Pirate’s Booty
By Paul Hutnick
Photos: Colin Pearce, Nikita Antonov
Rap music hasn’t always had the most inclusive reputation. In fact, there was a time when artists’ careers were at stake due to suspected homosexuality. However, as new generations of music creators and consumers emerge, it’s becoming increasingly encouraged to wave whichever flag you carry.
That includes the International Bear Brotherhood Flag. In his songs, Bryce Quartz, a self-identified lil’ cub hip-hopper, ruminates on the pups, cubs, bears, and daddies that make up his community - and their kinks. “Queer people have had to endure years of listening to the sex lives of hetero rappers. It’s time queer fans feel seen and celebrate their authentic selves,” he says, adding, “As long as consent is given, all should be empowered to explore their wildest fetishes.”
His latest track, “C*m Pirate”, the second single from his upcoming “The Sextape” EP, is out now.
What sparked the idea for your new track?
I wrote the hook during a demo writing session. One of my friend’s told me it sounded like I was rapping a sea shanty. It made me laugh because I could totally see it, so I went with it.
Is “C*m Pirate” the “WAP” for gay men?
I liken it more to Cupcakke’s “Deepthroat”. It’s overtly horny, extremely direct, and made for
underground mass appeal for all gay nymphomaniacs.
Female artists like Azealia Banks and Cardi B have been open about their sexualities and it hasn’t hurt their careers, but there’s still seems to be resistance to male rappers coming out.
There’s definitely a double standard in hip hop, however, over the past few years, things have changed with a new generation of listeners and the growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ people.
Is the double standard the reason you are determined to be bold with your queerness? Is the idea that you can’t bust down walls with subtlety?
It’s a form of protest for me. I hope my music makes cishet people uncomfortable. That said, I think both subtle and bold approaches are essential to breaking the glass ceiling for queer acceptability in hip hop. All of us, as queer musicians, are important to the movement whether we choose to be as direct as my music or as indirect and subtle as early Frank Ocean songs.
Are you a fan of queer rappers like Lil Nas X and Taylor Bennett? Taylor Bennett was actually one of the first artists that inspired me to be out and proud. I remember jamming to “Nobody Tell a Name” in my car years ago and it’s still a bop today. His lyrics are insightful, a bit lighthearted, but still thought provoking. I identify
with him, and Lil Nas X too, because they put the music first before their sexuality, and although my lyrics are extremely sexually charged, the bars and technicalities always come first.
“C*m Pirate” is a well-crafted song and fun to listen to… but does it have a chance of crossing over to mainstream?
To be honest with you, I didn’t make this song for a crossover into mainstream. The world just isn’t ready for something like this, however, I’m still gonna deliver it, and I know my fans will love it along with many new fans who will also love it.
They’ll love the music video too. I filmed two videos. A safe-for-work visual and an explicit version with hardcore porn that matches the energy of the song.
How graphic does the explicit version get?
It features porn stars Brooklyn Bear, The Rhino, and pup Tango Foxtrot and there are scenes with The Rhino ejaculating on my face and scenes of me in a sling getting slammed senselessly and a scene with Tango putting a dildo deep in me while I rap to the cameras. I swear Tango was testing me in that scene because damn, bitch! I really took that dildo all the way up my bum and didn’t miss a line at all!
How will you measure success of “C*m Pirate”?
By how many new fans find it and love it, and by how many dick and ass pics I receive in my DMs after the video drops.
A Heartfelt Tale of Teenage Romance and Nostalgia
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Cinephobia Releasing is set to captivate North American audiences with the highly anticipated release of LIE WITH ME, a poignant and tender LGBTQ festival favorite directed by Olivier Peyon. Adapted from Philippe Besson’s acclaimed novel, this cinematic gem offers a rare and profound exploration of queer desire across generations, set against the backdrop of the picturesque European countryside.
President of Cinephobia Releasing, Ray Murray, describes LIE WITH ME as “an assured, tender, erotic, intelligent, and tragic drama,” likening it to a revelation in French cinema. The film, reminiscent of the emotional depth found in “Call Me By Your Name,” delicately navigates themes of love, loss, and longing, leaving audiences spellbound by its raw authenticity.
