Yup, bards be fabulous by default :)

I have seen flame and its variants used derogatorily as well. Moreso back in the late eighties and early nineties back when there were a lot of gay men trying to avoid attention and criticising the more visible people in the overall gay community. But it still gets used that way sometimes nowadays. Back in my younger years, flaming was usually followed by the other f-word connected to gay folks when used as an insult. Sometimes even when used affectionately, though that was rarer.

Myself, I’ve always enjoyed the company of the brighter burning flames. There’s just something so delightful in someone being exuberant and joyful as their primary way of moving through life. Even the drama some flames bring along is worth it lol.

I’m in old man mode again, but I can still remember my first night working as a bouncer at the drag club. All these people coming in, most of the customers dressed to the nines, happy and dancing, and letting go of all the camouflage they had to wear at work or whatever. All those flames burning bright and free.

The guy on the door with me performed as well and was in a dress and had his makeup on (but not the shoes lol), and I asked him if it was always like this, and he just laughed and said “Oh, honey child, this is a slow night.” And it was! Some Saturdays, it was like what I imagine dropping acid to be.

Gods, I miss that part of the job lol.