E. Lynn Harris was an American novelist and playwright who was known for his works that explored the complexities of African American and LGBTQ relationships. Born in Flint, Michigan, in 1955, Harris grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, and later attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He worked as a computer sales representative for IBM before turning to writing full-time in 1991. Harris’ debut novel, “Invisible Life,” was published in 1991 and received critical acclaim for its frank and unflinching portrayal of the lives of black gay men. This novel, as well as several others that followed, including “Just As I Am,” “And This Too Shall Pass,” and “A Love of My Own,” gained Harris a large following and established him as one of the most important voices in African American literature. Harris died in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of stories that offered a window into the experiences of African Americans, particularly gay and bisexual men.