Metra Issue 976 - APR 2024

Saturday

Wet & Wild

APRIL 2024

BZ Social: College Night

Lights Out No Towel Tuesday

Wet & Wild

BZ Social: New Member Day

Fashion CumunionNight

Sunday at the Baths

122

E:

Published monthly (est. 1979)

Co-Owner & Story Editor:

Charlie Frontera

Co-Owner & Chief Editor: Frankie Wingle

Operations Coordinator:

Justin Bettcher

Contributing Writers: TJ Drinksof

Davey Shadow

Dr. Joe Kort

Keegan Michelson

Tiki

Tim Nakie

Art Layout/Design:

Jerry Leasure

Additional Photography: RaeD8 Photography

Frankie Wingle

Cameron Banks

Midwest/Local Sales:

Charlie Frontera

248-543-3500

National Advertising:

Rivendell Media

212-242-6863

Distributors:

Eddie Desormeau

Brad Simmons

Nicholas Wendling UPS

Go Ahead . . . Get Naked!

In a world where societal norms and expectations often dictate our behavior, there exists a profound liberation in casting off the shackles of inhibition and embracing nudity. While the mere thought might initially evoke feelings of vulnerability or apprehension, the act of getting naked can be a transformative experience, offering a gateway to unparalleled freedom and self-discovery. You might be asking, where do I start?

Embracing nudity is a journey that starts at home, and quite possibly in bed. Sleeping naked has been proven to help with sleep and promote better skin health. Once you are comfortable with that routine, spend some time naked around the house. This has been shown to improve body image, increased comfort and relaxation and promotes self-confidence. The next step might be to try being naked around others at home, but this might take some easing into.

Once you have that under your belt (pun intended) find some ways to explore being naked outside of the house. Believe it or not, there are ways! There are many destinations around the country for a “nakation.” There are many LGBTQ+ campground/resorts that are clothing optional, plenty of family friendly (or adult only) nudist resorts, and hot springs are usually nude-friendly.

Michigan has some options as well. Anywhere on the Great Lakes that’s secluded is fair game. Saugatuck has some spots. Nordhouse Dunes, Sleeping Bear Dunes and Wilderness State Park are some other areas on Lake Michigan with remote spots. Just be very careful! This is illegal in Michigan and could land you in deep trouble. But if you don’t see anyone and nobody has an opportunity to walk up, go for it! There’s also a group called Naked Adventure Club of Detroit. They plan naked game nights, dance parties, hiking/camping trips, and more. They have hopes of naked bowling, karaoke, museum/art gallery tours, and more! Check them out!

So, the next time you find yourself hesitating at the threshold of inhibition, take a leap of faith and embrace the freedom of getting naked. Whether in the privacy of your own home or amidst the beauty of the great outdoors, let go of fear and self-doubt, and revel in the sheer joy of being unapologetically, authentically yourself. For in the act of shedding inhibitions, we discover a profound truth: that true freedom lies not in conformity, but in the fearless embrace of our own unique essence.

Timmy Nakie

Around Town

Bars, Clubs, Tavern, Food, Clothing & More!

Camp Grounds

Spinney,

Director of Health and Human Services

How long have you been with Affirmations? 4 months

What is Affirmations to you? A space for collectivizing our love for community!

When you’re not working, what do you do for fun? Most of my time outside of work is spent chasing after my 3 kids (age 6, 4, & 2) or catching up on homework (I am pursuing my MBA from Wayne State, go Warriors!). I also enjoy crafting (latch-hook, knitting, etc.) and bingewatching TV.

Do you collect anything? Not really a collection, but I am a sucker for office supplies, specifically pens & markers!.

What’s something you want everyone to know about Affirmations? We are always looking for new programs and services to better meet the needs of our community. We will be rolling out new group therapy programs this month to reach a broader range of people,

Cate

(she/ her)

THE 4-5-6

The Beautiful Gift of Being Married to a Man on the Autism Spectrum

Once I radically accepted who he really was, it changed everything.

On my first date with Mike — we’ve been partners now for 24 years — he asked me, “Are we on a date?” And on the second date, he asked, “Are we still dating?

I thought it was so sweet and endearing then.

It took me nearly 17 years to realize having to ask someone to know exactly what was going on is typical of someone with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS). I had no clue about this when I fell in love with Mike. I just found his lack of drama and histrionics calming and a welcome relief from my own family’s constant antics and manipulations.

