Even the most casual reader of these pages has probably noted our keen interest in religion and spirituality, and, support of pro-gay and affirming churches and pastors. That's exactly why we've enjoyed the work of best-selling author E. Lynn Harris. Throughout his writing career, Harris has often included characters that are spiritual and/or church-going. It probably reflects the experience of many gay black men, ourselves included. Sure, it's in vogue to bash the church—especially the black church—but you can't change it if you're not in it.
I Say a Little Prayer is the tenth and latest title from Harris and the entire subject matter is devoted to black gay men and their church. "The idea came to me when I was teaching in Arkansas," E. Lynn told Rod 2.0 earlier this week. "The athletic director and his wife, a black family, had been begging me to attend to their church. It was so personal and I was struck by the experience. It reminded me of what I missed about attending church."
"More and more congregations are going the 'mega-church' route," E. Lynn explains. "And anti-gay sermons are a good way to pack the pews. At some of these big churches, the anti-gay sermons used to be once or twice a year. Now, it could be once or twice a month. You become uncomfortable at the services. So what do you do—give up the church that you were born and raised in or look for another? It's not an easy proposition."
I Say a Little Prayer introduces us to a similar crisis of faith in the form of Chauncey Greer—an Atlanta businessman, body boy and former teen heart throb. Chauncey was forced to retire from the spotlight after word got out that he and D—his best friend and band mate—were more than just friends. ("I didn't model them on any particular boy band," E. Lynn laughs. "But we've all heard stories!") First loves never die, and, in this case, Chauncey has carried the torch for both D and a singing career. Chauncey decides to resume singing and is invited to perform at an upcoming revival sponsored by his church.
Here's the problem: An ambitious fundamentalist preacher—actually, a mega-church "bishop"—will headline the revival and anti-gay sermons are his specialty. Chauncey and other gay members of the church take a dramatic stand: A "Day of Absence", when all the gay members and their families will stay away from the church. They organize a worship service—including a cameo by Keith Boykin, who makes his first appearance in a novel—where Chauncey performs an incredible solo. Then, D appears back on the scene in the most unlikely of places. Explaining his would kill the surprise so you'll have to discover that when you buy the book.
A few random observations about I Say a Little Prayer: The writing is more mature. There is less description and tighter dialogue. The love story between the teenaged Chauncey and D is sweet and deliberate and explained over the first third of the book. The gay and bisexual characters are leading players and not supporting cast. There are several sex scenes that leave nothing or very little to the imagination. Finally—and this has been strongly debated by gay black men—there are no leading black female characters, only one or two supporting story lines. This may be among the best works by E. Lynn Harris. So we had to ask ...
Is this a new E. Lynn Harris?
I don't know, you tell me, lol. I just followed my heart. But you aren't the only one who's said that about this book. One of my Doubleday publicists also says the writing is stronger. I'm glad that you're connecting with it and so many others are also pleased.
What gave you the idea to write an entire novel around the church? It' wonderful—many gays, especially brothers, criticize the church but you can't change anything if you don't go to someone's church.
That's what I'm saying. I started to name the book "A Day of Absence." What if all the gays decided not to show up one Sunday? The choirs would be empty. No ministers or music or organists. Fewer ushers ..
And deacons and reverends! Let's not forget them.
Okay? Or the collection plate. That's what this all boils down to. So many gay men and lesbians, we try to do everything the minister tells us. But we can't change that one thing about us. I wanted to explore the life of one gay/bi brother who was at peace in his heart. Like many of us, Chauncey is a good person, he owns a business, he's attractive, goes to church ... he's at peace with himself.
Building Chauncey's moral decision into the "Day of Absence" was a great move. It had implications of the civil rights struggle, the immigration marches this week ... plus, the cameo appearance by Keith Boykin!
I like what Keith is doing. I like what you both are doing, Rod, I love your blog and read it almost every day. It's great to be able to read about black gay men and culture, books and movies ...
Awww, thanks. You're making me blush, which isn't easy. But enough about me and more about you. Why is the Chauncey syndrome so common among brothers? You know—successful, a nice home, a few dollars, but, no steady relationship. Even Chauncey is playing the field.
Yes, Chauncey is having fun but he has his limits. At the beginning of the book, remember, he kicks that one DL brother to the curb. I put that early in the book because I wanted to demonstrate that Chauncey is his own man. But as for your question ... my take is that we've never had any role models. We're good brothers and good sons, good bosses or employees, but, often times, not the best lovers. You don't grow up learning how to be a gay man, especially a black gay man. Sometimes we try to pattern our relationships after the good heteros and that doesn't work. So we learn from our mistakes. Hopefully we do.
Something else that's new for you in this book: Sex. Lots of it, Fully detailed.
Haha! You noticed that too? I don't know where I'm going with the sex. Part of me wants to put it out there. There's another part that is mindful of my female fan base, I know there are all these women reading my books. How do I share the message without alienating anyone? My editors certainly want to see more. Some people have criticized me as being too "mainstream", if that's the word. It's not intentional. I'm not catering to any particular point of view. But I know that it was black gay men who put me on the map. I'll always be grateful.
I Say a Little Prayer (Amazon)
Previously:
"We Don't Feel Welcome There" (Rod 2.0) Say a Little Prayer: ELH Interview (Rod 2.0) E. Lynn Harris Says A Little Prayer (Keith Boykin) E. Lynn Harris: My Favorite Things (Keith Boykin) Gays and Black Church (Rod 2.0) Kirk Franklin on Gays (Rod 2.0) Black Church, Gay Parishoners (Rod 2.0) Rev Kev Interview (Rod 2.0) All in the Family (Rod 2.0) A "Gay Friendly" Voice (Rod 2.0)
