Dossier of Black Gay Men

EBANMAN:

DOSSIER OF BLACK GAY MEN

By Perez Harrison Pratt and Phil Esteem

“When we change the narrative, we change the perception.”

For far too long, there has been a stereotypical narrative about the LGBTQ+ community. Add in the intersectionality of Black and LGBTQ+, and there is a greater challenge to change that narrative, which this book lays out in its authenticity. Those of us who stand at that intersection have always been part of our history and our community (e.g. Bayard Rustin, James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Alain Locke, Billy Strayhorn). Today, we walk in our authentic truths in our personal and professional lives in gratitude and appreciation to these brothas who went before us. That being said, I bring to you EBANMAN’s EBANMAN: Dossier of Black Gay Men.

This coffee-table book, as it is described, provides us with in-depth interviews of 43 contemporary Black SGL (same-gender-loving) men and 1 ally, beautifully bound and photographed. Through the vision of EBANMAN founder Tom Logan and co-authors Perez Harrison Pratt and Phil Esteem, the contributors embody the diversity and culture in the Black LGBTQ community. They hail from the African continent, the Caribbean islands, the U.S., the UK, and Canada.

The diversity doesn’t stop there. The brothas are entrepreneurs, educators, activists, accountants, entertainers, pastors, artists, authors, military men, politicians, journalists, corporate officials, and that is just scratching the surface of how they have impacted the LGBT and the greater community. They remind us that behind the accolades (and those are impressive) they are sons, fathers, grandsons, brothers, husbands, friends, neighbors, and colleagues.

Come meet these inspiring men who represent well in the following sections of the book: Perez Harrison Pratt (author), “Representation Matters,” “Gay Dad’s Love,” “Leaving a Legacy,” “Black Boy Joy,” “Passion and Purpose,” “Black Gay Love,” “Seat at the Table,” “Black Boy Magic,” “Human Rights, Advocacy & Pride,” “My Brother’s Keeper,” “Amen,” and “LGBTQ+ Lives Matter.” With each story shared, we see honesty, vulnerability, and the commitment to live an authentic life. Some of the men live in countries that are not welcoming to Black gay men; others are living in countries that are more inclusive. In spite of whatever challenges have been faced, they are living their lives, role models who are changing the narrative.

In the forward to this book, Tom Logan says, “Finally, thank you to all the readers who have picked up this book. I hope it provides you with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Black Gay community. I hope it serves as a reminder that representation comes in many forms and that we must continue to strive for representation in all aspects of life. It is important that all our voices are heard and seen.”

EBANMAN: Dossier of Black Gay Men is available through the EBANMAN website, www.ebanman.com.

Many thanks to Perez, Phil, and Tom for your work and your part in changing the narrative through these thoughtful and powerful stories, for us and for the generations that follow.