Some of the most popular queer content found online and in traditional media is our collective fascination with famous actors, musicians and public figures. Why do gay men obsess on it so, and why does this type of content so appealing?
On today’s show writer and former drag queen Josh Kilmer-Purcell, well known for his best selling autobiography “I am Not Myself These Days” talks about his new novel “Candy Everybody Wants.”
In the novel Josh tells the story of a celebrity-obsessed gay teenager Jayson Blocher who leaves his life in the Midwest for the glamor of New York City, only to find that fame isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be.
Although he says the book isn’t about himself, you can read into the obvious parallels from his previous book “I am Not Myself These Days” where he chronicles his move to New York City from the Midwest to become a well-known drag queen. The book shares his passion for 80s pop culture, as references to campy nighttime soap operas like Dynasty, Dallas and Falcons Crest decorate the story line.
Josh’s writings always make for a great summer read, so it’s no coincidence that his book was released in April. If you live in Milwaukee, WI, go check him out tonight at Harry W. Schwartz Bookshop @7:00 pm, 2559 N. Downer Ave.
Join us as we talk about the farm his partner Dr. Brent Ridge and he live on during the weekends and the famous goat milk soap they make and sell. The website for the farm seems so cozy, it makes you just want to escape there for the weekend.
If you think it looks a bit like a gay version of Martha Stewart, you’re right to see the influence! Josh’s hubby to be is a regular on Martha’s daytime TV show where he talks about healthy liviing when he’s not working as a doctor at Mount Sinai Medical Center.
So the question everybody is asking gay media power couples like Josh and Brent are- now that it’s legal in California and the marriages will be honored in New York City, will you be officially tying the knot? Can we come to your wedding? You just know they will have great homemade goat-milk soap as wedding favors.
But will his right-wing gal pal Shirley Phelps come to the ceremony? Seriously, Josh is an advocate that gays should be happy that the Phelps family is so loud and proud in their anti-gay rhetoric, after all, they force people to stand up for gay rights or look like lunatics. Last time Josh was on our show we had a double date with him and Shirley Phelp and lets just say the results were flabbergasting.
Also- a computer program written by a evolutionary anthropologist suggests religious beliefs may be a product of evolution, saying that it might be evolutionarily advantageous for non-believers to support people who believe in non-verifiable data, since in the long term this may keep the “tribe” intact and help win bloodthirsty struggles.
But in the modern day of hi-tech warfare and our ability to destroy the world, religious beliefs might actually prove to be lethal for us all.
A shining beacon in the darkness- Feast of Fools.
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Featured Book:
Candy Everybody Wants by Josh Kilmer-Purcell: Amazon
Featured Music:
Reuben Butchart – Golden Boy: iTunes | CD Baby | Amazon
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FOF #284 – Swim or Swallow – 04.07.06
FOF #238 – The Truth in Drag – 02.02.06
IMAGE: Fausto Fernós in Drag on the Cover of Nightspots, 2002
VIDEO: Drag Queen Makes it onto America’s Got Talent After Three Tries
5 Comments
Comments
Josh is living my dream life. Beautiful house with a farm, rubbing elbows with Martha Stewart, knows Clive Barker, Armistead Maupin. My partner, Glen who is a HUGE Martha fan would faint if she even as much as glanced at him and I had a huge crush on Clive Barker when I first started reading his books. Just more of the celebrity worship.
I’m getting both of Josh’s books. Can’t wait to read them (and see the movie)
Good luck on the rest of your tour.
I guess I’m a freak, lol, cause I dont follow, worship or prefer any hollywood actress or actor. I couldn’t even tell you what is going on in Hollywood, who did what with whom or where the best place to see a musical is in these here parts. Although I am from the Generation X or the “look at me, I’m special too!” generation I just dont really worship hollywood. But Josh was a great guest. It’s quite odd actually b/c I’ve been listening to some older shows and I had just listened to the one he was on previously not 2 days before this one was posted. creepy…
Well yet another, fabulous, fierce and awesome show guys! Love youins.
Matty
So good to have Josh on again – this time in person! He’s such a talented writer and a really great voice for all of us. I appreciate his views and his intelligent outlook on things… even when it comes to the crazy world of celebs! I’ll be following in Cliff’s footsteps to buy his books (yes, I’m way behind in the times and have yet to read “I Am Not Myself These Days.”) Great interview guys!!!
what freaky coincidences… about two weeks ago i downloaded the video for ‘candy everybody wants’ by 10,000 maniacs on youtube (am a huuuge 10km fan– but only when natalie merchant was fronting)… and the other day i read the james frey article, where josh was interviewed and quoted, in the latest vanity fair… and now this! so nice to hear him again! will be buying his book the moment it becomes available here in the philippines…
thanks for the nice compliments. and thanks for having me on the show. there is nothing more fun to do in chicago than show up at your place to chat away an hour.
It was great to see you again Josh! Hope your tour is treating you well.
Read both the books and they are very different in tone but a great read. The second one is more a beach book. Was curious about Josh’s other half – don’t know him from tv as they don’t do Martha Stewart over here (which seems odd to me, as they import just about everybody else from us television).
Hoping the movie of I Am Not Myself will not be set in the UK as the NY location seemed of importance to the mood of the story (and Waking Up in New York by Craig Armstrong would be a great anthem for it). But – hey – as long as it gets made I’ll be buying a ticket. Derek Magyar would be a great cast as the escort. He played one very well in Boy Culture and seems to fit the character (well the looks are off, as described, but those were changed to protect the not-so-innocent anyway).
Yay Josh! Please come back on the show often! You are such a great guest displaying your witty humor and I can just hear you smile. I love reading your column in Out and I am going to have to buy your books now. Have fun on the tour…
I bought a copy of “I am not myself…” for my partner (part of a birthday gift) after listening to this podcast. We both loved this book, which is brilliantly funny at times. I recommend it to everyone. Cheers.