Introducing Gentleman Jigger
By Keith Boykin, in books
Monday, December 17 2007, 11:57AM
With all the evidence of homosexuality and same-sex relationship in the Harlem Renaissance, I've always wondered why so few books were written about the subject at the time. Surely, homophobia played a role in these decisions, but it always seemed odd that many of the defining literary and cultural figures of the time were so visible and open about their sexuality in some ways, but so guarded in other ways.
Now there's a "new" book coming out that helps fill in the gaps. It's the first new work to come out of the Harlem Renaissance in quite some time. Written between 1928 and 1933, Richard Bruce Nugent's novel Gentleman Jigger tells the story of Stuartt, an openly gay Bohemian heir to one of Washington D.C.’s elite black families. Stuartt joins the young intellectual crowd in Harlem dubbed the "niggeratti" and later moves to New York's Greenwich Village and becomes sexually involved with a "young hoodlum."
These days we might call the "hoodlum" by a different name: "trade."
Richard Bruce Nugent was one of the leading lights of the Harlem Renaissance, collaborating with Zora Neale Hurston, Langston Hughes, Wallace Thurman and others to create the 'little magazine' called FIRE!! in 1926. He spent most of his life in New York City before moving to Hoboken, New Jersey in 1979, where he lived until his death in 1987."
This new novel was never published for two reasons, explains editor Tom Wirth. First, Nugent "was not willing to cut it back and eliminate the considerable amount of reference to homosexuality that was in it," Wirth explains. "It talks about gay relationship openly," he said. Second, the subject matter of the book overlaps with Wallace Thurman's Infants of the Spring, which was published in 1932. "Thurman beat him to the punch," Wirth said.
So how was it discovered?
In an interview this morning, Wirth told me it was tucked away in Nugent's papers. "I'm his heir and it's one that I knew about when he was alive...but it was scattered...the manuscript was all over the place, mixed up with all the other manuscripts, so I had to reconstruct it." Wirth said it took almost 10 years to reconstruct Nugent's original story. "It was a pretty substantial editing job," he said.
Now, almost 80 years after it was written, the book is scheduled to be published by Da Capo Press on January 7, 2008. Did Nugent know this work would one day be published? Wirth replied: "He knew I was going to take care of his manuscripts and papers and paintings and art, and so forth...I'm a collector and I keep things in as much of an archival manner as I can...He knew care would be taken. He was certainly interested in publication but he was also not at all amused by marketing himself, the whole networking thing, which was also one of the reasons why he was not more commercially successful."
Wirth said Nugent "had some hopes" the manuscript would be published "but he was also prepared to face the fact that it might not be."
So how would Nugent react to learn that his words were getting new life some 80 years after he penned them? "I'm sure he would be very pleased," said Wirth.
Comments conceal
mike
December 17 2007, 12:04PM
Thanks Keith! I am excited! This should be a perfect read on a cold winter day!
Derrick from Philly
December 17 2007, 12:22PM
I watch Rodney Evans' "Brother to Brother" about every two or three weeks. The film is a tribute to Bruce Nugent, and the 1970s actor, Roger Robinson, should have recieved an Oscar nom for his performance(I hope he doesn't get mad that I called him a 70s actor).
Nugent & Thurman helped to invent the concept of "gay" back in the 1920s, along with all the less intellectual black entertainers, night life folks, drag queens. The concept of "gay" does not belong to one race alone. I've been saying that for 4 years on this blog. Thanks for that opportunity, Keith.
Oh, why didn't I mention Langston Hughes as being a pioneer of "gay" as well? 'cause he wasn't to keen on being part of that "lifestyle". Maybe Hughes was more of what we call on the "down low." Pity...but then again, who wants to be treated like a second-class citizen within the black commnunity (had to start some shit with only two weeks to go, didn't I?)
ramsueno
December 17 2007, 12:40PM
Is that an Aaron Douglass cover as well??
Anonymous
December 17 2007, 1:18PM
Like Bill T. Jones who said that sex or romance with a black man like himself was tantamount to incest (see Jones' interview with Skip Gates reprinted in Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Black Man), Nugent often tartly repudiated other black men.
I remember talking to the wonderful Joe Beam in the 80s (editor of that great black gay anthology called In The Life) about Nugent's very vocal sexual hatred of black men even though he himself was black. (In The Life includes a profile of Nugent that reveals some of his feelings about cross-racial desire.) I said to Joe (who worked as a bookseller at Giovanni's Room in Philly and as a journalist at the now defunct Au Courant): "Joe, that's his business!"
But Joe felt felt that sexual racism was as bad in any form. Joe showed me mimeographed copies of Nugent's erotic drawings only depicting white men having sex.
Today, old me often thinks:
Billy
December 17 2007, 1:24PM
Can't wait to check it out-heard about Nugent while watching Brother to Brother.
