w W _£2 «voices* MAY 6, 2Oil WWW.JUSTOUT.COM Bottoms Up! Some of the first gay terms I learned when I came out were “top” and “bottom .” For those who don’t already know, allow me to clarify (although if you’re reading/«.?/ Out, you should know these terms—even if you're straight). A “top” is a gay man who likes to— how shall I put this delicately—penetrate the poop chute o f another man. Conversely, a “bottom” is a gay man who enjoys getting his usually exit- only orifice penetrated by another man. Certain gays like to refer to bottoms as “pas sive” or “submissive.” I, however, don’t think ei ther of these words is accurate— obviously those who think bottoms are lazy and meek have never encountered a “power bottom,” a bottom who lives and breathes to take charge during coitus and give the top one hell of a ride (pun intended). In my years as a sexually active gay man, I’ve also met a few tops who are not very “active” or “aggressive.’’They just “lie” there like a wet fish during intercourse, expecting the bottom to do all the work. Because of the misnomer that bottoms are compliant and subservient to tops, I think they’ve gotten the short end of the stick. It re ally irks me when the word “bottom” is so of ten used disparagingly— as if the person is not entirely man enough and a huge chunk of his masculinity is M.I.A. Bottoms are often deemed as more effemi- panda say what?! BY BENNIE TAN yi It really irks me when the word "bottom" is so often used disparagingly—as if the person is not entirely man enough and a huge chunk of his masculinity is M.I.A. nate. Again, I don’t think it is an accurate ste reotype— I’ve met several really gruff and masculine men who look like they could beat you up using just their pinkies but are total bottoms. It also doesn’t explain why I know of more than a few drag queens who exclusively top when they have carnal relations. As for myself, I am an unabashed bottom. Over the years I’ve learned to not feel shame about being an openly proud bottom. I used to skirt around the issue or claim I was sexually “versatile” (someone who goes both ways) when I first came out, but I soon realized it was better to be honest and upfront about such matters in order to avoid later misunderstandings in the bedroom. This is not to say I don’t enjoy top ping once in a really blue moon— more often than not, it involves a really hot Cub— but I definitely consider myself a bottom. breathlessly, “W ho is that? My friend—who also happens to be a bot tom— took one look at him, turned to me, wrinkled up his nose and said dismissively, “O h, her? She’s new to town and don’t bother. She’s a big oX bottom? The way my friend said “bottom” was filled with such disdain I was taken aback. It just didn’t seem right. Wasn’t he a bottom? Wasn’t I a bottom? Why do bottoms have to dislike each other? Even though nothing would come out o f it, I decided to break this vicious cycle of bottom-hating, man up and introduce myself. I figured if things were to go that route, there's such a thing called a double-headed dildo. He turned out to be a really nice guy and a really good kisser. This is 2 0 1 1 .1 think it’s high time we don’t judge individuals based on their sexual roles. People who look down on bottoms should re alize they are an integral part of the gay sexual equation. How else would tops get their rocks off if it weren’t for bottoms? And self-loathing bottoms should realize that just because they take it up the ass doesn’t make them any less o f a man. ! • : Most o f you know I roll with the Bears and, in this community, masculinity is a highly prized trait. One would think, with all the tes tosterone coursing through their veins, there would be an abundance o f tops in the Bear community. Initially, I thought I would have my pick o f Portland’s most prolific tops, but alas, a large number of Bears happen to be bottoms. Apparently, what was said in the movie Chasing Amy is true: Everyone just needs “some serious deep-dicking.” Around then, I had an epiphany and real ized masculinity had nothing to do with what someone did with their anus. Sadly, because o f how most Bears perceive masculinity, bottoms are sometimes derided within the community. I was sitting in a bar one day enjoying a cold beverage when in walked a really fine Bear. He was a sight to behold— he had a full head of cropped dark hair; a short, fuzzy beard covered his gorgeous face; his arms bulged with muscles; and his manly, puffed-out chest had strands o f dark curly hair peeking out from under his sleeve less shirt. I was agog with lust. I had never This Panda thinks there should he a “Bottom Pride ” seen him before so I turned to my friend— contingent in this year's Pride parade. What do you who seems to know everyone— and asked think? Email him at pdxpandacubdPgmail.com. i piv«ot \ ’pi-vat\ noun 1 : a shaft or pin on w hich som e th in g turns* 2 a : a person, thing, o r fa c to r having a m ajor or central role, fu n ctio n , or e ffe c t b : a key player or position* 3 : a space d e d ica te d to the physical, personal, and social health o f all men in to men. n A f> A H TC7 17 ¡4712 SE Stark St. Portland, ÒR 972m ADULT VIDEO 503.255. OPEN 24/7 *Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary pivotpdx.org * Have a coffee. Have a chat. Make a connection. SW 4TH & PINE Expanded selection of free and low-cost specialty condoms, lube, and more... * Glass Tobacco Pipes Starting at $2.99 * DVDs starting at $4.99 100 Channel Arcade Huge Selection of Toys, Magazines, Lubricants, & More!