Creative
MARC MURPHY
CHARLES BRUBAKER
IN TWO NOVELS, THE UNCERTAIN LASH OUT
BY T.E. LYONS
The protagonist doesn’t have a complete handle on their personal identity. Also, they don’t know who they want to be with. If they belief that they’ve somehow been wronged, will they pursue revenge? And will it be worth the cost? Readers can find this plot played out in many variations. But it can require a sure-handed author (and maybe a collaborator)—whether they’re trying to pull it off as a young-adult queer rom-com, or as an ambitious study of a modern American family preyed upon by cultural and capitalistic temptations.
These are books that will be introduced to readers through upcoming author appearances at Carmichael’s on Frankfort Avenue.
“Call Your Boyfriend” is written by Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk. The former is a Louisville-based writer who’s a proven source for thought-provoking and entertaining books for a variety of age groups. Here the authors offer, in a setting handled
breezily but with care, a tale of late-adolescent loyalty and burgeoning sexuality tested by brinkmanship with hearts. Outsider figure Beau is seething as she nurses emotional wounds. She has confidence in her sapphic identity, but she’s in an age group where underexperienced partners may not know the damage they do as they dally and then dump. (“I’m used to being a secret. Backseat, back room, empty rehearsal hall, dark movie theater. It’s just the way things are.”) But while the local social pecking order firms up in advance of a big prom, Beau sees an opportunity to thoroughly embarrass a social butterfly who used her. The instrument of revenge is Charm—a bright young woman who’s also been gamed, but has an energetic curiosity that might offer Beau more than expected. Hijinx will ensue, of course—along with life lessons along the way. The alternating-voice chapters give off a dazzling show of sharp reference
asides, and the background cast is substantial but doesn’t weigh down the romantic roundelay.
Lee Cole, in his sophomore novel “Fulfillment,” is focusing primarily on characters just a decade or so older. Though this is another novel with some sexual entanglements and is also told in alternating voices, here there are also the scars of greater adult responsibility and the workaday world.
“How do we know that we want what we think we want?” is the keynote to a lecture by Joel—a low-level academician who has returned to his boyhood home in Paducah. He has brought his wife in tow, and it’s apparent the marriage (begun, with some impulsivity, during the Covid pandemic) is precarious. Both parties are subject to the
thousand cuts of modern cultural intrusions that are part of Joel’s sociological expertise: FOMO exacerbated by online media, distractive clawing from telemarketers and scammers, and family political arguments fueled by Fox TV viewing.
Dissatisfaction reaches a higher simmer through visits from Emmett, Joel’s halfbrother. This younger sibling works oppressive shifts at a rigidly regimented Amazon-like warehouse. He’s also writing an autobiographical screenplay that chronicles his thwarted dreams: “This isn’t me, hurling boxes of diapers and Zabar’s coffee onto a conveyor belt. The real me is a document, saved forever.” But he also might imagine a key to salvation in his sister-in-law’s restlessness. Resentments are building toward explosive confrontations.
These books may seem distinct in literary merit—but the characters in each have genuine and relatable concerns for the stakes that set the plots in motion. Concerns handled quite well enough that there’s reason to hope each book finds the part of the reading populace that will relate.
2720 Frankfort Avenue www.carmichaelsbookstore.com
Tuesday, June 24 at 7 p.m., Lee Cole appears to promote “Fulfillment”
Monday, June 30 at 7 p.m., Olivia A. Cole and Ashley Woodfolk appear to promote “Call Your Boyfriend”
Get Your
What you need to know:
Louisville Pride Walk 5K
Sunday, June 15, 2025 9:00 AM 12:00 PM Iroquois Amphitheater
Celebrate Pride Week in Louisville by participating in the fourth annual Louisville Pride 5K on Sunday, June 15, 2025, at 9:00 am. This family-friendly event welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels to run, walk, or stroll through a closed course within the scenic Iroquois Park. Starting and ending at the Iroquois Amphitheater, join hundreds of others for a fun and inclusive way to kick off Pride Week.
New in 2025, the Louisville Pride 5K will benefit both the Louisville Pride Foundation (LPF) and the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation (KPF). The Louisville Pride Foundation celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all people. The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation promotes social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana’s sexual and gender minorities. They advocate pride, celebrate achievements, and educate leaders.
Kentuckiana Pride Weekend Kick-Off Celebration
Thursday, June 19, 2025 7:00 PM - Friday, June 20, 2025 12:00 AM Chill Bar Highlands 1117 Bardstown Road 21+ Event
The 9th Annual Kentuckiana Pride Foundation (KPF) Pride Weekend Kick-Off Celebration will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2025, at 7:00 PM (Eastern) at Chill Bar Highlands, located at 1117 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky.
This kick-off celebration marks the commencement of our 25th Anniversary and will serve as a catalyst for a fun-filled weekend of activities, including a Pride Parade on Saturday and a Festival on the Big Four Lawn.
The kick-off celebration is an opportunity to express gratitude to KPF sponsors, vendors, members, the LGBTQIA+ community, and media outlets for their tireless efforts in organizing the parade and festival.
The event will feature special guests, including the Mayor’s office, Governor’s office, and other distinguished individuals, who will make special presentations. Additionally, the celebration will showcase a lineup of local drag entertainers Jayda Mack, Sasha Gant, the newly crowned Pride Court,
Ms. KPF, Elle LaGanda, Mr. KPF, DeeJay Valentine, Ms. Diva, Tik Tak & MX KPF Tana Boots, and the event is hosted by Leah Halston and accompanied by music and fun fun-filled night of dancing from DJ Syimone.
The mission statement for Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is promoting social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana’s sexual and gender minorities, we advocate pride, celebrate achievements, and educate leaders.
KPF Presents “Hotel Takeover Pride Edition”
Friday, June 20, 2025 3:00 PM - Sunday, June 22, 2025 11:00 AM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival 1101 East River Road
ALL NEW! Hotel Takeover Pride Edition
Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is excited to announce our upcoming and NEW Hotel Takeover Pride Edition event at the Myriad Hotel and in celebration of our 25 years as Kentuckiana Pride.
Your purchase of the hotel stay will include a general admission ticket to the Kentuckiana Pride Festival, access to the official Pride After Party at the Myriad Hotel featuring international Australian DJ and
KPR Presents “Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Fantasy Dance Party”
Friday, June 20, 2025 8:00 PM - Saturday, June 21, 2025 3:00 AM
Play Louisville 1101 East Washington Street
Back by popular demand on Friday, June 20 at Play Louisville Dance Bar is the Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Fantasy Dance Party. Get those neon colors, glow sticks, and your favorite accessories ready as we bring you two sensational DJs for a fun-filled night of dancing the night away. Join DJ Syimone at 9 PM followed by International and Greek DJ and Producer GSP.
Kentuckiana Pride Festival & Parade
Saturday, June 21, 2025
12:00 PM 11:00 PM
Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park
The Kentuckiana Pride*Parade Kicks off at 12pm in NULU and ends at the Big Four
Producer Dan Slater, and pool party access on Sunday with DJ and Producer Deanne!
Pride On!
Lawn where the Festival takes place until 10pm.
Performing at the 25th Kentuckiana Pride Festival presented by Derby City Prep Clinic are -Natasha Bedingfield, Saucy Santana, The Scarlet Opera, Tanner Adell, Molly Grace, and more on the Big Four Lawn on June 21st.
