Happy 15th Anniversary, Instinct Magazine!

Instinct magazine is turning 15 years old (but they don't look a day over 12!) and they are celebrating with November's Leading Men of 2012 issue. 

Says the mag, "This year’s honorees have raised the bar once again when it comes to be caring, creative and influential leaders—all of whom just happen to be proud members of our gay community. From equality activist Shane Bitney Crone and HIV/AIDS advocate Justin Terry Smith to artist Tennessee Loveless, blogger Jeremy Hooper and many more, meet the new class of gentlemen who now join the more than 160 Leading Men Instinct has honored throughout its history."

As a former contributor and longtime fan, I want to wish a very happy anniversary to Instinct - keep up the good work and thanks for many years of news and entertainment by, for, and about the gay community.

Instinct Magazine: Annual Health, Fitness & Wellness Issue

We all know the importance (and often feel the pressure) of staying in shape, but with so much competing information out there on diets, exercise and fitness fads it’s enough to drive any gay man mad! So this August, Instinct is helping you keep your overall wellness in check. But before you work on the outside, you’ve got to feel good on the inside. 

Dr. Paul Talbot knows the importance of that all too well. In this month’s cover story, the 48-year-old opens up about finding the courage to come out in his 40s after decades of living the seemingly perfect life: wife, two kids, successful practice. In the compelling cover story, “Beginning Again,” Paul shares just how damaging suppressing one’s true self can be, and despite all the fear in the world, how unbelievably gratifying it can be to finally come out of the closet.

Once you’ve got your mind and soul taken care of, Instinct is helping keep the rest in shape, thanks in part to fitness expert Craig Ramsay. The easy-on-the-eyes trainer is sharing tips from his new book, helping readers overcome body issues and much more in this month’s “Spark” section. Plus, in the wake of the FDA’s milestone ruling to classify Truvada as an HIV-prevention drug, we take an in-depth look at the fears some have that this could forever change the way gay men look at safe sex.

Now available on stands and online.

Instinct celebrates Pride Month with double sized issue

Announcing their new June/July 2012 issue, Instinct magazine says, "like the diversity within our community, there are a plethora of reasons for us to all feel proud this year: between the growing visibility of LGBT people in media, increasing support from allies and, of course, our president’s (long-awaited) stance in support of marriage equality. So, with this, our annual Pride Issue, we’re bringing a little something for everyone—and it all starts with our cover guy. 

But this June/July 2012 we’re not just fulfilling our pledge to feature men of our community on our covers, we’re also staying true to the unique formula that put Instinct on the map so many years ago by showcasing a coming out story. Software engineer-turned-restaurateur Phil Bui opens up about everything from discovering his sexuality in college to the nerves surrounding coming out to his Vietnamese family, all the while finding contentment in his own sense of pride.

This June we’re also taking great pride in the ride; as in the 2012 AIDS/LifeCycle. All year long you’ve been hearing about Team Instinct and our efforts to help raise money in support for the San Francisco AIDS Foundation and the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center, and now all the training has lead us to the starting line on June 3. But before we hit the road, meet some of the amazing ALC family we’ve grown to know and love and find out why we all ride.

Elsewhere this June/July, we’re helping comic fans flame on, telling serial monogamists to take five and showcasing why being light in the loafers has never looked so good. All that, plus we’re jumping into some seriously scary cages, going retro at home and letting country star Chely Wright take over our Soapbox to show off her pride in the June/July 2012 issue of Instinct Magazine—now available in print and in iPad and iPhone versions."

Instinct heats up February with annual swimsuit issue

Instinct readers know they can always count on a little humor (and a lot of sass) sprinkled in with the latest in entertainment, fashion, travel and generally all things gay each month. But come February each year, there’s a little something extra that the most loyal of readers anticipate—Instinct’s Annual Swimsuit Issue! And February 2012 kicks off with possibly their sexiest swimsuit cover yet.


Fulfilling their pledge to feature openly gay men on their covers, Pablo Hernandez stripped down and suited up this month, showcasing the hottest swimwear for pool party season 2012. But, as with each and every issue of Instinct, this cover guy’s got more than just a pretty face (and bangin’ bod). In the February cover story, “The Role Of A Lifetime,” this actor/model explains how youth advocacy is his true passion and how he turned his life around after some troubling times as a teen.

