Man Crush Monday: Erica Jill
Every so often, Philly queer folks share their local picks for Man Crush Monday. This week: Erica Jill tells us about the special gay men in her life.
Erica Jill
My gay boys call me their Glady (gay lady), so, naturally, doing a #MCM made complete sense. It's probably because I love brunch, tailored suits, bowties, Betty Who and Showtunes Sunday as much as they do. I work in the Physical Therapy department at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and am a member of the board for our first LGBTQ resource group in Penn Medicine. In my "free time" I play in the Stonewall Kickball League and was just selected as the next Community Manager for The Welcoming Committee. With all the amazing guys I've met in Philly, narrowing down my MCM was difficult, but these cuties are sure to motivate you to mingle now that summer has arrived!
Charles Rumford
Charles is not only my #MCM but also my #manbunmonday crush. Although his hair isn't always long, he grew it out this winter and rocked it. I'm super jealous (I wanted a #lesbun). Charles is a sweetheart … the kind of guy that will knit you a hat, wrap you up in a bear hug, watch Pitch Perfect with you for the 345798490000000th time, make you chocolate chip cookies just because, and be an all-around awesome best friend. When he isn't crafting, biking around the city, hosting a taco night, or running UPenn's wireless network, you can see him tearing it up on the dancefloor. I mean literally … he towers over everyone at 6' 8" #tallbitchesclub. We just celebrated our 1-year friendiversary in March and I'm looking forward to many, many more to come.
Zach Thornbury
All of the guys on my Stonewall Kickball team, Sit on My Base, could have been my MCM, however this guy has especially captured my heart. Zach works for an advertising agency in Center City, and is always posting hilarious photos of work shenanigans. No seriously go follow him (@mrthornbury). When he's not playing on the interwebs he spends his time running on the river banks, kicking butt at the November Project, being an amazing daddy to his pitbull rescue Pizza (Za for short), and is actually a pizza (yes the food) connoisseur. He's also the pitcher of our kickball team and hoping to lead us to another winning season. We came for the win on 3!
Sean Farrell
I honestly would not have survived the Philadelphia Marathon this past fall without this great guy. His encouragement and Sia dance moves are only two of the reasons he's one of my MCMs. While training for the race we discovered that we're perfect pacing buddies and therapeutic runs have become a big part of our friendship—girltalk while working out! Sean is also a rescue pup daddy to the adorable little guy in the picture above. You can catch him on weekends at the dog park with Drako, studying in a coffehouse (he's going to be a Nurse!) or hanging out in the GHood with some good friends. His reenactment of "Elastic Heart" is probably better than yours.
Gregory King
This photo doesn't even begin to do this hunk justice, but it perfectly captures his sense of humor and personality. I don't think there has ever been a time that I've hung out with Greg where he didn't have a smile on his face. We met at a Welcoming Committee Happy Hour before I even moved to the City and have been giggling together ever since. He's got a fantastic sense of style, but is known for modestly saying "Oh this old thing?" when receiving compliments. And don't be fooled by his good looks and dress … this gurl's not just another pretty face! Greg has a pharmacy degree and works just as hard as he plays. You can find him running the Art Museum stairs on Wednesday mornings with the November Project, or with a drink (maybe 2) a smile, and friends out in the Gayborhood.
Jake Sheckler
Jake and I met at the Big Gay Boat Party while complimenting each others moves on the dancefloor. Since then we've progressed from going-out buddies to actual friends … with real talk. Jake is a nursing student at Drexel who cant wait to travel and take care of other humans. Seeing him on my floor at work is the highlight of my Fridays. Not only is he adorable, but he just moved to the Gayborhood!! Jake is also passionate about creating safe spaces for those in the LGBTQ community, which is why he was chosen as a member of the new Welcoming Committee Corps. I cant wait to see what ideas, excitement and dance moves he brings to Philly this summer!
The men of TWC Corps IX - Jake, Austin, Joel, Marvin, Charles, John, Christian and Josh
Meet the men of CorpsIX, the next great group of humans bringing you fun nightlife, the Philly Get-Together, outdoor adventures, and a Bar Crawl Takeover! Some of these guys I've just met and some I've known for a while, but I'm quickly learning how amazing they all are. The Welcoming Committee brings the LGBTQ community to spaces in Philly (and beyond!) that are typically known as "straight," for a comfortable, fun, and new experience. These guys (and gals!) are all passionate about making new friends, fighting for equality for all of our community, and making sure you have a blast at our next event. Come meet these #TWCuties at Guerrilla Queer Bar on the first friday in June and at our Center City Bar Crawl on June 20th. You can find out more about these great humans and the TWC events at takeoverphilly.com. Don't forget to sign up to find out where our June 5 Guerrilla Queer Bar will be held while you're there! We can't wait to meet you.
Submit Your Man Crush Monday!
Here are the rules: (1) Name five to 10 guys you’re crushing on, and tell us why they have your heart aflutter (2) You and all men involved have to be from Philadelphia (3) Email your crushes to jmiddleton@phillymag.com.
