.057 Julian Hornik

There’s only one person that I can say I met while sitting mere feet away from Mariah Carey, and that’s Julian. Four years ago while sitting at the GLAAD Awards, Julian and I instantly became friends after being connected by a mutual friend. Everything our friend had told me was true: Julian is out-of-this-world talented, intelligent, absolutely hilarious and energetic beyond belief. What I didn’t realize is that those descriptors are just the tip of the iceberg with him.

Julian isn’t your average human being. He combines an encyclopedic brain, a sharp sense of humor, and a wonderfully joyful giggle/laugh together that make for consistently riveting and thoughtful conversations and experiences. Having him in your life makes it better by default. He is the reason for countless evenings of pure joy and magic in this city, from seeing some of the all-time greats on Broadway stages, to seeing a future all-time great (him) performing at 54 Below, NY City Center, Symphony Space, and more. To describe him as skilled/talented is the definition of an understatement. Julian’s songs and pieces, many of which find their way into my brain on a weekly basis, are a direct result of his incredible attention to history, detailed storytelling, empathy and emotion. When I saw his show at Yale a couple of years ago (!), I was blown away by how beautiful, intricate and powerful the performance was. The music, the lyrics, the… everything were just unbelievable. And yet, I wasn’t shocked, because it was Julian’s creation, so, of course.

Above all, Julian is a good, honest and deeply compassionate person. He’s patient and loving, and sweeter than most people you’ll ever come across. He’s someone who is quick to deflect compliments (we’re working on this!) and will instead throw a compliment right back your way. He’s deserving of every word above and more, and always will be. Put simply, Julian as a human and the art that he creates just make the world a better place to live.

Julian, thank you so much for coming into my life, especially at a time when I needed a friend and someone to confide in and trust. Thank you for always being so positive and for being someone that sees the bright side, even despite the current situation of the planet. Thank you for always making me laugh, making me think, making me appreciate theater and literature (specifically the queer canon!), and for making me happy. You impress me and blow me away at every turn and with everything you do, and I am always eager and excited at the thought of attending your next thing. I’m so grateful to have you in my life and for the banter that we always end up having over so many topics. I’m grateful for your brain, your heart, and for your true beauty, inside and out. You are a gem, loved by so many, and you return that love constantly with kindness and respect. I adore you. Thank you for being you.

-BD