At the heart of LIE WITH ME lies the story of celebrated novelist Stéphane Belcourt, portrayed with exquisite depth by Guillaume de Tonquédec. Returning to his hometown after three decades, Stéphane finds himself confronted with memories of a secret teenage romance that shaped his formative years. His chance encounter with Lucas, the son of his past love Thomas, sets in motion a poignant journey of self-discovery and reflection.
Set against the contrast of a wintry present and a sunsoaked summer past, LIE WITH ME beautifully captures the essence of young love and the bittersweet ache of nostalgia. Through mesmerizing performances by Julien De Saint Jean and Rémy Gillet, the film invites audiences to relive the exhilarating highs and heartbreaking lows of adolescent romance.
Having made its North American Premiere at the American French Film Festival, LIE WITH ME has garnered widespread acclaim on the festival circuit, captivating audiences at prestigious events such as Frameline, Newfest, and BFI Flare: London LGBTQ+ Film Festival. Notable accolades include the Audience Award for Best Feature at the Miami OUTshine Film Festival and the Best Narrative Feature award at ImageOut: The Rochester LGBT Film Festival.
LIE WITH ME promises audiences an unforgettable cinematic experience filled with passion, tenderness, and timeless storytelling. Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on this emotional journey into the heart of youth and memory. LIE WITH ME is now available on DVD and various digital platforms including Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and Google Play.
Photos by: Russ Bowen-Youngblood
Celebrating Holidays with Inclusivity: Navigating Cultural Sensitivity
Edited by Mikkel Hyldebrandt
Celebrating holidays can be a joyous occasion, but navigating festivities that have issues with inclusion and cultural appropriation can pose challenges. St. Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and even Pride Month, among others, may carry problematic undertones if not approached with sensitivity and awareness. However, there are ways to honor these occasions without perpetuating harmful stereotypes or excluding marginalized communities.
St. Patrick’s Day, initially a religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, has evolved into a widely celebrated holiday known for its green-themed parties and parades. However, the commercialization and stereotypical depictions of Irish culture can overshadow the holiday’s true meaning. People, particularly those of Irish descent, may feel conflicted about participating in festivities that perpetuate caricatures of Irish people.
Similarly, Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over the French Empire, has been commercialized into a day of excessive drinking and appropriation of Mexican culture. Here the challenge engaging in celebrations that promote harmful stereotypes and cultural insensitivity.
Create Inclusive Spaces
To properly celebrate these holidays and others, it’s essential to prioritize inclusion and respect for the cultures they represent. Here are some suggestions for celebrating with sensitivity:
Educate Yourself
Take the time to learn about the history and significance of the holiday. Understand its cultural roots and the challenges faced by the communities it represents.
Support Authentic Representation
Seek out events and celebrations that are organized by and for members of the community being honored. Support local and cultural organizations that promote authentic representations of heritage and identity.
Avoid Stereotypes
When hosting or attending celebrations, ensure that they are inclusive of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. Take proactive steps to make people from diverse cultural backgrounds feel welcome and valued.
Focus on Unity and Solidarity
Use holidays as an opportunity to promote unity and solidarity among diverse communities. Highlight shared values and experiences while acknowledging the unique challenges faced by different groups.
Reclaim the Narrative
Consider ways to reclaim the narrative of holidays by centering them around themes of social justice, equality, and empowerment. Organize events that highlight the contributions of individuals and marginalized communities to the holiday’s history and culture.
Refrain from perpetuating stereotypes or engaging in behavior that mocks or trivializes cultural traditions. Instead, celebrate the richness and diversity of the culture in a respectful manner.
Engage in Meaningful Dialogue
Foster open and respectful dialogue about the complexities of celebrating certain holidays. Listen to diverse perspectives and work together to find inclusive ways to mark these occasions.
Ultimately, celebrating holidays should be a reflective and inclusive process that honors the cultural heritage and identity of all individuals. By approaching festivities with sensitivity and awareness, we can create meaningful and inclusive celebrations that celebrate diversity and promote understanding across communities. Let’s celebrate with intention and respect, embracing the true spirit of unity and inclusion.
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My self-esteem is weird: I hate myself but still think I’m be er than everyone else.
My dog sighs a lot for someone who doesn’t contribute to this house or knows what politics is.
The Atlanta airport design is like they want you to prepare for a 5K.
Why is there so much day left at the end of my day?
Sure, I manifested a lot of things – but they don’t have to come to fruition all at once!
If gay means happy, I know that some of y’all should be identifying as straight!
What do you call a gay scientist? Homo-geneous.
