Brenda Perlin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Brenda , thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Well, I am really touched when people come up to me at a punk rock event. The last couple of times I’ve been out people are not just recognizing me for the punk anthologies but to send their condolences on the loss of my partner Ron who passed away from pancreatic cancer in February. They say the nicest things that if my honey could hear them from above he would be very proud. He felt like he was an influencer from my Facebook posts and felt famous. I would love him to know that he is indeed famous and greatly admired.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
What funny times these are! I guess you can say PUNK is my brand. I put out punk anthologies under “House of Punk” as I am an indie author. I’m an old punk with a love for the music, people and early eighties punk rock scene. “Books by Punks. For Punks.
My Instagram account is @losangelespunkrocker and it’s a passion project. I’ve been able to reconnect with friends from the past and meet some new people from all over the globe because of this endeavor.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My cousin Jeff saw the real me, even when people who questioning my actions. I was scrutinized over the colored streaks in my hair, raccoon eyes and thrift store clothes, but rather than judge a book by its cover, he sat me down and talked to me. He wanted to see for himself if I was okay. He stood up for me when so few people did back then.
Even straight legged jeans were considered alternative back then. Now everyone looks punk even though they aren’t. Or think they are punk when they have no idea what the punk ethos stands for.
I admire anyone open minded enough to form their own opinions. My cousin impressed me then and still does to this day.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
That would be about now. After losing my partner of fifteen years in February 2025 I’ve been really lost, angry, miserable and lonely. It’s taken a lot of inner strength to find my way back. I’m not 100% there yet but I have nothing to hide and have shared my story all over the internet and people have turned up for me. People I’ve never even met have been my support system. They might not realize how much they have helped me but they have.
Also, the first week of mourning I started writing my love story, “Accidental Gifts” to my partner from a book I published years ago about his life and added more personal details which was so therapeutic and rewarding. I have made some friends who are in the same boat as I’m in and they now feel like family. We are in a club we don’t wish on anyone but we have each other’s backs. I love them like I’ve known them for years. Opening up to strangers can be the most rewarding part of life.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
I really don’t like getting political but this is about more than politics. This is about humanity, dignity and respect. I can go on but it won’t change minds. Or will it?!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
Hugging my honey more.
Sometimes he needed more affection than I gave him. I didn’t realize how much I would miss his touch until he was no longer there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houseofpunk.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/losangelespunkrocker/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brenda.perlin
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brenda-Perlin/author/B0088M542Q?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1761877348&sr=8-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=bbfab42c-a95b-4b62-a68c-a30c397b5970
Image Credits
Brenda Perlin
Doc Ivan: Artwork
