About this item
In this funny and poignant memoir and cultural history, the television personality, columnist, and author of Drag pays homage to Lou Reed's groundbreaking album Transformer on its fiftieth anniversary and recalls its influence on his coming of age and coming out through glam rock.In November 1972, Lou Reed released his album, Transformer because he thought it was "dreary for gay people to have to listen to straight people's love songs." That groundbreaking idea echoed with the times. That same year, Sweden was the first country to legalize gender-affirming surgery, and San Francisco struck down employment discrimination based on sexual orientation.Sometimes an artistic creation perfectly aligns with a broader social and political history, and Transformer - with the songs "Walk on the Wild Side," "Perfect Day," and "Vicious" - perfectly captured its time.
About the Author
Simon Doonan is a TV personality, author and Creative Ambassador for Barneys New York. Starting July 31st 2018 Simon will be a judge on the NBC reality competition show 'Making It' starring Amy Poehler and Nick Offerman.Writer, bon-vivant, window dresser extraordinaire, fashion commentator and soccer enthusiast, Simon Doonan has worked in fashion for over 45 years.He has written six books on various aspects of style and culture. In June 2018 he will publish his seventh, titled Soccer Style, a historical overview of the madness and magic of players from Best to Beckham to Messi and Ronaldo.Simon is a regular guest at The MOTH, the well-known storytelling series. His contributions have consistently become their most popular podcasts and NPR broadcasts.A BBC TV comedy series produced by John Plowman and based on Simon's autobio 'Beautiful People' aired the UK, the US and Australia. Simon has been a featured guest on late-night talk shows such as Chelsea Lately and The Conan O'Brien Show. He has regularly appeared on America's Next Top Model, VH1, Full Frontal Fashion and Bravo.Simon has won many awards for his groundbreaking and unconventional window displays, including the CFDA Award. In 2009 he was invited by President and Mrs. Obama to decorate the White House for the Holidays. In 2010 Simon was commissioned by Target to design the season's Halloween costumes.Simon Doonan lives in New York City with his partner, the ceramicist and designer Jonathan Adler, and their rescue-dog Foxylady.
