GAY BOY: Adult Entertainment For Homophiles [Nos. 1-5]

Los Angeles: Hollywood Star Press, 1980. Very good plus to near fine.. Five issues (likely all published) of this late-70s/early-80s gay tabloid from William Kern (under pseudonym), gossip columnist and publisher of THE HOLLYWOOD STAR. Dakota/Kern hoped to take the outrageous and crass style of the STAR - which already had a strong queer subtext - and make it gayer, sexier, and trashier. He largely succeeded, as these newspapers are bursting with large spreads of male models displaying full nudity, numerous reader submitted "horny coming out stories," articles "outing" celebrities like Walt Disney and Elvis, a personal ads section used to set up sexual encounters, articles offering helpful tips on penis pumps, etc. Select headlines include: "Masturbating Can Be Fun!,"Sex In Prison: A Factual Experience by Inmate 114477," and "Disney Was Gay." A very self-aware periodical, as page two of each issue includes a column on the purpose, reception, and success of the newspaper. Thus we learn about the newspaper's struggles, and the tenacity required to produce even these handful of issues in the face of public hatred. Throughout, Dakota/Kern reinforces his sex positive message, reminding readers of his intention "not to offend, but to entertain," and noting that "we aren't a political paper [...] we are trying to put out something that will give you a hard-on for a mere 75 cents." Almost certainly a complete run; a search of half a dozen or so scattered OCLC holdings record no later issue. Original color photographic newspaper self wrappers. 24 pages each. Minor toning, edgewear. Overall, clean and sound.