D AV I D PAT R I C K C O L U M B I A the changing moral values of America between WWII and the era before AIDS, The Neighbor’s Wife; and an historical memoir about his family’s immigration to America from Italy, Unto the Sons. He’s easy to get along with and loves conversation, but Gay’s charisma is in his words, his stories. What often sets him apart is his notable physical appearance. Gay is always perfectly turned out—days and nights on the town. Suits, vests, perfect tailoring; hats, shoes, all part of the ensemble. It’s a distinctive self-image. The costume is that of a serious man (whose wit is quick and quiet). I never knew the motivation
for that image until this Thursday night after he was introduced to speak by George Gibson, who is the executive editor of St. Martin’s Press and has been editor of several of Gay’s book. Gibson was brief and admirable. He finished his introduction by adding that Gay “was the only man who has ever kissed me on the lips besides my father.” He told us how it had always embarrassed him when his father kissed him—especially in the presence of his (young) friends. However, he added that when Gay kissed him the first time on meeting, it surprised him but he liked the gesture. The audience loved it too.
After the introduction, and as Gay approached the podium as Gibson was leaving, he put his hands on his editor’s shoulders and gave him a brief, neat, clean kiss on the lips. Everyone in the room laughed and applauded. In his “acceptance” speech, Gay told us about growing up in Ocean City, New Jersey, a very small beach town on Cape May. His father was a tailor (aha!) who had a tiny business among the wealthier members of the community. The business was small but prosperous because he gave his customers their money’s worth in quality and workmanship. When he was old enough, Gay worked for his father part-time, after
school. Gay’s mother also had a clothing business—a dress shop with an older clientele whose youthful figures had given way to aging (and diet) factors. She did a very good job with these women because, like her husband, she gave her clientele what they needed and fit them with the best and most flattering. It was in those two businesses of his parents that Gay naturally developed what became one of his most important techniques as a writer: he listened. All of these people, especially the women, talked about their lives, told stories (about themselves and others) all the time. The boy was mes-
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