It’s 2012. You would think people would be over the fact that some guys prefer the same sex by now. Aren’t there more important things to be offended by? Like Crocs, Jay Leno, and this? Not for some people. Our Manhunt Mobile billboards continue to cause controvery. Let us take you to Lisbon, Portugal. Lisbon’s subway system (Metropolitano de Lisboa, ML for short) was supposedly set to host our ad their stations. A contract had been signed, and they were fully aware of what Manhunt’s purpose is – to help guys hook up!
Unfortunately, they rejected our now infamous (especially to some Los Angelenos) advertisement depicting two shirtless dudes about to kiss. This was rejected for content. We submitted a much less sexual version, with two cute dudes merely posing together, fully clothed (it’s after the jump). ML kicked our second attempt back on us as well. Not for content, but for what Manhunt represented! Wait, they knew what we represented – guys meeting guys! Strange.
A representative of our ad agency in Portugal (Lusa) filled us in on an awesome protest that our contacts in Lisbon put on in ML’s Baixa-Chiado station. They staged an event where couples gay and straight showed up to kiss for the cameras to protest our ads being rejected. Everyone was locking lips in the name of…well, to protest stupidity. People have sex. People have gay sex. Grow up.
– J. Harvey
To watch a video of the protest, Follow the JUMP:
Here’s an example of an advertisement in ML’s train stations.
Here’s the second ad of Manhunt’s that was rejected.
‘People have gay sex. Grow up.’
To the ‘gay rights’ movement: you first.
First of all, though I respect Metro de Lisboa’s decision, I obviously disagree with it. I think we’ve gotten to the point where ads like these, which for current society standards are pretty innocuous, ought to be present and visible without it being an issue of concern. The protest was an amusing and adequate response.
But as usual, ‘gay rights’ advocates are being hypocritical. ‘People have gay sex. Grow up’? Say the people who do care, deeply, about who has or doesn’t have gay sex, in order not to offend the conservative establishment; who cultivate a specific brand of the gay identity at the detriment of others; who have thrown out of the window the ideals of the people (Harry Hay Jr. et al) who almost literally risked their lives to start the gay rights movement: social liberation for all sexual minorities outside the traditional heterosexual marriage and family model. Nowadays, the oh so progressive gays are clamoring for their right to join the reactionary club, rather than be apart from it.
WAIT… THIS SUPRISE’S YOU ?
ByronBritten,
THe “conservative establishment” didn’t seem to have a problem with two Victoria’s Scret-type models in bras and panties, but a clothed guy can’t put his arm around another clothed guy’s shoulder? I do think they need to grow up. The Manhunt ad isn’t in the least bit shocking or titilating. If even the hint that these guys are gay is somehow so offensive to some, then they do need to “grow up.” The only way these fools are going to “tolerate” and “accept” us is if we are visible. We exist, and shouldn’t have to hide in a closet to make others feel comfortable. And yes, we have sex. But this is hardly a sexual ad. The other one is. The hypocrisy is clear.
GraphicJack – I don’t know what you’re addressing me for, since you’ve said nothing I disagree with in your comment.
That one is nothing like the one in LA. They are all crazy!!!
stop figthing and kiss more….:)