Hello, Dear Readers-
Welcome to Gertrude’s first on-line issue—our 23rd issue heading into our 20th year! I’m proud and grateful to have been handed the Gertrude mantle as her new Publisher, with Stephanie Glazier and Allison Tobey as her fantastic editors. Together we will continue to hold a space for diverse, queer-centric writing and art that thrills us, makes us laugh, reintroduces us to our souls, increases our empathy, and ultimately connects us.
In this issue, a trans writer addresses the “sea change” of Ariel and a son connects honestly with his mother during her chemo. In stories, a girl engages in a series of hysterical, kitsch-horror imaginings about her best friend’s bloody demise and a hockey player loses her sight. We’re also delighted to feature experimental work from Sarah D’Stair and a powerful poem by Joe Jiménez—who won our 2011 chapbook contest. Lovely to read you again, Joe!
Moving forward, we’re committed to doing more interviews and profiles (so send me any ideas!). Here, Michael Thomas Ford graciously answers questions about the state of gay culture today. As someone who’s been publishing books for decades, Mike offers the perspective of a writer who has traveled through the changes in gay publishing from its relative heyday back in the 1990s—with gay bookstores and Alyson Books and the Advocate—to today.
We’re also proud to present our LINEAGE series—Stephanie’s brainchild. The idea is to pair an emerging writer with an established writer to do an interview and/or profile. Stephanie sets the bar by launching with her thoughtful interview of the astounding poet, Carl Phillips. Yes, CARL PHILLIPS, folks. Enjoy!
Look for our next issue at the end of summer (sign up for our newsletter if you don’t want to miss it). In the meantime, continue to hold the true vision of who we are—as Americans—by telling your stories, creating your art, holding your partners’ hands, kissing your children, acting with warm hearts even against those who disagree with us, and raging against the damn machine.
Let’s not forget that resistance comes in many forms. Some people march. Some people publish queer journals. And some people resist simply by living their lives. Here’s to us all…
XO-
Tammy Lynne Stoner
Welcome to Gertrude’s first on-line issue—our 23rd issue heading into our 20th year! I’m proud and grateful to have been handed the Gertrude mantle as her new Publisher, with Stephanie Glazier and Allison Tobey as her fantastic editors. Together we will continue to hold a space for diverse, queer-centric writing and art that thrills us, makes us laugh, reintroduces us to our souls, increases our empathy, and ultimately connects us.
In this issue, a trans writer addresses the “sea change” of Ariel and a son connects honestly with his mother during her chemo. In stories, a girl engages in a series of hysterical, kitsch-horror imaginings about her best friend’s bloody demise and a hockey player loses her sight. We’re also delighted to feature experimental work from Sarah D’Stair and a powerful poem by Joe Jiménez—who won our 2011 chapbook contest. Lovely to read you again, Joe!
Moving forward, we’re committed to doing more interviews and profiles (so send me any ideas!). Here, Michael Thomas Ford graciously answers questions about the state of gay culture today. As someone who’s been publishing books for decades, Mike offers the perspective of a writer who has traveled through the changes in gay publishing from its relative heyday back in the 1990s—with gay bookstores and Alyson Books and the Advocate—to today.
We’re also proud to present our LINEAGE series—Stephanie’s brainchild. The idea is to pair an emerging writer with an established writer to do an interview and/or profile. Stephanie sets the bar by launching with her thoughtful interview of the astounding poet, Carl Phillips. Yes, CARL PHILLIPS, folks. Enjoy!
Look for our next issue at the end of summer (sign up for our newsletter if you don’t want to miss it). In the meantime, continue to hold the true vision of who we are—as Americans—by telling your stories, creating your art, holding your partners’ hands, kissing your children, acting with warm hearts even against those who disagree with us, and raging against the damn machine.
Let’s not forget that resistance comes in many forms. Some people march. Some people publish queer journals. And some people resist simply by living their lives. Here’s to us all…
XO-
Tammy Lynne Stoner