With June being #LGBTQPrideMonth, I would be remiss if I didn’t pay tribute to my brother and comrade, fellow gay Wakandan speculative fiction author, Nicholas Almand.

While moving heaven and earth to find quality queer spec fic, I came across Almand’s series Sons of Nowhere. His writing and storytelling skills were the business and I became an immediate fan of his. Shortly thereafter, he and I connected and became really good friends.

For hours we would chat endlessly about comic books, the comic book industry, life as a published novelist and dealing with some of the players in the industry. I used to always joke that we black gay spec fic authors have to stick together.

Nick was a down to earth guy and a most loyal friend. He always kept it 100 and was the kindest soul one could hope for.

Sadly he left us far too soon.

All the same, his writing and spirit will live on. And his brothers in arms will continue to fight the good fight in his name. After all us Gay Wakandan Spec Fic Authors have to stick together.

After all, that’s how #BlackExcellence gets down. Rest in power Nick. Thank you and God bless.