THE LIFE: A decade of Manhunt



Jonathan Crutchley, co-founder of Manhunt.net, poses with New York City
bartenders and Manhunt models.

 For 10 years Jonathan Crutchley has equipped and supported gay men in their favorite sport -- the hunt.

As a part owner of Manhunt.net, Crutchley, his co-founding partner Larry Basile, and 100 employees based in Cambridge, Mass.,  provide an outlet for men to connect and possibly meet one another. The hookup site, which is how Jonathan describes it, marked its first decade of operation in April.

During the past six years, the Manhunt team has traveled and worked to extend its reach globally. It's been translated into about eight languages and can be used in 100 countries. With nearly 2 million active accounts, it's one of the leading social networking sites for gay men, but growing the company beyond the U.S. hasn't been all fun and games.

The first attempt to expand into a foreign country in 2005 "bombed," Jonathan said.

POLITICS: 'No More Mr. Nice Gay!'

Two reactions were palpable in the days, weeks and months following California voters' approval of a same-sex marriage ban in 2008.

Disappointment, then anger.

A phrase scrawled on signs and often shouted at demonstrations for marriage equality was "No More Mr. Nice Gay!"

Many gay men were, and still are, angry that once again they were denied a right because of their sexual orientation. With that single phrase, they sent a message to supporters of Proposition 8 that the ban would not be tolerated without a fight.

It was more than a threat against an opponent; it was a rallying cry for lesbians and gay men to express their anger in a constructive way.

Anger became passionate activism for some. It's the kind of activism screenwriter and producer Del Shores explores in his art and practices in his life.