Richard Bruce Nugent

 

The Harlem Renaissance valued freedom of expression in many forms: music, literature, etc. Sexuality, however, was a slight exception. Although Harlemites were free to explore their own sexuality, talking about it in public was taboo. What happened behind closed doors stayed behind closed doors. 

 

In direct contrast to this unspoken principle was author/artist Richard Bruce Nugent. Nugent unabashedly expressed his homosexuality in all aspects of his life, encorporating gay love in his writing and art. 

 

His most famous work, "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade," was published in the controversial literary journal Fire!!. This stream-of-conscious narrative captures the thoughts of a man torn between two lovers, a woman and man. Although it sparked outrage upon its publishing, "Smoke, Lilies, and Jade" is now praised for it's portrayal complicated and nuanced sexuality. 

 

 

"Smoke, Lilies, and Jade" by Richard Bruce Nugent