“Man” Being a man has nothing to do with a penis, nor a weapon. There are many penises and many weapons. It is hard to make constant good use of either. If I have to choose between a penis, a gun, or a brain; I choose the brain. The instant gratification is longer, you can…
“Alpha Male” by Louis Toliver Jr. (American Like Me – Sneak Peak)
“Alpha Male” I am the mind you want to be The perfect union of all genders I am the leader Not just any leader I am THE leader But I am also YOU I beg you to be strong like me in education I’m no beta to evil Evil wants you to be dumb in…
Throwing Light: Episode 178 – Kevin
Throwing Light’s guest tonight is Kevin (Mr. Missouri Leather 2025)! Kevin and I discuss getting involved into the leather community and becoming an titleholder, Missouri’s political community, cities (Kansas City/St. Louis) in Missouri where there is the most LGBTQIA+ representation, achieving sobriety, living with Parkinson’s Disease, & the leather community becoming protectors again.
“Saving Abraham Lincoln” by Louis Toliver Jr. (American Like Me – Sneak Peak)
(Painting of Louis Toliver Jr. on the right is by Barry Sons) “Saving Abraham Lincoln” by Louis Toliver Jr. Act I April 14th, 1865 – Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C. The Lincolns (Abraham and Mary) watched from the presidential box as Tom Taylor’s “Our American Cousin” was beginning its final act. They were joined by…
“Pansexual Me” by Louis Toliver Jr. (American Like Me – Sneak Peak)
(Photography by Bilal Alan) “Pansexual Me” by Louis Toliver Jr. I like men and women That’s not a sin It doesn’t mean I desire you It’s not about who I’m not gay or str8 I don’t instigate I’m just the spirit of love It’s a gift from up above I believe in monogamy You just…
“American Like Me” (Title Poem) by Louis Toliver Jr.
(Photography by Kelso) “American Like Me” by Louis Toliver Jr. Hispanics speak Spanish to me Airports are afraid I’m a Muslim Blacks think I sound like a white person Most just have no clue what the hell I am Maybe I just might be American Though, my birth certificate says I’m black When you look…
American Like Me: Sneak Peak (All Poems & Stories)
Photography by Kelso Hayes) Being American is so complicated. We’re born here, but we have to fight to be American and also to be respected. Unfortunately, the American story is about overcoming the nasty parts of our society like racism, homophobia, and misogyny to become a unified country. I am a realistic American that genuinely…
Throwing Light: Episode 177 – Atlas Rose
Throwing Light’s guest tonight is Atlas Rose (IMBB 2026)! Atlas and I discuss getting into bootblacking, meeting people where they are, taking care of people, inclusion, navigating community spaces, Asian and age discrimination, being comfortable or uncomfortable in the community, & disability and access.
Throwing Light: Episode 176 – Noble LaPier
Throwing Light’s guest tonight is Noble LaPier (Mr GayDays Leather 2025)! Noble and I discuss living in Amsterdam (New York), getting involved in the leather community, various cities and communities in Upstate New York, his impact during his title year, his relationship with his IML brothers, & the importance of history.
Throwing Light: Episode 175 – Rodrigo
Throwing Light’s guest tonight is Rodrigo (Mr. Texas Leather 2026)! Rodrigo and and living in Cuba, spending time in Moscow, moving to the United State, joining San Antonio Leathermen, competing at Alamo City Leather, becoming Mr. Texas Leather 2026, HIV awareness, & female representation.
Louis Toliver Jr 