KPF Presents “Official Pride Takeover AFTER PARTY”
Saturday, June 21, 2025 11:00 PM - Sunday, June 22, 2025 3:00 AM The Myriad Hotel 900 Baxter Avenue
The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation is excited to announce for its 25th year celebration Love & Pride ‘25 Neon Drag Brunch and Pool Party Powered by Derby City PrEP Clinic. The day is expected to be a fun-filled day of drag, brunch, poolside music from DJ and Music Producer Deanne. What a great way to connect with fellow members of the LGBTQIA+ community while you sit back, relax, and enjoy the day!
Pool access is from 10 AM through 5
PM. DJ Deanne starts spinning at 12 PM. Limited food menu available for those who purchase pool access only.
The drag brunch will showcase an exciting entertainment lineup featuring Nina West and Naysha Lopez from RuPaul’s Drag Race, along with Kassandra Hylton, Karmen Kazzi, and The Diva Extreme Syimone. Additionally, Derby City PrEP will present guest performers during this
event. The brunches will be hosted by the renowned Leah Halston, so attendees should come ready for an unpredictable experience. Brunch will include your choice of appetizer and entrée. Tea, water, and soda are included with the purchase of your ticket.
• 10:30 AM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 10:15 AM for seating.
• 12:30 PM brunch ticket holders will need to arrive at the Paseo restaurant by 12:15 PM for seating. Tickets are only $69.99 for brunch and pool access! Pool only access is $39.99. All photos courtesy of kypride.com
Louisville Tourism hosts ‘Pride Plates’ LGBTQ+ food walking tour
by Debra Murray
If you’re looking for a way to connect with the LGBTQ+ culture in Louisville, the Louisville Food Tours provide Kentucky staples like the hot brown and an old fashioned while you learn about the area’s LGBTQ+ history.
The three hour long, guided walking tour will take participants on a journey through Louisville’s LGBTQ+ history—featuring delicious meals and iconic meals of fried chicken, spoonbread, bourbon cocktails, and more. During the tour, the tour guide will tell stories of Prohibition-era drag queens to poets and activists in the community to a bourbon drinking goat.
Richie Goff is the director of marketing for Louisville Food Tours and the lead writer for the Pride Plates food tour.
He hopes tour participants learn something new about LGBTQ+ history during the tour. He spent months researching to write Pride Plates working with David Williams, an older gay man whose items are part of a special collection with the University of Louisville and Chad Camen, who works with the special collections at UofL and is curator of the Edgar Rice Burroughs Collections.
“I hope they learn something new, because there is so much cool history in Kentucky, you know, especially queer history,” Goff said. “A lot of people don’t think of Kentucky as being very open minded or different or unique in any way, but we’ve had a lot of really cool characters throughout history.”
One historical figure that the Pride Plates tour shares the story of is Kelly King, who was on the cover of the Louisville Scene when it was still part of the Courier-Journal. The story was one of the first public glimpses into Louisville drag culture.
“She really was the first one of the first drag queens in Louisville to pave the way for people understanding the life of a drag Queen,” Goff said. “The article was all about like her getting into character, getting dressed, working at the bars. It was like a behind the scene glimpse at drag culture that most people would have never heard of.”
The tour leads participants down Bardstown Road, to several restaurants and two different bars. One bar is a laid-back atmosphere, while the other bar is a but more high energy.
“I think the pride plates tour is really good, especially for gay and queer travelers, because we do go to chill bar and big bar, which are, you know, both on Bardstown Road. I think that’s a really nice introduction to the gay bars.”
The tour launched last August as part of Kentucky’s Queer Bourbon Week, so this June will be the first Pride month with the tour
offered. Goff hopes to see more interest in the tour this year.
“We’re excited this year to hopefully ramp up interest in it,” Goff said. “It’s not our most popular tour by any means. It’s our least popular at this point. It’s very niche, of course.”
The tour currently runs every Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets start at $159. Learn more on their website: Pride Plates: louisvillefoodtours.com/queer-history-tour.
Courtesy of Louisville Food Tours
EAT, DRINK AND SEE IN THIS WEEK’S STAFF PICKS
FRIDAY, JUNE 6
Deady, Guerrilla Warfare, The Metric Ton, Pissed On The Whirling Tiger | 1335 Story Ave. | thewhirlingtiger.com | $12 adv / $15 door | 7:30 p.m. | 16 and over, (under 16 permitted with guardian)
It’s not often you see four headlining bands all on the same bill outside of a festival, but June 6th at The Whirling Tiger, that’s exactly what you’re getting. The thrashy, quirky, catchy punk rock of Deady meets the hardcore, hip hop, nu-metal of Guerrilla Warfare, which runs head-to-head with the pop punk indie rock of Cincinnati’s The Metric Ton, who is fully immersed in the trenches with the old-school deathcore of Pissed On. Not a single “Opening band” here, just back-toback-to-back-to-back heavy hitters whipping your ass one after another. All killer, no filler!
Jeff Polk
FRIDAY, JUNE 13
Nine Pound Hammer and Laid Back Country Picker
The Whirling Tiger | 1335 Story Ave. | thewhirlingtiger.com | $15 adv., $18 door | 8 p.m. | 18 and over
There is going to be a country punk rock & roll hoedown throwdown at The Whirling Tiger when Lexington cowpunk legends Nine Pound Hammer meet up with the muttonchopped truck stop country rock of Louisa, KY’s Laid Back Country Picker for what is certain to be a hell of a wild night! Nine Pound Hammer has been churning out their brand of trailer park hooch-fueled, bourbon-soaked rock ’n’ roll for nearly 40 years now. LBCP and his wife Honey make one of the oddest looking duos in music, (trust me on this), but they make some damn fine country-fried rock ‘n’ roll. Just hold on tight and enjoy the ride!
Jeff Polk
WEDNESDAY–SATURDAY, JUNE 11 -14, 2025
Bluegrass Festival at Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground
Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground | 5163 N. State Road 135, Morgantown | $30+ | 9 a.m.
Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Festival will once again take over Bill Monroe’s Music Park & Campground for four days of live bluegrass music, camping, a military flyover, veterans salute, traditional bean dinner, jamming, vendors, museum tours and more. 2025 LINEUP: Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Festival includes the below acts: Ralph Stanley II & The Clinch Mountain Boys; Lonesome River Band; Authentic Unlimited; Special Consensus; Po Ramblin Boys; Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers; Clay Hess Band; Wilson Banjo Co.; Dave Adkins Band; Downriver Collective; Tommy Brown & County Line Grass; The King James Boys; Springstreet; Branded Bluegrass; Backwoods Bluegrass; Rocky Branch Bluegrass; Derek Dillman & Friends; Miller Brothers & Friends; Danny Davis.
LEO Weekly Staff
FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025
Legacy Fighting Alliance
Freedom Hall | 937 Phillips Ln. @ Freedom Way | $40+ | 6 p.m.
LFA is a professional Mixed Martial Arts promotion that gives rising stars and top contenders the opportunity to prove their talent to fans and leaders in the industry. LFA was formed by the merger between RFA and Legacy FC. LFA presents live Mixed Martial Arts events on a monthly basis around the United States including Atlanta, Minneapolis, Dallas, Denver, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. LFA has quickly become the number one developmental organization in the world as well as one of the most active and respected MMA promotions in the fastest growing sport in the world. Tickets for LFA 210 are available at Ticketmaster.com. LFA 210 will be broadcast live at 10 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. PT on UFC FIGHT PASS.
— LEO Weekly Staff
THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2025
Form, Fund, and Flourish Kaden Tower | 6100 Dutchmans Ln | $20+ | 6 p.m.
