It’s a big weekend for Sydneysiders with the world-famous Mardi Gras Parade … Colourful, outrageous and inspiring, Sydney Mardi Gras Parade is an unmissable night-time demonstration of LGBTQI pride and you are invited to be a part of it.

This a free event for all, regardless of orientation or age, starting at 7.45pm on Saturday 3^rd March 2012 commencing from Oxford and Flinders Streets,  Taylor Square, Darlinghurst.

After three decades of lavish floats, extraordinary costumes, and every gay icon imaginable, more than 9000 people will be marching down Oxford and Flinders Streets this year in a rainbow extravaganza.

Check out the website here for details on the best viewing positions, information on how to get there, and information about volunteering on the night.

For a taste of the excitement from last year, watch this:

Don’t miss your night to shine with likeminded people and the gay glitterati!

Stay tuned to the Titanmen blog for details of the upcoming Francois Sagat visit to Australia in March 2012 and pop into the toys for men sex shop while you’re here to get a copy of your favourite gay DVDs and dildos, butt plug, master tools, anal trainers and a whole lot more.

GT, the Gay Times Magazine, is holding an online auction of naked signed photographs of the hottest men in entertainment, sport and celebrity, to raise money for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.

There are sixty exclusive photographs to bid on, with all photographs taken from the recent Naked Issues of the Gay Times.  100% of the proceeds from the auction will be donated directly to the Elton John AIDS Foundation so it’s a great way to support this important charity, AND get a gorgeous naked, signed photograph of one, or several of your favourite men.

Despite the talent being mainly UK/European-based, without an Aussie bloke in sight, there are some fabulous single and group portraits sure to pique your interest.  You can view the portraits here.

Naked hotties include Andrew Hayden-Smith, noted as one of the top 100 influential gay men and women by The Independent newspaper (UK); Anthony Topham, stage and theatre actor; performer and writer Benjamin Vivian-Jones; model Calum Best (son of football legend George best); Irish actor Emmett Scanlan; singer Gareth Gates; members of the British band the Gentleman’s Dub Club; dancer Glenn Ball; Harry Derbeidge from The Only Way Is Essex TV show; Cirque du Soleil performer Hugo Desmarais; actor Lucian Laviscount; singer Marlon McKenzie; motorbike champion Michael Hill; and the (UK) casts of Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Wildboyz and more; and Sacha Harding, rugby player and the UK’s hottest commercial, sports, athletic and fitness male model!

The auction is on right now, and only goes for ten days in total, so get busy and get bidding at the GT Naked Auction 2012!

In the meantime grab yourself a hot new Titan gay DVD, stop by the toys for men sex shop and get a cut cock or uncut cock dildo replica of your favourite Titanmen pornstars and have a great week!

So we start the week with the GOOD, the BAD and the WOW!

The GOOD is definitely that California is one step closer to making same-sex marriages constitutional.  A 2-1 ruling from the three judge panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco stated that Prop. 8 violated gay and lesbian couples’ constitutional equal-rights protections under the 14th Amendment.  It’s not over yet and there is likely to be an appeal however it IS a step in the right direction.

The BAD has been brought to our attention by All Out.

“All Out is an organisation dedicated to equality everywhere.  The members of AllOut.org – gay and straight, bi and transgender – are building a world where we can all live freely and be embraced for who we are. Huge challenges remain, but by uniting around the world, we will push history forward faster, together. And in under a year All Out has already brought over half a million people together to raise their voices in unprecedented ways—from calling out homophobia on the football fields of the World Cup and in the legislature in Uganda, to working towards trans inclusion at the headquarters of Facebook.”

They are currently running a campaign to get support for a petition against the silencing of LGBT people in Russia.

Lawmakers are about to vote on bill that will make it illegal for any person to write a book, publish an article or speak in public about being gay, lesbian, bi or transgender. And this is just the beginning – if the law passes in St. Petersburg, officials have threatened to take it nationwide.

Activists in St. Petersburg are rushing to organize a public protest against the bill, but no matter where you are, you can stand with them. Support them by calling your country’s foreign affairs office now and telling them to use every means possible to stop this law from passing. If enough of us call, our countries’ diplomatic pressure can help stop the vote before it happens.

To add your support sign the petition here:  http://www.allout.org/russia_silenced

The WOW is that we are one week closer to the gorgeous, the divine, the sensational, Francois Sagat arriving in Australia!  Stay tuned for details …….

This Sunday St Kilda (Victoria) comes alive with the annual Pride March.

Pride March Victoria recognises and celebrates the people and events that inspire the courage, solidarity, pride, diversity and strong sense of community of Victoria’s gay, lesbian, bisexual, intersex and transgender people. We organise cultural activities that bring our community together in a safe and positive environment. The annual Pride March is our signature event and celebrates a bright future while preserving our history. It is a key date on Victoria’s cultural calendar and a destination for interstate and international visitors.

The International Theme for 2012 is: Pride Links Us Together.

