| I’ve heard it said that a novel – Uncle Tom’s Cabin – helped bring an end to slavery.
And that Will and Grace moved gay rights forward with astonishing efficacy. I know that African-American Spirituals shared critical information that kept people alive. I know that some quilts and fans and certain flower bouquets contained secret messages. I know the AIDS quilt and Free to Be You and Me and The Dinner Party and Elvis Costello and Keith Haring and Bronski Beat changed me. And I know that in every dark and light moment of my life, books and movies and poetry and photography and recipes and jokes and songs and needlework and acting (oh thank you dearest heaven for acting) have been there to soothe me, to teach me, and to lead me on to becoming a better person. I do not know what tomorrow will bring. It’s time for you to tell a new story. Quit waiting for someone else to take the lead. You must lead through your stories. The world needs your art. The world needs your voice. Your sisters and brothers and siblings are in need of your gifts today. There is no such thing as “good” art – only art that reflects your truth. There is no such thing as “later,” or “a better time.” I mean – you have 15 minutes, right? Inspiration responds well to commitment.
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