He balanced me nicely: I was outgoing and verbally engaging, and Mike was quiet and had no problem being alone. I was animated, he was peaceful. It wasn’t until we decided to move in together that I began to feel the tension around how truly different we were from one another.

Typically, among other things, they share the following characteristics:

• They have an extraordinary ability to focus on details rather than the big picture.

• They are deeply loyal and dependable.

• They have a strong need for order and accuracy.

• Their conversation is free of hidden meanings and agendas.

For instance, after we moved in together we began to have some conflicts. He had rules for everything in the house — I love to whistle, for example, and he forbade it. He didn’t seem capable of extending himself to me. If I felt needy, he didn’t like that, and it triggered my own childhood experience of living with a family that could never stretch for me.

Then one day I happened to see an obscure movie called “Adam,” about a man with Asperger’s and I felt I could identify with nearly every scene.

Also, Mike loved the popular TV series, “Big Bang Theory,” and I would watch it with him. The show’s character, Sheldon, might as well have been Mike. Sheldon had a 50-page contract of rules for living with him, even one that stated, “No whistling in the house!” While the show never directly comes out to say that Sheldon has AS, it is clear to those of us who know what it is that this is exactly what is being dramatized by the actor.

And then it dawned on me— Mike has Asperger’s!

I started to read more about it and it became clear how Mike’s mind worked differently from my “neurotypical” one and almost immediately 50 percent of my problems with him were gone. I thought, “What am I so angry about? He is trying harder than anyone in my family to accommodate my needs.”

Instead of thinking he had a hidden agenda or was playing games as my family did, I realized Aspies are exactly who they are and there was no attempt to manipulate me.

And so, after 16 years of difficulty with traits that I now know are AS-related, I realized how much Mike had tried to make room for me in his world. I recognized how hard it was for him to be in a relationship, and began to notice all his attempts, which were big for him. And the more he did, the more loved and secure I began to feel with him.

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IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

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 Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

ABOUT BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:

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 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

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Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.

 Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY

 Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

 Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

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Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

Continued on next page.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the next page and at BIKTARVY.com.

Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY. Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (cont’d)

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

Tell your healthcare provider if you:

 Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

 Have any other health problems.

 Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.

 Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY

Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.

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WAYS TO SPICE UP YOUR HOOKUPS

Tired of doggy, missionary, or ménage à trois? The #BoysOfSquirt share a gaggle of ways for you to gag! Here’s a preview of a few of our faves. Visit DailySquirt.org for the uncut and uncensored list!

A gay hookup site like Squirt.org is a fun way to iron out your fantasies and limits with a cute stranger or potential LTR. If you’re texting or video messaging a fuckboy on Squirt.org, the consent conversation and what gets you off should be established directly. Verbal face-toface consent is necessary, can be withdrawn at any moment, and requires a clear and enthusiastic YES!

1. Wet Dream Worship: Arrange to meet with the guy you found on Squirt.org at a sex club or sauna. The King sits on display ready to have his feet, muscles, and cock worshipped while the servant solicits subs sure to please his Highness.

2. Gagged & Punished: This power play includes a bound, gagged, and blindfolded sub getting punished by one or multiple doms looking to play with his dick and use his hole. Consent is crucial to procure beforehand and establish a safe signal since eyes, mouth, and hands may be restrained. For more info on consent

and safety read the full article at daily.squirt.org

3. Squirt.org Cam Challenge: Invite a guy over and join a video chat room together; tag one of you as the exhibitionist and the other as the darer; the darer directs the exhibitionist from behind the cam for other members to watch. Don’t stop ’til their clothes are off, cock is hard, and more and more men from other devices worldwide watch.

4. Sneaky Showoff: While the other invites a hookup, hide behind a door, in a closet, or, under the bed and bate. You’re the sneakiest voyeur spying on the others as they fuck. If humiliation gets you hard, get tied to a chair - you don’t get to play while they do! Let them tease you for missing out as you get wet. Find showoffs and cuckolds on Squirt.org. All must be aware of everyone participating.

