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Daniel Henderson's avatar

Thank you for these! It's fascinating to see the writings of queer writers from so long ago. Not just to ponder on how far we've come as a society but to juxtapose the attitudes of writers then and today in how such subjects are tackled.

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Dick Whyte's avatar

A pleasure :-) Yeah - I agree! Dominant Western culture has changed in its attitudes - but how has it changed? What have we gained? But also, what might have been lost?

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Paul Wittenberger's avatar

Especially love the notes on Florence Kipper Frank.

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Dick Whyte's avatar

Cheers Paul - yeah, it's a topic that is close to my heart. She seems like a really interesting person, as well as poet. 💜

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

I love reading your posts. Each one is packed to the rafters with delicious details.

Has Western culture changed? I write erotic Lesbian poetry and post my work on Substack. Many readers enjoy the poems until they realize they are about women, not a traditional couple.

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Dick Whyte's avatar

Aw thanks Gloria! Really appreciate your kind words. Yeah, I try and pack in bits and pieces - that's why they kind of often finish almost in the middle of an idea - cause I have to cut it off somewhere haha. Otherwise they'd all be stupidly long.

Yeah - I agree with you 100% Like, there are changes sure, but so many things have stayed pretty much the same, or simply reformulated. Homophobia got better at hiding itself. Surfaces appear to change, but the depths run strong. Dam - that is a shitty thing to have to deal with. Like, I know it's part of the game of social media, blah blah, but still. Fucking bullshit!

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

Some people are offended by the erotic nature of the poems. Others that it is speaking bluntly about sex out loud. Many love them.

I will never give into subscriber chasing. LOL

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

I only care about what I think ultimately.

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Dick Whyte's avatar

True that - dominant culture is still grappling even with being able to talk about sex and eroticism in a healthy way, let alone sexuality. Yeah, agree completely - subscriber chasing leads no-where good. And I love your last comment! Yay for self-love and self-empowerment. :-)

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Gloria Horton-Young's avatar

It took a very long time to realize that I need to be my biggest fan. 😊

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Dick Whyte's avatar

That's such a wonderful way of looking at it! Taking that one to heart. 💜

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Thomas Rist's avatar

Wonderful poems - hers and then yours. May she rest in peace.

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Dick Whyte's avatar

💜

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