I read a lot of queer related novels in the late 60s and onwards. What I liked, among other things, was the open honesty of Chris Isherwood and Armistead. Big difference between Nazi Germany and SF. I was totally "out" from 1970. I was warmed by the citizens of Barbary Lane. I was very fond of them. I was aware of Gay Related Immune Deficiency by 1974. I had read Mark Freedman's book "Homosexuality and Psychological Functioning" in 1972 and we became penfriends. He revealed to me that he had GRID in late 1976. He and I met early in 1977, shortly before his death. This commited me to learning and educating people about it (through GRID becoming AIDS and onward). I wasn't convinced that it was related to drugs and poppers and beleived it to be viral. I was in SF when HTLV3 was identified and soon became known as HIV. By 1980, it was clear that HIV/AIDS wasn't a gay disease in SF and was spreading thoughout the world.
Uncle Ray, you were “in the room” for so much of our collective history. I’m so honored you share some of your experiences with me and the crew. Thank you, dear!
I appreciate the likes from sixes and you (indeed from any others). I don't intend to be humble. My mother (and she was flawed as we all are) often said to me "To your own self be true".
I am a deeply intuitive and insightful thinker, charged by my strong feelings, my philosophy and sensitive to the feelings of others, including people i have never met or known. I hate unfairness, discrimination, prejudice, inequality on a philosophical, intellectual and emotional level. I take such things on a very personal insult level, even when I am not the targetted "enemy". However, when I speak out about these issues, I have often become the enemy, even though I am not part of the relevant persecuted group.
I am largely "burnt out" nowadays. I cannot change humanity. I can't evolve my species. They will remain tribal, xenophobic, grasping, power-seeking apes for long after I die (I mean that literally. I spent several months daily observing primates of various species in zoos and in ethological videos). Was my ego and self importance or empowerment so over-inflated? Perhaps, maybe not. I have taken issues on board because they deeply offend me. I don't see myself as brave or heroic or significant.
A Southern boy from a conservative family. Hmmm. From my own Raleigh hometown in NC, and my beloved San Francisco. Loved, loved, loved his novels...and the series that came from them. The miracle is I never met him. I'm sure my mother knew his mother and father. Certainly knew of them quite well. So many almost moments. I follow his You Tube blog, and will now subscribe to his substack, thanks to you, Clint. Happy forthcoming birthday, Mr. Maupin!
Wow…I didn’t realize you were from the same part of the country, Clarke. I’m shocked you aren’t already friends. But if your paths ever do cross, I bet you’d make up for lost time fast. Cheers, Mr. Fountain!
Clint, So well written and what a tribute to Armistead! I know what you mean about the proximity of all of us "writing in the same place". It is wondeful to see him in person talking about things that matter to himself and to us. I am going to go send him birthday wished now. Thanks. Fondly, Michael
I read a lot of queer related novels in the late 60s and onwards. What I liked, among other things, was the open honesty of Chris Isherwood and Armistead. Big difference between Nazi Germany and SF. I was totally "out" from 1970. I was warmed by the citizens of Barbary Lane. I was very fond of them. I was aware of Gay Related Immune Deficiency by 1974. I had read Mark Freedman's book "Homosexuality and Psychological Functioning" in 1972 and we became penfriends. He revealed to me that he had GRID in late 1976. He and I met early in 1977, shortly before his death. This commited me to learning and educating people about it (through GRID becoming AIDS and onward). I wasn't convinced that it was related to drugs and poppers and beleived it to be viral. I was in SF when HTLV3 was identified and soon became known as HIV. By 1980, it was clear that HIV/AIDS wasn't a gay disease in SF and was spreading thoughout the world.
Uncle Ray, you were “in the room” for so much of our collective history. I’m so honored you share some of your experiences with me and the crew. Thank you, dear!
I appreciate the likes from sixes and you (indeed from any others). I don't intend to be humble. My mother (and she was flawed as we all are) often said to me "To your own self be true".
I am a deeply intuitive and insightful thinker, charged by my strong feelings, my philosophy and sensitive to the feelings of others, including people i have never met or known. I hate unfairness, discrimination, prejudice, inequality on a philosophical, intellectual and emotional level. I take such things on a very personal insult level, even when I am not the targetted "enemy". However, when I speak out about these issues, I have often become the enemy, even though I am not part of the relevant persecuted group.
I am largely "burnt out" nowadays. I cannot change humanity. I can't evolve my species. They will remain tribal, xenophobic, grasping, power-seeking apes for long after I die (I mean that literally. I spent several months daily observing primates of various species in zoos and in ethological videos). Was my ego and self importance or empowerment so over-inflated? Perhaps, maybe not. I have taken issues on board because they deeply offend me. I don't see myself as brave or heroic or significant.
A Southern boy from a conservative family. Hmmm. From my own Raleigh hometown in NC, and my beloved San Francisco. Loved, loved, loved his novels...and the series that came from them. The miracle is I never met him. I'm sure my mother knew his mother and father. Certainly knew of them quite well. So many almost moments. I follow his You Tube blog, and will now subscribe to his substack, thanks to you, Clint. Happy forthcoming birthday, Mr. Maupin!
Wow…I didn’t realize you were from the same part of the country, Clarke. I’m shocked you aren’t already friends. But if your paths ever do cross, I bet you’d make up for lost time fast. Cheers, Mr. Fountain!
Clint, So well written and what a tribute to Armistead! I know what you mean about the proximity of all of us "writing in the same place". It is wondeful to see him in person talking about things that matter to himself and to us. I am going to go send him birthday wished now. Thanks. Fondly, Michael
Just a head’s up: I messed up! His bday is May 13th, not March. But I like celebrate good people, so I stand by the birthday cake tribute! :-)
Save it and restack on May 13! It was really a beautiful love letter. Fondly, Michael
Great idea. Cheers, Mr. Horvich. May your day and weekend be grand!