linkKyle Applegate has been working at the Eagle, the West 28th Street leather bar, every Thursday and Friday night for almost three years, shining the boots of the gay men who are soaking up the suds and cruising. He also spends Saturday nights at Splash with promoter Aaron Tanner. He actually built the "shine chair" there.
Applegate, 43, is not just a member of the leather community, he is also a certified Tantric coach and a sexual healer who counsels individuals and couples on issues from sexual dysfunction to gender identity and polyamorism, sexual partnering among more than two people.
To some, these two areas of his life might seem diametrically opposed, but to him, both interests speak to profound needs in the queer community for nourishment, nurturing, and exploration of gender roles and the full and unfettered expression of our sexuality.