Let’s be honest, financial stress can kill a dream faster than failure ever will. If you’re ready to stop winging it and start getting real about your business finances, this is the masterclass you can’t afford to miss. We’re bringing together a powerhouse panel of financial experts, including a CPA, an accountant, a financial strategist, and a business banking development manager to answer the questions every entrepreneur needs to know. These are the financial foundations that will keep your business running and profitable taught by real professionals who know their stuff.
• How to budget and plan for growth
• What accounts your business actually needs (and why)
• Retirement planning as an entrepreneur
• How to keep more of what you earn
• And how to confidently manage your money like the CEO you are becoming
LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
Treasure Pages: A “Junk” Journaling Workshop Fante’s Coffeehouse | 2501 Grinstead Drive | $45+ | 2 p.m.
Treasure Pages is a hands-on journaling and collage experience that invites you to slow down, gather meaningful scraps, and create from the inside out. Using found materials and guided prompts, we’ll layer textures, stories, and reflection into soulful pages — no experience needed, just a love for paper and presence. We believe creativity is a birthrightnot a performance. Our kits, gatherings, and guides are designed to help you return to your inner world with gentleness and curiosity. No pressure. No perfection. Just presence. Whether you’re journaling in morning light, sketching in the golden hour, or showing up to a shared circle, Kindling is here to spark something soft and real - in your hands, on the page, and in your life.
LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025
2025 Philippines Independence Day Celebration
411 S 4th St | FREE | 4 p.m.
The Philippines Independence Day Celebration will feature local food trucks and food vendors with delicious cuisine from various areas of the Philippines, energetic Filipino themed performances, and retail vendors. This event is made possible in partnership with Asia Institute – Crane House, Louisville Downtown Partnership, Cultura Philippines and Fourth Street Live!
— LEO Weekly Staff
SUNDAY, JUNE 15, 2025
Louisville Pride 5K Run/Walk Iroquois Park | 2120 Rundill Rd. | $30+ | 9 a.m.
Run or walk with pride and join us for the fourth annual Louisville Pride 5K on Sunday, June 15, 2025 at 9:00 am. Starting and finishing in Iroquois Park at the Iroquois Amphitheater, the Louisville Pride 5K is a family-friendly event for people of all ages, athletic abilities, and skill levels. Run, walk, or push your way through a closed course inside the beautiful park with hundreds of your closest friends to kick off Pride Week in Louisville. The first 600 people who sign up for the Louisville Pride 5K will receive a Pride 5K reversible bucket hat and everyone will receive a finisher’s medal. New in 2025, the Louisville Pride 5K will benefit both the Louisville Pride Foundation (LPF) and the Kentuckiana Pride Foundation (KPF). The Louisville Pride Foundation celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and advances equity and representation for all people. The Kentuckiana Pride Foundation promotes social, economic, and health equity of Kentuckiana’s sexual and gender minorities. They advocate pride, celebrate achievements, and educate leaders.
— LEO Weekly Staff
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025
Love Out Proud Pride Panel
Roselyn Hill Winery | 10525 Old Taylorsville Rd. | $25+ | 6:30 p.m.
An annual multi-author event hosted by A Novel Romance to celebrate the joy and magic of queer romance fiction. We will have a panel of romance authors discussing reading and writing queer romance followed by a signing with all of the featured authors. This year, we are featuring Christen Randall, Jenna Miller, Jenna Voris, Karmen Lee, and Sydney J. Shields, and the panel will be moderated by Katie Steele! Kentuckiana Pride is on Saturday, June 21 so we CANNOT wait to kick off the festivities with these incredible authors while celebrating the joy and magic of queer romance!! ������ ��our event ticket will includea signed copy of one of the featured books by the author of your choice and your entry into the event. All authors will sign after the panel and you will have preference in line for the author you select with your ticket.
— LEO Weekly Staff
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025
A Taste of Louisville Pink Batter Cake Studio | 822 E. Broadway | $70 | 6:00 p.m.
Celebrate the sweet side of the 502 at A Taste of Louisville: a creative cake decorating experience inspired by our city’s flavor and flair! In this fun, beginner-friendly class, you’ll design a 4” cake using locally inspired colors, accents, and toppings. ��our ticket includes all supplies, a gift, guided instruction, and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Grab dinner or snacks from Locals before or after class, this makes the perfect summer night out for friends, couples, or solo creatives. Let’s honor our city one slice at a time!
— LEO Weekly Staff
SATURDAY, JUNE 15 AND SUNDAY, JUNE 16
We Are Fugazi from Washington, D.C. Speed Art Museum | 2035 S. Third St. | speedmuseum. org | $12, ($8 for Speed members) | 3 p.m both days. | All Ages
Created to commemorate the 20 years that have passed since DC-based post-hardcore band Fugazi’s last live appearance on November 4, 2002 at The Forum in London, We Are Fugazi from Washington, D.C. is a 96-minute movie comprising crowd sourced, fan recorded live shows and rare archive footage of Fugazi curated by Joe Gross, Joseph Pattisall and Jeff Krulik. Explicitly billed as a non-documentary, the film pays tribute to Fugazi’s prowess as a live actfor old fans to remember and for a new generation to discover what they missed. In keeping with the band’s generous and non-capitalistic spirit, 30% of the box office sales from this screening will support ArtXFM.
— Jeff Polk
SATURDAY, JUNE 21, 2025
St. Matthews Summer Fest
Frankfort Ave. between Lexington Rd. and Bauer Ave. | FREE | 12 p.m.
The St. Matthews Summer Fest is back and better than ever! Join us on Saturday, June 21 from 12:00 PM to 10:00 PM for a full day of family-friendly fun, food, music, and community spirit. A highlight of this year’s festival is the return of the beloved St. Matthews Firefighters BBQ Competition, featuring both a People’s Choice Wing Cookoff and a Judge’s Choice Rib Competition. Come hungry and ready to vote for your favorite! Proceeds from the competition will benefit the St. Matthews Fire Department Benevolence Fund. Kicking off the day, kids can enjoy games and competitions for prizes in front of the stage, followed by activities in the Kidz Zone, which will be open throughout the day. The festival will also host 50+ local vendors, event bars, and delicious eats available throughout the grounds. Live music begins at 3:00 PM.
— LEO Weekly Staff
FROM SMOKY FLAN TO BLOOD ORANGE MARGARITAS: EXPLORING LOUISVILLE’S MAYAN CAFÉ
BY JOE DESENS
Mayan Café is one of those uniquely Louisville culinary go-tos that delivers on every level. Nestled in Louisville’s NuLu district, this farm-to-table Mayan-inspired eatery bangs out delectable food as thoughtfully crafted as their passion for sustainability. Hint: Reserve your table in advance; this place is no secret and books out fast.
Before looking into the food offerings on the new spring menu, it was inaugural cocktail time. Hope studied the wine list as if prepping for the sommelier final exam, opting for the Spanish red. I embraced the cocktail menu and landed on the Mayan Manhattan. Bourbon, honey syrup, and bitters with just a hint of the orange peel flourish.
Then came appetizers. We dove into the Guacamole & Chips and Sikil Pak, a pumpkin seed dip (smoky, nutty vibes with fresh cilantro on top) that whispers, “Move over, chickpeas.” The guac hit every mark: creamy with chunks of avocado, just the right lime zing and a touch of pico de gallo. Double dipping the two onto one glorious chip will have you
experimenting for just the right combo of proportions.
With the first round of beverages and some slightly embarrassing fawning over the apps, we were ready for prime time. I opted for the Harvest Toss, a technicolor quinoa bowl with white mole, roasted veggies, and crispy chickpeas. Hope went for the salmon, plated with buttery lima beans and huitlacoche sauce. Those lima beans…some of the best in Louisville, so I had to get my own side dish (zero chance Hope was going to share). Bonus points to Hope for trying the appetizer dips with her salmon to level up the flavor game.
