Welcome to my Gay Asian Graphic Novel Era. I just finished “It Rhymes With Takei” by George Takei and before that it was Mike Curato’s “Gaysians”. I really hope my love of these two authors and books officially makes me a Rice Queen, because I’ve always wanted to be royalty.
George is best known for playing Sulu on Star Trek. I know I saw Wrath Of Khan but only because Kirstie Alley was in it, and might have caught an episode or two of the original series, but I was never a Trekie. In my gay opinion, George is an icon for his activism. He’s outspoken about the issues he believes in and he fights his battles with intelligence and a sassy wink.
Nanu! Nanu! Bitches!
George wrote a few books and graphic novels but “It Rhymes With Takei” was a must read for me because it’s about love, his love of making the world a better place and his love for partner and husband of forty-plus years, Brad. I wanted the tea on why he didn’t come out until he was sixty-eight and he spills it all in his new graphic novel.
Even with a running injury (hence the wheel chair) George showed up for his fans!
From his time in an internment camp as a child because of the government, witnessing his childhood Hollywood crush Tab Hunter’s career end due to gay rumors, gay clubs getting raided, the Stonewall Riots, and the AIDS epidemic; “It Rhymes With Takei” is full of history, both George’s own and culturally that caused him to stay in the closet for so long. He lived through a lot but always looks towards and hopes for better times.
Barnes & Noble said a staff member would take a “candid” photo, I didn’t realize candid meant George would look good and I’d look like Sigourney Weaver in Alien!
I think George told his story through a graphic novel instead of an autobiography because he wanted it to be more accessible and perhaps attract a younger audience who could learn from his past. George’s life is the foundation of this graphic novel but it’s his desire to put positivity and humor into the world that is at it’s heart.
