In Memory

/ fearsomebeard / 1 Comment

We lost Olivia Newton John this week.

I have to pause and thank her for the many memories as well as being part of the soundtrack of my life. She stepped into my life with her iconic performance opposite John Travolta in Grease. I was in the throws of puberty and deeply in lust with Mr. Travolta when that movie came out. She was stunning.

Then she took my breath away with her single Physical. The video for that gave me not only a hard on, but hope that there were actually other men who liked other men besides me, possibly many of them.

She showed up many other times in my life. However when she popped into my life in Sordid Lives, she stepped up into iconic camp status.

Thank you Olivia.
Godspeed.

In loving memory

/ fearsomebeard / 4 Comments

It’s with sadness that I write that Nichelle Nichols has passed away.

The Star Trek character of Officer Lt. Uhura was one that shaped my view of the world as a child in the 1960s. For me black women belonged as people of responsibility who made things work, all because of her. She was not only part of, but important . She was there in front of me every week in a show I idolized. I had no idea that women of color weren’t actually equal in any way at the time as I was too young. Therefore her character shaped this young white boy’s view of the world toward equality and acceptance. For that I am grateful.

For many people, especially those of color, she was an inspiration at a time of oppression and segregation.

I had the honor of meeting her in person at Comic Con in 2018.

Nichelle Nichols and Fearsome at San Diego Comic Con (SDCC) July 21, 2018

In my hand is a toy called a Pop. It was of her as Uhura and she signed it. I treasure it and this photo today. As you can see we shared a moment of joy together. Her support staff was so taken with her obsession with Fearsome they even took photos with their phones for themselves. We were all laughing as she tugged on him. Her presence uplifted me that day and I’ll never forget the moment. She was truly a beautiful woman with a beautiful soul.

Nichelle, thank you for shaping a generation toward betterment. You’ve left behind a legacy that will not be forgotten as you have given inspiration to millions.

Godspeed.

Uhura Pop