Obviously, outstanding food deserves equally stellar drink pairings. Hope’s switched sides and went with a Sauv Blanc to accent the animal they killed for her, while my Blood Orange Margarita was a citrusy tequila wonderland. Sweet and tart, it had a zesty balance that didn’t get overshadowed by the meal.
Mayan Café’s outdoor space deserves an
honorary mention. Completely revamped, it’s a breezy oasis with a full bar and gas heaters for year-round magic. It’s the place to be for a casual cocktail or deep, meaningful relationship with a plate of veggie’s (sans gluten, of course).
Saving room for dessert was something I did for you, my LEO reader. . . an altruistic sweet treat that I consumed purely for research purposes. Their flan, both smoky and creamy, was the elegant, sweet finale we didn’t know we needed. Topped with honeyed whipped cream and pairing beautifully with my last sip of margarita, it wrapped up the evening on a high note.
The service finds knowledgeable, attentive staff who balance professionalism with personality. The plating is artistic, and inspiring enough to make us slow down and savor. Each detail—from the meal’s presentation to the staff’s drink-pairing prowess—is a testament to the care Chef Bruce Ucán and his team pour into this dining experience.
Whether you’re in the mood for a fullfledged feast or an evening of relaxed patio cocktails, this Louisville icon delivers. Foodies, adventurous eaters, and even the guac-curious will find their taste buds will not have any complaints (though folks’ livers
813 E Market St. Louisville, KY
might want to have a word). Reserve a table, try a margarita, and create your own adventure by trying something new.
Postscript on eatin’ in the Ville: As happenstance would have it, Hope and I found political heavyweights from both sides of the aisle breaking bread (or corn chips) sitting next to us. Mayor Craig Greenberg and Sec. of Agriculture Commissioner Jonathon Shell were exploring Louisville’s enviable farm-to-table food scene. I think our fair Commonwealth could use more “let’s talk over amazing food” kind of meetings.
LISTEN LOCAL: NEW LOUISVILLE MUSIC TO FEAST YOUR EARS ON THIS JUNE!
New releases by Small Time Napoleon, Why DOMS, Stay Bent, and Gravel n’ Mudd Band
BY JEFF POLK
Gravel n Mudd Band
Waiting on the Sunrise - album
“This was started after I had a hearty, almost deathful dose of Covid, and then last year had a massive heart attack. So I decided if I was to finish the music I had started, the time was now!” said songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Douglas Slaughter. He, along with co-writer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Brent Greco and a few guest musicians, (including several members of Slaughter’s own family), accomplished that mission, and the result is the 11-track album Waiting on the Sunshine. Combining Americana, adult contemporary, and soft rock with folk and pop sensibilities, they’ve managed to create an original sound that’s hard to pin down. Perhaps an amped-up James Taylor, John Denver, and Johnny Cash mixed with a bit of Blues Traveler and Switchfoot might give you a rough idea. Tracks like the Led Zeppelin 3-esque “You Bring Me Home”, the upbeat classic country stomp and swagger of “Angry Words”, the mid-80’s alt-rockish reimagining of the John Stewart classic “July, You’re a Woman”, the slow-burn update of the Bryan Adams hit “Summer of 69”, the modern rock take on The Beatles “Eleanor Rigby”, and the upbeat Bob Dylan meets The Replacements feel of album closer “Melancholy Mood”, (which is anything but melancholy), are certainly highlights here. In his email to me, Slaughter said “Just hoping maybe a few (songs) will resonate with some folks out there and they find some enjoyment.” With tracks like this, I don’t think that is going to be a problem!
distrokid.com/hyperfollow
gravelnmuddband
gravel-n-mudd-band
Small
Time Napoleon
Subverted Expectations - album
You know ‘em, you love ‘em…ladies and gentlemen, please get your dancing shoes ready because Small Time Napoleon is back! Although there have been a handful of singles released over the past few years, the 11-track Subverted Expectations marks their first substantial release since 2017’s Too Big To Fail EP, and their first full-length album in 10 long years. And my, how they’ve grown! Although the band stays true to their huge, hook-laden, upbeat jazzy swing sound with that funk-based backbone they’re known for, gone is the Dixieland ragtime jazz and, for the most part, the lounge and folk elements of previous releases. Nary a horn to be heard this time around. However, they have stepped up their songwriting game considerably by incorporating more of an R&B/soul-rooted style that’s peppered with alt-pop and indie rock. Not that this is worlds away from their previous material, just more refined. A little less of what they didn’t need, and a little more of what they did. Imagine Pokey Lafarge jamming with My Morning Jacket on some James Brown tunes and that’ll get you in the neighborhood of STN’s sound. This is 36 minutes of feel good music that’ll have your feet hurting from dancing and face sore from smiling. Subverted Expectations is about as solid of an album as you can possibly get. Not one single filler song here. Small Time Napoleon is the kind of band you hear and wonder why the hell they’re not much, much bigger when literally every component is there. Not only should they be playing Bourbon and Beyond, they should be headlining it!
smalltimenapoleon.bandcamp.com
Stay Bent
Always Blue - EP
Stay Bent is one of those bands that have been on my radar for a while. They’ve been around for a few years now and I see their name pop up fairly often, so I’ve been meaning to check them out, but they’ve managed to slip through the cracks so far. Not anymore! The band’s sophomore EP Always Blue, (their first non-single release since 2022’s Good on Paper EP - three singles were released between the two EPs), is 13 minutes and some change of high-energy punk-rooted, emo-tinged, post-hardcore/grungy alternative rock that brings to mind the likes of early Fall Out Boy, At The Drive-In, Taking Back Sunday, The Wonder Years, and Koyo. But I must state that Stay Bent certainly leans more towards the punk side of things rather than pop, as some of the aforementioned bands tend to do. And even with “Heart-on-your-sleeve” lyrics “channeling the rush of romantic chaos and self-discovery,” (per their band bio), don’t expect to hear any ballads here. This is punchy, guitar-driven, melodic rock with actual sung-vocals that range from dramatic and heartfelt to flat-out hardcore shouts, and has more than enough power and stomp on the backend to keep the pit moving. Recorded at DeadBird Studios, (Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Jack Harlow, Low Cut Connie, Anemic Royalty), and mastered at West West Side Music by Grammy award-winning engineer Alan Douches, (Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, System of a Down), Always Blue has a raw, edgy yet clean sound and serves as an excellent showcase for the power and talent of Stay Bent. I’m already ready for more!
staybent.bandcamp.com
Why DOMS Say Sum Else - album
Although Why DOMS seemingly came out of nowhere about a year ago and pretty much took over the music scene in Louisville, the truth is it’s been a long journey and they’ve busted their ass to get where they’re at. The duo of Why Mark and J DOMS have been working together since meeting in high school in 2016, honing their craft and getting better and better with each release, and it’s paid off in spades! Released just six months after their last full length album Just Because, Say Sum Else is absolute proof of Why DOMS’ unrelenting drive to outdo themselves with each new release. Far from being complacent with being one of Louisville’s premiere rap duos, Why DOMS come out swinging here; eating mics and spitting fire, proving they’re still as hungry as ever. This time the duo team up with prolific beat maker and rapper Jethro, who’s slow-groove jams mix light jazz, Motown, R&B, and lounge to form the perfect backbone to propel the seemingly unmedicated, hyperactive flows of Why Mark and the in-your-face, takeno-shit rhymes of J DOMS. And they both hit hard! Say Sum Else isn’t an album you’re going to put on in the background and ignore, this album grabs you by the throat and demands your attention immediately and holds you there until every word has soaked in. No autotune or corny radio rap, Say Sum Else is 15 tracks of straight up hardcore shit from two of the hardest players in the Louisville rap game! You need this!
whydoms.com
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2025 LGBTQ PRIDE SEASON GUIDE
BY ARIA BACI
Pride Month commemorates the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social equity in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community. This monthlong observance also celebrates the achievements of people whose marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities continue to present them with unique challenges.