Following the spectacular ‘March’ itself, that kicks off in big style with the Dykes on Bikes and Melbourne Motorcycle Tourers Inc., the celebrations then continue at Catani Gardens until 10pm with non-stop entertainment on two stages, food galore, lots to see in the MCV Community Village and two massive bars in which to enjoy a cold libation. Remember that Pride March Victoria is a NO BYO event.

Participants in this year’s March include several politicians and City Councils, Victoria police, the Australian Sex Party, VicBears, Bendigo Queer Film Festival, JOY 94.9, Deakin University, Safe Schools Coalition Victoria, Melbourne Gay and Lesbian Chorus and Youth Chorus, DT’s Hotel, Melbourne Rovers Soccer Club, South Sea Roller Derby, Australian Lesbian & Gay Alliance, People Living with HIV/AIDS Victoria, Manhunt, and of course the King and Queen of Pride!

With 110+ groups flying the flag for the GBLT communities in Victoria, and a cracking weather forecast for the day, St Kilda is the place to be this Sunday 5 February 2012.

For more information please go to the Pride website: http://www.pridemarch.com.au/.

See you there!

Melbourne’s scene comes alive in January thanks to the hot weather, hot guys and the annual Midsumma Festival and Pride March. From 21st January thru 13th February the Laird brings you an assortment of events that are sure to get you sweating. The Laird prides itself on being the spiritual home to leathermen, bears & your average gay guy. With a line-up which includes 2 official Midsumma events, plus BBQ’s, a leather-only dance party, karaoke & the best underwear party in town, we’ve got something for everyone.

STEVE EDWARDS, ‘UNTOLD’ OPEN DAY

After winning the 2011 Men on Men art competition for his photographic portrait, “The Groom”; the extent of Melbourne artist Steve Edwards’ talent is suddenly being realised, as he prepares for his debut exhibition as part of the 2012 Midsumma Festival. Edwards, who has been photographing in Tokyo, New York, Sydney and Melbourne for several years, is surprised and delighted at the opportunity to finally share his work. ‘It’s gratifying to be acknowledged for what began as a passionate hobby. Winning awards and hosting exhibitions is not something I set out to do, but sharing my art in this capacity is the next logical step”, he said.

Saturday 21st January. 2pm—6pm. Women welcome. Free entry

On display 16th January — 12th February during normal trading hours

TRADE: SUMMER HEAT EDITION

TRADE night is all about turn-ons. Sports gear, work wear, uniforms are the go. If it works for you, you can be sure it works for someone else. Hmmm, sounds interesting, but there’s something missing…. that’s right, hot pole-dancers! Our resident Pole Moles will groove and grind their way up & around the pole & keep you wanting more. The boys have no trouble finding the beat either, thanks to the down-tempo funky tunes by Papa Tom.

Saturday 21st January. 9pm-2am. Free entry.

VICBEARS PRESENT: UNDERBEAR

The legendary UNDERBEAR parties are the furriest fun you can have in your jocks, well, almost! Come & party the night away for Australia Day Eve with a couple hundred bears & admirers. This will be one of the highlights of Midsumma 2012, and following his DJ set for the 2011 Cup Eve Underwear Party, Nick Shepherd is bound to get the place rockin’! This event sees the Back Bar turned into the cruisiest dance-floor around, with the Beer Garden the place to check out who’s wearing what. Entry includes cloak facilities.

Wednesday 25th January. 7.30pm-3am. $15 entry.

AVOID THE RUSH! PRESALE AVAILABLE AT THE LAIRD NORMAL TRADING HOURS

AUSTRALIA DAY:

After a day out celebrating this great nation of ours (or recovering from UnderBear), come & hang out with mates for a few Aussie ales. $12 jugs of Carlton & VB all night. SPIT N POLISH will take over Nuggets Bar with boot shine & a down ‘n dirty vibe. Spit does have a strict dress code (click here for details), but the Back Bar & the Beer Garden are casual as – just no thongs!

Thursday 26th January. 4pm-2am. Spit N Polish 10pm-2am. Free entry.

MIDSUMMA MOONING

Melbourne’s Premier Bare Arse & Wet Jock Competition

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS Official Midsumma Event. A Fundraiser for David Williams Fund Friday 27th January. 8pm-2am. $10 entry. Click HERE for presale

VICBEARS PRESENT BEARAOKE

BEARAOKE has become one of our most anticipated events; after all, what’s more fun than a bunch of bears warbling to their favourite tunes on stage? You don’t have to sing… just come along and be a part of the fun! Join ShanoBear, Scott, Charles and the VicBears crew for a truly entertaining night! Come along, choose your song and show us what you’re made of. Plus the VicBears Gourmet BBQ will be firing, lots of raffle prizes and Mannhaus give-aways too!

Get there early because the list of singers builds up quickly!

Saturday 26th January. 8pm-3am. Bar open 5pm. Free entry.

