Black Gay Writers Celebrate 25-year History: Art from Adversity

Other Countries, Black Gay Expression is one of the many New York City community organizations that formed in response to the AIDS epidemic. The group's name honors James Baldwin, America's first well-known Black homosexual and best-selling author of several books including the novel, Another Country. The group held its first writers workshop on June 14, 1986 and quickly developed a three-pronged program of peer critique, performance and publishing. In its 25 years, Other Countries has published three volumes of work by Black gay men and women. The most recent VOICES RISING came out in January 2007. The workshop continues each 2nd and 4th Saturday at NYC's LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Many past and current members have gone on to publish work that "went through" the workshop. Several developed their craft in the workshop and went on to work in publishing, television and academia. Though many of its founding members have died of AIDS, their affinity group continues to nurture and foster creativity and appreciation of the life we have, here and now.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• LGBT
• James Baldwin
• Colin Robinson
• Wendell Carter
• Pamela Sneed
• Craig G. Harris
• Roy Gonsalves
• David Frechette
• Terence Taylor
• B. Michael Hunter
• Cary Alan Johnson
• Staceyann Chin
• Writers of African Descent
• documentary
• legacy
• pride
• books
• performance
• publishing

[tonee30]

Lots of stories and history here. I was quite touched by the testimonials of people living through the struggle juxtaposed against the birth and life of Other Countries, a response to the struggle. Very nice job.

[Sweetsweatman]

Thanks Robert . Nice job. You made my heart smile.