Halleloo, those same marginalized sexual orientations and gender identities also present the LGBTQ community with unique fabulosity. Here is LEO’s guide to a full spectrum of events across Kentuckiana, from poetry workshops to gender-affirming clothing swaps, from dance floors to pool sides, and of course, drag queens — serving body, serving face, serving Pride.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 | 6 PM
Pride Night: Racing Louisville versus Utah Royals
$2 Happy Hour | Ticket prices for game vary | Tickets from game grant free entry to postgame party at Play Dance Bar
Lynn Family Stadium | 350 Adams St.
FRIDAY, JUNE 6 | 10 PM
GAG: A Pride party hosted by Perfect and Wandering Treehouse featuring drag by Tana Boots, Champagne, Sevyn Stars, Lucy Fur, and Kourtney Rose with DJs GIRLPILL, Spring Break, Jay-Mo + Lauren, and PERFECT
CTRL
$10 | 21 and older
Kaiju | 1004 E. Oak St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 7 | 1 PM
“Poetic Fusion” Presentation and Workshop Free | All ages
Louisville Free Public Library: Parkland | 2743 Virginia Ave.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 – SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | SHOWTIMES VARY
Actors Theatre of Louisville — Bingham Shakespeare Series: “Gender Play, or what you Will”
$12.50 – $25 | All ages
Victor Jory Theatre | 316 W. Main St.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 | 6 PM
Craft with a Drag Queen: A fundraiser for Louisville Pride Foundation in partnership with Maker’s Mark, featuring drag queen
May O’Nays leading a wood-based craft making session
$40 | All ages
The Craftery | 823 E. Market St.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 | 8 PM
Lexi Love: Drag Show with Meet-and-Greet
$22 | $32 with meet-and-greet | 21 and older
Play Dance Bar | 1101 E. Washington St.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13 | 9 PM
RebootCamp: A video game drag show featuring Tana Boots, Dolly Dearest, Jen Erocity, Ketchup Chesney, and Champagne with DJs VXMITSPIT, B2B, and GIRLPILL
$10 | 21 and older
Kaiju | 1004 E. Oak St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 | 3 PM
Loud ‘N’ Proud 2: Gender-affirming Clothing Swap
Free | All ages
Woodbine Chamber | 236 Woodbine St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 | 7 PM
Loud ‘N’ Proud 2: Fundraiser for Kentucky Health Justice Network featuring drag performances by Mercy Kiss, Jen Erocity, and Lucy Fur, and live music by Pink Crayons, fairyeater, and Scary Black
$10–$15 | All ages
Woodbine Chamber | 236 Woodbine St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14 | 10 PM
JELLY: One-year anniversary dance party featuring DJs JPB, Spring Break, Slim Thicc, and Jay-Mo + Lauren
$10 | 21 and older
Kaiju | 1004 E. Oak St.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15 | 9 AM
Louisville Pride Walk 5K
$30 | All ages
Iroquois Amphitheater | 1080 Amphitheater Rd.
TUESDAY, JUNE 17 | 2 PM Pride Crafternoon Free | Ages 12 – 19
Louisville Free Public Library: Main | 301 York St.
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 | 7 PM
Kentuckiana Pride Weekend Kick-Off Celebration hosted by Leah Halston and featuring drag performances by the newly-crowned Pride Court: Ms. KPF Elle LaGanda, Mr. KPF DeeJay Valentine, Ms. Diva Tik Tak, and MX KPF Tana Boots; Jayda Mack, Sasha Gant, and DJ Syimone Free | 21 and older
Chill Bar Highlands | 1117 Bardstown Rd.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 8 PM
Derby City PrEP: “Pink Pony Pride” After Party with Alyssa Edwards
$22 | 21 and older
Play Dance Bar | 1101 E. Washington St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 11 PM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival: Hotel Takeover — Pride Edition after party with DJ Dan Slater Free for hotel guests | 21 and older
The Myriad Hotel | 900 Baxter Ave.
SUNDAY, JUNE 22 | 10:30 AM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival: “Love and Pride ‘25” neon fantasy brunch and swim party with host Leah Halston, DJ Deanne, and drag performances by The Diva Extreme Syimone, Karmen Kazzi, Kassandra Hylton, Naysha Lopez, and Nina West
$69.99 for brunch at Paseo and pool access | $39.99 for pool access only
The Myriad Hotel | 900 Baxter Ave.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20–SUNDAY, JUNE
22 | 3:00 PM–11:00 AM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival: Hotel Takeover — Pride Edition
Rooms start at $204 per night | All ages
The Myriad Hotel | 900 Baxter Ave.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20 | 9 PM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival: “Love and Pride ‘25” neon fantasy dance party featuring DJs Syimone and GSP
$20 – $25 | 21 and older
Play Dance Bar | 1101 E. Washington St.
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 12 PM
Kentuckiana Pride Parade Free | All ages
Begins at the corner of Market and Campbell Streets and proceeds to the Big Four Lawn at Waterfront Park
SATURDAY, JUNE 21 | 12 PM
Kentuckiana Pride Festival presented by Derby City PrEP Clinic, featuring performances by Natasha Bedingfield, Saucy Santana, Tanner Adell, Grant Knoche, Molly Grace, DJs GSP and Dan Slater, RELAAY, and VOICES of Kentuckiana along with hosts Dusty Ray Botttoms, Kassandra Hylton, and Leah Halston, drag performances by Nina West and Naysha Lopez, and DJs Spring Break and Scz.
$12 | $158.07 for VIP access | All ages
Big Four Lawn | Waterfront Park
TUESDAY, JUNE 24 | 7 PM
LGBTQ Book Discussion: “Who’s Afraid of Gender” by Judith Butler
Free | All ages
Louisville Free Public Library: Northeast | 15 Bellevoir Circle
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 | 6 PM
Pride Craft Night: “Stained Glass” Light Catchers
Free | All ages
Louisville Free Public Library: Saint Matthews | 3940 Grandview Ave.
THURSDAY, JUNE 26 | 6 PM
Behind the Pink Door: Poco 502 Pop-Up and Lesbian Dance Party
Free | 21 and older
The Pearl of Germantown | 1151 Goss Ave.
Kentuckiana Pride Parade
Kentuckiana Pride Foundation
Lucy Fur
Wandering Treehouse Collective
Tana Boots (L) and Sevyn Starz (R)
Wandering Treehouse Collective
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
Week of June 6
ROB BREZSNY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): You have had resemblances to cactuses in recent days. It hasn’t always been pleasant and cheerful, but you have become pretty skilled at surviving, even thriving, despite an insufficiency of juicy experiences. Fortunately, the emotional fuel you had previously stored up has sustained you, keeping you resilient and reasonably fluid. However, this situation will soon change. More succulence is on its way. Scarcity will end, and you will be blessed with an enhanced flow of lush feelings.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I foresee abundance emerging from modest sources. I predict breakthroughs arising out of your loving attention to the details of the routine. So please don’t get distracted by poignant meditations on what you feel is missing from your life. Don’t fantasize about what you wish you could be doing instead of what you are actually doing. Your real wealth lies in the small tasks that are right in front of you— even though they may not yet have revealed their full meaning or richness. I invite you and encourage you to be alert for grandeur in seemingly mundane intimate moments.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): It’s time for your Uncle Rob to offer you some fundamental advice for living. These tips are always worthy of your contemplation, but especially now. Ready? Being poised amidst uncertainty is a superpower. You may attract wonders and blessings if you can function well while dealing with contradictory feelings, unclear situations, and incomplete answers. Don’t rush to artificial closure when patience with the unfinished state will serve you better. Be willing to address just part of a problem rather than trying to insist on total resolution. There’s no need to be worried or frustrated if some enigmas cannot yet be explained and resolved. Enjoy the mystery!
