We pulled into the parking lot of the arena ten minutes before curtain call. “Is that the place? God it looks like a factory,” said the young gay gardener who was my date for this Prince Purple Rain tribute concert. “Inspired by the fertilizer plant down on the river,” I said. Neither of us is a particularly critical guy, not the catty kind of gays you see on TV. But truth is truth.
Jenks, this made me remember the summer of 1990 when the first S Carolina Pride March was held in Columbia. I was with a small group of women from Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton. We we scared but determined to march. The bible beaters and KKK were threatening to be there and be an ugly presence. But we marched and marched proudly. All of the ~3000 marchers. Only a couple of pathetic bible beaters were there along the route and they were definitely pathetic. It was such a thrilling feeling to march up to the statehouse on that beautiful summer morning.
I was a community theater fanatic all thru high school and college and especially as a young adult in Greenville in the 80s. When I think of all the beautiful men who didn’t live out the decade, my heart breaks, too. Thanks for saying their names.
This essay is Tony Tiger grrrrreeeattt. Dolly's version of Purple Rain is worth a listen . It shows off the soaring gospel chords of Prince's composition. From a fan in Tennessee.
Jenks, how I would like to be there Saturday to celebrate and support you. Your words are so insightful and full of wisdom and lead me from sheer pathos to merriment. Ginny
Sunday 4/28 at 1 pm, Queer Haven Books, Columbia, SC. That will be a great place to be.
Jenks, this made me remember the summer of 1990 when the first S Carolina Pride March was held in Columbia. I was with a small group of women from Clemson/Anderson/Pendleton. We we scared but determined to march. The bible beaters and KKK were threatening to be there and be an ugly presence. But we marched and marched proudly. All of the ~3000 marchers. Only a couple of pathetic bible beaters were there along the route and they were definitely pathetic. It was such a thrilling feeling to march up to the statehouse on that beautiful summer morning.
I know you will have a great time on Saturday!!
This was so touching; thank you.
Even if it is just for a day, it will be great to see you!!!
I was a community theater fanatic all thru high school and college and especially as a young adult in Greenville in the 80s. When I think of all the beautiful men who didn’t live out the decade, my heart breaks, too. Thanks for saying their names.
So many wonderful gardeners in both Carolinas live on in my memories.
Beautiful, Jenks. Every word. And ... I sure do love that there's a bookstore called Queerhaven in our li'l state!
This essay is Tony Tiger grrrrreeeattt. Dolly's version of Purple Rain is worth a listen . It shows off the soaring gospel chords of Prince's composition. From a fan in Tennessee.
This is another great one. I wish I could attend your reading in Columbia. I’ll wish you luck, but you won’t need it; you’re a great speaker.
Jenks, how I would like to be there Saturday to celebrate and support you. Your words are so insightful and full of wisdom and lead me from sheer pathos to merriment. Ginny