^*Bates, a strikingly handsome and very masculine six-foot-six hustler, had been introduced to Steward in December 1953 through “Bob Smith,” a man Steward had picked up at the Lincoln Baths only to discover (after sex at Steward’s apartment) that “Smith” was an undercover police officer. Bates, then nineteen years old, soon became a regular visitor to Steward’s apartment for one-on-one encounters, spintriae, and photographic get-togethers. After Bates had attempted suicide, Steward helped pay for his move back to California.