Edmund White Discusses His Latest Memoir, 'The Loves of My Life'

Edmund White, a prominent figure in gay literature, has documented the evolution of gay life for over fifty years through his memoirs, novels, and essays. In his 1982 work, A Boy’s Own Story, he reflects on his upbringing in the conservative Midwest during the 1950s. His 2009 book, City Boy, explores the cultural shifts in 1970s New York following the Stonewall riots. White's experiences in Paris over sixteen years, mingling with figures like Yves Saint Laurent and Michel Foucault, are chronicled in his 2014 memoir, Inside a Pearl.

At 85, White's new release, The Loves of My Life, described as a 'sex memoir,' serves as both a personal narrative and an exploration of contemporary gay society, including themes of Pride, hookup culture, and marriage equality. He states, “I’m at an age when writers are supposed to say finally what mattered most to them – for me it would be thousands of sex partners.”

During a recent Zoom interview from his New York apartment, White reflected on his precocious nature, attributing it to an inherent rebellious spirit and a lifelong fascination with men. The memoir, his sixth, revisits familiar figures from his past, such as Keith McDermott, a former lover who imposed a vow of chastity on White, and Stan, his college partner whom he describes as a religious obsession. He still meets Stan weekly, humorously noting that Stan is now reading his complete works. The book also touches on other significant relationships, including a brief heterosexual involvement and a 'sexless lover' who remains a close companion.

When asked about boundaries in his writing, White cites Nabokov's reluctance to write about personal memories, explaining that he avoids delving into his long-term partner Michael Carroll’s life, choosing discretion in certain relationships. However, he vividly recounts a series of colorful sexual encounters, such as a romp with a Fire Island man that left him covered in poison ivy and a humorous account of his first seduction of a straight boy at boarding school.

White’s perspective on sex is complex; he describes it as a significant and almost sacred act rather than a mere transaction, despite acknowledging his history of paid encounters. He remarks on the cultural cycles of puritanism and libertinism in America, wondering if today's younger generations are more conservative.

He reflects on the importance of the 1969 Stonewall riots, admitting that his initial reaction was one of discomfort toward the diverse participants. White expresses concern over the current negative perceptions of trans individuals in society.

In addition to sexuality, White also explores art in his memoir, recounting how the literature of authors like Thomas Mann opened doors to a world of desire and creativity. His interactions with prominent cultural figures, including Susan Sontag and Gore Vidal, have shaped his artistic worldview, even as he mourns the cultural losses brought on by the AIDS epidemic. He suggests that contemporary gay culture has become somewhat conservative since then.

Although he feels his sexual adventures may be behind him, his passion for literature remains strong. He expressed enthusiasm for recent works like Tom Crewe’s The New Life and has plans to read about Carlos de Beistegui, a noted French designer.

While White acknowledges being in what he calls the “cold polar heart of old age,” he maintains a focus on the present over nostalgia. He concludes by citing his late friend, composer Virgil Thomson: “Writers have to break up with you sooner or later – that’s what they write about.”

The Loves of My Life is now available from Bloomsbury.