New Jersey-based author Taylor Siluwé died Sunday afternoon at home after losing his battle to lung cancer, friends tell Rod 2.0. Siluwé was only 43-years-old.
Siluwé was the author of several novels of erotica, such as Dancing With The Devil, A Taste for Cherries and Cheesy Porn and Other Fairytales. Siluwé also wrote short stories, essays and blogged about LGBT news, activism and gay life at SGLCafe.com.
Siluwé was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer in May, first reported by author Nathan James at GBM News. Siluwé had been in and out of hospital in recent weeks. "Taylor lost 29 pounds because the chemoherapy and [cancer] was so" aggressive, James tells R20.
The author began photo-blogging and essaying about his battle with cancer and the effects of radiation treatment. Siluwé also began taking up gardening as therapy.
"It's against doctors orders. I'm too fragile," Siluwé wrote only last Saturday. "I could have a heart attack or a stroke. I can't even take a walk without escort. [But] my organic garden is a symbol of my recovery back to wellness and healthy living for the rest of my life."
Siluwé was optimistic about his prognosis only weeks ago, says the Rev. Kevin E. Taylor, the New Brunswick-based pastor, gay activist, author and producer. "Taylor and I [were on] a panel in Newark earlier this year dealing with depression among Black gay men and he spoke from his heart. We hugged and loved on each other. Taylor was a gifted, searingly honest, sincere writer who wasn't afraid of his own voice."
Taylor Siluwé was also a friend to R20. Siluwé often emailed supportive suggestions and was known for his humor.
"Taylor was one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever known," adds Nathan James. "He was gifted, caring, gentle, and bright. His writing will be his legacy."
Very nice piece Rod as usual. We are still in shock. We just found out yesterday that Taylor would have to withdraw from the literary forum on the UHCC Cruise next October. He was so excited about spending time with his partner and the other writers during the cruise. Even after his diagnosis Taylor was determined to participate. His strength, talent and giving soul will be missed.
Although he is gone he will not be forgotten and we still intend on reading passages from his novels in the forum.
Posted by: Laurence | 19 June 2011 at 21:23
My heart is heavy at the news of this loss. Taylor was an important and fresh voice who had so much talent and promise. We have lost him far too soon.
Posted by: Stephen Maglott | 19 June 2011 at 21:27
I think I remember he sometimes posted comments on this site. Thank you for the news Rod.
God bless Taylor.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 19 June 2011 at 21:39
I am deeply sadden by the news. Taylor had become a mentor to me and a friend. My prayers go out to friends and family members dealing with the loss.
Posted by: whozhe | 19 June 2011 at 21:40
Taylor was such a loving person with a big hear!. It was just earlier this week he was joking with me about requesting medical marijuana.
He was a ray of light that touched so many people through his activism, his writing and his friendship.
Taylor, you will be missed!
Posted by: Phillip Bleicher | 19 June 2011 at 22:14
I've deleted and rewritten this so many times through tears and I can't say it right.
No words can begin to describe what a big, big man Taylor was. He was amazing, razor sharp and brilliant. He was my friend.
Please everyone buy his books, and read his blog. He really was very special.
Posted by: Liberator Émigré Éire | 19 June 2011 at 22:20
In addition to having the privilege of being his friend, Taylor also directed one of my music videos and I was co-directing with him on his adaptation of his book, "Dancing With The Devil". I am numb but I will cherish the time that I spent with him. His official page is SGLCafe.Com
Posted by: Lovari | 19 June 2011 at 23:04
Taylor taught me so much with his sharp observations on life. I'll miss his sense of humor. A generous man of character and integrity.
Posted by: Gregp | 19 June 2011 at 23:46
Very sad.
Another example of why we should not take each other for granted.
Posted by: Jim | 20 June 2011 at 02:10
I am so devastated about Taylor's death. I did not know him personally, but we did write each other occasionally. He was a beautiful man and a treasure for us gay men. His death diminishes humanity.
Posted by: Jerry | 20 June 2011 at 06:19
When we receive those stray thoughts that say "Hey, it's time to touch base with _____." It's usually wise to do so! It may be the last time!
He was a blogger-friend and supporter to me! I will miss his spot-on observations and acerbic wit.
God rest his soul!
Posted by: Corey | 20 June 2011 at 07:21
Nothing is promised and this is just another huge example of a life cut short too soon. Too many Taylor stories I could tell you but he was that human being who was always there, always lighting the way and telling the truth. Be sure you tell your family and friends you love them, you care about them and you'll be there. Don't be so busy to take the time to make it count.
Taylor I miss you, I love you.
Posted by: Troy | 20 June 2011 at 07:30
I loved every word he said on this blog and other blogs (including his own). He's one of folks that you meet on the Internet that you actually hope to meet in person one day. I'm sorry that I never got to shake his hand.
I also will miss him.
Please enjoy the next life, Taylor.
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 20 June 2011 at 08:00
What a terrible, unfair, cruel loss. He was a good friend and I shall miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family, his friends and the community whose lives he touched in many, many ways.
Posted by: Victor | 20 June 2011 at 09:17
Rest In Peace, Taylor. Never to be forgotten.
Posted by: kirk | 20 June 2011 at 09:39
RIP, can't believe I am saying this.
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | 20 June 2011 at 10:39
How sad this is. Taylor was one of those people on the web that I followed and admired for his humor and insight. We were supporters of each others work and I was looking forward to his upcoming film project. Taylor leaves a legacy of fierceness, creativity, and a celebration of sexuality and male beauty that will live on.
Peace in the next journey.
Lavenderpop
Posted by: Otis | 20 June 2011 at 11:29
I remember seeing his face in the comments for years. I didn't know him personally but RIP.
Posted by: Osiris | 20 June 2011 at 11:44
yeah truly sad to lose another 'friend' so young. I have never met him personally but Ive read his comments and writings for a long time and I gathered from them that he was very special to our community. Will be missed!
Posted by: nathans | 20 June 2011 at 14:54
I am still numb. Over the past few months Taylor and me spoke a lot over IM. Just small talk about life, blogging, writing, and etc. He was good people. I miss him.
Posted by: Toddy English | 20 June 2011 at 22:20
Life is so unfair, and short!
Posted by: ThatRealTea | 21 June 2011 at 05:51
RIP, Taylor...this is sad news.
Posted by: Chitown Kev | 23 June 2011 at 14:02
I'm so sadden by this news, what a beautiful person, I'm so glad to have known him for the years I have. when I met him, I had lost my aunt back in 2004 she was like a 2nd mother to me. he welcome me into his home so I could get away and have a clear place to think. Taylor I think you so much for being my friend. love you alway R.I.P my friend
Posted by: Herman | 27 June 2011 at 02:25
Peace Rod and All:
"Gone too soon..."
So young, so bright, so alive...
still, even now, echoing Eternal Truth...in his lines he lives on.
Every time I saw his name, I'd stop to read and to listen to the incisive, very real, deeply heartfelt observations and raw and poignant perspectives offered by Taylor Siluwe.
May his Spirit be carried forth as an inspirational conscience for all who read his work and feel his passion for being gay, Human and yes, "Young, Gifted and Black."
Our prayers and thoughts are extended to all his loved ones.
Thank you, Rod...[a]blessing[s] to all!
Pastor Michael-Vincent Crea
One World Life System
Posted by: Pastor Michael-Vincent Crea | 29 June 2011 at 17:17