Other Countries, Black Gay Expression is one of the many New York City community organizations that formed in response to the AIDS epidemic. The group's name honors James Baldwin, America's first well-known Black homosexual and best-selling author of several books including the novel, Another Country. The group held its first writers workshop on June 14, 1986 and quickly developed a three-pronged program of peer critique, performance and publishing. In its 25 years, Other Countries has published three volumes of work by Black gay men and women. The most recent VOICES RISING came out in January 2007. The workshop continues each 2nd and 4th Saturday at NYC's LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th Street from 6 to 9 p.m. Many past and current members have gone on to publish work that "went through" the workshop. Several developed their craft in the workshop and went on to work in publishing, television and academia. Though many of its founding members have died of AIDS, their affinity group continues to nurture and foster creativity and appreciation of the life we have, here and now.
15 сен 2024
