Glow Up

When I started this newsletter in September, I just wanted a space to share stories about my new, very gay life in Italy.

I’ve done just that: Regaled you all with many tales of naughty nights out and heartfelt moments in between. And, judging by the quite rapid growth of my audience here, y’all seem to be enjoying it.

But I don’t just want to tell you about my deliciously queer life; I want to help you live yours. And so, the Finocchio universe is expanding to become a place that helps liberate queer people through the power of art, community and storytelling.

My usual newsletters aren’t going anywhere. But there’s lots of new stuff coming your way. Here’s what that’s going to look like.

The power of queerness, in so many ways, lies in our ability to create community and chosen family. And I want to build more community here with Finocchio.

That’s right, girls, we’re getting a group chat!

This new WhatsApp group is a (bilingual!) place where we can chat about my stories, yes, but also where we can make new friends and help each other get closer to living our most unapologetically queer lives.

The group chat is open to paid subscribers only. For the cost of a new jockstrap, you can unlock the full Finocchio experience for an entire year.

In the future, I’m hoping to build out more community spaces (a book club? retreats??), so this group chat is just the start.

Before I ever became a writer, I was a photographer. Back in high school, I was known to corral my friends into all kinds of bizarre photoshoots that I dutifully uploaded to Flickr. (It was a different time, okay???)

Professionally, I was also a photojournalist and a wedding photographer for a hot minute.

But now? Well, I’m launching something a little different. Finocchio Studio is my new photography business, dedicated to helping queer people feel more free in their bodies, through the power of intimate portraiture.

If you’re in Italy (or even visiting Italy), I’ve got a lineup of spicy services that you can learn more about in English or Italiano.

But wait: I also offer virtual photoshoots! These short-and-sweet sessions are kind of a like FaceTime call, except I’ll have control over your phone camera (there’s an app for that). You prop up your phone, I direct you to pose, and we snap away.

All of these offers are steeply discounted right now. So, if you’re ready make some magic together, send me a message and let’s get started.

You probably noticed things look a little different around here: I got a new brand and logo!

I’m absolutely thrilled with how it turned out. Peep the subtle reference to the finocchio plant (iykyk), which also becomes a gorgeous icon on its own. I’m obsessed!

I’ve thrown a lot of new information your way, but I want to leave you with this.

I think the magic of what I’m doing here is the mix of wholesome and horny that infuses all of my storytelling.

Sure, there are plenty of other places to read (or watch) spicy stuff and otherwise get your rocks off. And certainly there are plenty of neutered, “love is love” gay narratives out there (I’ve written some myself).

But Finocchio is different: Here, we’re embracing it all. We’re gonna be sappy softies, and we’re gonna be naughty little rascals, too.

So come on in: Join the group chat, or jump into the studio. I can’t wait to create a more liberated queer world with you.

This weekend, I went on an insanely beautiful romp through the snowy mountains of Switzerland.