letters to the editor.

DEAR EDITOR,

I was very disappointed with the depth and research involved in "Loving Her" (BIBR, May-June 2000). There were several points that should have been explored which would have made this article a more beneficial and helpful one. In addition, there were several authors who were not mentioned or contacted. Interviews with these and other authors would have provided more depth to the article. Naiad and other lesbian oriented publishers, particularly those publishing African American lesbian writers, such as Lisa C. Moore's Redbone Press, should have been contacted regarding other African American lesbian writers who might have been or presently are linked to them.

What are the cultural restrictions that influence lesbian writers? How many feel restricted by the prevailing attitude regarding female homosexuality in the African American community? How many are simply afraid to come out? What are African American publishers doing to encourage lesbian and gay writers? This article deserves a follow up, and I hope that it is an idea that you are considering.

--Patricia Scott Norfolk, Virginia 

Editors Note: We have gotten more response, positive and negative, to this article than any other we have ever published. Please note that BIBR recognizes this important aspect of black publishing, and we certainly intend to continue our coverage of it in the future.

I am writing in reference to the article "Loving Her," whose title was obviously taken from my novel of the same name. My book, Loving Her was published by a mainstream publisher, Bobbs-Merrill, 1974. It was reprinted by Avon Books, 1978; Frauenoffensive Verlag GMbh (German edition), 1982, Naiad Press, 1987; and Northeastern University Press, 1997. It has been acclaimed to be the first black novel with a black lesbian protagonist.

My second novel, Say Jesus and Come to Me (Avon Books, 1982; and Naiad Press, 1987) which was also listed, is out of print, but I was pleased to see it mentioned in your publication. I do not label myself as a "lesbian writer." I am an author who writes on lesbian themes, as well as many others.

--Ann Allen Shockley Nashville, Tennessee 

Editor's Note: The reference to Shockley's novel in the title of Toni Lester's piece on black lesbian literature was entirely intended as a tribute to her work and pioneering. We are happpy to share with BIBR readers the updated information Shockley has provided on the availabibity of her novels.

I'm so proud! Black Issues is great. It's radiant, beautifully laid out and chock full of things I want to read. I'm thoroughly enjoying it and can't wait for my next copy.

--Dorothy Randall Gray Los Angeles, California

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* Letters may be edited for length and clarity.