ABOUT ESSEX HEMPHILL
American poet, essayist, editor, and activist known for his writings on social oppression and the gay community. His literary works include Conditions: Poems (published in 1986) and Ceremonies: Prose and Poetry (published in 1992).
He was born in Chicago. Early in his career, he published numerous poems in literary journals and contributed essays to Gay Community News, Essence, and other publications.
He died at age thirty-eight from complications of AIDS.
His personal life revolved around his fight for equality for the gay community.
He, like actor Rock Hudson , was a public figure who died of AIDS during the height of the epidemic.
