That is not a title that draws someone in. I realize that.
Several readers have written to me expressing that they are of Emory's age and — as well as appreciating the representation of older gay men — can relate to some of the feelings our protagonist is experiencing. I'm sure that will be the same with this chapter.
But anyone of that age should remember the AIDS crisis. Other than maybe Stonewall, it is possibly a time that played the most significant role in gay history. In many ways, it was a wake-up call. More than that, it was a time for gay people to really be seen; unfortunately it was not the light in which we wanted to be seen.
If anyone lost a partner or close friend, I'd be open to hearing about it if you feel like you could share. My email is always at the end.
While the COVID pandemic was much more condensed, the AIDS crisis was slightly similar in that people just didn't know how to react to it in the beginning. There was so much "unknown." As facts emerged, there was still resistance to doing the right thing by those that thought they were young and invincible. Being safe eventually became a top priority. Sadly, way too many people were lost because of taking risks. I lost a good friend, even though he lived for a good ten years past the eruption of the crisis.
Something Emory says in this chapter is a deep feeling I have inside me. Young people have no idea about the seemingly overnight fear that came across the world. Just like COVID scared the hell out of all of us in the beginning, AIDS was that way too.
I apologize for making people remember the timeline of all nine books.
Longtime readers might recall a few of the passages within this chapter (Laramie and Cooper as a new couple at the coffee shop and dancing at The Black Stallion). They appeared in Chapter 15 of Laramie. It was the longest chapter in Book Six.
Click here for Chapter 15 of Laramie.
For new readers, I admit it; my work skips through a timeline somewhat like the magnificent television show This Is Us did for several years. There was no master plan to ever do this, but as recurring characters deserved to have their own stories told, that is sometimes a necessity when writing the complete picture. I've even had to make myself a spreadsheet to make sure I have all the events in proper sequence. Ha.
Email: timothylane414@gmail.com
This bit - As facts emerged, there was still resistance to doing the right thing by those that thought they were young and invincible. - well that is what is happening right now. There was a conference recent where they are testing ways for the hiv virus to not attach to healthy cells by douching and more injections, not pills. This is awesome. However, it is very annoying when you went through so many losses and many gay and bi men, more so younger but some older as well, think you are being fussy by insisting on condom use. All you got to say is, well will you look after me in my final days when I mess everywhere? They go silent because the new regimes from prevention are excellent and a choice to make by the person, but if someone wants condoms that should be respected, or they will move on to another who will put one one.
ReplyDeleteTimothy, I'm loving this story. I'm embarrassed to say that at 61, I can relate to much of it!
ReplyDeleteYou don’t see many stories with guys this old. As someone who is 65, it’s appreciated. Fortunately I’m in good shape (from working out) and don’t feel my age. However, you do start thinking more about death and what’s going to happen next. We are starting to lose friends and that’s not fun. The other thing is how quickly time has passed. At this age, you really realize what is and isn’t important and that you shouldn’t waste time on the things that are unimportant.
ReplyDeleteThanks for exploring this story line.
j.m.
That was incredible. You captured two older men perfectly. All the doubts, all the desires, all the love. Bravo my friend. You did your research well.
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