5. Recreate a Squirt Studios Scene: What’s your fave porn? Get inspired by a slutty scenario like “Fucking My Boyfriend’s Hookup” on justfor.fans/Squirt_Studios. Start by mimicking the porn stars. Have hotter ideas? The #BoysOfSquirt wanna know. Share your scenarios with us at socailmedia@squirt.org

SATURDAY'S:

BOYZ NIGHT OUT

UNDERWEAR CONTEST

Whore - o - Scopes

ARIES (March 21 - April 19): Eclipse season with North Node Aries is like a cosmic spotlight shining directly on you, dear Aries! Your natural 1st house is all fired up, ready to showcase your fabulousness to the world. Get ready to strut your stuff and flaunt that irresistible charm! Meanwhile, your 7th house is getting a makeover, bidding adieu to any relationship drama. It’s like spring cleaning for your love life! So, gear up for some passionate encounters and perhaps a few unexpected plot twists in the romance department. Remember, with great power comes great responsibility... and maybe a little mischief too!

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20): Eclipse season with North Node Aries is like a journey through the hidden corners of your mind, Taurus. The 12th house is lit up like a neon sign, inviting you to explore your deepest desires and fantasies. It’s like a treasure hunt, but with a lot more silk sheets and chocolate-covered strawberries! As the 6th house bids farewell to mundane routines, it’s time to embrace a new mantra: work hard, play harder. So, dive into those sensual daydreams and let your imagination run wild. Who knows what delicious surprises await?

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a cosmic carnival, Gemini, and you’re the ringmaster of fun! With the 11th house ablaze, it’s party time with your squad. Get ready for epic adventures and unforgettable memories. Meanwhile, the 5th house is saying goodbye to boredom, making room for playful flirtations and steamy encounters. So, dust off your dancing shoes and unleash your inner party animal. Just remember to have a few pickup lines handy since steamy encounters should be just around the corner! This transit typically calls in great sex and lovers!

CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a Hollywood blockbuster, Cancer, with you in the starring role! The 10th house is your red carpet moment, shining a spotlight on your career ambitions and achievements. It’s time to channel your inner CEO and conquer the world, one power move at a time. Don’t be surprised if you have a promotion on the horizon. Meanwhile, the 4th house bids farewell to family drama, giving you a well-deserved break from the chaos. So, kick back, relax, and enjoy some quality time with loved ones!

LEO (July 23 - August 22): Eclipse season with the

North Node in Aries is like a whirlwind adventure, Leo, and you’re the fearless explorer leading the way! The 9th house is your passport to new horizons, fueling your wanderlust and thirst for knowledge. Get ready to embark on epic journeys and discover hidden treasures around every corner. Meanwhile, the 3rd house bids farewell to petty squabbles, clearing the path for open communication and heartfelt connections. So, pack your bags and prepare for some mind-blowing conversations and spontaneous escapades. Who knows what exotic locales (or romantic rendezvous) await?

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a rollercoaster ride, Virgo, full of twists, turns, and exhilarating surprises! The 8th house is your playground, delving into the depths of intimacy and sexuality. Get ready for some steamy encounters and thrilling adventures behind closed doors. Meanwhile, the 2nd house bids farewell to financial worries, paving the way for abundance and prosperity. So, indulge in life’s little luxuries and treat yourself to something decadent. After all, you’ve earned it! Just remember to keep a few secrets tucked away for a rainy day... or a sultry night!

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a cosmic dance party, Libra, and you’re the guest of honor! The 7th house is your stage, spotlighting your magnetic charm and irresistible allure. Get ready to dazzle the crowd and steal a few hearts along the way. Meanwhile, the 1st house bids farewell to self-doubt, ushering in a newfound sense of confidence and empowerment. So, strike a pose, flash that million-dollar smile, and let the world fall in love with you all over again! For all you know, deeper romantic and intimate connection is just around the corner!

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a wild ride through the jungle, Scorpio, and you’re the fearless explorer leading the way! The 6th house is your adventure playground, urging you to break free from routine and embrace a little chaos. Get ready for some unexpected detours and thrilling escapades. Meanwhile, the 12th house bids farewell to old habits and toxic patterns, making room for personal growth and transformation. So, strap on your explorer cap and prepare for an exhilarating journey into the unknown. Who knows what

hidden treasures (or steamy encounters) await?

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a cosmic carnival, Sagittarius, and you’re the life of the party! The 5th house is your playground, igniting your creativity and passion for adventure. Get ready to paint the town red and leave a trail of glitter in your wake. Meanwhile, the 11th house bids farewell to old friendships, making room for exciting new connections and unexpected alliances. This is a time where you will be exploring uncharted sexual territory, so don’t be afraid to try something new. After all, life’s too short to miss out on all the fun!

