A memorial for the late cartoonist Howard Cruse has been announced to be taking place on Saturday, March 28 at The LGBT Community Center in New York City. Cruse passed away in November from complications of lymphona at the age of 75.
The veteran LGBTQ and civil rights activist was the author of Stuck Rubber Baby, an award-winning graphic novel from DC Comics about race and sexuality in the 1960s South. First Second Books will reissue Stuck Rubber Baby in May for its 25-year anniversary.
Born May 2, 1944 in Birmingham, AL, Howard Cruse's first published work was Calvin, a 1959 comic strip for the St. Clair County Reporter. He would also go on to be published in humor magazines Fooey and Sick.
In 2004, he illustrated The Swimmer With a Rope in His Teeth, and both wrote and illustrated 2008’s Felix’s Friends: A Story for Grown-Ups and Unpleasant Children. He also contributed to anthologies such as Juicy Mother and Qu33r.
Kimberly Kolze Venter, Cruse's daughter, announced his passing on Facebook. "With sadness I share that my birth father passed this afternoon after a too short battle with cancer, with his dear friend Pam and loving husband Eddie by his side, among other friends" she wrote.
In addition to his daughter, Kimberly Kolze Venter, Cruse is survived by his husband, Eddie Sedarbaum, and brother, Allan Cruse. Cruse's memorial will be held at The LGBT Community Center, 208 W 13th Street, New York City on March 28 from 6-8:30 pm ET.