, StoneWall Society Pride in the Arts Award. This anthology of essays and poems explores many social issues, while celebrating friendship, love, gay pride, and writing. This collection, quoted by many authors and Web masters, includes the multi-part essay “Reactions to Homophobia,” followed by poems and short essays on a variety of topics, such as writing, AIDS, religion, violence, family, friendship, and gay relationships.
Dann Hazel used “Reactions to Homophobia” as one of the resources for his book Witness: Gay and Lesbian Clergy Report from the Front. The Queensland Government’s Community Benefit Fund and PFLAG Brisbane used the same essay as a resource for the booklet Assisting Those Who Come Into Regular Contact with Lesbian and Gay Youth.
In a review appearing both at QMediaReviews.com and in EXP Magazine, SouthWest Edition, critic Shawn Revelle called the revised, second edition of Holding Me Together “an inspiring and timely collection of works.” Revelle went on to share details about the book, which he also referred to as “a worthwhile and life-affirming read.”
“In his exploration of what it is to be gay, Simolke manages to touch on a more fundamental truth: what it is to be human.” –Watchword.
“If I had a magic wand, I would put this book in the hands of all our gay or questioning youth.” –author, painter, dancer Copernicus again.
“Duane Simolke’s voice is gentle, reasoned, assured, but will leave you gasping for breath.” –author Ronald L. Donaghe.
