A (Cautionary) Tale Of Two (Queer?) Creatives
Newsletter + On This Day
If you've followed the news this week, you've likely seen headlines about Sean Combs' indictment and arrest. While I'm not a fan of his work, I admit to a certain fascination with the media circus surrounding his high-profile falls from grace.
Based on everything I’ve heard, read, and watched, Lady Karma may be tardy to this sex party, but seems “Freak Off” parties are a thing of the past for “Cuff Daddy.”
I genuinely like some of Combs’ many, many collaborators and colleagues. One reason I’ve ignored him and work for years is he seems unable to make anything without an army of other artists, leading me to believe he’s a successful poseur.
One of my favorite artists he (allegedly) “discovered” is Missy Elliott.
Elliott began her career as a featured vocalist on some of his record label’s remixes. But I’m not sure how close they’ve remained over the years. I wonder what she—and the rest of the hip-hop community—thinks about all this mess.
So far…mum’s the word. Snitches get stiches, right?
The part of the Combs story most media outlets (and the indictment for that matter) are avoiding is how many credible stories have been out there FOR YEARS about this “no homo” guy being (allegedly) queer as a three-dollar bill.
50 Cent seems to be the only one who has consistently called him out. And I’m not exactly a fan of him either. I can’t tell if he’s being homophobic or simply pointing out the hypocrisy. Maybe a little/lot of both?
In my opinion, this whole case is most probably a fairly common one: “Sensitive” guy who was abused and bullied about his masculinity/sexuality as a kid grows up to be the abuser and bully once he became rich and famous. Or, like the chicken and the egg, did Combs become rich and famous as a result of abusing and bullying others?
Long story short, this story will be in the headlines (and courts) for years.
Like Jeffrey Epstein, R. Kelly, Harvey Weinstein, and (once Ladies Karma and Justice get on the same page) Donald Trump, Sean Combs serves as a cautionary tale: If you live in a glass house, buy more Windex…and less baby oil.
As a palate cleanser from Combs’ circus-like affair(s), I invite you to watch my latest Artists + Photographers video on F. Holland Day, a lesser-known but important and influential photographic pioneer.
If you don’t know his name or work, you’re far from alone. While Day was a colleague and contemporary of well-known photographic pioneers, including Edward Steichen, he was decidedly independent, refusing to join groups or play “reindeer games.”
Another reason F. Holland Day may not be as well known is he was (allegedly) gay.
Based on his choice of subjects, personal style, and professional temperament alone, there’s little doubt in my mind. There also seems to be little other proof…or headlines.
Unlike Mr. Combs, Mr. Day seemed to be confident in himself and his work, so he had no need for all the controversy, drama, and/or violence.
Day is a quiet reminder to me and other creatives who lead not-so-rich, not-so-famous creative lives: Focus on creating and leave that other mess for the rest.
Thanks for reading!
Clint
P.S. While they may have been popular before the Internet Age, drugged-fueled sex parties seem to attract the attention of Karma, Justice, and TMZ. I dunno about you, but I wouldn’t want this trio to know about a Happy Hour much less to a “Freak Off.”
FOUND PHOTOS+ OF THE DAY
ON THIS DAY = SEPTEMBER 19
BIRTHDAYS
HENRY III (1551)
King of FranceWILLIAM GOLDING (1911)
WriterADAM WEST (1928)
ActorBRIAN EPSTEIN (1934)
Beatles’ ManagerTWIGGY (1949)
Model
EVENTS
New Zealand is the first country to grant all women the right to vote. (1893)
Chubby Checker's cover of The Twist hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. (1960)
The Mary Tyler Moore Show premieres on CBS. (1970)
US Federal health officials announce the first antiretroviral drug (AZT) to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS will be available to patients. (1986)
Doogie Howser, M.D. premieres on ABC. (1989)
Truth Hurts by Lizzo is released. (2017)
NEW + FEATURED
SEEING QUEERLY #6 (NSFW)
SEEING QUEERLY #5 (NSFW)
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You are so right, HollandDay was an artist. Put another way, watching the video was a bit like wandering through a gallery of great art. Don’t know enough about art to say Holland Day is in the same category as Rembrandt or Da Vinci, but he was certainly a true artist.