It’s a perilous time for queer people right now. Texas is cranking out anti-trans bills like raffle tickets; Trump is policing gender rights; and Hungary just banned Pride.
So you probably thought we’d lay low and start a group chat about moving to Canada. Instead we’re doing what we always do in times of repression: dressing up, showing out, and turning defiance into a damn runway.
I am not a joiner despite some evidence to the contrary. I often look like a drag queen dressed me with a grudge and unlimited rhinestones. But my ideal Friday night involves hand-stitching beads and rewatching Gilmore Girls for the 47th time, and I’ve been sober for more than six years. Crowds like this one do not interest me, even though I was once labeled the “bad circuit party guy” —
Hunky Jesus — as it turns out — was just what I needed. Here is a crowd that will hand you sunscreen, fix your lash, and call you gorgeous in the same breath. They came to serve lewks and affirm life, and maybe scream a little for Sexy Satan.
And scream we did, just as much for some amazing DIY couture as for trans rights. What should have been a goofy day in the sun ended up feeling a lot more sacred; here was queer chuch, a protest, and fashion week all rolled into one. It’s everything Pride should be when it’s not oversaturated with commercial sponsors.
And of course Hunky Jesus? He saved.
Photos of Hunky Jesus 2025 by Christopher Beale for The Bold Italic.
I often find myself wondering how much cocaine it takes our community leaders to be everywhere at the same time. Spotted this year was Sister Roma and Honey Mahogany as returning co-hosts, and also some perfunctory but well-received words from gay politicians Sen. Scott Wiener and Rafael Mandelman, president of the Board of Supervisors.
The stars were of course the contestants, with highlights being a vaginal Mary and Jesus Crust. Everyone gave their props for a Beyoncé-derivative disco rhino and the cowboy riding it; And yes, there are no losers in this story, but that one’s hard to crown my personal winner for the “look at me, look at me” vibe it screamed.
I personally thought “Jesus with the Good Hair” got robbed. He shows up in this classic long-haired wig, and pulls it off to reveal an even more amazing coif, straight out of a Pantene Pro-V shampoo commercial from the 90s, meets Willow Smith “I whip my hair back and forth.”
For me it’s never the main show that I end up loving. It’s the party, the meet cutes, talking to people about crafting, and of course, community: several people told me they were just visiting but made plans to move to San Francisco soon.
And what is a gay party without amazing looks? People really turned it out.
Which is kind of the whole point of The Bold Italic. We make bingo cards, write about parties with inflatable swans, and sometimes get way too deep about toast. But last year, we won an SF Press Club Award for our Hunky Jesus coverage — and honestly, in this moment, that feels exactly right. Because what we do here isn’t just fun, but survival by joy, protest by prose, and sequins with substance.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
More photos from Hunky Jesus 2025
Photos by Christopher Beale for The Bold Italic.
