*EMAILS OF THE WEEK (re: the GAY GENE strip):
>Hi Keith,
I’ve been reading your strip for about a year or so on a more-or-less daily basis. Usually I’ll scan over it and chuckle and move on, but just a minute ago I read the strip “The Gay Gene” and I’ve honestly got to say it struck home for me.
When I was growing up I had twin cousins… T., and D. (who was named after my father). T. was always into sports and partying and always had a girl on his shoulder, while D. was more into things like musical theater and fashion. T.’s room looked like a tornado passed through, while D.’s was impeccable.
D. was my favorite of all my cousins. He always had time to get down on my level (he was about five years older than me) and he spoke to me like I was a genuine human being rather than some bratty kid. Time passed and my dad and his brother and sisters all moved to different parts of the US, so I hardly saw my cousins after that.
When I was in my mid 20′s my family had a reunion during Thanksgiving. D. was there, but he was gaunt and hardly touched his food. His mom confided to my mom that D. was fighting anorexia, and I could believe it. As we were leaving I wrapped my arms around D. to give him a hug, and I swear the guy weighed like 75 pounds.
At Christmas, one month later, my dad called my aunt to wish her a happy holidays. He asked how everybody was, and my aunt said “Oh, everybody’s fine… except for D., that is… he died a couple of weeks ago.” She said this as nonchalantly as ever. According to her, he caught a cold right after we left which advanced to pneumonia, which killed him within two weeks. They had him cremated and buried his ashes without telling any of the family that he had died.
Of course now I know that D. was gay, and that he had AIDS, and that his mom was shallow and insensitive enough to try to hide that fact from the rest of the family.
D., you’ll be missed.
Anyway, your strip really touched my heart today and I really want to thank you for sharing it. There are thousands upon thousands of people who have lost family members to a “mystery disease”, particularly in the 80′s and early 90′s when it was less known and more taboo. Thanks for making sure that people don’t forget.
Regards,
S.
>Hi Keith and Well Met!
I usually don’t ‘contact’ people I don’t know because too many frightening
peeps probably overwhelm boxes like yours with odd emails. However, your
comic today touched me.
My uncle is gay – has been for as long as I have lived. Most
unfortunately, he has been battling with HIV+ difficulties – not AIDs
necessarily, but not the prime of health. Your toon today reminded me of
how much I adored him when I was younger – he is my fav family member to
joke around with at gatherings; I wanted to be JUST like him – good taste in
decor and dress; good shopping habits and tastes.. just a cool kind of
guy. He took me to my first military ball – one of my favorite memorable
nights! Your post today reminded me to write him and send long awaited
pictures of his nephew and check in on him. It never ceases to amaze me
that no matter how hard one tries to do otherwise, I get all shades of
caught up in my little life and fail to keep in touch with others.
I wrote him the second I finished your toon.
Anyway.. Point being.. thank you for telling it as it IS all these times -
between cancer, society, I especially like the small things in life you
remind us of.
You rocketh MOST mightily!!
Cheers and good health!
B.
(OH! Happy belated birthday – I hope we get another 30 years of great
posts out of you, at LEAST!!)
>Hi, Keith,
How was your trip to my fair city? I had planned on going, but unfortunately was sidelined by a trip to the hospital… I really appreciate your ‘toon today, about your cousin Gene; it’s never been said, but I’m fairly sure that one of my uncles (the one who encouraged me to pursue theatre, music, and writing) is gay. He’s alive, but has been in your neck of the woods so long that when I see him, it’s like I’m seeing a stranger, but I remember being five and being taken into the costume/prop room of the theatre he was working in… Like magic.
You never cease to amaze with your wit, humour, and humanity. Keep it up!
J. in New Orleans
>Dear Keith,
Thanks for your Gay Gene strip. Made me remember our family’s gay Gene, who’s been gone for 11 years now. I read in your blog that you haven’t been well. Hope you’re better soon.
Pax et bonum,
Mary
>Old Man,
Pneumonia, thats not fair, I think you are entitled to
a repeat for your birthday, especially being the 40th!
I wanted to say thank you, I really enjoyed reading
your tribute to your cousin. I could tell how much he
meant to you and vice versa, he seems like the kind of
person who would make you a better person for knowing
him. I showed it to a guy I work with, who is gay,
he was really touched.
You know…when you get it right, you really get
right.
G
