Boring suburban gays and the death of bohemia — Page 3

So let me try again. By "had my fill" I merely meant that I engaged in sex and drugs to satiation until I met someone who meant more to me than a whirlwind social life. I was only trying to be clear that I am not passing judgment on those who enjoy casual sex; I've been there and I don't apologize for it. Nor do I consider myself in any way "superior" to those who prefer being single or having open relationships.

I'm not a "reformed" whore, because I never thought whores needed reforming. Still don't.

I probably should have said instead that before I met my now-husband, I "let no grass grow under my feet" in terms of sex and drugs. That's what I meant and all I meant.

And for the record, my partner and I had been together for five years before we first heard of AIDS. So ours was not a battlefield conversion. That our choices also protected us from HIV was just dumb luck, not a moral reward nor a reasoned calculation.

Honestly, Namo, I'm not as judgmental as you seem to think from my remarks. I understand that sex is complicated, judgment is often compromised by love and various substances, etc. Been there, done all that, not critizing others for doing likewise. Just happened to meet an amazing guy before my immune system was compromised.

I promise you I never condescended to younger gays because they were enjoying a vigorous and varied sex life. I may have encouraged them to take precautions, but I've never told anybody of any age that they should settle down into monogamy to avoid a disease.

Updated On: 5/23/15 at 09:06 PM

You know what I really regret, Namo? That the word "bully" has been ruined by overuse so I literally lack the language that best describes your continued nastiness toward me and others.It's a shame really, because whenever I think I might appreciate your remarks, it turns out you are unable to hide your true nature.

I said I was wrong you were right. Whatever it is that frustrates and exasperates me about the things you think and they way you write them is obviously my problem and you can "be you" (as the young kids of today say) in any way you want to express it and it absolutely will not happen again.

Namo, I was about to take the blame for misreading your post, but then I remembered the part about "I'll say you're right so I don't have to read your post". I'm sure you'll agree nobody would take that for a sincere apology.

Your last post is different, however, and I'm going to take it at face value. Perhaps I should promise not to reply to your posts, but I really value what you say, both as an individual and as a member of the half-generation younger than I.

I would really like to exchange ideas with you and I wish I knew what I do that so annoys you. The fact is I agree with you far more often than not.

Updated On: 5/24/15 at 09:08 PM

I was the model in one of David's photo collages. I got to know him quite well each day at his home/studio. He certainly is brilliant as an artist. I could listen to him speak on anything from the days of Rembrandt and the use of mirrors in painting, to the influence of Picasso and Matisse on his own work. He's a genius in his knowledge and a genius in his work.

He didn't discuss his love life with me, but he did discuss it with my best friend, who was out there supervising the project. Hockney's no different than many of my gay friends were, and that was quite normal as far as I was concerned.

No asshole, he.