ML

Dear Dr. Lindemann,

You are fabulous. Thank you for being in my life. You have forever changed how I view gender and politics. Not only are you mentor, but also you are also a role model for me. You are calculated, fearless, tenacious and brilliant.

Thank you for cultivating queer minds and preparing a generation of LGBTQ soldiers to do battle on the streets and in the ballot boxes. At times I am in awe of your bravada and savvy. When I think, “Oh no you didn’t”, apparently you just did…and sassily.

If LGBT/Q Studies were Catholicism, you’d be the patron saint of neologism and portmanteau. Because of you, I am allowed to argue about transnormative influences in Modern culture as well as the role of homodomesticity in same-sex relationships. Whenever there is an outrageous theoretical concept where no words can describe how ridiculous it is, you are there to whisper inspiration of how to name this newly discovered nugget, free of epistemic violence.

When I grow up, I want to be just like you. Because of you (and others), I want to be a powerhouse of queer education and thought. Whenever I unpack a term, or describe an argument as compelling, I think of you. One day I will publish my dissertation on Hedwig and you will be first in my acknowledgements. Hell, if it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t have this blog.

Honestly,

Scott