Antwan
December 17 2007, 1:38PM
Sounds like a book I'll put on my list to get.
And, wow, anonymous, that was a bit of an eye opener as well, and, sadly, there are still a whole lot of folks who feel the same way in 2007.
Derrick from Philly
December 17 2007, 1:56PM
Anonymous:
What you say is true. Funny, I knew that both Nugent and Jones preferred white men, but I didn't know they were so vehement in their feelings. One could also wonder about the preferences of James Baldwin and Bayard Rustin. What makes some black gay men prefer non-black lovers? Some say it's the early experiences they had with black men. The recurring complaint I always hear is that black gay men want "macho" or "dl type" lovers. Or that homosexual relationships within the black community are too difficult to sustain. I don't know. I don't question interracial couples anymore. Could I have a relationship with a white man? It's too late, but I'm not interested in anybody now...'cept Reggie Bush. He aint white, he's just beautiful! I used to like Brad Pitt though, but his face is saggin'--must drink as liquor as I do, but I aint saggin'... not yet.
Liquid Fonts
December 17 2007, 2:27PM
Nugent played a vital role in The Harlem Renaissance. At a time when blacks were being told we had no intellectual or social value to contribute anything important, His enthusiasm for and presence in the Harlem Renaissance PROVED the white publishing industry were in fact racist because here was Nugent,a kid who was well educated, raised to be white, even prejudiced against darker skinned blacks casting all his café au lait clout aside and rebelliously joining a group of avant-garde black artists because he knew the work they were doing was brilliant. I imagine his continued sexual exploits with white men was necessary for him perhaps because it helped him cope with his decision to move in a direction askew of his upbringing. Plus, Nugent probably needed to stay a lil bit rebellious even in his on circle…to keep those artistic flames ablaze.
Liquid Fonts
December 17 2007, 3:00PM
Also, we can't take for granted that other black gay men at the time were mesmerized by Nugent's "flamboyance" since he was explicitly GAY where many of them were forced by social conditions to keep it on the low. this probably antagonized them a bit.
Other factors like lighter skin and speech patterns may have further driven that wedge between him and other black gays who percieved him as too stuck up to be bothered with.
So it may not be that he rejected beautiful black men, but that they rejected him socially as well which may also explain why he sexed white guys so much and didn't care who knew it.
Doug Cooper-Spencer
December 17 2007, 3:10PM
This is great news, Keith. I'm a black history buff, so this makes my day. Since reading 'When Harlem Was in Vogue', by David Levering Lewis,which does a superb job of covering the 'gayness' of the Harlem Renaissance, I've been enamoured with that period. And as far as Nugent's not being romantically into black men, I had heard that as well. He wasn't alone though. There were a lot of those of that period who shared his views. It seemed as though 'negroness' was more an intellectual endeavor than something to be embraced intimatetly. It was part of the message that the followers of Marcus Garvey et. al. eventually used as their source of rebellion against the Harlem Renaissance 'elite'. Still it is all a valuable piece of history that we should hold onto as a black gay community. Sigh... I'm going to miss the posts you give us when you close down, Keith.
Slimm from Atlanta
December 17 2007, 3:41PM
I agree with you liguid that he may not have regected him but they as black men regected him because of him being so open and flamboyant. Which is not too diffrent than today why so many black men tend to be more inclined to date outside of there race...
Kuttinedge
December 17 2007, 3:47PM
This is exciting news. I just added this book to the Kuttinedgeonline.com Collection of books for sale.
I am so glad that you are giving it exposure as well.
Pre-Order Today $16.99
Gentleman Jigger
Mark Norris
December 17 2007, 4:25PM
Man, how cool that would be to have Mr. Nugent, Langston, and Bayard Rustin around today. I am just in awe of their work.
Karmatic
December 17 2007, 4:40PM
Wow - "it took ten years to put the book back together?"
That's truly incredible! This will (hopefully) provide a much needed glimpse into the secret world of homosexual life during that era...Great article Keith.
elg
December 17 2007, 5:40PM
Derrick from Philly: You asked if you could have a relationship with a white man and then dismissed the idea because it's "too late". Here's a true story. A black gay man I know who had done everything a gay man could do and still be alive established a solid relationship when he was in his early to mid-fifties with a white gay man. The black guy is now in his sixties and his partner is now in his early fifties. They will probably spend the rest of their lives together. This story is inspiring to me because the common wisdom has been that if a gay man doesn't find his life partner during his twenties or thirties he's out of luck. This story shows that's no longer true, if it ever was.
I am looking forward to reading Bruce Nugent's novel. Keith, you will be missed (as well as some of the commenters).
jbyrd130
December 17 2007, 5:43PM
"Snow Queen" or not, I'm excited that Mr. Nugent's work is getting out there. I'll definitely be picking this up.