Of course Pablo’s sandy shoot isn’t the only place you’ll find some hot swimwear this month. The Instinct fashion team took over Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier, armed with designer shorts and a few good men, resulting in some handsome “Beach Boys” that offer a little something for everyone.

This month, Instinct is also taking readers to some very different travel locations, all with one common theme: sun! Go island hopping on a tour of Hawaii as the mag showcases the poshest destinations to stay and play in Maui, Lanai and Kauai. Then, grab your life vest and head down the river with a few good gays to explore South Africa’s Orange Pride Safari.

All that, plus Bravo-lebrity Tabatha Coffey brings her tough talk to the Soapbox and Graffiti6 hottie Jamie Scott talks music in the February 2012 issue of Instinct Magazine—now available in print and in iPad and iPhone versions. Plus, click on these links to follow Instinct on Facebook and Twitter!

Instinct's spring fashion trends

Instinct is opening up its fierce fashion folio this March and giving readers a front-row seat to some of the hottest runway looks and sexiest trends.

They've packed 25 pages full of designers, styles and tips to have you looking your best whether it’s a casual Sunday brunch or a Friday night out on the town—and it all starts with their gorgeous cover guy, Luciano Costa. 

Janet Jackson is a drama queen

Instinct is wrapping up the year as only they can, and they're starting things off on a very high note with our exclusive sit down with one of the gay community’s fiercest allies (and fiercest divas), Janet Jackson! After three decades of dominating the music world, Ms. Jackson made 2010 the year to really flex her acting muscles—and flex she did.

In “The Quiet Power Of A Drama Queen,” Janet talks candidly with Instinct’s editor in chief Mike Wood about her pair of emotionally charged roles this year, adding “author” to her multi-hyphenate talents and also clues us in on how she sees music fitting in with her growing and critically acclaimed acting career. And of course, being only the fourth female in 13-years to get her own Instinct cover, Janet also opens up about that long-standing connection to the gay community, as well as her commitment to HIV/AIDS advocacy.

INSTINCT MAGAZINE HONORS PROP. 8 PLAINTIFFS PAUL KATAMI, JEFF ZARRILLO AND THE LEADING MEN OF 2010

Some 145 activists, actors, politicians, physicians, entrepreneurs and other men of courage and character have worn the title of Instinct Leading Man over the past six years, and this November Instinct magazine will add 20 new gentlemen to that esteemed list with their Leading Men 2010 issue.

And it all starts with the couple who dared to put their love to a judicial test at the federal level—Proposition 8 plaintiffs Paul Katami and Jeff Zarrillo (pictured).

As the two prepare for the Prop. 8 trial’s start in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Dec. 6, they sat down exclusively with Instinct to talk about the roller coaster of emotions that was 2010, how they feel about the case moving forward and what it was like to face intense opposition—from their own community—to even pushing Prop. 8 into the courts in the first place.

But Katami and Zarrillo are just two of this year’s 20 Leading Men, a diverse representation of openly gay men chosen to showcase those doing great things for and within the gay community.


Other Leading Men for 2010 include hometown hero Mondo Guerra (left) of 'Project Runway', GLAAD’s Jarrett Barrios, Tea party crasher Chase Whiteside, author Michael Cunningham and more.

Check out Instinct's iPad app

The new Instinct iPad application will be available every month with the launch of each new issue. It’ll feature everything inside the magazine—from the hot fashions to the even hotter cover guys. Not to mention your favorite features, advice columns, reviews and Soapbox speakers.

So, if you’re going to have the coolest computer on the market, why not have the best content to go with it? Keep your favorite gay magazine at your touchscreen finger tips at all times and get the new Instinct iPad app, now available for download via iTunes for $2.99 per issue.

Get set up on a Blind Date with Instinct

Instinct is once again hitting the road in search of fun, single guys to set up and set out on one of their legendary Blind Dates.

Last year, my friend Matt Kailey and I worked on several articles for Instinct's Denver Issue and had a lot of fun setting up some fun Blind Date action for Casey and Adam. Highlights included a shopping spree at Melt, free tickets to a show at Starz Film Center, dinner at Hamburger Mary's, drinks at El Potrero, and stripping lessons at Boyztown courtesy of Leo (below).

Open to all locations, if you want Instinct to try and match you up for an all-expenses paid date, then e-mail them a photo along with your name, age, city of residence, and one sentence describing your ideal guy to blinddate@instinctmag.com. Put 'Blind Date' in the subject line and get ready for the blind date of your life.

