In which The Gay Recluse holds a contest. Sort of.

On the topic of hot gay statues, one of our readers — David from Queens — writes with an important observation/challenge:

Great contest, Gay Recluse. But it would be virtually impossible for our splendid nation to top the statue of Hercules and Cacus (attached) in Florence. I took pictures of this myself many years ago, but they’re all in storage in Alabama, so for now I’m sending you the Wikipedia version. (BTN–Better Than Nothing!) I’ll keep looking! David

Hercules and Caucus (courtesy of Wikipedia.)

Commissioned in the 1520s by Pope Clement VII (of the Medicis), this statue was made by Florentine artist Baccio Bandinelli. (PS. It took him ten years but was totally worth every second!) We encourage our American readers to take note: this statue is seriously gay and — from where we sit — smokin’ hot. As our once-great nation heads into decline, can we at least preserve our dignity in this critical indicator of national well-being? We’d like to tell David that he’s wrong — that the United States can “win the gold” — but we’re not feeling too confident at the moment. Are there more hot gay statues in the United States? We’re counting on you to help us find out.

The Hot Gay Statue Contest Roundup:

• Rules and Guidelines
• Dan Savage Endorsement
• Washington Heights (New York City)
• Washington, DC
• The London Eye Clarifies an Important Issue