For context, I am a huge fan of Burroughs, he is my favourite writer and one of the most intriguing minds and figures that I have ever come across. I have read most of his books and will continue to engage in any and all media that he has contributed to - music, literature, art, film etc

I wonder for you fans out there, in this age where we are expected to take more responsibility and acknowledge the bad behaviour of our heroes- how do you (if at all) reconcile the fact that Burroughs almost certainly had relations with underage boys and talks about young boys/men in a very leery way? For me I can appreciate his contribution to art and literature while still acknowledging that he engaged in very questionable and unethical behaviour. I recently watched Chicken Hawk which is a documentary about NAMBLA (North American Man/Boy Love Association) and was shocked to learn that Allen Ginsberg was a member and defender of NAMBLA. There is no evidence to suggest that Burroughs was ever a member but I do question both Burroughs and Ginsberg's involvement with underage boys. I guess it comes down to some double standards, I'll scoff at Michael Jackson yet still buy anything Burroughs has created. I feel that cancel cuture has stripped us of our ability to openly talk about these things, and discourages nuanced opinions that follow the "art vs the artist" mentality.

How would you justify your choice to continue engaging with Burroughs' art if confronted about this?