Another July, another release from bestselling author, E. Lynn Harris. His new novel, I Say A Little Prayer, tells the story of a one-time boy band member who must choose between the conservatism of his African-American church and the freedom that comes from living as an openly gay man.

African-American writer Harris, who is openly gay himself, continues to give both the African-American and gay communities vibrant stories filled with duality, mistrust, and choice. Currently on a nationwide book tour, the award-winning Harris took some time out of his busy promotion schedule to talk with AfterElton.com about being gay and black in today's day and age.

AfterElton.com: What was the inspiration for I Say A Little Prayer?
E. Lynn Harris: Just what I saw happening in the black church. The homophobia. The black gay and lesbian people not having a place to go and get their spiritual needs fulfilled.

AE: What has the response been in the African American and gay communities?
ELH: My base core audience are African American women. They love the book. Gay men say it's good too.

AE: What about the church? Have you heard from them?
ELH: No…

AE: What are you saying about African-American churches? That they need to change?
ELH: No, it's not time for them to change. But they should look a little closer at what's happening and who they are.

AE: Is there a conflict between the white gay community and African American community? Is it better to be a gay black man or black gay man?
ELH: I define myself as both. One of reasons why there is so much conflict between the gay and black communities is that black people are judged all the time on appearance. People aren't known as gay unless they announce it. People can't make judgment on them unless they say they're gay. But they can make judgments based on the color of their skin. Blacks say there's nothing they can change. Gay people can lie. They can go into the store and just be a “white” guy. They can change who they are.

AE: Do you face prejudice?
ELH: I don't. I'm just lucky. I very rarely run into racism or prejudice as a gay man. Maybe it's the circles I run in. I have learned that success and money does equate with power. I never understood that. But the places I stay and the life I live, people think twice before doing anything underhanded to me. As a gay man, I let it known I'm not up to be punked.

AE: How do you deal with reviews? Did you read the not very kind NY Times review of I Say A Little Prayer?
ELH: I don't read them at all. I did until I read a bad review on my second book in the LA Times. And then I found out the writer was a black guy.

AE: And that made you feel different?
ELH: Worse. I was very disappointed. I didn't know he was black. It was a long time ago. I don't want to go back into that. Now, the only time I see a review is if they pick it up for the book jacket or something.

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