Drifting Toward Love: Black, Brown, Gay, and Coming of Age on the Streets of New York Hardcover - 2008

Summary

Media reviews

"As compelling a page turner as the tensest thriller and as emotionally rich as the sweetest love story. Kai Wright lets the bravery, resilience, and creativity of these teenagers shine through every page. The hardships they face will make you angry; their heroism will inspire you. Drifting Toward Love is social commentary at its very best."—John D'Emilio, author of Lost Prophet: The Life and Times of Bayard Rustin

"Kai Wright's Drifting Toward Love bears the mark of a literary masterpiece, reading more like a work of fiction than journalism. Yet, the lives he chronicles are not fiction but rather the very real, complicated, and often tragic stories of gay male youth of color in New York. These young men’s stories and Wright’s rendering of them compel us all to reconsider our judgments about 'at risk' kids and remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.—E. Patrick Johnson, author of Appropriating Blackness

"Kai Wright’s journalistic talents give much-needed voice to the struggles of queer youth of color in New York. The stories unfold passionately, without judgment, to reveal the common adversity we endure and are challenged with as gay men of color trying to survive and reclaim our space in this city. Resonating with genuine realness, each account celebrates an inspiring journey and leaves us with hope for the future of our community."—poet Emanuel Xavier, author of Americano and editor of Bullets & Butterflies

"Kai Wright has precisely diagnosed the dysfunction of homophobia. Group homes, support groups and community-organizing efforts described in this book demonstrate practical ways to counter negative effects of continued prejudice toward GLBT teenagers."—Dr. M. Joycelyn Elders, former Surgeon General

"This book is sure to touch young men and women everywhere who are still negotiating their sexuality. Most importantly, it reassures them that they are not alone. But Drifting Toward Love is also a valuable tool for anyone who wants to understand the difficult choices we all make in coming of age."—Keith Boykin, author of Beyond The Down Low: Sex, Lies and Denial in Black America

"Not every at-risk youth escapes the physical and emotional devastation of life on the streets, but Wright's portrait of a few who have is a tonic."—Richard Labonte, Book Marks

"Wright's greatest strength is his ability to take what could be a series of after-school specials and find the truth behind the set-ups." —Washington Blade, January 10th, 2008

"...intimate, at times heart-wrenching look at three young gay men of color who struggle to find a place-a bed to sleep in as well as a scene that allows them to be themselves without fear..."—Time Out New York, January 17th, 2008

"A compelling look at underreported lives."—Out magazine