Walt Odets

Pearl Ruled (p59)

The first chapter, "Are Gay Men Homosexuals?", wants to delve deep into an old, old argument about identity and self-definition that, quite frankly, is beyond my capabilities just now. My dear Young Gentleman Caller, recently departed this sandy spot on Earth, asked me to read it so I did...the first chapter...and I'm just not down for a discussion of what makes me like all the other QUILTBAG people in the world. Am I, in fact, like a lesbian or a trans person?

We're all human, we're all one race, and no thank you on the storms of outrage that reductive formulation brings from all ends of every spectrum of identity. I resign, you're right, make it so Number One, whatever it takes to make you shut your pie hole and let me process my personal discontent with the nature of change.

I'll re-engage with this cogent argument for a rethought gay identity when I'm ready to think deeply again.… (més)