Anderreco from a small town, where I was raised in the church under the Missionary Baptist doctrine. Being black and gay was not acceptable. When I turned 19, I started dating a guy who was 31. He taught me to live. His family was more accepting of our relationship than mine was in the beginning. I wrote about our relationship in my first book, “Who Can I Run To?” Writing it was very cathartic for me.
I feel that when I write, I write for the black same gender loving voices that are mute — those that want to express but don’t. Those silent voices are my inspiration. Growing up reading the work of E. Lynn Harris and Lee Hayes helped me to shape myself and refuse to live a lie my whole life. In that same way, I want everyone to read my work and say I know this person, I am this person. Black gay representation is so small, especially in the state of Mississippi, due to fear of losing family, friends, and jobs. So I feel that it is part of my calling to give voice to the voiceless and let it be known that it is okay to be yourself.
