A Day In The Life: Michael Lee

Where did you grow up?

Michigan, but I’ve lived in Minnesota for 20 years now. Does that make me local yet? (kidding)

Where do you live?

I own a house in South Minneapolis, close to Powderhorn and the Midtown Global Market.

Who do you live with?

My dog Bella, and Captain, my ginger tabby cat.

What is your occupation?

I’ve spent most of the last decade researching and writing my first book, which will be coming out in 2024. I also teach part-time at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and maintain a small professional grant writing business.

When did you come out?

When I was almost 18! Hard to believe that was nearly 30 years ago.

How’d that go?

For the first time, I felt like I’d found friends who really understood me. There were challenges, but overall, it was very empowering.

When do you wake up?

Usually around 8 am.

Phone alarm or old school alarm?

Neither? My body wakes me up on a pretty regular schedule.

What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Make my pot of tea – Earl Grey, hot, with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Breakfast?

It varies, but usually oatmeal.

Coffee?

As an afternoon treat.

Cream or no?

Fattest dairy you’ve got, please.

How do you spend your commute?

When I teach in the classroom, the commute is about 6 blocks. Otherwise, I go from the kitchen to my home office (cold weather) or our 3-season porch (warm weather).

What do you nerd out for (gaming, music, history, etc.)?

History and politics (especially LGBTQ+), some sci fi (Star Trek, Star Wars, Doctor Who), or just having good, personal conversations with people. I’m fine with skipping the small talk.

What music have you been digging lately?

I’m a nostalgia kind of guy. I like to stream old “Best of American Top 40” broadcasts with Casey Kasem. There was so much great music that’s been forgotten!

Is your work space tidy or a hot mess?

I think of it as a balancing act. Tidy with some chaos around the edges? If you open the cabinet under my desk, you’ll be cleaning it up yourself!

What’s been your favorite job?

Author, without a doubt. Some people might remember me from working on the Minnesota AIDS Walk for several years. But I love research and writing, especially nonfiction/biography.

Favorite weeknight meal: Go out, take out, or cook in?

I do love to cook, but going through the COVID lockdown made me appreciate delivery more – not to mention the people who make and bring our food. Always tip!

On a usual weeknight, you are doing what?

Either watching TV or enjoying the porch or backyard.

Bedtime?

Set the stopwatch around 10:30. By 11:30, I’ve usually turned into a pumpkin.

Favorite weekend activity?

Depends on time of year. Fall? I live and die with Michigan State athletics. Lately this has had its challenges, but I love my Alma Mater, the Green and White.

What are you most proud of, and why?

My book, which will be the first mass-market biography of Randy Shilts, the pioneering gay journalist who wrote The Mayor of Castro Street, And the Band Played On, and Conduct Unbecoming. I’ve visited several interesting archives and interviewed many fascinating people who knew Randy. To have the experience of turning that raw material into a narrative feels really profound!

Words of wisdom to share:

Keep healthy boundaries. Assume that everyone you encounter is struggling with something that others might not be perceiving. Remember to ask for what you need.