Mark Simpson: Essays for 'Out' magazine

Mark Simpson is an English author and journalist who is credited with coining the term 'Metrosexual' in a 1994 article for UK's Independent. He is the author of numerous books, including Metrosexy, a collection of essays chronicling the emergence of the metrosexual male; and Saint Morrissey, the globally-acclaimed 'psycho-bio' of England's last, greatest -- and strangest -- pop star. A long time contributor for Out magazine, he has penned some of our favorite articles over the years, including an essay about America's fear of the speedo; a queer defense of hazing; and the birth of another now-popular term, 'Sporno'.

Check out the links below for more of Mark's work from the archives of Out magazine.

Speedophobia
Mark Simpson undresses the tortured relationship between American men and their swimsuits.

Assume The Position: A Queer Defence Of Hazing
Mark Simpson wants to be be soundly smacked with a paddle.

Sporno
Adapted from an essay which first appeared in Out magazine, May 2006; re-written and expanded for The V&A's 'Fashion V Sport' Exhibition Catalogue, June 2008, and updated for my Berlin lecture/slide-show June 2009.

Mark Simpson Attends an Epic UFC Event
And finds himself turned on to the charms of 'gay porn for straight men.'

Mark Simpson on the Camille Paglia vs. Lady Gaga Feud
The Gaga backlash, which recently found itself a leader in Camille Paglia, was inevitable. It's also misguided.

Catterick Garrison Goes Gay
Mark Simpson attends the first gay night on a UK garrison.

Transexy Time!
Why we're all going transsexual -- but without the balls to actually change sex.