MLee
December 17 2007, 6:20PM
Derrick from Philly, "Brother to Brother" opened my eyes up to the gayness of the Harlem Renaissance. Like you, I watch this movie repeatedly.
Here is some advice. If you ever change your mind and consider having a relationship with a white man, remember Black men age more gracefully.
I will miss you and Cmoney. It is amazing how different we are, but still share many of the same views.
Anonymous
December 17 2007, 6:55PM
I remember what it was like in gay worlds when whiteness dominated; when even for a white-run gay theatre to showcase a black gay film for one second that was not a mandingo fetish trip was unthinkable! Still today, you have only to visit any space--online or otherwise--that claims to be "gay" (other than minority gay spaces) to see how erotically suspect blacks and Asians are.
Luther
December 17 2007, 7:09PM
I'll probably read the book as I'm a fan of that era, however, it does not bother me about the white guy aspect of his life but, its sad that he felt the need to do exactly what the white gays and society as a whole were saying about him, he lived in an era that is not too unlike this one, where "white" in the gay life is still considered best, and, many fall into that trap.
As for love with a white gay man, good luck, most will not even look at a black man, we are fourth on the list to even be noticed by most of them and most of them say not "into" blacks in personal ads in this day and age, LOL!
This board will be missed, tidbits about a book like this coming out don't show up often on gay black sites.
J. Gregory
December 17 2007, 8:12PM
Sounds like Etta James: "At Last", to me! Nevertheless, we will see!! (Snap, Crackle, Pop!) Surely, better days ahead. (Smile)
Anonymous
December 17 2007, 8:22PM
Derrick:
I respect your views. May I gently offer a different view about James Baldwin and Bayard Rustin and why they cannot be defined as sexual racists like Nugent?
Baldwin's European lovers were well-known in his lifetime. Yet he never rejected the beauty of black men in his interviews and writing. Moreover, his final novel, Just Above My Head, went out of its way to gorgeously depict black men loving other black men within the context of the black church (the novel remains ahead of its time).
Rustin and Baldwin also share the same level of visionary, tireless civil rights advocacy and Nugent, in that regard, was not in the same league. The documentary Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin contains interviews with Rustin's much younger last lover, a lovely man who happened to be white who carries on his legacy.
My point is not to demonize black men who find love with whites. Rather, I condemn sexual racism in general & gay white media dominance.
We need as much love as possible.
cmoney
December 17 2007, 8:44PM
This is an amazing story and I have to profess my ignorance since I have never heard of this man before. It's good to know that so many contributors to this site have so much knowledge (Hint, hint Keith. Don't you shut this thing down!). I will have to check out this book. As for his love of White boys, I think he was just born in the wrong era. I would have turned his yella ass out! If only I had a time machine...
MidwestGuy
December 17 2007, 9:15PM
This is an interesting topic. I'm fascinated by the Harlem Rennaisance era and finished reading "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade" last year or so.
Nowadays, who would think that some of the most brilliant, african-american poetic/prose minds to date, lived in a placed they dubbed Niggerati Manor.
Moreso, those during this period (McKay, Cullen, Thurmon, Hughes) were as hesitant as many of us are now against coming out. On one hand you would think that we have advanced so much as a nation to not have to deal with this. On another, many of the same repudiations exist.
Many of those who are out criticize those who are in.
It's very reminiscent of the fight for black justice.
Those who are active (out) feel as if they are doing the work alone.
DPhil, I would have to break your back for fucking with Reggie Bush lol
That's my dude!
Kevin McGruder
December 17 2007, 10:56PM
The cover of Gentleman Jigger is artwork by Nugent. For those who can't wait until the January publication date, you may want to pick up Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance: Selections from the Work of Richard Bruce Nugent by Richard Bruce Nugent (2002). This includes writing and artwork by Nugent. Tom Wirth also edited this book. A replica edition of the 1926 magazine FIRE!! which included Nugent's bisexual-themed story "Smoke, Lilies and Jade" is available by e-mailing fire.press@verizon.net.
Mel Smith
December 17 2007, 11:44PM
This is great news. Now I will upgrade my holiday wish list.
loi wade
December 18 2007, 12:40AM
Keith, this book is a long time coming. It is going to shake up a lot of people! There are a few people I am going to personally buy a copy for. WOW, this is UNBELIEVABLE. I have always been fascinated with that era. I am speechless(as hard as that is to believe!lol). I wonder what the people who tried to prevent the film 'looking for Langston' are going to have to say. After all these were more than just his peers.WOW.
