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dustydigger
Posted 2022-02-18 6:05 AM (#23839 - in reply to #23630)
Subject: Re: Mini Challenge		Quote Reply



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Location: UK		I read another Delany short story for this challenge ''Aye,and Gomorrah'' This was Chip's first published short story,and it won the Nebula and was nominated for the Hugo.
Its about a future time when men are exploring the solar system,but have found radiation levels are very high,destroying reproductive functions. So with a ruthless practicality governments choose 15 year olds who are late developers,and neuter them so they can go into space to do dangerous jobs. People pay lip service to their work and sacrifice,but in reality avoid them if possible. But some people,known as frelks seek out these androgynous spacers,though there can be no future for the relationships. The story is only 10 pages long but shows off Delany's skill in densely packed,elusive story telling.
Interestingly ,though the tale targets real life gay issues of the 60s,the way it is written can be taken in a broader,nuanced way. Loneliness,isolation,prejudice etc come in many forms. It seems young transgender folks today are very into this tale.
The short story collection ''Aye,and Gomorrah'' has the eponymous tale,and also ''The Star Pit'' and several other famous Delany works

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