RUDY KIKEL

So saddened to discover that Rudy has died. He was a generous loving man who was instrumental in the LGBTQ movement in Boston and Nationally through his writing and activism. He was so nice to me. I will never forget his kindnesses.

Rudy was an important and instrumental gay man in my life. He served as an example of the literary possibilities that were open to LGBTQ men and women, including myself. I am very sad to hear of his passing.

I've only just found out about this, and want to extend my deepest condolences to Sterling and the rest of Rudy's family, friends and fans.

In 1993, Rudy gave me my big break into gay journalism, running my book reviews, occasional movie and theatre reviews and author/celebrity interviews in the pages of BAY WINDOWS. I'll always be grateful for his support and encouragement. And I'll always remember his Christmas parties for the BW writers -- such fun!!

Farewell, my...

Rudy, We already started missing you, when you and Sterling moved from the townhouse on W. Newton St. to the Fenway area. Gone were the casual chats at least once a week on our street. But we still had the chance to see you in most of David's (Zeitgeist Stage) performances at the BCA or at the Regal Cinema at Fenway were we could share your love of opera.
Thank you for all your support of the LGBT community and Zeitgeist Stage. Sterling, there must be a big void in your life; out thoughts...

What a man! So smart and sweet and warm and wicked! When I entered Boston's arts scene in the mid-eighties, Rudy was a kind and supportive macher. His interests were broad, genuine and deeply expressed. I felt honored that my work was something he cared about, even in the instances when he didn't exactly like it. His love with Sterling is so singular, it will always be something special for anyone who was around it, for our whole community really.

My heartfelt condolences to Rudy's family and friends. He was extraordinary. Knowing him enriched my life.

What a man! So smart and sweet and warm and wicked! When I entered Boston's arts scene in the mid-eighties, Rudy was a kind and supportive macher. His interests were broad, genuine and deeply expressed. I felt honored that my work was something he cared about, even in the instances when he didn't exactly like it. His love with Sterling is so singular, it will always be something special for anyone who was around it, for our whole community really.

I am sad to read this news. Rudy was a force in the Boston LGBTQ literary community for decades. His poetry helped a generation of gay men discover who they were. Here's a line from a story I wrote about him for Boston Spirit Magazine: "In Boston, no gay male writer has had more influence or staying power than poet Rudy Kikel." The next time I saw him, he whispered to me that he liked the term "staying power." None of us has it forever, not even Rudy. But his work and the effect he had on...

My you be with God