Alison Bechdel Knows What Happened To Your Money — and your Sex Life

A little comic book for disintegrating democracy — you’ve got it!

Alison Bechdel came to my hometown this week to talk about her new graphic memoir, “SPENT”— a packed show at the Rio Theater. A wicked good time was had by all.

Alison’s talks are so thoughtful, so elegant, I learn something every time, even though I’ve known her for decades.

I’m glad I had the right evening gown to wear as I introduced her to the stage . . .

Santa Cruz Rio marquee for Bechdel show, Susie and Alison in Green Room, Alison’s slideshow, an audience fan in Charlie Brown tshirt has a question . . . And a throwback, Alison as a young pup in Minneapolis in the 80s, working. Green Room photos by Chorel Centers.

I’ve known Alison since our “Ramen Years” in our twenties, when being a feverish lesbian artist was not the scene of glamour and riches you hear about today.

;-)

Alison’s legend began when she published a weekly “alternative” comic strip, “Dykes to Watch Out For”, that appeared in every groovy gay and feminist newspaper in the country. In the 80s, that was dozens of periodicals! The strip was, at the time, like a queer “Doonesbury,” — and her fans, like me, knew Alison was destined for much bigger things. We all knew she was sui generis. In time, those accolades would come, like her bestselling memoir, FUN HOME, and her Eisner awa…