Pioneering gay writer E Lynn Harris dies at 54

London, July 27 (ANI): US writer E Lynn Harris, renowned for his primary works on black homosexuals, has died at the age of 54.

He had allegedly fallen ill on a business trip in Atlanta after which he could not convalesce.

Some of his works include 'A Love of My Own', 'Abide With Me' and his memoir 'What Becomes of the Brokenhearted'.

The author mainly focussed on the lives and the experiences of the gay African American men.

His first novel, which he wrote in 1991, dealt with his difficulty in coming to terms with his sexuality.

He is regarded as a pioneering voice among black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

"Harris painted with eloquent prose and revealing accuracy the lives of African American men and the many complicated struggles they faced reconciling their sexuality and spirituality while rising above societal taboos within the black community," the BBC quoted Herndon Davis, a gay advocate as saying.

His most recent novel 'Basketball Jones' published in January this year, while another book was supposed to hit stores in October.

Harris worked as a computer executive before he picked up the pen. (ANI)