E. Lynn Harris: Rest In Literary Paradise

E. Lynn Harris first introduced me to the lives of gay black men with his novel Invisible Life. After that, I read several of his novels that uncovered the drama, lust, peril, love and passion between a community that is still somewhat taboo among African Americans. As a Metro Atlanta resident, I get an up close look at the gay community at large. To those of us who aren't as fortunate, E. Lynn Harris opened up his world in literary form and showed readers that homosexual relationships are just as real, relevant and sometimes as wacky as heteros.

As one of the nation's top-selling writers, I have always had a respect for E. Lynn Harris and the risks he took with his work. Fortunately, I had the pleasure of hearing Harris speak several years ago and found him to be inspiring and insightful. E. Lynn Harris passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2009.

Rest In Peace, King.