"Hot and Busted" Examines Beauty in Mug Shots

When I started this blog in June, it was my intention for this to not only be a forum for me to share my musings on all things queer, but an opportunity, as I wrote, “to use this blog to highlight queer people, groups, and happenings in southern New Jersey and Philadelphia.”

To that end, I’ve got some exciting to share about a popular gay television icon. (And no, I’m not referring to the newly out Anderson Cooper!)

For more than a decade, Butch Cordora hosted the television series In Bed with Butch, an irreverent talk show with a twist: he interviewed his guests in bed.

Over the years, Cordora interviewed numerous national and local GLBT personalities, such as drag queens Sandy Beach and Brini Maxwell, comedian/author Frank DeCaro, and the late activist Barbara Gittings.

Although the series ended a few years ago, Cordora remains in the public eye as an acclaimed artist. In fact, in early June, Cordora was one of more than a dozen artists featured in my hubby Eric’s art sale “” here at our home in Collingswood.

Next for Cordora is “Hot and Busted,” a compelling glimpse at 13 attractive young men who have been arrested for alleged theft, possession of marijuana, battery, aggravated assault, and driving under the influence.

Cordora conceived of “Hot and Busted” when one of his friends was incarcerated after two DUI arrests. He became intrigued by the entire arrest process and its effects on those charged, and scoured 2,200 mug shots before settling on the thirteen men featured in the show.

The exhibition presents a raw and intimate look at men whose alleged crimes may forever alter their lives.

“Hot and Busted” will be on exhibition at Ven and Vaida Gallery in Philadelphia (18 South Third Street, between Market and Chestnut Streets) from July 6 to September 2. An opening reception will be held this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.