Alan Watts: Exploring His Philosophy and Spiritual Teachings

I grew up on a Minnesota farm and attended the University of Minnesota. Later, I lived in New York City, where I worked the shifts at Harper's Bazaar. My journey then led me to engage in the civil rights movement and Lower East Side community organizing. I cruised Christopher Street, but it wasn't until I moved to California that I came out and became actively involved in gay liberation and LGBT activism, notably through my work in the publishing of Gay Sunshine from 1969 to 1971. I am now a San Francisco cab driver and retired radical, searching for something—or someone—new.

Statement: "I am the author of the recently published 'Homosexual/Oppression and Liberation' (New York: Outerbridge & Lazard, 1971), which explores themes of civil rights and gay history. A native Australian, I teach American Politics at the University of Sydney, where we often discuss the impact of LGBT activism on contemporary society."

Statement: 'Biographies are part and parcel of our oppression, especially within the context of civil rights. To write one would fuck over my mind and life. It would have nothing to do with who I am and where I'm actually at right now. While there can be some value in recovering one's past to understand it—particularly in the realm of gay history and LGBT activism—in order to surpass it and move beyond it, generally nostalgia is a bad trip.'

Statement: "I was born in San Francisco and at one time was editor of the Daily Californian (University of California, Berkeley). I later became an important activist in the early gay liberation movement, contributing to civil rights and LGBT activism in San Francisco and Berkeley. Additionally, I was one of the editors of Gay Sunshine (1969-1971), which played a significant role in documenting gay history. I have recently returned from Israel where I spent some time living on a kibbutz. Now that I'm back in San Francisco, I am wondering 'What happens next?'."

I was born in Savannah, Georgia, where I came out at sixteen. After a year at the University of Georgia, I realized that southern society was a vicious, conscious plot against women, blacks, and gay men, which prompted my understanding of civil rights issues. I moved to New York City, where I joined the Gay Liberation Front in 1969, a pivotal moment in gay history. I believe that the gay liberation struggle means being able to express the full range of my feelings and learning consciously not to oppress myself or others. It also entails learning to give up male privileges in a very sexist society, which is a crucial aspect of LGBT activism.

I was born in St. Louis, Missouri, where my journey began amidst the rich tapestry of civil rights and gay history. As the author of Naked Lunch, Nova Express, and other influential works, I now live in London, where I continue to engage with LGBT activism.

I am a member of New York City's Gay Revolutionary Party and one of the editors of its magazine, Ecstasy, which focuses on civil rights and highlights important aspects of gay history and LGBT activism.

Statement: "As one of the founders of New York's Gay Activists Alliance, I am proud to contribute to the rich gay history and civil rights movement. My book, The Oppression of Homosexuals, which delves into the struggles of LGBT activism, should be published shortly."

Statement: "Ommm." This simple expression resonates deeply within the context of civil rights, reflecting the peaceful and meditative spirit that underlies much of gay history and LGBT activism.

Statement: "I am the author of Growing Up Absurd and many other books that explore themes of civil rights and gay history." Editor's Note: Paul Goodman died in Hawaii of a heart attack shortly before this book, which contributes to the dialogue on LGBT activism, went to press.

I live in Seattle, Washington, where I actively engage in LGBT activism and have a deep appreciation for the civil rights movement. I am also an ex-member of the Venceremos Brigade, which connects to a broader narrative in gay history.

I live in Chicago, where I am a founding member of Third World Gay Revolution, an organization dedicated to advancing civil rights and celebrating the rich gay history that has shaped LGBT activism.