
In his third novel, Gordon continues to explore the diversity of gay life in London, and specifically that of black gay men, a subject still largely ignored by mainstream authors. His previous works, Black Butterflies and the ground-breaking, acclaimed Skin Deep, are amongst the most important gay literary novels in recent times. Larry Duplechan (author of Blackbird) described the latter as "thought-provoking and funny; subtly erotic and in-you-face nasty by turns; often deeply touching and at times, surprisingly wise." Indeed.
Warriors & Outlaws (Gay Men's Press, ISBN 190285226-5) opens with Jazz, an aspiring politico and leader of the Panther Posse, shooting a cop and seeking refuge with black drag queen Carly, a neighbour he has (up until now) ignored. Their relationship is as far from the "boy-meets-boy in club/bar/sauna, and love blossums" formula as one can imagine. Racism and homophobia complicate their relationship: Jazz's followers must deal with the fact that the man they look up to - idolise, in fact - is "suddenly" gay, whilst Carly's white fag hag friend Molly is threatened by the politicisation Jazz inspires in Carly.
Gordon is adept at constructing a fast-paced, character-driven narrative that thrives on incident and debate. The shifting first person narrative makes for a deceptively easy read, and leaves the reader with a sense of having digested some complex issues - almost without realising it.
Novels dealing with black gay life are few and far between, and rarely as good as this. Miss Warriors & Outlaws at your peril.
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