A while back, I accidentally jumped the gun and wished Armistead Maupin an early happy birthday. Very early. Two months early.
Thankfully, today is his actual birthday, which gives me the chance to finally get it right: Happy birthday, Mr. Maupin! May all your wishes come true.
Few writers have captured the messy beauty of human connection quite like he has. Through humor, heartbreak, friendship, sex, loss, and chosen family, his words have painted vivid characters and emotional snapshots that made countless LGBTQ readers feel seen.
Especially those of us who grew up searching for reflections of ourselves that weren’t hidden in shadows or reduced to punchlines.
His stories didn’t just entertain. They comforted. They challenged. They reminded readers that queer lives deserved to be more than just supporting characters. As a result, his work is filled with humor, heart, and happy endings.
That kind of legacy lasts far longer than any candles on any cake.
Here’s wishing him a happy, healthy celebration and many more birthdays to come.
Live long and prosper, Mr. Maupin.
And thank you for being a friend!
Clint 🌈✌️
COLLIDE PRESS is a reader-supported publication.
Please consider becoming a Paid Subscriber or Patron.
MAY OFFER = 25% OFF ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTIONS
thru 05-31-26
FROM THE ARCHIVES
BORN THIS WAY ON THIS DAY
05-13 = Alan Ball (1957- ) = American writer and director 🌈
05-13 = Armistead Maupin (1944- ) = American writer 🌈
05-13 = Cheryl Dunye (1966- ) = American filmmaker 🌈
05-13 = Réal Ménard (1962- ) = Canadian politician and lawyer 🌈
MAN CRUSH OF THE DAY
“The world changes in direct proportion to the number of people willing to be honest about their lives.”
Armistead Maupin
I remember buying the Chronicle every day, just to read the latest installment of Tales of the City! Happy Birthday, Armistead!
I have liked his stories and characters very much. Mrs Madrigal and "Mouse" - but all of them.