Tag Archives: african-american

Jason Collins and the Joy and Importance of Coming Out

Posted on April 30, 2013 by gar

25 years ago, either this week or next, I wrote a letter to my family entitled “What James Baldwin, Bayard Rustin, and Gregory A. Russell Have In Common.” Sadly I don’t think I have a copy of it anymore, though … Continue reading →

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Revised Chapter 2 for Sin Against the Race

Posted on January 5, 2013 by gar

Here’s the revised draft of Chapter 2 of Sin Against the Race, taking up where Chapter 1 left off.  Enjoy! ++++++++++++ Chapter 2 – Sin Against the Race Alfonso boarded the Line 21 bus and found it already filled with comatose … Continue reading →

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A Holiday Encore: Last Rites for Mr. Cuddles

Posted on November 21, 2012 by gar

(Editor’s note:  Because this story takes place on Thanksgiving Day, I thought it appropriate to repeat it today.  A safe and happy Thanksgiving to all from the gar spot.) Originally published January 30, 2012. Grease splattering, water boiling, pots and pans … Continue reading →

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Pomo Afro Homos, Remix – Rebirth of the Snap

Posted on October 24, 2012 by gar

After the lights dimmed, the familiar hum began as four men of color came on the stage.  They stood in a circle, humming and snapping fingers, swaying back and forth. Then, one by one, each introduced us to the evening … Continue reading →

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All Alone at the Brick Wall

Posted on June 4, 2012 by gar

(Editor’s note:  This is an excerpt from my novel Sin Against the Race.  For context, read “Get. Out.” first.) Bingo suggested to Alfonso that he do something special for himself.  “Something simple, something fun,” he said.  So he went to … Continue reading →

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Confirmation Day – Part III (Conclusion)

Posted on May 30, 2012 by gar

After the service, I became visible again.  Folks asked me if I enjoyed the service, and I had to say yes, I did, because I did get into singing and clapping and all that.  XY spoke to me.  He told … Continue reading →

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Confirmation Day – Part II

Posted on May 27, 2012 by gar

One weekend, my parents were out of town and Righteous was at some religious camp for good little boys.  So Kurt spent the night.  The Sci-Fi channel was running a “Prisoner” marathon that weekend, the show about an ex-spy who … Continue reading →

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Confirmation Day – Part I

Posted on May 24, 2012 by gar

(Editor’s Note:  This story is an expansion of “The Burrito Kiss” which was published on the gar spot previously.  The story is set c. 1992.) Saturday nights meant church service and that usually meant glares and taunts from Righteous, my older … Continue reading →

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The Pink Ribbon Blues – Part V (Conclusion)

Posted on May 19, 2012 by gar

Rick called on Lionel’s cell just as he was packing up his briefcase.  It had been a long ass day filled with too many meetings about too much stuff that they had been dealing with for too long and he … Continue reading →

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The Pink Ribbon Blues – Part II

Posted on May 2, 2012 by gar

He stood eyes closed and let the notes wash over him as he leaned against the wall, a Diet Coke hanging from one hand.  He barely allowed her to speak when she arrived.  “Take it out and play something,” he … Continue reading →

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