UNDERWEAR PARTY: HOT JOCKS

Our Underwear Party is well known for being as social as it is sexy, with guys taking the chance to strip down to the bear minimum & enjoy the cruisey atmosphere. Throw on your favourite jockstrap as we throw the best underwear party in town! And if you’re a little bit shy, there’s a free shot of schnapps on arrival. Male underwear only. Appropriate footwear must be worn at all times.

Monday 6th February. 8.30pm-2am. $8 entry includes schnapps & cloak facilities.

Nuggets Bar open to public 5pm-1am.

LAIRD & MANNHAUS PRESENT CODE BLACK

Code Black is Australia’s only true leather party for men. With mind blowing lasers and over two hundred sweaty leather men, what more can you ask for? How about 3 of Melbourne’s best DJ’s – Jayson Leahy, Scott Anderson & Rob Gilbert? How about an extended 5am license, allowing you to party harder & longer? There’s also boot shine and a separate lounge area. Code Black is a party for leather men and has a strict leather dress code.

Click HERE for more.

PRESENTED BY LAIRD AND MANNHAUS

Saturday 11th February. 9pm-5am.

Presale $30 available from 12 December at Mannhaus. More on door.

SING STUD: SUMMER SCORCHERS

Sing Stud is karaoke for blokes; in fact we could have just called it Blokeoke! The SUMMER HEAT edition is all about the feel-good hits of summer. Join host Sunny as we follow the bouncing ball through the night. Go duo, form a boy band (or man band?) or maybe you like to do it alone! Just don’t take it too seriously!

Monday 13th February. 8pm-late. Bar open 5pm. Free entry.

Contact the Laird Hotel (149 Gipps Street, Abbotsford VIC) on 9417 2832 for more information – or go to their website: http://www.lairdhotel.com/

The 2012 Midsumma Festival looks set to be the best and biggest ever – check out the amazing selection of Premier Events, Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Spoken Word & Literature and much, much more.

Sunday 15 January is when all the action starts and here are a few events just sure to tickle your fancy!

Carnival is the opening event of Midsumma’s annual queer arts and cultural festival.  This is the biggest single event in Midsumma’s program, attracting a crowd of nearly 100,000 to the picnic-in-the-park style event last year. Supported once again by the City of Melbourne, Carnival 2012 is a free celebration for the entire community to enjoy; queer, straight and everything in between. Everyone is welcome!

Come along from 11am to 6pm to Birrarung Marr for free entertainment from midday with teaser performances from some of the best events in the program to whet your appetite for what’s on offer all over Melbourne, and regional Victoria, for the next three weeks of festival.

As the sun sets, queer Melbourne’s celebrations continue with T Dance – the ultimate party in the park: an out and proud celebration for the Queer community and all of our not so Queer friends.  A sell-out event last year, get your tickets early to enjoy a sweaty summer evening of dancing, laughing and if you’re lucky maybe even some lovin’…

Emerging electro outfit the Divine Knights, with their extravagantly over-the-top costumes, are headlining this year’s T Dance.  The duo, Sydneysiders Gerard Anthony (lyrics, vocals) and Beef (programming, vocals), will perform their own brand of Depeche Mode-inspired synth-pop.  The Midsumma T Dance is held at Birrarung Marr on 15 January from 5pm.

For more information please go to their website.

Gay Movies nominated for Xbiz Awards

Congratulations to gay adult dvd studio Channel 1 Releasing for picking up seven nominations for the 2012 XBIZ Awards!

Nominations include Gay Studio of the Year, Gay Web Company of the Year, Gay Site of the Year, Gay Movie of the Year, Brent Everett for Gay Performer of the Year, and Chi Chi LaRue for Gay Director of the Year.

Channel 1 Releasing has been producing gay movie content under the auspices of the famed Chi Chi LaRue for many years, and is recognised as one of the world’s largest producers of gay pornography.

Based in California, and including the video label Rascal, CR1 has also acquired several additional gay film studios such as Catalina Video and All Worlds Video with the famed military gay porn series from director Dirk Yates.

Through AXIS Australia we are able to provide access to the gay title back catalogue for Channel 1 Releasing, Catalina and All Worlds Video as well as Pre-Condom Classics, and the Dirk Yates Collection!

Back Catalogue gay dvd titles are available to purchase online from only $13.95, and if you cant see the film you are after online, just contact the friendly staff at AXIS Australia on 1800 891 183 to find out what additional gay movie titles are in stock.

If you want to rent before you buy, then try Adultflix, Australia’s largest online adult movie rental store.

Don’t forget that all our excellent TitanMen titles are also available through AXIS Australia and Adultflix!

With the Jolly Season just around the corner, why not stock up on some holiday viewing or purchase some exciting gifts for friends that they can treasure over and over and over again? Who needs to give sock and jocks when you have access to such a great range of gay films, sex toys for men, dildos, gay pornstar replica dildos (cut cocks and uncut cocks), lubricant and TitanMen tools!

Happy shopping!