For decades and centuries our 'alternative lives and lifestyles' have been censored, silenced and outlawed. Our lips weren't necessarily sealed ... but our quills were stilled. Our reality wasn't legitimate enough for words. It was too sinful for acknowledgement, too shameful for expression, or simply nonexistent. When it did exist it was often mired in innuendo and code that sadly didn't always transcend the era.
The times have changed. We live in a privileged era with freedoms born from the efforts of those who came before us. It's something we should never take for granted. We need to express and commit ourselves in deed, legislation, and art for our sake as well as the sake of future generations. What better way is there to show and celebrate our pride than by sharing our experience? What better way is there to honestly say this is who we are?
When we first began this project, we worried that we wouldn't receive enough submissions for this supplement. We were euphorically floored by the scope and volume of admirable work that flooded our in-box. Thank you to everyone who took the time and effort to send something. It was all a joy to read. There were so many wonderful fiction and poetry submissions that our problem quickly became one of space. Hmmm. How small can we possibly make the print to fit everything and still be visible to the naked eye? The choosing of material was difficult. The literary selections that follow represent an array of voice, vision and experience that expresses both how far we've come and the way we live today.
—Respectfully, Owen Keehnen, and Kathie Bergquist, editors
Owen Keehnen is working on completing three books about the XXX industry—the first, Starz, is due this November.
Kathie Bergquist has authored four books about pop stars and written for many publications, including Publishers Weekly, Girlfriends, and The Advocate.