots, shaggy hair, retro bushes, mustaches, and guys just comfortable in their own skin.

4.  Unknown model wearing sports jersey tube socks and bracelet with cigarette and can of Coors.

5. Unknown Model on striped couch holding a bottle of beer (I can't make out the label)

6. Steve Chambers in t-shirt and boots holding a can of lager

But the more I sat with this set, the more I realized the drinks probably aren’t random either. Before apps existed, gay bars were one of the few places men could meet, cruise, relax, and find community, even while police raids and arrests were still common leading up to things like the Stonewall Riots of 1969.

7.  Unknown Model drinking soda from a straw (the logo on cup says Pioneer)

8. Unknown Model drinking in the kitchen

9. Unknown Model in shades wearing necklace with beer in hand

 

None of these photos weren’t taken in bars though — they were taken in apartments, bedrooms, or remote cruising spots where a guy gets offered a drink, everybody loosens up a little, and eventually the clothes come off. I’m not judging it, just noticing the pattern. The drink starts feeling less like a prop and more like part of the ritual.

10. Shawn Wilson aka Ed Bernard (thanks Naven) drinking a can of 7UP

11. Unknown Model with can of Budweiser for comparison and wood paneling

12. Unknown Model driking a can of Budweiser.

Thoughts?

I'm not tracking where I found these images, but many are giving me a VintageMuscleMen vibe, so thanks to Jerry just in case;) I don't have IDs or names for 7 of these shots, so if you have any details or thoughts about this set please drop a comment.