In his review of 30 years of gay, pop culture, Paul Flynn begins with an auspicious moment in 1984 and the confluence of two, groundbreaking songs. “Smalltown Boy” by Bronksi Beat and “Relax” by Frankie Goes to Hollywood, were released in the same year. The former was an achingly beautiful take on the pressures of … Continue reading
The West Side piers on the Hudson River achieved a level of infamy in the 1970s and early 1980s as a gathering place for gay men in pursuit of public, yet anonymous, sex. Its reputation included the danger inherent in public exposure, libidinous activity and the dilapidated state of the structures. The area is now … Continue reading
Young people need to come out in their own good time – no matter how many well-meaning people are willing you on to throw off those straight shackles and wrap yourself in the feather boa of gay pride! Tom Allen is a good example of this and as we skip lightly through his memoir, we … Continue reading
You’d think it was easy for a writer to write about another writer, one who’s inspired them, guided them, shown them something, perhaps, no other writer has shown them; but it’s not. It’s never easy to put into words the words of another and be certain you’re remaining faithful, doing justice, or worthy of approval. … Continue reading
Maupin had a problem with his parents. Elements of his family’s dynamics surface in much of his best work. Michael Tolliver, the charming character in the “Tales of the City” series, famously writes a coming out letter to his Mama after she joins the Anita Bryant campaign to “Save Our Children.” Maupin’s parents never responded … Continue reading