September, 29, 1930 – April 28, 2012

September, 29, 1930 – April 28, 2012

My late, great Uncle Bruce was otherwise known as a fart-knocker, rump-ranger, poofter, fairy and shit-packing fag. It hurts to write those words, but that’s how a lot of people saw and still see gay men, and over the course of his long life, some weren’t ashamed to spit it in his face. Outside of a primo LGBTQ+ crew and a few trusted relatives and straight friends, my high-strung uncle remained locked in the closet, for most of his 81 years.

Hot & bothered. 1953.

Hot & bothered. 1953.

When Bruce was young, he was blessed to fall in love with another Midwesterner, the cool breeze to his hot afternoon– my serene Uncle Craig. They lived together in Chicago and then Phoenix, Arizona, uncomfortable to be seen kissing in public and unable to marry, for close to fifty years. Bruce worked hard, climbed the ladder to VP, at the same bank his entire career, but as far as I know, not a single co-worker knew that Craig was the love of his life, or that he, such an accomplished, manly man, was queer.

Bruce was larger-than-life and could not be entirely contained, or maybe the fact that so much of him was- made him fill every room he entered with his intensity, anger, dirty jokes and unconditional love. His unwavering support of who I was and what made me different from the ‘norm’, helped me learn to accept and be, exactly who I am. He insisted that I follow my heart’s desire, in part, because he could not openly follow his. Whenever I visited, he loved that my favorite thing to do was hang out with him, Craig and their mostly closeted friends.

Twister

Craig (white T), Bruce (white ass) & Friends twist and shout.

He was a rock-star uncle, the most popular on the block; funny, wildly generous and a patron of every underdog that crossed his path, which included: stray dogs, his struggling artist niece and anyone who needed help. Every time we spoke, he’d ask, do you need anything, hon? No matter what I said, he would, knowingly, generously, brilliantly, send me a cheque.

He’s been dead for over two years. The last ten were rough. He lost his beloved Craig to a slow, degenerative illness, and after decades of volunteer work for the American Cancer Society, the disease attacked and brought him down.

Bruce spread Craig’s ashes behind us, in Sedona, AZ, a place they loved.

Sometimes, he feels so close, I can smell his swank, French cologne. It strikes me that he would be pissed and proud that I wrote this post. He may have had a good life, but I mourn that he was never really free. I feel the echo of his frustration and rage, his ferocity, commitment and love. I am haunted by him, still.

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GOOD NEWS FLASH: Same-sex marriage was made legal in Illinois on June 1, 2014, and in Arizona on October 17, 2014. Not to sound ungrateful, but it’s about time.

Onwards! There’s more work to be done.

This just in: Uncle Bruce is on Huffington Post!! Check out the Comment Section and feel your heart grow.

In tune, dear readers, a classic for your inspiration.

Written by and starring John Roberts. Editor Owen Plotkin. DP Drew Denicola. Directed by Clay Weiner.

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