Little Black Gay Boy

I write this book to speak to little Black gay boys everywhere, but much of the story is universal. My hope is that, even if this book is not for you, if ever you have a little Black gay boy asking for help (no matter what his age might be now) you will use this as a resource to assure him he is not alone. I am grateful for the part of me that really wanted me to stay alive, even through the darkest times of my life, because my journey was going to help others.

And little Black gay boys everywhere, hear me when I say you are special and never alone. Speak your truth, do your work, and heal from past hurts. These things will elevate you to your highest good, and you too will be able to share your story to help someone else. Your life has value and may not have started on the level you wish, but over time and through life experiences it will become more than you could have ever desired or hoped for. I promise.

—Keith Butler, from Little Black Gay Boy

Advance Praise

Full of emotion, this story illustrates the struggles and triumphs of an African-American man as he lives his life with dignity and perseverance. A wonderful read.
— Carretta A. Cooke, Chief Educational Officer, Beyond Boundaries Consulting

Keith Butler’s writing further illustrates the universal experience of the weaponization of American police against black-and-brown bodies even when they are called by their own flesh-and-blood, which is described in this book. This experience perpetuates an ongoing and complex cycle of trauma based on multiple oppressed identities. — Dale Roberson, LCSW, CADC, Howard Brown Health Center

About the author

Keith C. Butler’s strong spirit allows him to use his voice to speak up against any and all injustices that plague the Black community and the gay community. Growing up as a “little Black gay boy” himself, he knows his experiences are there to help others understand that they are not alone. He says, “Do the work, and be kind to yourself along the way.”
Butler is a native of Virginia, where he graduated Windsor High School and studied Theatre and Dance and African-American Studies at Old Dominion University. He is a bronze medalist in bowling from the 2006 Gay Games held in Chicago, played the title role in the TV series Kevin’s Room, and was inducted into the Chicago LGBT Hall of Fame in 2017. This is his first book.