Author E. Lynn Harris did a reading at the San Francisco main library in February. He spoke eloquently about his unusual writing process and led a spirited Q&A. Photo by Rink.

Author E. Lynn Harris, who wrote best-sellers about black gay life, died July 24 at a hotel in Beverly Hills. He was 54. The cause of death was not reported. At press time, an autopsy was planned.

Harris wrote 11 novels — including Invisible Life, Just As I Am, If This World Were Mine, and Basketball Jones — and a memoir, What Becomes of the Brokenhearted.

“His pioneering novels and powerful memoir about the black gay experience touched and inspired millions of lives, and he was a gifted storyteller whose books brought delight and encouragement to readers everywhere,” said Alison Rich, director of publicity at Harris’ publisher, Doubleday. “Lynn was a warm and generous person, beloved by friends, fans and booksellers alike.”

IML Bans Barebacking Depictions, Materials
The Leather Market at the annual International Mr. Leather events in Chicago will have a ban on anything related to barebacking, IML founder Chuck Renslow announced July 16.

“The executive committee of International Mr. Leather has decided that it will no longer allow participation in the IML Leather Market by any entity which promotes barebacking or distributes/sells any merchandise tending to promote or advocate barebacking,” Renslow said. “This restriction will also apply to distribution of gifts, postcards or any other information via our facilities.”

“The CDC and local health officials inform us that new infections are on the rise,” he said. “And, while we have had some success developing medications that might make infection more manageable, that accomplishment comes at a price. Not having experienced the deaths — the loss of loved ones — which preceded these medications, we have an entire generation who may not fully appreciate or comprehend the severity of the situation. Too many in our community believe HIV/AIDS is curable or manageable. Too few understand that HIV/AIDS infections dominate life. We believe that it is our duty to inform and educate.”

Boycott Of San Diego Hotel Enters 2nd Year
Gay activists gathered outside the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego on July 16 to kick off year two of the gay boycott of the mammoth downtown twin towers.

The boycott was launched after owner Doug Manchester gave $125,000 in early seed money to get Proposition 8 on the ballot. The resulting constitutional amendment re-banned same-sex marriage in California.

Manchester has cited his Roman Catholic faith in opposing same-sex marriage.

Activists claim the boycott has cost the hotel $7 million, a figure that cannot be independently verified.

-assistance: Bill Kelley