Jewelle Gomez is an American author, poet, playwright, and activist, best known for her work in literature that addresses the complexities of queer, Black, and Indigenous identities. Born on September 11, 1948, in Boston, Massachusetts, Gomez's writing often explores themes of feminism, sexuality, and social justice. She gained widespread recognition for her novel "The Gilda Stories" (1991), a pioneering work that features a Black lesbian vampire whose life spans several hundred years and navigates various eras of American history. Through her works and her activism, Gomez has been an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ and African American communities, advocating for the rights and representation of marginalized groups within society.