Best of The Writers' Block: LGBT Edition

Christopher Bram’s appearance on KQED’s Forum, in which he discusses gay writers who changed America, got me thinking about which queer writers left a mark on The Writers’ Block over the years. Here’s a rundown of episodes that I can’t forget.

I’m guessing I don’t have to sell you on David Sedaris. Hating Sedaris is like hating this cat eating ice cream while wearing shades and a cool hat: IMPOSSIBLE. Laugh it up with these two episodes from the man who can even make drowning mice endearing.

John Waters has built a career on pushing buttons and offending sensibilities and that’s why we love him. In person, his pencil-thin mustache is more immaculate than you can imagine and his sardonic charm is downright punishing. If you haven’t read his collection of essays, Role Models, get thee to a bookstore! Right after you listen to these two hilarious episodes, of course.

San Francisco is a place for the black sheep in every family and Michelle Tea is our fairy godmother. Her writing style is unapologetic, gutsy, and all her own. For her episode, she read an exclusive excerpt from her forthcoming book. If you can’t wait for that to come out, you should head over to xojane and read her column about getting pregnant. Her baby is so lucky.

Were you a snotty mess when you watched The Hours? Well, you have Michael Cunningham to thank for that emotional breakdown. Listen to him read from his last novel, Nightfall, if your heartstrings can take it.

Terry Castle is smarter than you. A top-notch critic and cultural commentator, her last essay collection, The Professor, is full of sass and brains. In this episode, Castle reads “Desperately Seeking Susan,” a no-holds-barred account of her friendship with Susan Sontag.

For all of my other favorite readings, click here.