CANCER (June 21-July 22): Acclaimed Cancerian poet Lucille Clifton published 14 books and mothered six children. That heroism seems almost impossible. Having helped raise one child myself, I know how consuming it is to be a parent. Where did she find the time and energy to generate so much great literature? Judging from the astrological omens, I suspect you now have access to high levels of productivity comparable to Clifton’s. Like her, you will also be able to gracefully juggle competing demands and navigate adeptly through different domains. Here’s my favorite part: Your stellar efficiency will stem not from stressfully trying too hard but rather from good timing and a nimble touch.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): One of the seven wonders of the ancient world was the Colossus of Rhodes, located on a Greek island. Symbolizing power and triumph, it was a towering statue dedicated to the sun god Helios. The immediate motivation for its construction was the local people’s defeat of an invading army. I hereby authorize you to acquire or create your own personal version of an inspiring icon like the Colossus, Leo. It will symbolize the fact that the coming months will stimulate lavish expressions of your leonine power. It will help inspire you to showcase your talents and make bold moves. PS: Be alert for chances to mobilize others with your leadership. Your natural brilliance will be a beacon.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s biggest structure built by living things. Lying beneath the Coral Sea off the east coast of Australia, it’s made by billions of small organisms, coral polyps, all working together to create a magnificent home for a vast diversity of life forms. Let’s make the Great Barrier Reed your symbol of power for the next 10 months, Virgo. I hope it inspires you to manage and harness the many details that together will generate a robust source of vitality for your tribe, family, and community.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): One of my favorite poets, Arthur Rimbaud, wrote all of his brilliant work before he became an adult. I suspect that no matter what your age is, many of you Libras are now in an ultra-precocious phase with some resemblances to Rimbaud from age 16 to 21. The downside of this situation is that you may be too advanced for people to thoroughly understand you. You could be ahead of your time and too cool for even the trendsetters. I urge you to trust your farseeing visions and forward-looking intuitions even if others can’t appreciate them yet. What you bring to us from the future will benefit us all.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Blacksmiths still exist. They were more common in the past, but there are many 21st-century practitioners. It’s a demanding art, requiring intense heat to soften hard slabs of metal so they can be forged into intricate new shapes. The process requires both fire and finesse. I think you are currently in a phase when blacksmithing is an apt metaphor. You will need to artfully interweave passion and precision. Fiery ambition or intense feelings may arise, offering you raw energy for transformation. To harness it effectively, you must temper your approach with patience, restraint, and detail-oriented focus.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Jean-Paul Sartre and Simon de Beauvoir were two feisty, independent, strong-minded French writers. Beauvoir was a trailblazing feminist, and Sartre was a Nobel Laureate. Though they never officially married, they were a couple for 51 years. Aside from their great solo accomplishments, they also gave us this gift: They proved that romantic love and intellectual equality could coexist, even thrive together, with the help of creative negotiation. I propose we make them your inspirational role models for now. The coming months will be a favorable time to deepen and refine your devotion to crafting satisfying, interesting intimate relationships.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Over 2600 years ago, ancient Babylonian astronomers figured out the highly complex cycle that governs the recurrence of lunar and solar eclipses. It unfolds over a period of 18 years and 11 days. To analyze its full scope required many generations of researchers to carry out meticulous record-keeping with extreme patience. Let’s make those Babylonian researchers your role models, Capricorn. In the coming months, I hope they inspire you to engage in careful observation and persistent investigation as you discover meaningful patterns. May they excite your quest to discern deep cycles and hidden rhythms.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I invite you to try this visualization exercise, Aquarius: Picture a rosebud inside your body. It’s located in your solar plexus. Imagine it’s steadily and gently opening, filling your body with a sweet, blissful warmth, like a slow-motion orgasm that lasts and lasts. Feel the velvet red petals unfolding; inhale the soft radiance of succulent fragrance. As the rose fully blooms, you become aware of a gold ring at its center. Imagine yourself reaching inside and taking the ring with your right hand. Slip the ring onto your left ring finger and tell yourself, “I pledge to devote all my passionate intelligence to my own well-being. I promise to forever treat myself with tender loving respect. I vow to seek out high-quality beauty and truth as I fulfill my life’s mission.”
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I foresee the arrival of a living fossil, Pisces. An influence you thought was gone may soon reappear. Aspects of your past could prove relevant to your current situation. These might be neglected skills, seemingly defunct connections, or dormant dreams. I hope you have fun integrating rediscovered resources and earmarking them for use in the future. PS: Here’s a lesson worth treasuring: While the world has changed, a certain fundamental truth remains true and valuable to you.
Homework: What is the best surprise gift you could give yourself right now? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com
SLUT BIOME
BY DAN SAVAGE
Hey Dan: My girlfriend and I started to do butt play (her butt) about two months ago. It was a once-per-week thing, first with butt plugs and then, after two weeks, anal. Two weeks ago, shortly after anal sex, she caught a really bad flu (confirmed by a medical test) that lasted a week, with a stubborn fever and fatigue. She is not the type to usually get knocked out by an illness; she’s healthy, active, eats well, etc. After her symptoms finally passed, we waited about a week, and then we were back to business, though this time with just the butt plug. A day later, her fever and fatigue were back, and again they hit her harder than she’s used to and lasted a few days.
So, here’s the thing: Everyone’s talking these days about the importance of the body’s natural biome and healthy bacteria. I know that gut bacteria are obviously deeper in the intestine, but I’d imagine there’s got to be some “good bugs” in the ass, too, right? Basically, I’m wondering if she’s just been having a spate of bad luck with some coincidental timing, or if shoving stuff up your butt can actually weaken or damage your biome and kill your healthy bacteria.
Some other details: She doesn’t use any chemical anal douches or anything (just shower water, thoroughly applied by hand), the butt plug is silicone (washed with soap and water), we use Sliquid Sassy (a waterbased lube), we never go A-to-V, and there’s no evidence we’re doing things too rough (i.e., some moderate soreness the day after but no blood).
Neither of us wants to give up our new hobby, but we also don’t want to risk damaging her immunity. Is there any evidence, medically or anecdotally, that this is a real issue?
—Biology Upends Naughty Shenanigans
Your girlfriend’s gastrointestinal tract is thirty feet long — so, unless you’re hung like three consecutive horses and/or you’re shopping for butt plugs in the “you’ve got to be kidding me” aisle of the sex shop, BUNS, you’re only playing with the last six to ten inches. And the bacteria in your girlfriend’s rectum (good witch bacteria, bad witch bacteria) are on their way out, BUNS, not up, and douching and anal play can only hasten their departure. So, I would chalk your girlfriend’s recent postanal-play illnesses up to coincidence. And what she experienced was a thing — or if it still a common thing (“flu-like symptoms” are an early sign of HIV infection) — rabid anti-gay bigots would not shut up about it (they love talking about butt stuff), and
actual gay men would schedule anal on the Fridays of three-day weekends. Just the fact that sexually active gay men into anal (#NotAllGayMen) don’t set aside three days to recover after anal sex is solid anecdotal evidence that this was a coincidence, BUNS, not a thing.
