A Bright Light Has Left Us

We are heartbroken to learn our friend and beautiful human, David Latham, has left us far too soon. David devoted his life to providing care to the most vulnerable, enriching their final years with his steadfast belief in the dignity deserved by all. His kindness was indelibly wedded to his punk rock roots, a philosophy he embodied by effortlessly dispelling pretension and sentimentality with a wicked smile and arched eyebrow that disarmed and endeared all they touched.

He brought this charm and compassion to our stage as a ten-time VAMP performer and host of Long Story Short for several years as it migrated across three different venues, encouraging everyone in attendance to embrace the transformative value of their own lived stories, and make the space for all to be heard. So many people found their way to our stage, and the strength to use their voice, because they found David. This is one of my favorite among many of his wonderful performances. at least the one that feels most appropriate now.

Our hearts are with his family and partner, Emily, whom he met through his storytelling, and with all our community members whose lives he touched, and whose loss we know they feel as deeply as we do.

David was such a force for good, in his honor, we are compelled to recognize there are many like him waiting to arrive in the spotlight, and deserve the kindness, and grace, and opportunities, and forgiveness he was so grateful to receive in his youth. Put a dollar in the next juke box you come across, and play the Ramones for David. Have a beautiful life, and love one another.

He was called, he answered, he is counted.

So Say We All.