Mama Dearest In Stores

Just in case you haven't heard - E. Lynn Harris' latest novel Mama Dearest has been released. I just picked up my copy yesterday and I can't wait to get into this. It was a very bittersweet purchase. I'm still a bit saddened having to admit that E. Lynn Harris is no longer with us. Harris passed away several months ago from a heart attack. But atleast we get the pleasure of more writings by him (even if it is released posthumously).

E. Lynn was (is) handsdown the greatest black gay writer of his generation. His works are an inspiration for many. I've shared many times before that it was his first book, Invisible Life, that gave me the courage to come out as a black gay man in the South. I didn't know you could be Black, gay and out. I had heard of people that were two of the three but never all three. You could be Black and gay but not out. Or you could gay and out but not Black. All three - that was just not supposed to be done.

Today I live my life authentically, very comfortable in the skin I'm in. E. Lynn Harris played a big part in my achieving this level of comfort. I don't think I'm going too far by saying I owe him my life. I'm really excited about the new book because it is a follow up to one of my favorites by Harris, Not A Day Goes By. He is bringing back the diva Yancey Harrington Braxton and I'm sure they'll be an appearance by our favorite downlow brother Basil.