It all started with a writing class at the local LGBTQ/HIV center. It was origanized by a well-meaning lipstick lesbian, desperate to make a difference. She wants young voices to share their stories of coming out. Instead, she got four old geezers (including the teacher) all trying to outdo each other while writing about sexual exploits and conquests before AIDS existed.
That center didn't keep its doors open for long, but the guys continued writing. The big romantic gesture from the boyfriend with the sentimentality of a toaster. Somber scattering of ashes at sea that ends up resembling a horror movie set. A first date so great, till it goes so WRONG you have to ask: "Should I go to the police?" Pranks on priceless art, hammocks that aren't hammocks, cooking for porn stars, and even a circus with enormous friendly ligers.
These modern-day Lazarus tales are bawdy, exuberant, irreverent, and true to life. History books are not written about our gay lives, before or after AIDS. The dark comedic romp is must-read for anyone whose pronouns stand on the strong shoulders of these survivors tales. They took the cards they were dealt and figured out how to thrive in a world that marked them as disposable.
