7 MAILMAN letters from readers 9 BRIEFS short reports on what's hot 13 COMMENTARY Gays in the '70s by Randy Shifts 18 THE CORNBELT COWBOYS article by P. Gregory Springer 22 THE OHIO STORY article by Teddy LaCienega 27 THE GOLD COAST profile by John Preston 33 THE CREAM record reviews 37 COWBOYS & LEATHERMEN centerfold photoerotica 63 THE FALL & RISE OF DECADENCE by William Southwell 68 BLUEBOY BAZAAR classified advertising section 74 BRINGING BENT TO BROADWAY article by Rick Leed 78 HANDICAPPED GAYS article by T. R. Witomski 80 CONNECTIONS article by Clarke Taylor 85 DESIGNER LEATHER fashion