Short Story Anthologies, Peoples & Cultures - American Anthologies, African Americans - Fiction & Literature, Gay & Lesbian Fiction, Gay & Lesbian Literature Anthologies, American Literature Anthologies

In the Life

Name: In the Life
Author: Joe Beam
ISBN: 9780932870735

by Beam, Joe, Joseph

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Overview

In the Life, an expression which means being gay, is also the title of this collection of writings in which more than 25 black authors explore what it means to be doubly different - both black and gay - in modern America. These stories, verses, works of art, and theater pieces voice the concerns and aspirations of an often silent minority. They can be poignant, erotic, resolute or angry, but always reflect the affirming power of coming together to build a strong black gay community. Editor Joseph Beam began collecting this material in 1984 after years of frustration with gay literature that had no message for - and little mention of - black gay men. "The bottom line," he wrote, "is this: We are Black men who are proudly gay. What we offer is our lives, our love, our visions... We are coming home with our heads held up high."

Here, thirty-three writers and artists explore what it means to be doubly different--black and gay--in modern America.