The wait is over. An exciting new multimedia website has been launched to support For Colored Boys Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Still Not Enough, the much-anticipated new anthology edited by New York Times bestselling author and television commentator Keith Boykin. The new website includes a soundtrack and additional editorial content. The book is scheduled for a July release.
For Colored Boys collects writings of more than three dozen Black LGBT writers—read the full list and bios—media personalities, activists, scholars and other thought leaders. The book was launched in the wake of numerous "young Black men literally committing suicide in the silence of their own communities" such as Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover, Jaheem Herrera, Raymond Chase, Joseph Jefferson and others reported on Rod 2.0, says Boykin.
The publication of the book is timely. A new survey was released this week that found a shocking 43 percent of Black gay youth have considered or attempted suicide as a result of issues related to their sexual orientation. More than a quarter of Black gay youth say they have experienced anti-gay bullying. Almost one in ten have been sexually or physically abused.
"There are 44 pieces from 42 authors, including 37 African-Americans, 3 Latinos, 1 Asian-American, 1 Canadian and 1 British writer," Keith Boykin told R20. "The contributors' ages range from 23 to 63. We have at least 5 writers in their 20s."
Many of the names should be familiar to R20 readers. For Colored Boys includes contributions from myself, Darian Aaron, Jamal Brown, Topher Campbell, Wade Davis, Kenyon Farrow, L. Michael Gipson, James Earl Hardy, DeMarco Majors, David Malebranche, B. Scott, Rob Smith, Kevin E. Tayor, Craig Washington, Tim'm West, Nathan H. Williams and Emanuel Xavier. The anthology will include nine poems. In addition to Keith Boykin, the editors include young filmmaker Mark Corece and author/scholar Frank Leon Roberts.
"I'm really happy with the finished product," Boykin told R20. "It represents the hard work and dedication of a lot of people."
Stay tuned for more details on publication, the book tour and more. The Twitter hashtags are #ForColoredBoys and #ColoredBoys.
What a wonderful project. Can't wait to read it. Congratulations to you all.
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1310382033 | 26 May 2012 at 00:08
CANNOT WAIT!
Posted by: Barry | 26 May 2012 at 00:23
The book will be available on Amazon sometime in June and you can pre-order it now. I am definitely going to buy it. Our young black gay brothers need all the love and affection they can get.
Shame on those who are causing the loss of these innocent young men's lives.
Posted by: Jerry | 26 May 2012 at 06:04
This will be an epic event. I am loving it, so much talent, yassss!
Posted by: ATL Kid | 26 May 2012 at 08:45
This is shaping up to be as great as Patrick Johnson's Sweet Tea.
Posted by: Kevin | 26 May 2012 at 11:33
Sounds like a wonderful idea. Too bad Keith Boykin is involved with the project.
Posted by: Nuneuro | 26 May 2012 at 23:52
well Nuneuro if we waited for you to show how talented you are in this arena the book would never happen...
Posted by: Colin William | 27 May 2012 at 08:39
To Colin:
Really? Do you know me? Are you Mr. Boykin or one of his surrogates? Please due tell how you have such "amazing" insight into my background. I would love to hear, since your remark reeks of intelligence and logic. Maybe we can all learn something from you, aside from your obviously nasty and ill-informed personality. BTW, what books or articles have YOU written lately. Please share.
Posted by: Nuneuro | 27 May 2012 at 11:20
This will be an epic project. It sounds like it will be this generation's "Brother to Brother".
@Nuneuro: I've googled and checked Amazon and can't find any of YOUR writings. What books or articles have YOU written lately? Are you one of the CONTRIBUTORS to this anthology. Or any anthology or book? Please share ...
Posted by: Desmond | 27 May 2012 at 11:26
I'm going to the ignore the shady comments from haters. I'm very excited about this project and can't wait to read the book!
Posted by: Rico | 27 May 2012 at 12:00
Nuneuro: How did this become about you? The book is a wonderful project and it's a shame that you're trying to spoil it. Desmond raised the exact same question you asked someone else. -RM
Posted by: Nuneuro | 27 May 2012 at 13:14
Thank you Keith Boykin! And thanks to all the writers for being involved and contributing. And a special s/o to Rod for talking this project up and encouraging so many others to participate. I'm not sure why you kept about your contribution until now, but thank you!
Posted by: Byron in PGC | 27 May 2012 at 15:59
Cannot wait to own and read this. It sounds like it will be amazing. So much talent packed in one book. I've already pre-oreder my copy. And let me co-sign the brotha above who said "Colored Boys" has the potential to be this generation's "In the Life" or "Brother to Brother"!
Posted by: Former COGIC | 29 May 2012 at 06:49
kudos!
http://aliciabanks.xanga.com/732763256/honesty--honors/
Posted by: alicia banks | 03 June 2012 at 12:08