Hey Dan: Trans woman from Denmark here. I’ve matched with a cuck on Feeld who’s looking for people who want to have sex with his fiancée. He was clear this is not a simple “hotwifing” scene, as he enjoys the humiliation aspect of it. So, if this thing happens (we are still negotiating), what word would I use to describe myself? What would my position be called? I heard on the podcast that the person who fucks the wife of a cuckold is sometimes called a “bull.” This strikes me as a very male-coded term. What if the third party is a woman? Does this touch upon some kind of some kind of gendered bias in the cuck culture? Is it more typical to want a man to fuck your partner?
—Nervous About Terminology
You don’t fuck another man’s fiancée — or another man’s wife or girlfriend or boyfriend or husband — with a term, NAT, you fuck another man’s fiancée with whatever it is you enjoy fucking people with, e.g. your fingers, your tongue, your toys, your dick (bio or strap-on), etc. Also, you will not have to present a business card with “bull” engraved on it when you arrive, NAT, and you will not be announced by a herald when you enter the bedroom. Cuckold scenes are about power, not nicknames, and you can enjoy the power play — you can enjoy having sex with this man’s fiancée — without having to embrace and/or tacitly endorse terms other people use to describe themselves when they fuck other people’s partners.
That said, “bull” is the most common term for the third in a cuckold scene, and a bull is typically understood to be a dominant, well-endowed man who is sexually superior to the cuck. Some people feel the term is hypermasculine (in a bad way), dehumanizing (in a bad way), and racially loaded (in a very bad way). The stereotype of the Black bull — brought in to ravish a white wife while the white husband watches — is a common trope in cuck porn and play, and some find it deeply problematic. But something can be problematic and still be a turn-on; there are Black men out there who identify as bulls and enjoy playing that role for couples who respect them as people. But the term is optional. If you’re into the dynamic and the chemistry wit this couple
is right and you’re certain his fiancée has enthusiastically consented to “cheating” with you, you can and should go for it — as yourself.
But if you like the term, NAT, you aren’t disqualified from using it just because you’re a woman. While the term is male-coded, it’s also insertive-partner-coded (bulls do the fucking), but gay cucks refer to the men who sleep with their top husbands as bottom bulls. If gay bottoms can use the term “bull,” NAT, why can’t a woman?
Hey Dan: Gay guy in a May/December relationship. Been with my partner for almost five years now. Moved to his state to be with him, embracing his life and friends entirely. My youthful desires/needs are changing, and I feel as though our paths will eventually diverge. Differences in libido, his unwillingness to open the relationship, a generational disconnect, the fact that we don’t share many common interests. He’s an absolutely wonderful person and I love having him in my life, but after getting consistent resistance to make some adjustments for me (as I have made for him) I am now questioning the future. I don’t expect a loveable old dog can change and I feel the writing is on the wall. But I want to make sure I give him a fair shot while also being fair to him and to myself. Am I wrong to have these thoughts? Do I need to put in more effort and continue talking about it?
—Gay And Pressed
You’re not wrong to have these thoughts — you’re a May, GAP, you’re still figuring out who you are and what you want. That’s what Mays do. And Decembers who can’t roll with change would be foolish to partner with Mays. (Bone? Yes. Partner? No.) But if you’ve concluded that monogamy isn’t for you (anymore) and you don’t wanna do the wrong thing (cheat), then you’re gonna have to issue an open-or-over ultimatum to your partner. Issuing an ultimatum is scary because you could wind up breaking your partner’s heart and blowing up your life — and paying your own rent again — but if your sexual connection is waning and the generational disconnect is growing, your relationship is doomed unless it changes. Which means this very scary, very consequential conversation is the only way to save your relationship.
Hey Dan: I’ve been a bottom since my youth. Sadly, my youth is long gone, and I can’t be bothered anymore, so these days I often end up topping by default. And I am very bad at it. It takes an act of God to get me hard enough
to get inside, and once I am inside, I come in seconds. It’s embarrassing! I guess the answer is practice, practice, practice, but the fact is I don’t get many opportunities — certainly not repeat opportunities with the same guy. What can I do solo to train myself to be slightly less useless at this?
—Often Limp Dude
I posted your question to last month’s Struggle Session — where I respond to comments and invite my readers to give advice — and Jonathan, one of our superstar commenters, had some great advice for you: men of all ages can bottom, ED meds can help you get hard when you wanna top, and condoms can help you last longer by decreasing sensitivity. “It’s also not fair to have bottoms go through their prep [if OLD knows he’s likely to fail],” Jonathan added. “Really, the only place he should be topping is in a bathhouse or during an anon cumdump scene where the bottoms know he’s not their only source of pleasure for the evening.”
My two cents: If you’re not into bathhouses and/or anon cumdump scenes — and not everyone is — consider investing in some high-quality silicone dildos, plugs in different shapes and sizes, and a comfortable harness. Having the freedom to switch back and forth between your dick and your growing collection of toys will take the pressure off your dick, OLD, and taking the pressure off is a highly effective ED treatment all by itself. Lots of gay men enjoy toys and a not insignificant number of gay men actually prefer them. So, having a nice collection of high-quality toys is a selling point, not a consolation prize, OLD, and including pics of your toys in your profile will attract the attention of men who love being pegged as much or than they love being fucked. And succeeding with toys — instead of failing with dick — will do wonders for your confidence, OLD, and boys you pegged the shit out of will be hitting you up for repeats. P.S. Gay sex doesn’t have to include anal penetration — instead of “defaulting to top,” you could embrace being a side. Jerking off with other guys at JO parties, I’ve been told, is a great way to make new friends.
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CLASSIFIEDS
Michael Wolff at 4110 Chambers Way, Louisville, KY 40299, with phone number 502-7127735, has intention of obtaining title to a blue in color 2015 Chevrolet Equinox bearing VIN #2GNALLEK4F1175475 registered in name of CHRISSY JEAN WEATHERS. Last known address 3752 PENWAY AVE, LOUISVILLE, KY 40211 Lienholders:CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CO. 25505 W. 12 mile road. SOUTHFIELD, MI 48034. Owner or lienholders have 14 days after last publication of this notice to object. Objections must be sent in writing to the above address.
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3512 Blue Park Lane, #C7 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only.
Unknown Occupant
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1959
• Make: NewMoon
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3512 Blue Park Lane, #C7 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3515 Blue Park Lane, #D42 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only.
Unknown Occupant
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1969
• Make: Elcona Homes
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3515 Blue Park Lane, #D42 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
Public Notice
Pursuant to KRS 376.480, the following abandoned mobile home located at 3533 Blue Park Lane, #D33 in Fort Bluegrass MHP LLC. Community, Louisville, Kentucky shall be sold by Fort Bluegrass via sealed bid on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 10:00 AM to recover rent, storage and legal fees incurred by the owners of said mobile home. The sealed bids will be accepted at Fort Bluegrass MHP, LLC 3510 Bluegrass Park Drive, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Title to the mobile home is not warranted, subject to prior liens and all sales are final. Seller reserves the right to bid. Terms of sale cash only.
Jorge Aguilar
• Unknown Heirs or Beneficiaries
• Unknown Owner(s) or Creditor(s)
• Year: 1969
• Make: Unknown
• Model: Unknown
• VIN: Unknown
• Located at 3533 Blue Park Lane, #D33 in Fort Bluegrass MHP, Community
AI International, Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, has a Construction Project Specialist position responsible for leading the installation of material handling systems, particularly conveyor systems, in the parcel industry. This is a fully remote position. Must be willing to travel up to 50% of the time within the United States. Please send applications to HR.GROUP@aiinternational.com, Attention: Ashley Lienhart.
