Clint — I loved this story, truly. You brought it alive with such heart and clarity.
Reading about Jack and Michael, I felt both deep gratitude and quiet awe. The courage of loving openly—without hashtags, campaigns, or guarantees—is what built the ground we walk on today. And stories like this remind us how much was carried in silence, in stubborn joy, in fierce everyday commitment.
Thank you for giving this couple their rightful place in our collective memory—and in our Pride celebrations. I’ll be carrying their story with me this month and beyond.
Thank you, Jay, for the kind, heartfelt comment. So many queer pioneers, so little time…but I’m spotlighting a few of the ones I know about. And love that you’re helping people find the queer pioneers inside themselves. Cheers!
I really enjoyed reading and learning about all those queer pioneers — and especially these days, keeping their memories alive feels more vital than ever. And still, each of us is, in our own way, a pioneer too. Carving paths, holding space, creating stories that one day will be remembered as well.
Thanks for lifting up these queer heroes, Clint. I love knowing that Jack and Michael stood so sturdy in their own validity in 1970 (the year I landed on the planet) and that they're still standing all these years later, in spite of it all (and there's been a lot of ALL). Humble badassery is my fave. 👬👨❤️💋👨❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Here are a couple of poems I wrote for my gay friends:
KINDRED FLAMES
Kindred flames that burn the same
Pepper Miller
May 7
A poem celebrating the beauty of the romantic connection between women. Here’s something soulful and heartfelt:
Kindred Flames
Two hearts aligned in whispered air, A love so fierce, beyond compare. Fingertips tracing paths unknown, In tender touch, their passion grown.
Soft laughter laced in midnight’s spell, A gentle world where love may dwell. No chains to hold, no walls to tame, Just kindred flames that burn the same.
Through every storm and fleeting tide, They walk as one, their souls untied. No need for words, their voices hushed— In love’s embrace, the world is brushed.
a poem celebrating the deep connection, romance, and commitment between men. Here’s something heartfelt:
Unshaken Bond Two hands entwined, a steady light, Love undaunted, burning bright. Through whispering days and silent nights, A vow upheld, a sacred rite.
Eyes that know the weight of years, Softened by both joy and tears. Each touch a promise, firm and true, No storm can break what they renew.
Should the world avert its gaze, Their hearts remain, unscathed, ablaze. No shame can mar, no doubt erase, A love that stands, a love embraced.
Clint — I loved this story, truly. You brought it alive with such heart and clarity.
Reading about Jack and Michael, I felt both deep gratitude and quiet awe. The courage of loving openly—without hashtags, campaigns, or guarantees—is what built the ground we walk on today. And stories like this remind us how much was carried in silence, in stubborn joy, in fierce everyday commitment.
Thank you for giving this couple their rightful place in our collective memory—and in our Pride celebrations. I’ll be carrying their story with me this month and beyond.
Thank you, Jay, for the kind, heartfelt comment. So many queer pioneers, so little time…but I’m spotlighting a few of the ones I know about. And love that you’re helping people find the queer pioneers inside themselves. Cheers!
I really enjoyed reading and learning about all those queer pioneers — and especially these days, keeping their memories alive feels more vital than ever. And still, each of us is, in our own way, a pioneer too. Carving paths, holding space, creating stories that one day will be remembered as well.
Thanks for lifting up these queer heroes, Clint. I love knowing that Jack and Michael stood so sturdy in their own validity in 1970 (the year I landed on the planet) and that they're still standing all these years later, in spite of it all (and there's been a lot of ALL). Humble badassery is my fave. 👬👨❤️💋👨❤️🧡💛💚💙💜
Thanks, Keith. “Humble badassery” is a beautiful turn of phrase. Cheers!
Thanks Clint, Robert Merrill, Jack Baker and Michael McConnell
Yeah, do it for your people, do it for your pride🖤🤎💜💙💚💛🧡❤
Are you ever gonna know if you never even try?
Do it for your country, do it for your name
'Cause there's gonna be a day when you're
Standing in the Hall of Fame
And the world's gonna know your name
'Cause you burn with the brightest flame
Love, Mr. Steve…cheers to our nears, dears, and queers!
Here are a couple of poems I wrote for my gay friends:
KINDRED FLAMES
Kindred flames that burn the same
Pepper Miller
May 7
A poem celebrating the beauty of the romantic connection between women. Here’s something soulful and heartfelt:
Kindred Flames
Two hearts aligned in whispered air, A love so fierce, beyond compare. Fingertips tracing paths unknown, In tender touch, their passion grown.
Soft laughter laced in midnight’s spell, A gentle world where love may dwell. No chains to hold, no walls to tame, Just kindred flames that burn the same.
Through every storm and fleeting tide, They walk as one, their souls untied. No need for words, their voices hushed— In love’s embrace, the world is brushed.
UNSHAKEN BOND
New LOVE POEMS
Pepper Miller <peppermiller3011@gmail.com>
Tue, May 6, 9:14 PM
to me
a poem celebrating the deep connection, romance, and commitment between men. Here’s something heartfelt:
Unshaken Bond Two hands entwined, a steady light, Love undaunted, burning bright. Through whispering days and silent nights, A vow upheld, a sacred rite.
Eyes that know the weight of years, Softened by both joy and tears. Each touch a promise, firm and true, No storm can break what they renew.
Should the world avert its gaze, Their hearts remain, unscathed, ablaze. No shame can mar, no doubt erase, A love that stands, a love embraced.
Thanks for sharing this story. ❤️
I love this post, Clint. Radical. Simple. Human.❤️🩷🧡💛💚💙🩵💜🤎
Thanks, D.C. These gents deserve a standing ovation in my book!