I was reminded of this earlier post by something that Rural Beard put up on FB to celebrate Pride Month: “Any Other Way” by Jackie Shane, one of the great R and B singers of the ’60s.
Listening to Jackie singing what amounted to a gay anthem back when I was coming out brought back so many memories. As with all memories it was a mixed bag – some bad but mostly good. Unlike so many people my coming out back in the mid-1960s was largely uneventful and untraumatizing. (Though perhaps my psychologist would have another opinion??) Perhaps one day I will share that story but for now I will celebrate, one more time, the wonderful gang that made my “being different” easy. As I said seven years ago: I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Jackie died in 2019 and was the subject of a Heritage Moment in 2023 and a documentary that was released in 2024.
Willy Or Won't He 
Je veux lire le récit de cette sortie de placard dans les années 60!
J’ai eu de la chance. Si je me souviens bien, ce n’était pas si grave.
Like so many artists, Jackie’s story was an inspiration. To embrace one’s nature, during a time which was generally, intolerant, was an act of heroism to me. May those that preceded us, and those of this era, continue to move us, all, forward…..forward to a time when a formal Pride celebration is not needed.
A true pioneer! And so glad she is now getting the recognition she deserves!
And weren’t you a handsome young guy! Oooooh, that brylcreemed hair!
I don’t know this song; hey! I learned something !