It’s in the limestone, the operatic history, and the unapologetic way the city occupies space. During my Master’s, I didn't just study International Relations; I studied the art of presence.
My Brawn & Beaux-Arts theme this month is a nod to that French influence—the intersection of masculine mass and classical elegance. It’s about being a flâneur in your own life, even when that life is a commute between Logan and the office.
High-art meets high-impact.
Full essay on the Transatlantic Dandy drops tomorrow on Substack
Welcome to the first month of a new narrative direction here.
My academic roots are in the Beaux-Arts tradition—years spent in practice rooms at USU studying the mechanics of the Italian appoggio and the dramatic architecture of Opera. But the physical reality of the "Brawn"—the bear, the gainer, the masculine form—has always been the silent partner to that artistry.
This month, we are collapsing the distance between the high-art stage and the modern masculine identity.
The Curation:
The Heroic Aesthetic: I’ll be pairing classical sculpture and 19th-century French romanticism with modern photography that celebrates the larger masculine form. Think of it as a study in "The Heroic Baritone" in physical form.
Socio-Cultural Dispatches: Brief reflections drawing on my research in American Studies and Dandyism. How does a man of stature navigate the "fine art" world today?
The Sound of the Body: Occasional vignettes on the relationship between vocal resonance and physical mass.
Tumblr is the only place where these two worlds—the intellectual and the physical—can breathe together without the constraints of an algorithm.
Coming back to the dash with a lot more intention and a lot less patience for the 24-hour news cycle. The political climate is currently a Category 5 storm of "too much," so I’m retreating into the finer things.
By "finer things," I mean the Rugged Dandy aesthetic and the four B’s that keep the soul nourished: Biceps, Bellies, Butts, and Bulges. If he looks like he can quote Rimbaud but also lift a tractor, he’s found his way onto the mood board. Staying intentional, staying thirsty, and staying away from the comment sections. 🥂✨
I stand firmly against military parades, viewing them not as demonstrations of strength, but as costly and dangerous spectacles that put taxpayers and public safety at risk. As Eisenhower is said to have understood, true national strength lies not in ostentatious displays of military might, but in the health and well-being of its people and institutions. This approach to power is deeply concerning, and I believe we must declare "No Kings" to such wasteful and potentially authoritarian displays.
Just heard about the reaction at the Kennedy Center's Les Misérables performance tonight, and it resonates deeply. The idea of any administration taking control of artistic programming and replacing leadership at a cultural institution like the Kennedy Center is completely outrageous. Art thrives on independence, diverse perspectives, and challenging the status quo. To see it politicized in this way is a profound disservice to culture and creativity.
The boos, the cheers for drag queens protesting, and the reported cast boycotts are all completely in line with how I feel. It's a powerful reminder that the arts are not just entertainment; they're a vital space for expression, dissent, and mirroring society's conscience. As someone who appreciates French culture and its revolutionary spirit, and who advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and human dignity, I stand firmly with those who are resisting this blatant attempt to suppress artistic freedom and replace "woke" leadership with political allies.
This isn't just about one performance; it's about protecting the integrity of our cultural institutions and ensuring they remain independent and inclusive.
On the Situation Playing Out Between California & the Trump Administration
Watching the events unfold in California with deep concern, I'm struck by the alarming trajectory of federal immigration enforcement under the Trump Administration.
As an independent who believes strongly in both states' rights and the rule of law, the recent tactics are profoundly disturbing. The aggressive ICE raids, coupled with explicit threats from the President to arrest Governor Newsom for resisting federal directives, cross a fundamental line. This isn't just about immigration policy anymore; it's about the very balance of power in our federal system and the appropriate limits on executive authority.
When federal agencies, even those tasked with enforcement, operate with a perceived disregard for state sovereignty and engage in methods that appear designed to instill fear and override local governance – like the deployment of the National Guard without state request or alleged inhumane detention conditions – it looks less like principled law enforcement and more like the weaponization of a federal agency.
The idea of ICE acting like a 'secret police' to unilaterally enforce a political agenda, bypassing due process and threatening elected state officials, sets a dangerous precedent. This erodes the trust essential between citizens and government, and between state and federal authorities. We have laws and a Constitution for a reason, and they must apply to everyone, including those in power.
My simple demand: enforce laws humanely, respect states' rights, and uphold the constitutional framework that protects all Americans. This is not the rule of law; it's rule by threat, and it must be rejected.
As June arrives, so does Pride Month, a vibrant and essential time dedicated to honoring the LGBTQ+ community. It's a month of celebration, recognizing the resilience, diversity, and profound contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and countless other identities. More than just parades and festivals, Pride is a powerful reminder of the progress made in the first for equality and a call to action for the work that still lies ahead.
Pride's roots in the Stonewall Uprising, a pivotal moment in history that sparked the modern LGBTQ+ movement. This legacy reminds us that Pride is fundamentally about visibility and advocacy—demanding human dignity, challenging discrimination, and striving for a world where everyone can live authentically, free from fear and prejudice.
This month, we celebrate the rich tapestry of queer experiences and identities, acknowledging the courage it takes to live openly and proudly. It's a time to uplift LGBTQ+ voices, educate ourselves and others, and stand in solidarity with those who continue to face systemic barriers. From advocating for female reproductive rights, which are inextricably linked to bodily autonomy, to ensuring equitable treatment for all, the spirit of Pride champions fundamental human rights.
Let us use this Pride Month to reflect on how we can all be better allies and advocates, fostering a more inclusive and just society for everyone Happy Pride! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🩷🩵🤍🖤🤎🩶
To those who view Pride with skepticism or opposition, I want to offer a different perspective on why this month holds such profound significance for so many.
The celebration of Pride is often misunderstood. It isn't about glorifying sex or promoting a particular lifestyle. At its core, Pride is about something far more fundamental: the universal human desire to be true to who we are and the freedom to express it. It's a recognition of the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. For LGBTQ+ individuals, Pride is a moment to stand visible and affirmed in a world that has historically, and often continues to, marginalize, deny, or punish their very existence. It's about celebrating resilience, identity, and the right to simply be.
You might wonder why we dedicate an entire month to Pride. Consider the numerous days, weeks, and months that honor the members of our armed forces. These observances are vital because they recognize immense sacrifices made to secure the very freedoms we cherish—freedoms that allow all Americans to express themselves, to assemble, and to celebrate their heritage and identity. Similarly, we have days, weeks, and months dedicated to celebrating parents, children, and the countless relationships that enrich our lives.
Pride month exists in a similar vein. It commemorates a journey towards freedom and acceptance for a community that has fought tirelessly for its place in society. It's a testament to the idea that freedom, truly realized, means freedom for everyone—the freedom to love, to live, and to express one's authentic self without fear. It's about celebrating the people who gave us life, and the profound gift of being able to fully embody the people we are.
Why am I so obsessed with Trevor Wagner? I know he’s a fitness guy, and is on his journey to find his best self. I also am 95% sure that he is straight, but there is something so compelling and sexy about this man!!
When I was in college, I worked as a florist and learned all about the different meanings of roses. With that idea in mind, I decided to do the same with the emoji hearts, giving them similar meanings. So, when I leave them in a comment section or use them in a post, there can be no doubt about how I feel about something or someone.
