Hello again, dear solvers! It's been awhile. I hope this themeless makes up for it.
I honestly don't know how I managed to pull this one off -- in addition to falling under the 72-word limit, it has two really nice 10-stacks, perhaps a record number of entries from my seed list, a nice spanner that made its way in there by happy accident, and what I think is an aesthetically-pleasing grid pattern. I hope you like.
.pdf file | .puz file | solve online | solution and notes
Also, if you're reading my blog of all things, chances are you're deep enough into crosswords to know where to find the best queer-inclusive puzzles... but just in case, I'm gonna recommend some of my own favorite LGBTQ+ indie constructors:
- Frisco17 (Good Clues for People Who Love Bad Clues) -- Puzzles full of meme references, good music recs, and off-the-wall (and occasional P&A) clues.
- Ariel Haymarket (Haymarket's Squares) -- Clues that lean hard-left, are full of personality, and often approach Saturday Stumper territory.
- Spencer Leach, a.k.a. Thoron (Power Grids, Crosshare) -- Clever themes that I often kick myself for not coming up with, and the themelesses are impressively smooth, even when they're wide open.
- Ryan McCarty (McGrids) -- Tough grids full of sparkling answers, including such things as... Well, just do the 9/18/2021 NYT.
- Ada Nicolle (Luckystreak xwords, Patreon, Xtra Magazine) -- Every. single. grid is super-lively and full of fun Gen Z stuff.
Be sure to tip your constructors where possible.
There's also Queer Qrosswords, a project spearheaded by the fabulous Nate Cardin. There are two suites out, and by donating $10 or more (plz more) to an LGBTQ+ charity of your choice, you get a pack of queer-themed puzzles constructed by some of the best.
Incidentally, Cardin had a cryptic in the Browser this last Sunday. The puzzle is a hella-queer masterpiece (no surprise there) and is free for all. Here's the .puz file.
See you again soon. --H.A.
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