Gay Inaugural Poet

Contemplation

Openly queer author, Richard Blanco, is the 2013 Presidential Inauguration Poet. His honor is not only historic because of his being same gender loving, he is likewise the first Hispanic/Latino selected and the youngest ever to serve in this capacity. The forty-four year old Blanco, pictured below, is the fifth official poet of an inauguration. 

Richard Blanco

The custom of having an inaugural poet was initiated by President John F. Kennedy in 1961. The next president to appoint one was Bill Clinton in both 1993 and 1997. The practice was again used by President Obama for his first swearing in in 2009. Many poetic works have been composed surrounding both presidents and their official oaths, but only three chief executives have featured them and their works at the official ceremony.

Richard Blanco was born in Spain of Cuban parents. He lives with his partner in Bethel, Maine. President Obama's inauguration theme of "Our People, Our Future," appeals to him. In an interview, he offered that he wanted to write of the "salt-of-the-earth sense that I think all Americans have, of hard work, we can work it out together, that incredible American spirit that after 200-plus years is still there." 

Of President Barack Obama, Blanco adds: "I totally related to his life story and the way he speaks of his family and of course, his multicultural background." As do the majority of Americans, our 2013 same gender loving brother and inaugural poet. 

Peace! Get naked. Enjoy!