Congratulations to singer/songwriter Steve Schalchlin for posting the 11,000th reader comment at Ex-Gay Watch.
Schalchlin and his partner Jim Brochu are the co-writers of the 1998 off-Broadway musical The Last Session and the musical comedy The Big Voice: God or Merman?.
Schalchlin (pronounced Shacklin) is one of the Internet’s first bloggers. He began his online diary The Bonus Round in March 1996 as a “goodbye letter to the world” from a man who was then dying of AIDS.
Later, when he wasn’t busy creating fabulous musicals, Schalchlin was instrumental (pardon the pun) in the formation and growth of Bridges Across the Divide, an online project started in 1997 which promotes respectful discussion and bridge-building between gay-tolerant and antigay people.
Congratulations, Steve. We haven’t figured out a prize for this award yet, but we’ll think of something….
How fitting that it was Steve Schalchlin. I’ve been reading his online dairy for years (my first exposure to it was in 1998, I believe). What a great chance to profile a wonderful member of our community! And congrats on XGW, too, for the work you all do.
How in the world did you chose 11,000? I must have been here for 10,000 which seems so much more logical to celebrate.
You know, I thought I recognized that name and even thought it might be the same Steve I remembered from his incredible (and ground breaking) “blog”. It was indeed one of the first. I found it through the site of an early online friend named Gabi Clayton. She had/has a site dedicated to the tragic suicide of her son who was gay and far too decent to handle the torture he subsequently went through. I think Gabi was probably the first person I began to dialog with on gay issues over the brand new Web. We lost touch years ago – thanks for prompting the memories.
Steve’s writings were at once sad and inspiring to me. I still remember how it felt to have someone share such a major, personal side of their life and struggle in a way that, while still unique to him, has evolved though others into the blogging phenom. It was so new then and I guess special in the same way as exploring any new and exciting place is special. People born in the 1990’s will never know what that was like the first time, sitting in your own house peering into someone else’s hopes, passions and fears, knowing you aren’t alone in yours.
Congratulations Steve, on the well deserved if someone odd honor (11,000?). Take care.
David
Congratualtions SteveS! Couldn’t have been a finer person.
Steve and Jim TOTALLY ROCK!!
I love these two talented guys dearly.
As a couple, as regular guys.
They funny too!
On an unrelated note- Brokeback has now gone over $100 million worldwide.
Hey, I didn’t know I won a prize!! How cool is that?