The iconic queer writer/actor Harvey Fierstein collected his first Tony Award in 1982 for Torch Song Trilogy and last month he deservedly collected his latest Tony ….this time for Life Achievement.  In the 40+ years in between, he gave us La Cage aux Folles, Kinky Boots, Hairspray and also was constantly starring on the big and small screens.  It wasn’t just his remarkable talent that had us all falling in love with him, but his insistence of being out and proud at a time when it was still considered professional suicide to be publicly gay.  As one of the first openly gay celebrities in the United States, Fierstein helped turn gay and lesbian life into a viable subject for contemporary drama “with no apologies and no climactic suicides”

Last month, in his acceptance speech for his Lifetime Achievement Award, he reminded us that the same year he found fame was the same time that the AIDS pandemic was happening. As well as it being such a global phenomenon, close to home, it made a treacherous cut through Broadway, and we lost way too many people.   

Fierstein may be perceived as a larger-than-life/outrageous, funny figure but for us at Queerguru we are so grateful how  he has used his remarkable talent to make this a better world for our queer community.  And a funny one too.  Thank you Harvey

PS His memoir on the, New York Best Book List, “I Was Better Last Night” is available for aale  at all good book shops