PictureI didn’t realize until recently that I have done a disservice to Cypher Avenue’s readers.

As much as we complain about the lack of masculine homosexual men of color on the big and small screens, there have been a couple that have been hiding in plan site.

I am disappointed with myself because these characters have been a part of one of my favorite cable television shows, “Spartacus”.

Initially aired January 22 of 2010, Spartacus retells the classic story of the infamous rebel who was captured from his homeland and forced into the vicious ‘fight or die’ world as a gladiator.  Treachery and deceit are the weapons of the ruling class as they use their gladiators as pawns in a real life chest game to amass more wealth and power.

When it comes to movies and television, I think I am a typical man being that I like action, graphic violence, sex, humor and a good story.  Being a gay dude doesn’t change this.  Spartacus gives me everything I need and more.  The ‘more’ is full nudity of beautiful male and female bodies, great fighting and actions sequences, buckets of blood, good acting, and yes, plenty of male on male situations and innuendos.

Being that this is a period piece that takes place in the early 0070’s BC during the Roman Empire, homosexuality and bisexuality were not as negatively viewed as they are today.


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The prequel to Spartacus (Gods of the Arena) introduces us to Barca, “The Beast of Carthage”.  Barca (Antonio Te Maioha) is a Carthaginian gladiator slave in the House of Batiatus.  He receives his name after defeating his father in the arena.  During this season, he has a sexual relationship with fellow gladiator Auctus.  In the prequel Auctus is killed in the arena and we see Barca with a new lover Pietros (Eka Darville pictured) in Season 1: Blood and Sand.

The relationship between Barca and Auctus stands out because both are very masculine and their sexual and intimate scenes are very playful and loving although very rough.  The two warriors seem to be more “brothers in arms” more so than lovers.


PictureIn the next season Barca moves into the total “top” role as his new lover Pietros is younger and more submissive. Their scenes are a lot more caring, passionate and endearing which translates to an actual loving monogamous relationship on screen.After the first season, we don’t see a major reoccurring homosexual relationship until the end of Season 2, between Nasir The Syrian (Pana Hema Taylor pictured) and Argon from Gaul.

Now Season 3 has the sexy chocolate pirate Castus (Blessing Mokgohloa) courting Nasir’s affection with Argon jealously overshadowing their interactions.  Between the time spans of these relationships, there is still a lot of homo erotic action, nudity (I did mention full nudity right?) and orgies to tide you over until the serious gay relationships manifest on screen.


PictureBeside the homo stuff, the plot is very well written with surprises in each episode.The standout performances by the talented Lucy Lawless (Lucretia, her breast are OMG), Manu Bennett (Crixus), John Hannah (Batiatus), Peter Mensah (Oenomaus) and the conniving Nick E Tarabay (Ashur) make this series a joy to watch.

I must say the graphic violence and nudity is what initially captured my attention; however the character development gives you a vested interest to keep watching and everyone has a chance to shine unlike some of the characters of “The Walking Dead”.


It is refreshing to see strong, secure masculine portrayals of male homosexuality on network television.  Spartacus has broken the gay myth (just like the LA Complex) that more masculine gay men need to be “OUT” in real life for screen and script writers to include us in their fictional works.

Interesting how writers of non-color can write masculine gay men of color into their scripts more so than black gay writers can.

You can check out the series on Netflix and on Starz Play but be sure to check out the picture gallery below.

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