Dr. TJ West – Medium

Dr. TJ West

18.2K followers

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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5d ago

Apparently We Need to Talk About Gay Respectability Politics Again

A new opinion piece in The New York Times reveals the limitations of respectability politics and why “queer” still has so much power to…

colorful letter blocks spelling QUEER

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Jul 12, 2025

Celebrating Indie Bookstores, the Queer Oases of Appalachia

Independent stores in places like West Virginia are sources and celebrations of queer of strength, celebration, and joy.

Celebrating Indie Bookstores, the Queer Oases of Appalachia

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Jun 19, 2025

A Crosswalk, My Small Town, and the Anti-Queer Politics of Public Space

How erasing a Pride crosswalk in one small town in Maryland is a harbinger of things to come.

A Crosswalk, My Small Town, and the Anti-Queer Politics of Public Space

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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May 15, 2025

The Queer, Winding Road back to Faith

After years of wandering in the wilderness, I’m closer to returning to Christianity than I have been in the entirety of my adult life

The Queer, Winding Road back to Faith

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Mar 7, 2025

The Death of Adult Film Star Tim Kruger is a Loss for Queer Men Everywhere

The passing of adult film legend Tim Kruger hits particularly deep for many queer men, and his death highlights the unique power of…

The Death of Adult Film Star Tim Kruger is a Loss for Queer Men Everywhere

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Feb 28, 2025

Rural Queer Book Clubs are Crucial Sites of Community and Resistance

Queer book clubs can be a lifeline when right-wing actors try to push queer voices out of the public square.

Rural Queer Book Clubs are Crucial Sites of Community and Resistance

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Feb 11, 2025

Romances With Older Queer Protagonists, Stories of Perseverance and Power

Two recent novels featuring protagonists in their 60s and 70s show the vital importance of telling stories of queer survival and queer…

Romances With Older Queer Protagonists, Stories of Perseverance and Power

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Jan 22, 2025

Writing Queer Appalachian Romance Helped Me …

put the two halves of my identity back together

Writing Queer Appalachian Romance Helped Me …

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Reluctant Moderation

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Dr. TJ West

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Dec 10, 2024

The Assassination of Brian Thompson Shows How Sick the United States Has Become

When a significant part of the American public celebrates an extrajudicial murder, something is deeply, deeply wrong.

The Assassination of Brian Thompson Shows How Sick the United States Has Become

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Prism & Pen

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Dr. TJ West

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Nov 21, 2024

After Trump’s Victory, It’s Up to All of Us To Protect Trans Folk

We all have a part to play in the next four years, making sure that those of us with power, privilege, and a voice speak up and act out all…

After Trump’s Victory, It’s Up to All of Us To Protect Trans Folk

Dr. TJ West

Dr. TJ West

18.2K followers

Appalachian ex-pat, pop culture critic, and author of queer love stories, including Country Road Romance, A Bond of Blood and Stone, and Hittin' the Right Note.

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