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a retreat away from your public life, Capricorn, and you’re called to relax, unwind, and reevaluate your personal life! The 4th house is activated, highlighting your talents and achievements on the home front. Get ready to take a step back from being in the public eye and take some well deserved time off. Meanwhile, the 10th house bids farewell to career stress, giving you a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle of the corporate world. So, kick off your heels and enjoy some quality time with loved ones. After all, you’ve earned it!

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is activating your 3rd house, Aqua! Curiosity, exploration, and a desire for novelty and experiences are at the forefront. Allow yourself to try new things in and out of the bedroom and learn more about what you like and don’t like. Meanwhile, you’re releasing the 9th house, therefore, developing boundaries rather than going with the flow are the name of the game! Don’t be afraid to speak your truth and ask for what you want, Aqua! You might just learn something new about yourself!

PISCES (February 19 - March 20): Eclipse season with the North Node in Aries is like a romantic comedy, Pisces, and you’re the star-crossed lover in search of happily ever after! The 2nd house is your love nest, Get ready for some steamy encounters and tender moments with your special someone. Meanwhile, the 8th house bids farewell to old emotional baggage, allowing you to dive deep into intimacy and forge soulful connections. So, dim the lights, cue the romantic music, and let love lead the way into uncharted waters. Who knows what magic awaits in the depths of your heart?

KARAOKE

PIZZA AND BUCKET SPECIALS NO COVER TUESDAYS

WINGS AND BEER SPECIALS NO COVER

WEDNESDAYS

THURSDAYS

KARAOKE

PIZZA

DRAG SHOW

Wednesday's:

Trivia | Starts at 7 PM.

Friday's:"Name That Tune" between 8pm and 10pm (Every week)

Saturday's: (Every week)

karaoke | starts at 10 PM (Every week)

Sunday's:pool tournament starts at 4 pm (Every week)

5534 Secor Rd, Toledo OH (across from Brondes Ford)

PrEP can reduce your chance of getting HIV by up to 99%. That’s very empowering. Want to see why others are being proactive about their sexual health? See what other Michiganders say about it and take the next steps.

Michigan.gov/MIPrEP

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Hi it’s me ♥

I recently joined a gym, figured I’d try and get in better shape. Plus the massage chairs alone are well worth it and I think most would agree! Right? Tanning too, I mean why not. Checks many boxes and usually there are some pretty attractive people in the vicinity.

After a few weeks I noticed this younger guy that would come in and he’d glance over pretty regularly. It was awkward at times because our eyes would literally lock. I didn’t know if I looked like a moron lifting weights or something. Maybe I had toilet paper on my shoe? Who knows. He wasn’t bad to look at though, don’t get me wrong.

A couple weeks went by and I hadn’t seen him back at the gym.

This day was a weird one, it was raining out and work wasn’t the greatest. It was a Wednesday, no wait a Thursday. Yeah, a Thursday and I got done with my workout and was abnormally sweaty and needed to shower. I went into the locker room, put my towel around my waist then headed towards the showers.

I went into the bigger shower, I like extra room, He pushed the door open, dropped his towel and I immediately began to strip. I looked at him and his chiseled body, thought to myself how fun this experience may be. Looking at him standing there naked, me getting also naked and noticed “rug burn” on his towel. That ruined the entire moment and I kindly told him to never look at me again.

gay men and was used as a way to embarrass and prosecute those living with HIV; essentially making having this condition a crime.

When I was first diagnosed with my House In Virginia, one of the scariest things I remember facing was the state’s “disclosure law.” What this basically said was “if you have HIV, regardless of your overall health or viral load levels, you MUST tell any sexual partner about your status.”

In other words, someone with HIV could be criminally prosecuted for something as simple as a handy or a blowy if they didn’t reveal to their partner their status first. While common courtesy would say that someone with any pre-existing condition should tell their partner, this was different.

That law specifically targeted

During a recent doctor visit I was reminded of some important changes in the law. Now, someone with this condition is not legally obligated to disclose their status IF they are on an antiretroviral treatment, their viral load is undetectable, and if there is no willful intention to cause harm to their partner.

This is a huge step forward for those living with a House In Virginia. There is no longer that fear hanging over your head about whether or not you can be prosecuted for a simple hand-job.