In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology [Paperback]

Joseph Beam (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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."

With a new introduction by best-selling author James Earl Hardy, In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology is a testament to the power of words to change lives. RedBone Press is pleased to reintroduce readers of all generations to this seminal collection of black gay men's writing. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Joseph Beam (1954-1988) was a cultural and political activist, writer, editor and beloved son. Beam edited In the Life, the groundbreaking anthology of black gay writing, originally published in 1986. He was a board member of the National Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays; was founding editor of Black/Out magazine; served on the Gay and Lesbian Task Force of the American Friends Service Committee; and, prior to his death, had begun working on the book Brother to Brother. Joseph Beam was a man who cared deeply about "black men loving black men." --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 255 pages
• Publisher: Alyson Books; 1st edition (November 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0932870732
• ISBN-13: 978-0932870735
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.2 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #1,573,725 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A gem; a first-of-its-kind, September 15, 2002

By	Jeffery Mingo (Homewood, IL USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: In the Life: A Black Gay Anthology (Paperback)

There are so many reasons why you should buy this book. If you liked "Brother to Brother", you'll really enjoy its predecessor. So many of these talented brothers have succumbed to AIDS: Hemphill, Beam, Dixon, etc. This book is a testament to their greatness. The book ends with a list of black gay literary resources. He includes essays about black gay organizing. There's an interview with Richard Bruce Nugent, the Harlem Renaissance writer who was the first African-American to mention homosexuality in fiction. This book is priceless. Do all you can to get a copy.