Gay black author E. Lynn Harris dies
28th July 2009
Celebrated gay black fiction pioneer Everette Lynn Harris has died aged 54.
The cause of the author's death, which occurred while he was in Los Angeles promoting his latest book, has yet to be announced.
His work focused on the hidden lives of African American homosexuality, beginning with his first work Invisible Life published in 1991.
Mr Harris is also recognised for exposing the phenomenon of the 'down low' before it had fully been realised by the US public.
Speaking to the Associated Press, author Terry McMillan said: 'I loved his spirit and generosity.
'I loved that he found his own niche in the world of fiction, and I'm grateful to have known him. This just breaks my heart.'
Harris' characters were often professional heterosexual black men living a secret life as homosexuals.
His works include Love of My Own and What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.