Liquid Fonts
December 18 2007, 3:24AM
Anonymous,Nugent strikes me as walking conceptual art, using self as a medium which probably confused his “audience”, challenging them to think about what they were experiencing much more than if they attended a movie or play. I think you entered the conversation with so much inertia from a sexual racist angle that you mistook other comments as praising or worship of Nugent. It’s not my point to determine if Nugent was ultimately “good” or “bad” for living the way he did. He was an artist. And I agree It wasn’t meant for the black gay man to run around wearing his “designs” (though many of them did )… Nugent’s artistic contributions however controversial, opened the door to further awareness and analysis of Black Gay Identity. Before Nugent, who best would exemplify the concept of the Black Gay Sexual Racist?
Liquid Fonts
December 18 2007, 4:25AM
To put it another way, Nugent brilliantly pulled what some consider "sexual racism" from the social atmosphere of his era, employed it artistically and derived or proved with mathematical precision,the existence of the oppressed Black Gay Identity aside from white cultural influences. These are the people most offended by Nugent's desire for white men.
Anonymous
December 18 2007, 9:46AM
Liguid Fonts: Respectfully put: it seems that you are apologizing for Nugent. Your post above mine ("To put it another way...") is what I mean by hagiography.
There were many, many gay and bisexual artists of many kinds during the much trumped up Harlem Renaissance. His prose is not so sophisticated (next to his contemporaries, especially) that we should ignore the hurtful, damning things that this man said in his lifetime. I speak out against erotic exclusion.
Liquid Fonts
December 18 2007, 10:29AM
LOL Anonymous, let it go bruh, the man is dead. No apologies were given and none were needed.
What if we went around shredding up the works of all people we felt said or wrote "hurtful" things?
As if being black and gay made us so pathetically weak that we couldn't tolerate diversity of thought. Sound like you trynna make a wus out of Black lgbts to me.
Also I find it dangerous for you to suggest in your protest of Nugent, that black gay men need permission of other people (in your case black men) to feel positive about their individual bodies and sexuality.
Derrick from Philly
December 18 2007, 11:09AM
Anonymous & Liquid: You both add so much to this discussion in knowledge & ideas. Funny, y'all may never agree on Nugent, but y'all seem pretty much in agreeement on the issue of "sexual racism". I admired Nugent for being "in the life" so early. I've always been interested in the origins of the gay subculture--which many homosexuals wouldn't come near until the 1970s (well, not in the day-time).
elg: I comment on Towleroad often. Most of those white guys are NOT blatant racists. Some of them are fair-minded. But in "real life", I've never had much interracial social contact, and that's what I meant by "it's too late". To my generation, to be with a white man WAS a no no. But now, I admire those who broke that rule because they found love and respect in vanilla flavor.
MLee: I'm going to miss all of y'all, even "j"...in a way.
Midwest: Reggie's too short for you. Plus he's a top only...I hope...gotta' be.
yeahisaidit
December 18 2007, 11:20AM
...just wanted to say, good disscusion you two (anon and liquid fonts) about a topic that crosses many a mind...an even though liquid fonts speaks closer to my mind on things, i appreciate hearing both opinions, causing me to revisit how i feel on the subject in the first place...anyway, i just finished reading, "The Ways Of White Folks", by lanston hughes, short stories that i just couldn't put down, breezed through, and hated when it was finished...it's great to find this aspect of history and get some points of reference...it's like finding food when famished...i found many titles mentioned here that i will now pick up and read, especially that james baldwin...i so loved his book, "giovanni's room...", among others...
Luther
December 18 2007, 12:41PM
Derrick, I just love your posts witty and catty at the same time, and, read them on Towleroad as well as here, but, I don't post there ever, but, read it from time to time. But, sorry to disagree with you, only about 25% of the posters there don't come off as blatant racists on any issue with blacks, and black men in particular, gay or straight. I know some white gay men who are more fair minded than I am on race issues, but, they are a drop in the bucket. And, I think that its due to the daily vilification of black men by all media in this country, which, is why we need more Keith Boykin's on CNN and Faux news to show that we are not all hood rats or undesirable as gay men.
The sad thing, is that almost 100 years after Nugent, its still such a major issue, and, I guess as long as the USA exists, race will be a factor.
And, James Baldwin, made me realize gay was normal, his books are true treasures.
MidwestGuy
December 18 2007, 1:18PM
Dphil, he's not too short. He's only 5'11 or 6'0. I can deal with that. Anything under 5'8 would be a problem though.
He's a top? You think so? Is there a such thing? :)
Being a top only means that you ain't been fucked--yet.
What's in a name? lol
Tom Wirth
December 18 2007, 2:34PM
In connection with the remarks of Anonymous, I would like to state that at no time in the nearly six years that I knew Nugent at the end of his life did he ever express anything remotely resembling “a very vocal sexual hatred of black men.”
Nugent discussed his sexual preferences in a 1983 interview, “You See, I Am a Homosexual” which appears in Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance. He said that when he had made it clear “to certain Negroes in Washington, D.C.” that he found them sexually attractive, they had rejected him. So eventually he stopped making himself available to them. Nugent goes on to extol the virtues of Latin men—Hispanic men and most especially Italian men. His comments focus on emotional responsiveness, not physical characteristics. He liked Italians because they liked him.
