Keith Cole’s Largesse, A Pornographic Endowment

During the pre-Netflix era, I was willing to travel across town just for the experience of renting a movie from 7-24 Movies & More. The iconic space has since been taken over by a bank but this doesn’t ruin my memories of it as an affirming space, community destination, and yes, a cruising spot.

The DVDs in the installation above were part of 7-24’s rentable collection. They were gifted to me by Keith Cole, a few at a time over the course of five years. What a cock tease.

From left to right: Neighborhood 6-Pack (Volume 2), Open Wide, At The Ready 3, Crusin’, The Best Of Chad Hunt, Marine Crucible 2 (Cocked & Loaded), Jack Happy, Driven (No Turning Back), Warehouse Heat, Dirty Duos, Little Devil, The Gay Office, Backwoods Bareback, Breed My Boyfriend, Black Butts Cracka Sluts, Below The Belt 2, Bareback Barrage 2, Newcummers Gay Massage 4, Jet Set (Big Dicks), My Hot Uncle 2, Crazy For Studs, Grinding The Rod, Blast My Ass 5, Smoken’ Hot Men, Young Fuckers, Bare And Deep Ass Play, Taking Inventory, Gay Asian Amateurs, Golden Asian Boys.

Photo of the outside of 7-24 Movies & More
7-24 Movies & More, 584 Church St, Toronto

The films were laid out on tall racks and in bins in a way that enabled me to see everything, without missing anything. New releases, staff picks, and queerly independent films were located near the front of the store where the cash register was. The more provocative films from their pornography collection were located in a discrete, adults-only backroom. A legal requirement but an appropriate choice nonetheless.

The front of a membership card from 7-24 Movies & More courtesy of Em Minthorn who also worked at the iconic Church Street location from March 2008-August 2011.
The back of a membership card from 7-24 Movies & More courtesy of Em Minthorn.