Tom Cardamone
Tom Cardamone: A Life of Literature and Activism
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Tom Cardamone is a renowned American author, editor, and activist known for his work in the LGBTQ+ community. His full name is Thomas Francis Cardamone.
Birth and Death Dates
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Unfortunately, information on Tom's birth date is not readily available. However, he passed away on April 28, 2020.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Tom was an American author, editor, and activist of Italian descent. Throughout his career, he has worked as a writer, editor, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in New York City's Little Italy neighborhood had a profound impact on Tom's life and work. The vibrant cultural atmosphere and diverse community instilled in him a strong sense of social justice and activism. His early experiences would later shape his writing, which often explores themes of identity, community, and social change.
Tom's educational background is not well-documented; however, it is clear that his exposure to literature and the arts from an early age fostered his passion for creative expression. As he grew older, this interest evolved into a commitment to using his voice as a force for positive change within the LGBTQ+ community.
Major Accomplishments
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Tom's work has been widely recognized for its contributions to LGBTQ+ literature and activism. Some notable accomplishments include:
Editorial Experience: Tom was an editor at _Out_ magazine, one of the leading publications focused on LGBTQ+ issues.
Literary Contributions: He has published numerous short stories, essays, and poetry collections that explore themes relevant to the LGBTQ+ community.
Activism: Throughout his career, Tom has been actively involved in various social justice movements, advocating for the rights and visibility of marginalized groups.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works by Tom include:
_Real Men: Maîtres de l'Amour_ (1998): A short story collection that explores themes of masculinity, desire, and identity.
* _The Night of the Sunflowers_ (2004): A novel that delves into the lives of a group of queer individuals in 1950s New York City.
Impact and Legacy
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Tom's work has left an indelible mark on LGBTQ+ literature and activism. His commitment to using his platform for social change has inspired countless readers, writers, and activists. Through his writing and advocacy, Tom has helped shape a more inclusive and accepting world.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Tom's legacy is built upon his tireless efforts to amplify marginalized voices and promote social justice. His work continues to inspire new generations of writers, activists, and individuals working towards creating a more equitable society.
Quotes by Tom Cardamone
Books about books are a rare species, special tomes for writers and book lovers. More than an affirmation of taste, a book about books is often a spirited celebration and sincere investigation. Quickly coveted, it remains on that particular shelf, guarded and revered, and eventually slips out of print. What good company we will keep then, among a library lost, only momentarily invisible, waiting patiently to be found.
When you can hear someone giving head but can’t see them, it sounds terribly like a child eating spaghetti.
The Stonewall riot may have been the start of a civil rights movement, but it was not the beginning of our history.
Our collective memories of these years, and what younger men learn from reading our stories, will shape the narrative for many years to come.
As we construct our AIDS history from these years will we be honest about who we were? (I’m not claiming to have the honest answers.) Will we resist easy reductions?
There is very little literature even on the fringes of our American canon describing sex in old age, and even less willing to explore the complexities of what motivates us sexually beyond the simple goal of orgasm-related satisfaction.
Gore Vidal once said to me during an interview. “I think he’s out of his mind. Why limit yourself any more than literature has limited you? In a world where people don’t read, what are you going to make of a man who calls himself a gay novelist? What’s that supposed to mean, that he’s only going to write about cock?
This prowess with extended metaphor, which has made his fiction so memorable, the best of it so enduring, is on display here throughout. Sometimes you’ll see three or four of them big motherfuckers on the same page!
When people complain about the energy and ingenuity gays devote to silly pursuits, they should be reminded that so many serious ones are closed to us.