E. Lynn Harris, June 20, 1955 – July 23, 2009

We were saddened to learn that popular African American author E. Lynn Harris passed away on Wednesday.

Harris, openly gay, wrote novels that introduced us to the lives of gay African American men. He was one of the first to write about this community, and his characters were often strong, worthy role models, with very human faults and complex lives. Just like us. And the novels often featured love stories.

Here's E. Lynn Harris talking about his novel Just Too Good To Be True

Video Interview with E. Lynn Harris


Harris self-published his first novel, Invisible Life, and marketed to traditional outlets in the black neighborhoods, such as beauty parlors and barbershops. He developed a strong following among African American women. Characters from Invisible Life are revisited in other Harris titles: Just As I Am and Abide With Me.

In 2003 Harris published his memoir, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted, which detailed the heartbreak in his life and how he became an author.



Celebrate E. Lynn Harris's life--Read or listen to one his books!