Dore, BigMuscle, and the Bare Chest Men
By Demetri Moshoyannis
One of the hottest events of Dore weekend is the BigMuscle Party: Dore Edition. Men, muscle, dancing, and sweat, all on a friendly Saturday afternoon, combine to make for one hell of a party. With DJ Paul Goodyear and DJ Steve Fabus (Go BANG!), it’s sure to be a highlight of the weekend. The party is on Saturday, July 28TH from 1pm – 6pm at DNA Lounge. Tickets are available now at DNALounge.com.
Once again this year, the party also serves as the official release of the 2019 Bare Chest Calendar. If you’ve been engaged in the San Francisco LGBT community, then, chances are, you’ve seen a copy or likely know a calendar man – current or past. With a 35 year history, and over $2 million raised for PRC (and its former agencies AIDS Emergency Fund and Positive Resource Center), the calendar continues to grow in its significance and impact in the community – particularly for PRC’s clients.
On May 19TH of this year, 14 men were selected to represent the 2019 calendar, its 35TH edition. But, even before the finalists were picked, this class had raised over $110,000 via online fundraising, raffle sales, and special events. The Bare Chest Calendar (BCC), a long standing community based fundraiser, originated in the leather community, and is now represented by a diverse group of men from across the spectrum of the gay experience, including the dance world. DJ Juan Garcia is Mr. September 2017, and Gloss photographer Joe Pessa is Mr. December on the upcoming 2019 Calendar.
In the spirit of other community-minded leather events, all proceeds from Calendar events, including this BigMuscle Party, benefit PRC’s services such as Crisis Care and Emergency Financial Assistance, Legal Advocacy, and Residential Treatment, Supportive Housing and Employment Services for the most vulnerable in our community – those struggling with HIV/AIDS, mental health and/or substance use issues.
Join us for the BigMuscle Party and watch for other BCC events throughout the year. More information can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/1990927270952766/
The men of the Bare Chest Calendar enjoy a sense of brotherhood unlike any other, as well as opportunities to give back to the community. If you’re interested, the group recruits year-round at BareChest.org. Maybe you’ll find yourself on the calendar in 2020!
