Interview with Iconic LGBTQ The Art of Gay Style, Culture, Aesthetics & Kink.
June 15, 2025
Author’s Note
I was recently honored to be asked to do an interview with Iconic LGBTQ The Art of Gay Style Culture, Aesthetics & Kink, to discuss my newly released book "Scents of Lavender: Queer Love Through the Ages --In Verse".
The full text of the interview appears below.
Interview with Iconic LGBTQ The Art of Gay Style, Culture, Aesthetics & Kink.
1. What inspired you to write “Scents of Lavender”?
My muses: the voices of LGBTQ+ people who spoke to my heart from their spacetime, through the universal language of love. Their long-suppressed life stories, their passion, longing, grief and loss, are still present in the air we breathe, in the scents of lavender that linger and that will never be erased from our collective memories.
2. Why did you choose poetry as the medium for this book?
Because poetry is music, a language we can all relate to. Just like love which, in my view, is a melody that transcends time and cultures. And, of course, queer love is an integral part of that melody.
3. How did you approach capturing the essence of different historical periods in your poetry?
I am a history buff. And as such, I devour history quite regularly. Having said that, in the case of the lives portrayed in “Scents of Lavender”, after learning about them through research, I tried to inhabit a specific moment or scene that resonated with me.
4. How does writing verse compare to writing a book such as “Devin’s Dreams”, your debut novel?
They are two different animals... It took me almost four years to complete “Devin’s Dreams”, which is a 360-page mystery novel with LGBTQ+ themes weaved into the narrative, three timelines (present, past and future), and all kinds of twists and turns. It took me one year to finish “Scents of Lavender” which is a book of illustrated poetry.
I should point out that there are some significant parallels between these two “creatures”. For instance, they are both books about love. They are both works of fiction which are partly rooted in history. And they are both written using imagery that evokes dreams, visions, and memories of dimensions beyond our own.
But the most significant parallel, in my view, has to do with the fact that both books bring to life the voices of LGBTQ+ couples (and others!) in history, and across cultures, whose love defied time and silence, despite the forces that attempted to suppress them
5. Why did you choose to use illustrations for your poetry?
The images are intended to be thresholds for the readers to go through them and catch a bird’s-eye view of the scenes being described in the poems. They offer unique moments of quiet immersion in the context of each poetic landscape. However, the focus of the book is not the artwork but the narratives that describe love, loss, grief, healing, and community.
6. What do you hope readers will take away from this book? What message do you hope to share with readers, whether they are part of the LGBTQ+ community or allies?
The basic message is that queer love is not a new construct and that we’ve been here since the beginning of time. We are --and have always been—a part of the universal timeless melody that we call love.
7. Do you see this book as a way to inspire others, or perhaps a way to maintain the heritage and history of the LGBTQ+ community?
I would be flattered and honored if my work ever elicited such response from readers. My intention is simply to allow the stories of LGBTQ+ couples to re-emerge from the depths of history.
If you’re interested in further exploring my literary works and bio, please visit:
8. What was the most challenging aspect of writing “Scents of Lavender”?
The research was both intense and enlightening. In the process, I enjoyed myself and learned so much about the lives of my subjects that I’m not sure I could call that a “challenge”. Similarly, inhabiting a scene while embodying the speaker was the most gratifying experience.
9. How long did it take to complete this project, and what kept you motivated throughout this process?
It took me a year to finish the book. My motivation and desire all along was to bring to life an evocative scene with every poem, in which the voices of the subjects are heard loud and clear.
10. What advice would you give to other writers who may be involved in completing a project like this?
Listen to your inner self. Let your muses talk to your heart. And when you are inspired, write like there’s no tomorrow.
11. How do you feel about your recent experience as a speaker on WorldPrice 2025 Plus Our Pride Shorts & Arts Fest?
It was an honor to be offered the time to speak about “Scents of Lavender” at this fantastic event. And, honestly, I enjoyed it!
12. What’s next for you as a creative? Do you have plans for another book or project?
I am currently working on Volume II of “Scents of Lavender” and also on a fantasy novel.
13. Where can people find more about your work?
People interested in exploring my work can join my growing constellation of kin souls at:
14. Are there any upcoming events, podcasts, or appearances your readers should know about?
The best thing people can do is subscribe and follow me. I usually announce each event within a few days of schedule, as I find that is what works best for me. By joining me in my community, you will always stay updated about my next creative moves!
ABOUT THE INTERVIEWER
Iconic LGBTQ The Art of Gay Style, Culture, Aesthetics & Kink is a platform that serves as a sanctuary for LGBTQ creatives and others, to come together and celebrate community icons, heritage, culture and lifestyle. To learn more, please visit https://theartofgaystyle.substack.com
ART WITH PURPOSE
Beautifully crafted merchandise with selected excerpts from poems featured in Scents of Lavender is currently available on Redbubble store at https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/171031924
***All proceeds go to LGBTQ+ creatives living with disabilities worldwide.***
Thank you Adam for your continued support!
It was an absolute pleasure and honor to interview you, D.C - and wishing you every success with your continued books of verse!
My vision is to hold space for, and offer viable ways for many LGBTQ+ creatives, non-profits, and allies to be seen, appreciated and valued—your story being one beautiful example of what’s possible when we give our histories, talents, and lived truths the visibility they deserve.😎⭐🙏