LGBT Book, Film & Video Blog

Every person is unique. At least we believe ourselves to be. As a homosexual man living through more than half on the 20th century and well into the 21st, David R. Beecroft has experienced many privileged moments with the knowledge of being a man set apart. His new book, "Not Just Another Queer," chronicles his real-life experiences and serves to dispel ignorance and foster understanding and compassion towards homosexuality.

"Although my life and story is not high profile, my choice of career as a hairdresser did open a realm of possibilities," writes Beecroft. "I came to work in a magical and mostly unreal world, that of film and television. For more than three decades I worked in Toronto buoying the egos of the rich and famous which provided me the opportunity to live rather well."

Beecroft's life includes a rich tapestry of favorable experiences in the limelight, but "Not Just Another Queer" has more to do with the subjects of relationships, love and his ongoing battle with depression, than it does with the lifestyles of celebrities.

"I believe every human is looking for the same thing," Beecroft explains. "A sexually stimulating and healthy life with a good mix of love shared with another person. Love is a theme that is ever recurring in my story."

Although Beecroft doesn't classify his love life in the category of success, he does agree that his relationships have added a lot of color to the picture of his life.

"Sex is an extremely important element in my life," adds Beecroft, "and one will find more discussion about it than description of my countless and nameless trysts ... My addiction to the pursuit of sexual gratification which has ruled my social patterns and actions since I was a child is all part of the story. Sometimes I think it is my story."

Intriguing and inquisitive, "Not Just Another Queer" is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about the trials and tribulations of a life spent as a homosexual male.

Before attending hairdressing school, David R. Beecroft spent an eye-opening year in Toronto at the Ontario College of Art with no great success. After working in a couple of upscale hair salons during the late '60s, Beecroft established contacts that led to his becoming a hairdresser for TV commercials, television variety shows and theatrical films by the early '70s. Although his book doesn't focus on celebrities, Beecroft has worked with many famous personalities.

"Not Just Another Queer" is Beecroft's first book. Purchase Not Just Another Queer: Memoir from the Third Sex.