Nugent had Italian, Hispanic, “Nordic” and Native American lovers.
Nugent’s art can be viewed on www.brucenugent.com
Donte
December 18 2007, 3:06PM
In the last six years of his life, no one probably wanted him white or black, but, that's neither here nor there, its too bad that he was caught up with the self hate that this society gave and still gives people of color, by demeaning the darker skinned ones and making the fair ones the epitome of beauty. The issues that he faced as a "light" skinned black in the black community is nothing new to those who still face the same issues, and, yet, most don't go off as it has been implied that he did, and, only he knows why he preferred Hispanic and Italian men, and, that was his choice, and, I see nothing wrong with it, just that, neither group could ever do for me what a black man can.
Its all a shame, that this is overshadowing his work, but, when one lives ones life a certain way, in the end, its all open to debate, and, so far, this his been a good one, and, I just might read the book if it comes to my local library.
Derrick from Philly
December 18 2007, 3:24PM
Hey, Luther, I've also enjoyed your comments here and on Rod McCullum's. Even when you've been angry you always seem a little calmer than the rest of us, and never nasty--you don't endulge in personal attack and name-calling. We're too old for that, aint we?
Thanks, Tim Wirth, for bringing a personal insight to this discussion. When you see Nugent in the documentary "Before Stonewall" he does NOT come across as a black man who hates black men. In that film, his input about black gay life in 1920s Harlem was priceless.
Towleroad? A lot of news stories, very "gay" oriented. I like it. Yes, it can nasty when we discuss racial issues. I still say, a minority there are serious racists.
And what is white gay racism? Pathetic, silly--maybe powerless.
Why do black women and black gay men have to explain interracial activity witb white men, but hetero black men do not have to explain when they're with white women?
Donte
December 18 2007, 4:13PM
Derrick, ask any black woman about black dudes with women, you'll get a good 'splaining from them! As for me, and, black men with whites, men or women, personal tastes, just not mine, but, why is it that they seldom if ever get the good looking ones? That's my only question! Like say a Cindy Crawford, or, a Brad Pitt type?? They always seem to settle for someone socially, educationally or class lower than they are.
I'll stay with the Stephanie Mills song, " I need, I need, I need, the comfort of a (black) man!" Becuz, they make me "Feel good all over!"
yeahisaidit
December 18 2007, 5:57PM
...i'm sitting here now with a copy of James Baldwin's "Just Above My Head", and am just about to dig in...thanks so much to posters above for mentioning it, the TV has been switched off...! Oh, and let me go on record and say their are some of us (Black) men who have no problem relating intimately with someone reguardless of skin color, light, dark, black, white or other...the only requirements being a meeting of the mind, heart and/or soul, and no self-hate or having to settle for less is even required, just so you know...and guess what, just like Donte, they make me feel good all over! Peace...
J
December 18 2007, 6:51PM
I love it that people like Nugent exist.
I like being able to easily spot a worthless person.
Anonymous
December 18 2007, 8:57PM
As for his excuse about being rejected by black men in DC: some make up any rationale for their exclusions and racisms or they just say, "it's just my preference."
For the record, years ago, I was very sanguine with Joe when he spoke out about Nugent's disparaging comments about black men.
So Mr. Wirth: I support cross-racial desire but condemn attacks on black beauty.
Tom Wirth
December 19 2007, 12:23AM
Anonymous: You have made some sweeping allegations about Nugent. Perhaps you could enlighten us as to the specifics. What, exactly, did Nugent allegedly say/write/do to whom under what circumstances?
elg
December 19 2007, 6:27AM
Based on Bruce Nugent's published output, to date, it's fairly amazing that his name managed to survive over the decades. I hope the publication of 'Gentleman Jigger' enhances his reputation. If it's a good novel, whether he was a "sexual racist" will be academic to most people. If it's not so good, people will wonder what the fuss was about. In other words, was he a misunderstood, underappreciated artist during his lifetime or was he famous merely for his long ago association with the Harlem Renaissance?
By the way, I have a copy of 'Fire' magazine, right here in front of me, with an introduction by Tom Wirth.
Anonymous
December 19 2007, 9:28AM
Ostend Street
December 19 2007, 11:19AM
Finding something interesting on this site has alway been a joy to me. Without fail, the communication and information you give leads to so many stimulating points of view. I haven't been to the site in a few days because I am really trying to detox. I know the time is coming when the site will no longer be available to me; however, I am glad I read this particular post. The attitude that Bruce Nugent had is still with us. Just visit a few of the white gay bars frequented by mixed same sex couples and you will see the disdain some of these brothers have for their own.