ALL VEHICLES WILL BE SOLD AT 3920 South Park Road, Louisville, KY 40229 ON OR AFTER July 2, 2025
2003 Honda Pilot with VIN 2HKYF18603H585816 owned by Julia Kelly
• 2004 Nissan Quest with VIN 5N1BV28U84N337663 owned by Mbabazi Lucie
• 1997 Buick LeSabre with VIN 1G4HP52K4VH440527 owned by Brittany Nicole Becraft
• 2011 Chrysler 300 with VIN 2C3CA5CG0BH599534 owned by Good Price Auto
• 2016 Volvo XC60 with VIN YV440MDJ0G2867308 owned by Courtney Johnson
• 2008 Chevrolet Malibu with VIN 1G1ZG57BX8F211571 owned by Cherise Stewart
• 2013 Chrysler 300 with VIN 2C3CCAGG3DH590276 owned by Willie Gaffney and Republic Finance Llc and Santander Consumer Uns Inc.
• 2014 Dodge Grand Caravan with VIN 2C4RDGBG2ER405692 owned by Michael Whitehead
• 2004 Honda Accord with VIN 1HGCM72634A025987 owned by Trilokshan Vinayagamoorthy 2013 Ford Taurus with VIN 1FAHP2D98DG235901 owned by Martinique Sisk Elijah 2015 Chevrolet Malibu with VIN 1G11C5SL4FF107261 owned by Bella FC Auto Sales Llc
• 2014 Chrysler 200 with VIN 1C3CCBAGXEN150045 owned by Zoila Marina Tino Morales
• 2001 Toyota ECHO with VIN JTDBT123X10100847 owned by Tristan James Kirby
• 2010 Dodge Challenger with VIN 2B3CJ4DV1AH135140 owned by Elizabeth Green and Truist Bank
• 2011 Nissan Altima with VIN 1N4AL2AP4BN433903 owned by Meeca Rodgers and Eagle Finance
• 2010 Dodge Grand Caravan with VIN 2D4RN5D16AR301231 owned by Dawn Dunn Misty
• 2006 Nissan Altima with VIN 1N4AL11D46C213260 owned by Danna M Hampton
• 2012 Audi A7 with VIN WAUSGAFC3CN002275 owned by Delores N Love
• 2003 Toyota RAV4 with VIN JTEHH20V930261628 owned by Cherokee Kamariaii Gomar
• 2010 Acura TSX with VIN JH4CU2F63AC030391 owned by Nicolle Elaine Staples and Byrider Finance Llc
TRAVEL BUG
BY DYLAN SCHIFF
PUZZLES EDITED BY WILL
SHORTZ
Dylan Schiff is a middle-school science teacher in Millsboro, Del. This is his fourth crossword for The Times. In his spare time, Dylan enjoys making and editing quizzes for Sporcle.com, where he uses the handle Purple Parrot. One of my favorites of his there is “Badly Misspelled Signs,” which is good for a lot of laughs. — W. S.
Across
1 Woodworking byproduct
8 Most-awarded musician at the American Music Awards
13 Outkast, for one
19 Angioplasty tube
20 Mammal with a prehensile snout
21 Something to run
22 Like floppy disks and typewriters
23 Gaming company whose logo is known as ‘‘the Fuji’’
24 Must
25 Melittologist’s study
26 Army bosses, informally
28 Exam in which using notes is allowed
30 Inventor’s pride
33 ‘‘Sorta’’
34 ‘‘The Last Judgment’’ is found in one in the Sistine Chapel
35 Search around, as a truffle-hunting pig
36 ‘‘I’m so frustrated!’’
38 Thereabouts
40 Going on to say
43 Harry Houdini and David Blaine, for two
46 Escalator part
50 Beheader of Medusa
52 Guaranteed
53 Magazine with an annual Person of the Year issue
54 53-Across, reversed
55 Praise highly 58 Gal of Hollywood 60 Groove on 61 Not too shabby
63 Synagogue greeting
66 Cotton and flax, for two
68 Set (down)
69 Theoretical paths depicted by the circled squares
73 Snazzily dressed gent
74 Musical sections
77 Wellness product derived from an Australian bird
78 Cappuccino topper
81 Fat stack of cash
82 ‘‘Hang loose’’ sign
86 City destroyed in Genesis
88 Manhattan neighborhood that’s adjacent to the East Village
89 ‘‘Whatever!’’
91 Like the subject of a photograph, ideally
94 Cyclist, e.g.
96 Grandmother’s nickname
97 Brand known as ‘‘the San Francisco Treat’’
100 Has trouble swallowing
101 Roman who opposed Julius Caesar
103 ‘‘All right!’’ 104 Senator’s home
106 Battle of Normandy city
108 ‘‘Defending Our Nation. Securing the Future’’ org.
110 Not breaking, as an actor
delivered them for Rosa
and Toni Morrison
Peckish and peevish
Bender 130 Spot of madness, metaphorically Down
Fencing discipline
Perplexed 3 ‘‘Can I speak to your manager?’’ 4 ‘‘Barb and Star Go to Vista Mar’’ (2021 comedy)
All-purpose truck, informally
Programs to, as a thermostat
Molasses, to a contestant on ‘‘The Great British Bake Off’’
Put on
Mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen
Many Dogfish Head brews 11 Tree with ‘‘noble’’ and ‘‘grand’’ varieties
12 ZZ Top and Green Day, for two 13 Magritte who painted ‘‘The Son of Man’’
for some rockers
hotel reservations in
48 Qatari ruler
49 Parts of a coatrack
51 Annual Austin music festival, in brief
56 However, in shorthand
57 Flat-headed crew driver?
59 Small row
62 What spinach leaves and beets can be used as
64 Its symbol is omega
65 Moves a cursor (over)
67 Many an evangelical
70 Best place to go in London?
71 Holiday that celebrates the end of Ramadan
72 Spill (over)
74 Metaphor for a late bloomer
75 ‘‘Mi es su ___’’
76 T follower
79 Nickname alternative to Teddy
80 What disbudding prevents the growth of
83 Negatively charged particles
84 Fast-food chain that’s headquartered in Louisville
85 Floor covering in many a living room
87 Mullally who played the ex-wife of her real-life husband on ‘‘Parks and Recreation’’
90 Certain social media update
92 Loved, loved, loved, with ‘‘up’’
93 Be late in the theater?
95 Canine in ‘‘Hi and Lois’’
98 Leathery-skinned hopper
99 Unable to progress
102 Coatrack, in many a lodge
105 What might be given for crying out loud?
106 Frank who directed ‘‘It Happened One Night’’
107 Follow, as an impulse
109 A few bucks?
111 Govt. bond
112 Strand at a chalet, say 113 Like a bowling alley or Olympic pool 114 Runs out of power
115 ‘‘____ obliged!’’
116 Craftsperson’s online marketplace
117 Tie up, as a boat
of salad with bacon and hard-boiled
GPS suggestions: Abbr.
‘‘X-Men’’ character portrayed by Anna Paquin
‘‘Ain’t that the truth!’’
Some tough H.S. classes
No longer burdened by
Mammals with prehensile feet
Showcase at
121 ‘‘Miracle’’ product from inventor Joy Mangano
123 ‘‘Well done, torero!’’
124 Sound from a kid with a roll of Bubble Wrap
Answers
