My dear,
I’m introducing something new today.
Well, I’m introducing a lot that’s new.
But let’s start here: with a new form of storytelling that I’m debuting on My Dear Queer. I guess you can call it comics. (Am I comic artist now? It seems that I am!)
I’m also sharing with you a story that I have been holding privately for the last six months. It feels vulnerable and edgy to share this, but that’s how I know it’s important.
Thank you for reading, always.
xo,
Bardette
Note: This is an image-based story. For that reason, it’s best read on a desktop or the Substack app.
More than anything, I want my readers to feel seen in the stories that I share and the art that I make. If this piece resonated with you in any way, it would mean the gay world to me to have your continued readership — if you aren’t already a subscriber, please consider becoming one (free or paid).
My stories are illustrated by hand, always, and this means that each piece takes roughly 8-20 hours to create. That’s enough time to decide to adopt another cat, mow several lawns, or agonize over a Bumble swipe. Consider honoring the value of this time with a paid subscription or a little tip to keep my caffeine addiction in full swing and my local cafe in business. xo
HOLY shit. This is brilliant, Kate/Bardette. Thank you for your bold honesty and vulnerable story. I truly believe that we cross paths with people we need to learn from and people who to learn lessons from us, as well. You've touched on so many things in this piece that I relate to. I wish we could sit down together for a cup of coffee. So happy to have found you and your work in this wacky Substack world. Cheers, and thanks for sticking around! The world needs you.
OMG Kate...this is so so stunningly beautiful, relatable, everything amazing that art should be. Thank you for making this piece, thank you for sharing it, thank you for risking judgment and everything else that forces us into cages. I'm a writer, but I'm at a loss for words. So grateful. Please keep creating. The world is a better place because of your work!