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We are sad to hear that RM Vaughan has died. The author, playwright and artist was a beloved member of Canada's LGBTQ2S+ community and was a longtime contributor to Xtra. We grieve alongside his friends, family and everyone inspired by his work. (photo c/o @bugsburnett) (1/5)
To celebrate Richard's work, life and legacy, we are posting a collection of his stories for Xtra below. (2/5)
RM Vaughan’s most recent piece for Xtra was this look back @LADYBUNNY77’s Wigstock, 25 years after the drag fest ended. With Pierre Dalpé’s photos, we were transported back to the optimism and fearlessness of all who attended the groundbreaking event (3/5) https://www.dailyxtra.com/wigstock-drag-pierre-dalpe-178804
Ahead of the 2019 election, RM Vaughan wrote this searing critique of politicians using LGBTQ2S+ folks to help win progressive votes, saying: “My queer identity, my queer being, my queer body and my queer rights are not vote bait.” (4/5) https://www.dailyxtra.com/dear-canadian-politicians-my-queer-rights-are-not-vote-bait-161677
Perhaps one of RM Vaughan’s most memorable pieces was this powerful essay on coming-of-age and coming out at the height of the AIDS crisis. “I was afraid of sex and afraid of being gay well into my 20s,” he wrote. “Shame is a strange virus too.” (5/5) https://www.dailyxtra.com/i-came-out-at-the-height-of-the-aids-crisis-joining-a-generation-of-young-men-just-waiting-to-die-156370
