The joy of Jocktober

Written By OG Cubbie
A black and white photo of a thick-bearded man, sitting in a squatting position on a plain studio floor. The lighting creates a dramatic effect, highlighting his physique against a simple background.

One of the joys of the internet is its ability to surprise. One moment, you're scrolling through ginger cats on Instagram. The next, you discover Jocktober. A month-long celebration where queer men embrace their bodies through photos in jockstraps.

From protection to pride

This simple garment carries a rich history in gay culture. C.F. Bennett of Sharp & Smith created the jockstrap in 1874 to protect Boston's bicycle riders from cobblestone discomfort. Since then, it's become something far more significant in our community.

The 1950s and '60s saw jockstraps gain prominence in gay culture, part of a broader shift towards hypermasculine aesthetics. They featured in Tom of Finland's art and appeared in Physique Pictorial, a 'beefcake magazine' that shared coded homoerotic imagery. By the 1970s, they had become staples in gay bars and clubs, with their popularity further solidified through adult entertainment.

During the AIDS crisis of the 1980s, the jockstrap took on a deeper meaning. Gay men wore them outside venues like New York's The Saint, defiantly displaying their sexuality despite societal oppression. In those dark days, the jockstrap became a symbol of resilience and sexual freedom. 

Jockstraps' cultural significance also grew, appearing in works by Andy Warhol and Tom Bianchi. Today, it holds special meaning for Cubs and Bears, communities that celebrate thicker, hairier bodies.

Three thick-bearded men standing with their backs to the camera. They are wearing black jockstraps and are posed against a plain, textured backdrop. The lighting highlights their physiques.

A revolution in self-love 

As a regular wearer, I can tell you they make your bum look fantastic (or 'butt', as my American friends say). The design naturally accentuates all the right parts. There's something empowering about wearing one—dare I say sexy? It's not a word men often use, but here's a truth: feeling good about yourself and your body is important.

Watching gay men photograph themselves during Jocktober fills me with joy. Each image is an act of defiance, saying clearly, 'I like who I am, and I'm not embarrassed by my body.' It's about reclaiming our bodies and identities, declaring, 'This is me, in all my glory, and I'm proud of it.' For many, it's a journey of self-acceptance, challenging long-held beliefs about what's attractive.

In an era where social media influencers peddle unrealistic body standards, Jocktober stands as beautiful resistance. It creates a shared identity where men of all shapes and sizes feel valued and beautiful. It reminds us there's no single way to be gay, no one body type that defines us. Instead, we celebrate real bodies, stretch marks, scars and all.

Next time you stumble upon Jocktober, remember the courage behind each photo. These aren't just pictures—they're statements of self-love and acceptance that many have fought hard to achieve. Let's honour that bravery and continue building spaces where everyone feels comfortable in their skin.

References

Adam (2020). A ‘Brief’ History Of The JockStrap. [online] Unfinished Man. Available at: https://www.unfinishedman.com/a-brief-history-of-the-jockstrap/ [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Andy Warhol Photography Archive - Spotlight at Stanford. (2014). [Street scenes with Jean-Michel Basquiat; Jean-Michel Basquiat changing into a jockstrap]. [online] Available at: https://exhibits.stanford.edu/warhol/catalog/yy024wp3508 [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Bianchi, M. (2024). Tom Bianchi, the master of homoeroticism: ‘Gay people of my generation believed that we were going to die sad and alone’. [online] EL PAÍS English. Available at: https://english.elpais.com/culture/2024-07-07/tom-bianchi-the-master-of-homoeroticism-gay-people-of-my-generation-believed-that-we-were-going-to-die-sad-and-alone.html [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Bluebuck. (2024). What is a Jockstrap? [online] Available at: https://bluebuck.net/en-gb/blogs/underwear/what-is-a-jockstrap-explained [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Cheves, A. (2024). The jockstrap’s 150th birthday is a gay milestone—here’s why. [online] Yahoo Life. Available at: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/jockstraps-150th-birthday-gay-milestone-093002228.html [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Instagram.com. (2024). Jocktober. [online] Available at: https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=jocktober [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Staples, L. (2021). From Sport to Sex: How the Jockstrap Became Part of Gay Culture. [online] AnOther. Available at: https://www.anothermag.com/fashion-beauty/13407/from-sport-to-sex-how-the-jockstrap-became-part-of-gay-culture [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Tom of Finland Foundation. (n.d.). Home. [online] Available at: https://www.tomoffinland.org/ [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Walters, B. (2015). Nightclubbing: New York City’s The Saint. [online] Red Bull music Academy. Available at: https://daily.redbullmusicacademy.com/2015/07/nightclubbing-the-saint

Wikipedia. (2022a). Physique magazine. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physique_magazine [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Wikipedia. (2022b). Physique Pictorial. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physique_Pictorial [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

Wikipedia. (2024). Jockstrap. [online] Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jockstrap [Accessed 2 Oct. 2024].

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