Picture a storyteller who turned pain into poetry, weaving raw truths about race, sexuality, and identity into a literary knockout—meet Brian Broome! This American memoirist, poet, and screenwriter captured hearts with his debut memoir, Punch Me Up to the Gods, a lyrical exploration of growing up Black and queer in Ohio. With unflinching honesty and a voice that dances between humor and heartbreak, Broome’s work is a beacon for anyone navigating the messy beauty of self-discovery.
Born in the late 1960s or early 1970s, Broome’s journey from a small-town kid to an award-winning author is as compelling as his writing. His story isn’t just about overcoming odds—it’s about rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a Black gay man in America. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this literary star.
The Making of Brian Broome
Growing up in Warren, Ohio, Broome faced a world that often felt stacked against him. As a dark-skinned Black boy with crushes on other boys, he grappled with rigid expectations of masculinity and the sting of racism and homophobia. His parents, shaped by their own struggles, sometimes enforced harsh lessons to protect him from a society quick to judge. These early experiences, marked by shame and isolation, fueled Broome’s later writing. After years lost to substance abuse, he found clarity in rehab, where sleepless nights birthed the stories that would become his memoir. Broome’s education at Chatham University (BFA) and the University of Pittsburgh (MFA) honed his craft, setting the stage for his literary breakthrough.
Brian Broome’s Unforgettable Stories
Broome’s debut, Punch Me Up to the Gods (2021), is a masterwork of memoir, blending narrative essays with poetic flair. Structured around Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “We Real Cool,” it juxtaposes Broome’s coming-of-age with a present-day scene of a father berating his son, Tuan, on a bus—a mirror to Broome’s own past. The book dives deep into addiction, queer identity, and the pressures of Black masculinity, earning the 2021 Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction and the 2022 Lambda Literary Award for Gay Memoir. Critics hailed its “ferocious honesty” and “lyrical vividness,” comparing it to the works of James Baldwin and Kiese Laymon.
Beyond his memoir, Broome’s contributions as a poet and screenwriter shine. His essays in The Washington Post and pieces like those in The Ocean State Review showcase his sharp wit and emotional depth. His storytelling, often laced with humor and heartbreak, challenges stereotypes and invites readers to rethink societal norms. Broome’s time in France, inspired by Baldwin, added a global lens to his work, enriching his reflections on freedom and self-acceptance.
Why Brian Broome Matters
Brian Broome’s impact lies in his courage to lay bare the complexities of Black queer life. His work resonates with readers who’ve felt like outsiders, offering solace and solidarity. By confronting issues like colorism, homophobia, and addiction, he sparks vital conversations about identity and resilience. As a K. Leroy Irvis Fellow and instructor at the University of Pittsburgh, Broome mentors the next generation, proving storytelling can heal and empower. His awards and accolades—like being named Pittsburgh’s Person of the Year in Literature (2021)—underscore his growing influence in contemporary literature.
- Born: 1969 or 1970
- Key Work: Punch Me Up to the Gods (2021)
- Awards: Kirkus Prize for Nonfiction (2021), Lambda Literary Award (2022)
- Fun Fact: Broome finds writing inspiration on Pittsburgh’s buses!
Snag Punch Me Up to the Gods and dive into Brian Broome’s electrifying world of raw, poetic storytelling. You won’t just read his words—you’ll feel them!