Instinct's Style Guyde: Spring into fashion

Instinct's fashion guru Sean Krebs breaks down the spring trends for 2010 so be sure to pick up the March Spring Fashion & Style Issue on stands now.

And for a quick hit of monthly fashion advice anytime you need it, check out Instinct's Style Guyde.

Instinct's spring fashion issue

Put the blizzards and winterwear behind you and slide into spring with Instinct’s take on the season’s best style and fashion this March. From the runway to the thrift stores, Instinct's got all you’ll need to know in order to look your most chic this spring.

Last minute V-Day Gift Ideas from Instinct

Valentine's Day. Sure, it's a corporate manufactured holiday that imposes far too much pressure on people. But on the other hand, who doesn't like gifts? It'll be here before you know it but if you still have some last-minute shopping to do, here are some last-minute solutions especially for you.

Whether you're buying for your boyfriend or just buying for your boys, here is the Instinct Gift Guide for V-Day 2010 that only a true Cupid could love.

February heats up with Instinct's Swimsuit Issue

Each February Instinct magazine heats things up with their annual Swimsuit Issue. This year they've gone both domestic and international to find the sexiest suits—not to mention the hottest guys—to get you ready for the higher temps.

Instinct's 2009 Year in Review

Instinct magazine's Year in Review issue is on stands now with coverboy Scott Evans.

Readers may likely recognize actor Scott Evans from his role on ABC’s 'One Life To Live', where his character Oliver Fish has risen from an occasional supporting role to a full-time leading man this year. That, of course, is in no small part to his highly talked about coming out and budding romance with the character Kyle, played by Brett Claywell.

“My life has changed drastically in 2009,” Scott says in the December/January issue of Instinct. “It was supposed to be a small five-episode part, and then the beginning of this year it became a regular job. all of a sudden my character’s coming out of the closet. One of the hardest things about playing a character on a soap opera is not knowing where it’s going to go. It’s something I never expected to get to do.”

Scott is also the brother of hottest-man-in-the-world Chris Evans, pictured below.

Sexy.

Also in the issue Instinct picks their favorites for the best and worst of 2009, great gay gift ideas, and, in honor of World AIDS Day, personal looks at what it means to be living with HIV and AIDS.

Kylie Minogue: Gays adopted and defended me

“When I started out in music, going from acting to singing, that transition was very successful, but I also got flack for it. Many hurtful things were said. It wasn’t easy. I was only 19 and I think the gay audience kinda picked up on that and decided to defend me and adopt me. They saw I was being criticized for being myself.” - Kylie Minogue in the September issue of Instinct

Living with HIV /AIDS: What's your story?

In honor of World Aids Day 2009, Instinct magazine is looking for your real life stories about living with HIV/AIDS.

If you have an inspirational story about being Positive, being a survivor and what it means to live with HIV, Instinct wants to hear from you.

Email them at yourstory@instinctmag.com with a photo of yourself and your story of living with HIV/AIDS in around 150 words.

Deadline is September 5.

Instinct: Go green, get gifts

From reducing waste and recycling here in the 'Instinct' offices, to publishing their first-ever Green Issue, 'Instinct' magazine is taking the steps necessary to preserve and protect the world, and they want you to get on board.

Head on over to their website and tell them what you're doing to help Mother Earth. The five most creative entries will receive free gifts courtesy of 'Instinct.'

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle ... and feel fabulous in the process.

Elevation 2009: Mammoth Gay Ski Week

More than 2,000 riders will descend on the Sierras this March for the 7th Annual Mammoth Gay Ski Week's five days of events.

Headlining this year are superstar DJs Roland Belmares (LA) and Jamie J Sanchez (SF) and rising star DJ Josh Peace (LA).

Elevation offers something for everyone from apres ski and smaller cocktail events and lunchtime gatherings to big dance parties, along with some of the best spring skiing and snowboarding in the country.

Visit www.mammothgayski.com for more information. - via Instinct

Swimsuit Issue Sneak Peek!

Instinct's editor Michael Wood sent me these sizzling swimsuit sneak peeks to share.

It's just a taste of what's included in their new Swimsuit Issue which is on stands now.

You're welcome.

Instinct's Annual Swimsuit Issue

Instinct's Annual Swimsuit Issue is on stands now.

It's the perfect way to warm up a chilly Colorado day.