Evolution Of A Man

E. Lynn Harris passed away Friday at the early age of 54. I don’t know the conditions that caused his death, but it came very unexpectedly and, like many celebrity deaths we’ve experienced this summer, leaves me stunned.

Though I haven’t read all of his work, his first book, “Invisible Life” was the first I happened upon that featured black gay men who like other men. There have been many things said about the way Harris depicts the black gay male in his books, but I, for one, am really grateful for him because he paved the way for writers like myself to flourish while staying true to who we are.

I thank you, E. Lynn, for inspiring me to not be afraid to write what I feel. I dug out my copy of “Invisible Life” and shall read it this week in your honor. You will be greatly missed.