Mr. X
December 19 2007, 12:58PM
Anonymous,
I don't consider myself a gatekeeper, but I am a calf when compared to your comment about being an "old bull." Know that your words are appreciated and welcomed by many black calves wanting to know you and listen to you. From a calf here, please continue to fill in the blanks with the facts others want to ignore. Your voice is so needed and so very important.
elg
December 19 2007, 2:18PM
Nugent's reputation as a literary artist rests on whether "Gentleman Jigger' is a good novel. I don't want to be misunderstood. Knowing that he preferred non-black men is interesting information. At the end of the day, though, his preferences in men will not determine his ultimate literary/artistic value to the world. The quality (or the lack thereof) of his novel will do that.
Black gay men who prefer the sexual company of non-black men used to leave me (and a lot of other black gay men I know) feeling rejected and angry. I eventually realized, however, that getting upset when I saw an interracial gay couple said more about me than it did them, regardless of their motivation for being together.
Anonymous: You seem to have quite a story to tell. I hope you are working on putting your own book out there.
yeahisaidit
December 19 2007, 3:47PM
...@ Mr. X, to ignore something and to put something in to perspective ARE two different things...I just felt compelled to point that out...of course, no disrepect to you personally or your comment, it's just that many seem too easily to confuse the two things which can lead to unecessary misunderstanding...in other words...just because a Black gay male, or SGL may have the capacity to put Nugent's preference of white sexual partners in to perspective, it does not automatically mean that the person is ignoring it, is an apologist in Nugent's reguard, or even shares his preference for that matter...
Anonymous
December 19 2007, 6:19PM
Elg: At the end of the day, whether someone was hurtful or kind does matter, especially to those people who survive an artist's death. Buy Bruce's books; learn from his prose style; investigate the artistry of his contemporaries; but examine his biography critically as well. A novel is not bound within its pages. Its artistic power flows out with a tremendous polyvalence to multiple spheres of influence. A man's legacy touches us on many levels. Why you seem to dismiss these things is beyond me. No, Elg, I don't have "quite a story" any more than we all have our stories. But what I do have is a sense of accuracy and a fire for historical fidelity. I met many of the black gay men in DC who put Bruce up at their houses in his life (like Guy C. McElroy with whom I worked as a curatorial assistant). They were most saddened by Bruce's demonizations when they--when we--were kind to him. These matters are our history, darling, and I urge you to understand that art is life and our errors will outlive us.
elg
December 20 2007, 11:19AM
Anonymous: You obviously feel very passionately about Bruce Nugent. First, we learn from you that Nugent was a "sexual racist". Later, you inform us of his "demonizations" against black gay men who "were kind to him".
Nugent died in 1987. Twenty years ago. Respectfully, holding what appears to me to be a grudge is not graceful.
When I read Nugent's novel 'Gentleman Jigger', I'm going to look for a good story. I hope it is a good novel and is well received. If it's any good, I believe the pain Nugent apparently caused you and others (and maybe even himself) would not have been totally in vain.
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 12:45PM
ELG:
Yet again you are most misconceived and you misinterpret my meaning.
After reading all of my comments, if you think that I or anyone else has a grudge against Bruce Nugent then you haven't read what I wrote carefully. Nugent said things about black men in DC that were FALSE.
I have said rather clearly to please read Nugent's work. But also consider it in the context of his life and messages. It would have been one thing if Nugent said what he said and did what he did in private. But his exclusions of black men were a large part of his writing and his art, from interviews to his drawings.
So how can any truly discerning person say that these matters are personal or a grudge?
Read the book on your own, ELG, and enjoy it. But don't misinterpret what I'm saying and attribute feelings to me that I don't have. That type of thing is uncalled for and it is disrespectful, even though you say you are being respectful.
If you keep misinterpreting me know that I will keep correcting you.
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 1:17PM
I would also like to make a general comment about the notion "the personal is political."
(DO NOT mistake my meaning: I am not addressing ELG. He is an important voice in this thread. I am speaking generally here only).
Often when uncomfortable historical challenges & political critiques are made, dominant forces and their enablers call the critiques "personal" or "subjective."
To counter this, an amazing radical feminist named Carol Hanisch coined the phrase "the personal is political" in a 1970 lecture.
My comments about Nugent are not based on knowing him intimately. I met him only 3 times. I did know some of the black men in DC, Philly, NJ, and NYC who were supportive of him. My comments draw from Nugent's own public statements & actions.
What we think of as "personal"--our intimate bigotries, for example--often holds remarkable political power because our actions spring from both our consciousness and subconscious.
Buy Nugent's book. Support his artistry. But read critically and in context.
Mark C.
December 20 2007, 1:40PM
Anonymous, your voice to this thread has been fantastic and, one that shows, there are two sides to every story. He is part of history, and, has left behind a body of work, and, it will be scrutinized for years to come. He seems to have had issues with color and re, but, just what American born black person does not, gay or straight and, it plays a role in most of what we do, even when we aren't thinking about it.
