Last week, I saw Zun’s photo and thought “Yes: THIS is the reason I’m doing this!” But would the mere existence of a stunningly beautiful photo of Staceyann Chin be enough of a reason to include it in the inaugural issue of this project? Probably not. I asked for and was graciously permitted (Thanks Zun!) to use it, but could I just publish this photo without any context? No. Riveting context would require, at the very least, knowing that she just published The Other Side of Paradise, her first book of memoirs earlier this year. Even better if I could get my hands on a copy to read it, quickly, before even approaching her or her PR crew. Of course my public library didn’t have a copy yet. Alrighty then. The big kids (well, the taller ones) got to ride the more thrilling rides; I was never the kid trying to pass on tippy-toes … but here I am, feeling what it must feel like to walk through that gate the first time. Prohibitive list price be damned.
