RunnerGuy

I believe he's part of this season's Pit Crew on "Drag Race" and did a strip tease this last episode.

Sorry guys, I meant to write I am South Asian (autocorrects to Southeast when I reply via my phone). It encompasses a lot of groups, but Indian is the largest population in the world and the States. Funny that the conversation of Southeast Asians came up, because I had a conversation with a Filipino friend and said that even among Asians there is a ranking in the gay community. Filipinos who have Spanish blood are at the top because they pass for Latino and mixed race. Then the "brown boys" aka the Vietnamese and Thai for reasons stated by other posters. They also seem to be more hung. Then the East Asians -- usually Koreans because they are taller and have more square Western features, followed by Chinese and Japanese. Then South Asians on the bottom. Unless you are Northern Indian with a fair complexion and light eyes. They are revered on the continent and why you seem them in Bollywood. I don't see very many Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalese out. It might be internalized fear and cultural stigma. But also knowing you are not seen as attractive hurts. I have one Indian friend who is out. He has a beautiful dark hair and brown skin. The most dazzling white smile. Many people think he is Cuban. And when he tells some suitors he is Indian they change their opinions about him. Nothing has changed from when they thought he was Cuban versus Indian. That, to me, proves racism exists. It's why a masseur asked me if I am Muslim (there are actually lots of Muslims in India) but it is none of his business and immaterial to the massage. Another said he was glad I didn't smell like an Indian. Out of the dozen or so LA masseurs I've gone to, I would say two were outright rude, and two seemed to have "issues." So that's one third -- not a good percentage. The rest -- the majority -- have been wonderful.

Keep in mind that Gardasil doesn't treat HPV, so if you already are a carrier (and many men do not know they are as there may not be visible symptoms), it does not clear it. However, everyone should get a HPV vaccine to protect against other strains. It now covers men and women up to age 45. If you are older, you can still pay to get the three-course inoculation.

Eucalyptus definitely. In fact, many spas chill towels with eucalyptus oil to provide that double chill.

That's a practice I have adopted as well with white masseurs. I have been asked if I am "Indian Indian" and "a Muslim" before. I also had a masseur go on and on about countries the United States shouldn't let people in from, a list that included my home country Fortunately, most have been welcoming and race is not an issue. This topic was actually explored before: https://www.companyofmen.org/threads/do-you-reveal-your-race-to-your-masseurs-escorts.129656/ Brothers of color, keep your anecdotes and recommendations coming so that others can see this happens and we are not "playing the race card."

Interested in seeing the replies as I am South Asian and sometimes fall into the Asian category, sometimes not. Word on the street is that Grant is NOT Asian friendly: https://www.masseurfinder.com/massage-therapists/36423/ https://rentmasseur.com/CertifiedTouch And Spencer Whitman does not see Asian clients at all: https://rent.men/SpencerWhitman

I see this guy all the time just walking around. He's real. I think he has his own tumblr?

There's a concentration of m4m masseurs and spas in Weho (West Hollywood) and Beverly Hills. There are definitely masseurs downtown, but not as many as the above cities. If you are working downtown, I'd recommend staying there. Could you change hotels to Weho on Friday and bookend a weekend? That would give the convenience of being close to work and then free you for the weekend in Weho. Hollywood has a lot of providers as well but a bit more of a tourist trap. Koreatown has a lot of gay friendly spas.

Ryan has his own add posted on MF https://www.masseurfinder.com/massage-therapists/37132/ Handsome guy!

I've had a great experience with Dax https://www.masseurfinder.com/massage-therapists/30019/ Not a traditional daddy, but great hands, awesome tattoos.

I still can't believe this guy -- Michael Yerger -- is only 20 years old (18 at the time this photo was taken for "Survivor.")

Meridian Spa is in gay enclave West Hollywood, CA. I'm curious about their masseurs as well -- I don't think you can request your therapist beforehand. Recommendations appreciated. Any sensual?

From the website, it looks like Ryan works Sundays. He's very handsome.

Full Moon is in Hollywood: https://www.yelp.com/biz/full-moon-thai-spa-los-angeles Very mixed reviews on Yelp. Has anyone been to Massage Therapy Center in West LA? https://www.yelp.com/biz/massage-therapy-center-los-angeles It appears to be in an Asian shopping mall so I'm not sure if it's similar to Full Moon.

North India is the home of Bollywood! I am North Indian btw.

I love Korean food and now we have basically Korean Chipotle in L.A. Usually a salad or rice base (including yummy purple rice), protein, and a dozen toppings and sauces. Much healthier than Mexican.

She is also a Real Housewife of Beverly Hills. I remember her from the original "Melrose Place" -- also, any "DOOL" fans?

Blue cheese can be very polarizing. I have made this salad a few times with an herbed mayo. Lemon juice helps thin the mayo and adds a nice zing.

I had some friends attend (East Coast transplant here). They said it was fabulous. Some might think the elephants were over the top -- but I've been to two "mid-budget" Indian weddings with elephants!

I have this in the UK all the time. There are endless variations -- usually what hipsters would call farm-to-table and charge an exorbitant amount for. I love mine with eggs, cheese, radishes. Oh and a good mustard. I make a platter for parties and everyone oohs and ahhs at the "charcuterie." Much fancier than "ploughman's lunch."

Smaller equipment than advertised, feminine. Not someone I'd court.

Yes, my relatives tell me about how terrible attitudes are against Southeast Asians. Colonialism? Resentment? Who knows? London is another place I would never go.

Drained Empty, no need to "tone it down." Too often we are accused of playing the "race card" when in reality it is played against us. I have read yours posts and would like to share my experience. I am South Asian. I was born in Cali and went to school/worked in NYC. I have gotten the looks from straight and gay people. I have been asked if my dick tastes like curry. I have been asked if I smell. During my best friend's bachelor party (he is a beautiful black man from Africa) at an upscale restaurant, a man at the next table asked "who let the cabbies in." It ruined the night. I graduated college just months before 9/11. Imagine being called a terrorist or getting looks every day for months. I'm Hindu, not Muslim. It was also a downturn in the economy and people accused Asians and South Asians of stealing jobs. I have faced everything you have. Now that I live in Los Angeles, I don't go to West Hollywood because I know how I will be treated. I have been to the spas you talk about and witnessed the walk-outs you describe. I have been on the receiving end of them. It has ruined my visit too. People are hateful. Gay men are especially hateful. They hate for no reason or because of your skin. For a long time it got to me. I asked, why am I on the receiving end of all this hate? And I can understand why you feel defeated. If you ever want to meet for coffee or chat, let me know. -- Vik

Crossfit can be intimidating for some, motivational for others. I would recommend starting slow. Most major cities have ClassPass, which allows you to visit many different gyms and classes per month. Find one you like, or an instructor that you like, and be disciplined about it. As you can tell by my handle, I go out and run 3x a week. It's a great way to get outside (even though Los Angeles is quite polluted) and out of the office/car/apartment grind.

We have a lot of beautiful Persian men in Beverly Hills and Hollywood. I'm sometimes mistaken for Persian but I'm not. Sure, there are the uberdouche types who plow down SMB in their Range Rovers. But sometimes I see them coming out of synagogue (Persian Jews), suited, well-groomed, gorgeous.