I graduated Brown University in 1969. I’m only the 2nd woman in the world to hold a diploma from Brown University prior to 1970. Before that, women were enrolled in Pembroke College AT Brown University. Even though there was NO difference in our classes or curriculum, women graduating Brown prior to 1970 were awarded diplomas from Pembroke College AT Brown University. Except me. And Wendy Carlos before me.
I was a hippy-dippy actor/director and stoner during my days at Brown, and this year I got an email from our class president. I’d been identified, he said, as among the most accomplished, illustrious, and interesting members of our class. Hah! And, he continued, there would be a panel discussion about how attending Brown in the 60s effected my life, and would I participate? Would I?!
So, this past Memorial Day weekend, I travelled up to Providence, Rhode Island to attend my first ever college reunion in forty years. My partner, Barbara Carrellas, did all the driving and courage-building. Other panel participants included: Ira Magaziner, chairman of the William J. Clinton Foundation’s international development initiatives; Cornelia Dean, writer and editor for The New York Times; John Rizzo, past and current Acting General Consul for the CIA; five other classmates: a banker, a scientist, a philanthropist, a judge, and me. I didn’t find out until the day of the panel that John Rizzo was referred to as the “Architect of Torture.” Yikes.
So, this is me talking to over 200 classmates and their families. They asked me to speak for 5-7 minutes. I came in at 6 minutes, 56 seconds. Barbara Carrellas flipped the video. Enjoy.
kate.
you are endlessly inspiring.
i love that you first say ‘fuck’ and then ask if it’s ok.
don’t stop.
i saw you perform w/ smyrc youth in portland a few years ago and am still grateful for that experience.
thank you for doing what you do over and over again.
I’ve been wanting your book for so long but am broke, then i found a gift card lying in the middle of the street and was finally able to buy it. I’m only on page 70-something but you’re already saving my life (which is really a feat since I’m in a psychiatric day program and just did 7 months inpatient). I realized I’ve been needing your book for the 29 years of my life so far and am so, so, so lucky to have your brilliance and experience and amazingness here for me now. And I would absolutely love to meet you one day. Thank you so much for everything and lots of love… xoxo, kerry
dude, you’re my fucking hero.
Thank you so much for posting this… I hadn’t found your stuff until today and I’m sitting here crying because your “do anything it takes to make your life more worth living” is exactly what I needed to hear.
Thank you. You have no idea how sincerely I mean that.
This is amazing 🙂
Auntie Kate,
you are truly an inspiration. never lose your wit, sense of humor and passion for life. you are truly a blessing to us all.
sincerely,
your gay lil nephew
Hi,
I find your work amazing, I’ve read many your articles and i want ed to know if its possible if i could have an e-mail interview with you for help in essay I’m doing for my students to understand?
Thank you 🙂
Hi Kate. You are inspiring. I want to know if any of your books have been translated into spanish, particularly 101 and Workbook. Folks in LAC are despaerate for freedom. I am in Honduras now and I’m sure you have heard of the rash of assasinations within GBTTI community, particularly trans. Thank you for you!