Peter Schutes (1896-1981) was a gay icon. He served as an infantryman in France during World War I. Long before France he was introduced to an alternate lifestyle that matched his natural proclivities. His predilections caused him to be ejected from the service at the end of his tour of duty and incarcerated in a mental hospital. The experience left scars that took years to heal. In order to earn his freedom, he feigned a miracle recovery, professing his love for women. Afraid of his own desires, he sought refuge in celibacy. It was only after moving to Hollywood in the 1930’s that he reconnected with his primal urges and indulged his sexual desires once more. He did not begin writing until the 1950’s. He found catharsis and psychological healing through his short stories and novels that depicted micro-worlds where love and sex between men were natural and free. His graphic language and taboo topics kept his work out of print outside Denmark until the landmark Memoirs vs Massachusetts (Fanny Hill) ruling that led to an explosion in American gay porn. Peter’s prolific volumes of steamy men’s tales were some of the finest literature to grace the shelves of dirty bookstores.