Gay Kitchen Table Talk: Episode 45

MAGA pouts on Bad Bunny half-time show, CBP raids big gay cruise, Arizona poppers ban in the works.

DAILY MEME: Be more of who you want to be

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of other’s opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”

― Steve Jobs

Social: Superbowl Weekend

* Many of us including myself are not into sports – but not all LGBTQ+ people do

* Halftime Show Bad Bunny

* Turning Point USA counter programs with “The All-American Halftime Show,” with Kid Rock.

Big Gay Cruise: CBP Raid Nets Drug Arrests at Atlantis Cruise in Miami

* In Florida last Sunday at the launch of what’s known as “world’s biggest gay festival at sea,” U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were screening bags with trained detection dogs when several suitcases were flagged.

* They arrested nine passengers after narcotics were allegedly discovered in their luggage.

* The arrests came prior to the departure of Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas.

* Drugs confiscated and arrests made for possession and in some cases trafficking of ecstasy, LSD, cocaine, ketamine, methamphetamine, and GHB.

* With more than 5,000 passengers booked the week-long Atlantis Events cruise is one of the largest gay cruises.

Legislative Alert: Poppers Could Become Felony In Arizona

* The Arizona Legislature is considering a new lay that would make amyl nitrites — commonly known as “poppers” — illegal in the state.

* Arizona House Bill 2191 would classify the sale, possession or use of poppers as a class 5 felony or in certain cases as a misdemeanor

* Offenses would carry prison time and thousands of dollars in fines.

* The bill would also ban the sale of nitrous oxide, often called “laughing gas.”

* The bill is sponsored by Republican and Majority Whip Rep. Julie Willoughby.

* Local state bills follow increasing Federal scrutiny of poppers and FDA crackdowns on some of their manufacturers at the hands of RFK Jr who has stated his belief that the inhalant causes AIDS.

Break Spot – Leather, Events, Viewer Comments

Leather Season:

* Mr Chicago Leather – Joey Metler

* He will move on to compete at IML in May

Event: Gear Up Weekend - June 11-14, 2026 -

https://www.gearupweekend.com

* Annual retreat designed to help gay, bi, trans, and queer men (21+) learn about and explore kink in a friendly, inclusive, and low-pressure environment.

* Workshops, play spaces, social events, and hands-on opportunities,

* A chance to connect, discover new interests, and celebrate your kinks—whether you’re experienced or brand new.

* Saratoga Springs Retreat Center

* Registration opens February 10th.

* Shared lodging options from $550 all inclusive – cabins, bunk house, tents, RV

Event Save The Date: Bear Week in Provincetown, MA - July 11–18, 2026

As always you can click on the EVENTS tab at our website https://growingoldergay.com/ for LGBTQ gatherings nationwide all year long. If you have an event you would like featured in our event calendar or even here on the podcast, send an email with the details to [email protected]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit atouchofgay.substack.com