I wonder how Mr. Nugent would feel if he were alive and to see just how many black gay men embrace their blackness and gayness and live their lives they way they want, have little to no need to feel embraced or accepted by anyone of any race? Now, that would be a conversation with him, I would find of interest.
Derrick from Philly
December 20 2007, 1:57PM
ANONYMOUS: You've got me fascinated now. Was there nothing in his statments that gave clues as to why he rejected black men sexually? Did something happen in his childhood or at the beginning of his sex life to turn him against black men? Did he prefer dominant lovers (trade), and found the non-black ones easier to deal with? Was his sexual dislike of black men part of a dislike for black people in general? (That last one would be difficult to understand since Nugent didn't completely cut off contact with other black folks as I've heard some "snow queens" do-except for their blood families, but some try that also. They are that bitter.) Was he as close to Zora Neal Hurston as it's portrayed? If so, what were his relations with black women?
I'm sorry to find out he was so bitter. He didn't seem that way in "Before Stonewall". Then again, I aint exactly full of love and brotherhood at age 50.
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 2:15PM
Derrick:
I think characterizing Nugent as "bitter" is inaccurate. I have tried to choose my words carefully. Nugent openly excluded & even, on occasions, pathologized black men as erotic partners and as beautiful people. But, as his writing makes known, he was an important part of black life in several cities & he should be considered a vital part of American writing period.
I now speak from my personal experience. In the 80s, I was the late Guy C. McElroy's assistant at the Bethune Museum & Archives. Guy was a fantastic black gay man (and he actually had mostly white lovers but he did not demonize other black men).
The first time I met Bruce was when he came to stay with Guy, unannounced, in the early 80s on a visit back to DC where Bruce had roots. Bruce often stayed at people's places. Before Bruce moved to NJ, he would ask many people--black gay men included--to house him. Guy was one of those DC men who adored and supported Bruce.
[Continued below...]
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 2:47PM
[Continued from above]
Bruce Nugent would say that his reasons for being so publicly condemnatory against the beauty or the eroticism of black men was because DC black men rejected him and did not support him. However, Bruce's characterization was false.
In fact several generations of black men, from Bruce's earliest years and throughout his life all the way to the 80s--men like Guy C. McElroy--were deeply, deeply supportive and loving towards Bruce. Joe included him within In The Life. Others housed him before he settled in NJ, loaned him money when he was down-and-out, and much more.
Yet, for reasons that we shall never know, Bruce persisted in painting a portrait of himself as the kind of man who would never even touch a man who was a shade darker than himself. Joe Beam (who I knew well) would say that Bruce had a complex sense of himself as a light skinned black man.
Bruce's life is complexly woven into this art. What I am saying here enriches discussions of his artistry.
Buy his books.
Derrick from Philly
December 20 2007, 2:59PM
Thanks for the response, ANONYMOUS. I know you gave us a personal email address to use for further discussion, but your insight on this topic is something everyone reading this thread would want to know. I also met Joe Beam in the early eighties at Giovanni's Room. He told me about collecting material for his upcoming anthology. He had a pair of the most beautiful eyes I've ever seen--similar to Doug Cooper-Spencer's (seen them on a photo Keith put on this blog a couple years ago, never forgot 'em).
Thanks again, ANONYMOUS.
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 3:18PM
Derrick:
Thank you so much.
So many black male artists from the 20s to the 90s died of AIDS. Another dear friend to Bruce was Rotimi Fani-Kayode, a brilliant black gay photographer. I know he was friend to Bruce because when I was in NYC staying for a week with Avis Pendavis, both this man and Bruce came over together to see Mother Avis--oh, she was an incredible person who passed in '97--& we had the most incredible time even though both Bruce and Rotimi were ill. I was the youngest person there in Miss Avis' rooms. Bruce and Rotimi were masculine yet they spoke in this gloriously affected manner that is the hallmark of all true raconteurs. (The teacher Wade Pendavis may be the last great Pendavis left.)
You are so right about Joe Beam. He was such a kind fellow. You are a Phillyman so you remember that wonderful gay newspaper Au Courant and you probably remember that Essex Hemphill moved to Northwest Philly in the years just before he died.
My darling, history is in details.
I treasure you.
