It seems to get harder each year to get together a “Best Of” list of films that were released that year. So this year instead I will pay tribute to some of my all time favourite films. Ever since high school my family tradition was to celebrate Xmas on Xmas eve. We would always go to Xmas eve mass, then come home and open our presents. Eventually I rebelled against Catholicism and refused to go to mass so my parents and younger brother brother went to mass while I stayed home and watched my favourite film while I waited for their return. For most of my young life that film was, “The Lost Boys” until eventually t was replaced with “The Last Starfighter”.
This ritual of watching (one of) my favourite film on Xmas eve has become the only way I celebrate it. Preferably alone. This year, finding myself the father of a Trash Racoon Pomeranian, I was inspired to get in the spirit, get a tree and swap it with gifts for the mongrel. We started the fav movie marathon with “the Empire Strikes Back”
How camp is that trailer!
I followed this with Gremlins, as it is a Xmas movie and me and Alexander (Barbarian´s mum) have always said B looks like Stripe. And now that he has his BFF Lord Byron, the two of them are uncanny dead ringers for Gizmo and Strip!
“While everybody else is opening up their presents, they´re opening up their wrists.” I forgot how dark this film was. A very clever dark horror film disguised as a family Xmas film.
This time of year is the hardest and loneliest for many people. For anyone who has ever felt alone, desperate to feel wanted or belong to someone or something, as hard as it may be, try to accept you are not alone, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call a help line. It might not be the type of human interaction you dream of having but it may help you get through the day, week, month or year. And know that there are many other people feeling as alone and hurt as you. Even those people that you think have it all. I have had suicidal thoughts. And many times fantasied about my own death and found an emotional release imagining how the people in my life would react. Dont worry, I would never kill myself. I am way to stubborn for that. When I was suffered depression the worst as a teenager I created relationships with the characters in the novels I read, or the films I watched. Which was fuel to keep me going while they lasted and very hurtful when the book or film came to an end. Music also provided me with an escape, and that was one format that never had to come to an end. Find what works for you and keep fighting.
And if you are hurt and alone today, or suffer the loss of a father or someone close to you. I know how that feels and this message is from ME to YOU, “Merry FKIN Xmas” And if you need some company, have you seen how long this BLOG has been going for? I can be with you for the night!
Fuck, I better make my next fav film a bloody uplifting one one!
A quick nod to the 2 most watched films in this Xmas tradition of mine,
so the last film this eve is my all time favourite animation film…
MERRY XMAS!
I cried so much reading your text, Rogan. I’m not going to hide my real name; I’m Brazilian and I’m 37 years old.
The Christmases of 2002 and 2003 were the worst of my life. From 2002 to 2017, I thought so much about taking my own life; I was constantly dealing with depressive episodes and suicidal thoughts. But art, gay porn, and colors saved my life. Fantasy saved me from a cruel reality.
Many people condemn pornography, but gay porn gave me so much courage, joy, and inspiration. Back in the days of Tom of Finland, Bob Mizer, and Colt Studios, making gay porn and male nudity could lead to prison, ostracism, and even death. But Tom of Finland, Bob Mizer, and Jim French broke the system.
I love people who break the system. You, Rogan Richards, break the system and its taboos. You are my inspiration, right alongside them. Merry Christmas and a Happy 2026 to anyone reading this. The sad phase will pass, and we will smile again.
Wow Gustavo(?) Thank you so much for writing that to me. You may very well be that one person I had in my heart and hopes when I was inspired to write that blog. I hope other people who feel similar read what I said AND what you said and they also feel less alone and maybe with a little more hope than what they had before. It is very true that we reach for fantasy, art, film, porn, music, actors, what ever or who ever that may be to escape and to deal with the hurt and loneliness the reality of our lives leaves us suffering withen. But mate, what you said about me and the names you placed me with has really taken me by surprise and really made a positive bright light at what was the end of a FKIN SHIT HOUSE year! So thank you man! I feel a stronger sense of purpose going into 2026 and also feel reignited to keep fighting the battle of trying to achieve something when the world seems pit against you. Where ever you are when you read this, im sending you an stinking, sweaty massive hug mate. HAPPY FKIN NYR!
I’m the one who commented on your Christmas post; you even followed me on Instagram! Thank you so much for replying—I honestly never thought you would.
I’m using my real name now. For many years, I hid from the world because my parents and sister told me people would discriminate against and reject me. I was bullied for being fat, gay, and having ADHD. I have a huge creative drive for writing gay erotica, but I struggle with procrastination and often stop writing. I’ve always wanted to draw like Jim French, Tom of Finland, and Jiraiya.
It was through sexuality and the work of Colt Studios, artists like you and Tom of Finland, and various gay porn stars that I found the courage to come out as an erotic writer. I’ve realized that while those who hide are protected from bullies, they also fail to show their talent and the beauty they carry in their hearts. Those who show themselves give strength, courage, and love to those longing for freedom.
I’m so happy you followed me! When I first realized I was gay, my first crush was Arnold Schwarzenegger in the sauna scene from Red Heat (1988). I’ve often imagined being with him and Sven-Ole Thorsen. I’d love a sweaty hug and a kiss from you. My husband doesn’t like it when I masturbate to porn, but I don’t mind.
Thanks again for getting back to me.