Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance (Richard Nugent) + Fire!! (magazine)

OUR VENUE FOR JANUARY WILL BE AT KEVIN'S HOME NEAR DOWNTOWN BERKELEY, A FEW BLOCKS FROM BART.

Upcoming books and meetings:
Sunday, Jan 11, 2026: Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance + Fire!! (various authors)
Sunday, Feb 8, 2026: Pale Fire by Vladimir Nabokov
Sunday, Mar 8, 2026: The Einstein of Sex by Daniel Brook
Sunday, Apr 12, 2026: Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst
Sunday, May 10, 2026: The American by Henry James
Sunday, Jun 14, 2026: TBD

Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance: Selections from the Work of Richard Bruce Nugent by Thomas H. Wirth (Editor)

Nugent (1906–1987) was a writer, painter, illustrator, and bohemian personality who lived at the center of the Harlem Renaissance. He stood for many years as the only African-American writer willing to clearly pronounce his homosexuality in print. His contribution to the landmark publication FIRE!! was unprecedented in its celebration of same-sex desire. This book has assembled a selection of Nugent’s most important writings, paintings, and drawings—works mostly unpublished or scattered in rare and obscure publications.

+ (to be read along with)

Fire!! A Quarterly Devoted to the Younger Negro Artists by Wallace Thurman (Editor)

Discover the explosive literary magazine that shook up the African-American community during the Harlem Renaissance. Fire!! was founded in 1926 by a talented group of exceptional Black writers and artists, including Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Countee Cullen. In their first and only issue, they tackled controversial topics like homosexuality, interracial relationships, and prostitution, sparking conversations that are still relevant today.

This is a casual gathering of gay men held on the second Sunday of the month. We have fun and stimulating discussions about quality gay literature while sharing a potluck meal.

Books are selected by participants several months in advance, and the only requirements for attending are to RSVP, to bring food and/or a beverage to share, and to have read a substantial part (at least half) of the book being discussed.

If you're coming, please add a "comment" on this page saying what you'll be bringing for the potluck, so we're less likely to end up with only one type of food. Store-bought food is fine!

Gather at 2:00 for potluck; discussion begins at 3:00 and ends by 4:30.
Event is at a private residence a few blocks from downtown Berkeley BART, and space is limited, so be sure to sign up soon!