Gay couples SOUND like such a nice idea, but they're so much better in THEORY than in practice. Whenever I see them making googoo eyes at each other I think they must be faking!

Internalized homophobia, do you think?

Hi, guys. This is Nick—one of the contributors at Patent Leather Daddy and one half of one of the couples on the contest. I mean no disrespect at all, but it breaks my heart that you've taken time to make such a negative post suggesting that your readers should visit another blog in order to be disgusted by a handful of other gay men—most of whom I know and can attest are truly solid fellows with genuine love for each other. With all of this Prop 8 insanity going on, now (well, always) seems like the wrong time to create divisions in our community, and suggesting that our relationships are fake or insincere or invalid mirrors precisely the sort of bigotry that comes from outside. It's understandable if you don't like the way we dress or appear (for the brief instant in these particular photos), but again, everyone has a different story, a different reason why we dress or look one way and not another. Let's not ask for diversity and tolerance if we're not ready to except the true extent of each other's expressive variation.

Hey Nick,

I think Bobo was being tongue-in-cheek (I refuse to say ironic) in his suggestion that these are fake or insincere relationships. Mostly my point in this post was that CUTEST COUPLE contests are by nature annoying. Throw in that special Metropolitan je ne sais quois and a dash of Internet Overexposure and it strikes a straight line through my personal suicide zone. But that's just me! Too many Sunday homo BBQs and hours spent pining away at Cazwell's Friendster profile I guess.

Everyone is free to dress however they want OF COURSE. As Rodney King once said, "The gays... they bring flavor to the group." (Though I must say that the line between exotic plumage and clone uniform has grown a bit indistinct.) And I am sure all these gentleman are lovely people personally.

Also if you're a contributor to the website isn't it a little weird to nominate yourself for this pageant? Just wondering...

Peace, Love, Unity, Respect
bmad

I also write for PLD. Zachary made the contest and did nominate Nick, but it's just a blog post, its not like some nepotism is going down and the winner gets a prize or anything! Also, looks like the design of the "Fey Friends" blog is way more "tongue-in-cheek (I refuse to say "ironic")" than anything sparkling around PLD. The funniest part is many of the people nomiated are such smart talented people who are truly contributing something to the world, and have nothing to do with "Bushwick" or being a "hipster" for that matter.

Hi! I'm Patrik, I write for PLD as well. I'm also the editor of Gay Fleshbot, and linked to your site earlier this week when you sent us that PG13 video about testing straight guys to see if they're gay. Remember? I hope you're enjoying the traffic I GAVE you. I don't even want to bother explaining to you why you're wrong about the PLD post because you're not worth it and if you don't get it, you never will.

It's sad and sort of hilarious that I discovered your website only days ago and I now realize you're completely out of touch. Never trust a first impression! Hating on all of my chic and amazing friends because (I presume) you're jealous? How embarrassing for you. That must feel really isolating.

Thanks for the video but I doubt I'll be linking to your H8R ass again!
Hi Zac! Like my comment? Wanna viper?

XO
PATS

Thanks for your reply, bmad. Refuse irony! It is truly so rare, in comparison to the frequency with which the word is bandied about.

I thought it was funny that I was in one of the nominated couples, but it was one of our other authors who came up with the contest and posted it. I think it's meant as a sort of half-joke. None of us would ever pretend to be "hot" or care about being featured in this way or, as Frank put it, "elite." It's just a friend's online version of a double cheek kiss or a group hug. ;)

Nick,

Maybe there's just too much irony floating around here to see through. (Including my own-- my rejection of irony is entirely ironic, as the sharp commenter above was able to divine.) I know your contest was meant to be half-joking. I hoped it was clear that my response was half joking too, although I can say I apologize for the overly-harsh title, which was probably ill-considered and which I wasn't serious about. Fuck none of anyone.

As for any perceived jealousy: well, isn't the whole entire point of any kutest kouple kontest to make people jealous? That's exactly the annoying part.

And anyway... isn't the price of internet whoredom sometimes that people are rubbed the wrong way? That is of course true for us Fey Friends as well, as we have learned today.

LOL, this was the stupidest, funniest blog-war controversy ever.

Hipster homos (and hipster homo couples) are about my favorite things in the world...even the (obvs) cuties in the original PLD post. But when they AGGREGATE I think they're fair game for sniping...especially arch, sarcastic, intentionally bitter-sounding sniping that is intended more as a joke about the teller than the subject. (Yep: definitional irony. Sorry Bmad!)

But then Kingdom and Nick speak so eloquently and sincerely on the topic I feel shamed for my thirst for slinging mud and internet bloodshed, and bow before their decency. But Patrick: Come on, a call for internet civility from an employee of Gawker Media, couched in the threat of a boycott from on high? Sister, please.