The Old Man and the Queer

More about the book

The Old Man and the Queer tells the transformative story of a retired Mayor and CEO in his mid-70s and a 23-year-old barber who changes his life. The Old Man, politically and socially conservative, finds himself in the barber's chair of a heavily tattooed and pierced individual who identifies as non-binary and queer. What begins as an unexpected haircut appointment leads to a series of discussions that reveal their contrasting lives. Despite initial discomfort, the Old Man books another appointment, and their relationship evolves from adversaries to friends. As their appointments continue, they share their successes and disappointments. The Old Man reflects on his accomplishments, while the Queer faces scorn, even from devout Christian parents. Rather than a tale of woe, it becomes one of triumph, as the Queer, using they/he pronouns, takes control of their life. The narrative alternates between their perspectives, showcasing their distinct writing styles—Comerchero's sophisticated prose contrasts with Radford's youthful insight, which deepens as the story progresses. The final chapters explore the collision of their worlds and the development of a unique friendship, highlighting themes of tolerance, love, hope, and triumph. Despite their differences, Jeff and E.J share a fundamental humanity, embarking on a journey from the impossible to the remarkable.