Billy
December 20 2007, 4:57PM
It would be interesting to read some of Nugent's work. I'm sure anyone reading this may be familiar with the independent film by Rodney Evans, Brother to Brother, which introduced Bruce Nugent in a fictionalize story of a young black artist who befriends Nugent. It's a fascinating story of the Harlem Renaissance told from an interesting perspective. If you haven't seen it, rent it today (or buy it for you video collection). The film actually was nominated for several awards and Roger Robinson, who plays the older Nugent in the film actually won an award for his portrayal. As a filmmaker myself, it makes me proud to see positive representations of myself.
ramsueno
December 20 2007, 5:02PM
If someone says something that is believed to be false doesn't MAKE it false if the person believes it...its a matter of opinion. And opinions are like assholes...everyone's got one! Whatever his personal opinions were, you're not gonna change em now. Whatever he's done in the past is done. You can forgive and not forget or youcan forgive and move on...one comment, one slight does not make up a man's entire worth...as an artist, my life is a part of my work...the people in it are drawn in as well...the good, the bad and the ugly...and I stand by my work as, I'm sure, Mr. Nugent stood by his...and with a tip of the hat and a graceful goodbye, excused himself from the room...if you're still in that room waiting for him to come back to apologize or explain pull up a chair and a good book...
Anonymous
December 20 2007, 5:11PM
Bruce Nugent owes no one an apology. Forgiveness and forgetting have nothing to do with this. If you do something in life, you had better expect your actions to be scrutinized both in life and death.
I put my asshole out of practice long ago, darling.
But my voice has much to offer and so, whatever anyone says, whatever anyone insinuates, I'm going to keeping on correcting false statements and enriching historical perspectives.
Tyrone
December 20 2007, 6:19PM
This has been one great thread, all sorts of issues debated, and, in the end, we will have to read the book, and, judge it on its merits, and, we have to keep it in the context of the time, although, his time is not too much different than it is now in many ways.
And, love who you want, white men ain't for me, but, it might be for you, so, get your love where you can, and, safely.
Tom Wirth
December 20 2007, 7:32PM
The definitive collection of Nugent’s writings is Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance: Selections from the Work of Richard Bruce Nugent. Borrow it or buy it if you want to know more about Nugent. (I apologize for the shameless promotion; I edited the book.)
It’s quite clear that Nugent did not celebrate the beauty of Black males enough to satisfy Anonymous or many others. Nonetheless, I call your attention to the magus Caspar in Nugent’s “Bible Stories” as an example of a beautiful Black man appearing in his work.
I think it’s clear from the context of Nugent’s interview (“You See, I am a Homosexual” in Gay Rebel) that he was talking about rejection which occurred in his early formative years (when, in 1920, as a 13/14-year-old after his father’s death, he was cruising Washington, D.C.’s T-rooms.) By 1960 his sexual preferences had surely been firmly established, and were not to be affected by such hospitality (or rejection) as Anonymous’ friends offered.
Tom Wirth
December 20 2007, 8:04PM
I join with Anonymous in urging that everyone examine closely Nugent’s writings and art. I also agree that, at least in Nugent’s case, life and art are inseparably intertwined. Nugent’s most important work of art was his life.
elg
December 21 2007, 3:59AM
Tom Wirth: The synopsis of 'Gay Rebel of the Harlem Renaissance' indicates that Nugent wrote other novels after 'Gentleman Jigger'. Are any of them going to be published?
Tom Wirth
December 21 2007, 1:28PM
I'm going to try, but it'll be a while. The manuscripts haven't been sorted out yet.
elg
December 27 2007, 11:23AM
Anonymous: I'm wondering why I,or any black gay man, should buy Nugent's novel 'Gentleman Jigger' if he was a "sexual racist" who "demonized" black gay men as you allege (anonymously, I might add).
Nugent stood for openness about his homosexuality from the 1920s onward to his own detriment. Many people, including you, Anonymous, refuse to be open about being gay even in 2007. With no inherited wealth to insulate him against society's prejudices, he must have suffered immeasurably.
Living from hand to mouth cannot have been fun. His suffering for being true to himself and his art should count for something.
I'm wondering, Anonymous, where is the corroborating evidence to support your allegations about a man dead for 20 years who cannot defend himself.
Tom Wirth: Thank you for all your hard work!
Anonymous
January 7 2008, 12:06PM
And ELG: I'm wondering where your reading capacities have gone to because once again you have not at all heard or listened to the subtlety of my words in this thread. I think you would do well to read up on the concept of oral history. Evidence doesn't have to be printed in books to be valid.
Tom Wirth: for a black man like Nugent whose visual art was focused on erotic images of men, it emphatically DOES matter that he was hostile to the beauty of black men.
Also: as you may know yourself, having been close to Bruce for 6 or so years, he told that story about being rejected by black men in DC in numerous ways over the years, not just referring to his formative years. BN's career long contradictions--clinging to the social support of black men while pathologizing and rejecting them sexually--speak for themselves.
As I take pains to say in this thread, interracial love and sex is something that I support. However, I think we should all look VERY carefully at the work of a black gay artist like Nugent who went out of his way to celebrate eroticism in words and images yet who also consistently and hostilely pathologized the eroticism of black men. You are not a progressive black gay artist that deserved uncritical celebration if you do such things.
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