Holding Me Together

The first edition of "Holding Me Together" received a StoneWall Society Pride in the Arts Award. Simolke's publisher, Universe, named it an Editor's Choice selection. This revised, second edition begins with an updated version of his 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. It also includes several new or newly revised works. Many of the poems and essays in this collection also appeared in various magazines and newsletters. Though "Holding Me Together" focuses heavily on gay themes, it also examines universal themes and will appeal to countless readers. From "Reactions to Homophobia": treat other people's insecurities as their weakness, not as a reason to hate yourself or remain silent. Try to inform others and get along with others, but never base self-acceptance on whether others accept you. Hateful knee-jerk phrases can stick in your mind, like a worn-out song you never liked in the first place, but you should learn to see yourself as beautiful and wonderful. If others fail to see you that way, consider it their loss.