Update: I am now active on my Instagram account! Follow me on my IG for more blogging and media! Link down at the bottom of blog!
My name is Lew
I am an elder criminal defense lawyer. I have been practicing criminal law since 1981 in California. I have been keeping journals since September 1977. I began posting some of those journal entries, plus thoughts and notes about current times on February 5, 2023.
I came out as a gay man in 1984. I was married to a woman then. I left the marriage after telling her I was gay.
I journaled my journey through the turbulent 1980's and 1990's. During that time, I was pretty vocal about being gay. And, I paid a steep price for it professionally and socially. I volunteered to help people with aids through their illness and death through two Aids support agencies. . And, I also documented the 12 year relationship I had with my gay partner, Jim, who died in 2009.
I wrote pretty much daily about these events and many others. I never intended for the entries to be made public. But, I now think they should be, as they weave what I believe to be our common story of what it's been like to be out, human and gay in the past four decades.
And, as I journaled, I developed ideas and ways to journal and wrote about them in the journals. I discuss the impact journaling has had on me. And, the amazing revelation reviewing journal entries for the blog of just how incredible our lives have been. Memory fades. The journal details do not.
Now during the Trump deepening dictatorship and authoritarian state, I journal thoughts on resistance and thoughts on making it through these dark times. Just as others on Tumblr are doing. Making Tumblr a great resistance community gathering spot.
















