Self-Organizing Man

When I look at Jack, my cat and inspiration for Catnip Cat, he reminds me, in the words of Jennifer Gee that while:

he may be crabby, but at least the shitty taste in his mouth isn’t someone else’s… :0

I think about that taste as I envision my new life, a protirement where I will pursue yoga, travel, family, friends, blogging and Homofactus Press. Maybe even a speaking gig every now and then.

I don’t know how it will all work or where money will come from, but I know that it will. And I know that the difficult choices I know I will have to make will be mine to make.

As someone who does not function well in formally structured business environments (I get high marks on my performance evaluations. I just find the whole thing stressful), I look forward to being my own boss.

Which leads me back to Jack/Catnip Cat. I fantasize about a mythic time when all queers work for themselves and aren’t faced with the difficult compromises so many of us make to keep our healthcare benefits or stay in our communities of origin.

I’m very grateful for the opportunities that are unfolding for me and for the people - family and friends - who are bringing them to me.

I feel tremendous responsibility to my people as I begin to embark on a journey of cultural making and community building. I stand on the shoulders of many before me. People struggling and fighting to make our communities stronger.

They lived the Catnip Cat ethos: Try, to the best of your ability, to make the only arse you lick, your own.

Then, make ‘em fork over the ‘nip!