Boston's Hispanic Black Gay Coalition Hosts Monthly Book Clubs

Boston, MA - Since March 2010, the Hispanic Black Gay Coalition (HBGC) has hosted monthly book clubs featuring books and other literary works by LGBT authors of color.� For the July edition of the organization's book club, HBGC will welcome Terrance Dean, entertainment industry insider and author of the Essence best-seller book, Hiding in Hip Hop.�
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Terrance Dean has been in the entertainment industry for over 15 years working with heavy hitters such as Spike Lee, Rob Reiner, Keenan Ivory Wayans, and Anjelica Houston.� His controversial book, Hiding in Hip Hop, explores the gay sub-culture of Hip-Hop and Hollywood and is filled with personal stories from his intimate encounters with celebrities. Dean's visit with HBGC also comes during the same month he will release his next highly anticipated novel, Mogul.

Though every book club has included the featured author as a part of the discussion either via Skype or in person, HBGC is particularly excited that Terrance Dean has decided to travel to Boston to hear others discuss his work.� "Hiding in Hip Hop is an iconic book because it entertains the obsession many of us have with 'down-low' celebrities while showcasing the journey of a black gay professional," said Corey Yarbrough, Executive Director and Co-Founder of HBGC.

The purpose of the HBGC book club is twofold: (1) to promote the work of LGBT authors of color, many of whom are not well known and/or self-published; and (2) provide a forum to discuss issues that are germane and, perhaps, unique to members of the LGBT community of color.�� Meetings are held at the home of Robert Harris, one of HBGC's board members. �Harris also serves as the facilitator of the group and brainstorms a number of discussion topics such as, among other things, relationships, love, race, sex, religion and family.

The gatherings often bring out a diverse crew.� "The very first meeting had 12 black gay men," said Quincey Roberts, Co-Founder of HBGC.� "Since that time, the group has grown to serve an average of 35 people every month."� Members range from ages 18 to 60 and, unlike many book clubs, includes as many, if not more, men than women.�

To date, the book club has read and discussed a number of books by locally and nationally recognized authors including, Beantown Cubans by Johnny Diaz, The Hairdresser of Harare by Tendai Huncu;� Does Your Mama Know by Lisa C. Moore; If Loving Two is Wrong by Kim Beverly; Virgins, Guerillas & Locas by Jaime Cortez and Ready to Male by Lamar Ariel.�

The July book club featuring Terrance Dean will be on Saturday, July 23, 2011 at 4:00pm. Meetings are open to the public, including non-HBGC members.� For more information, visit www.hbgc-boston.org .