An Evening with Edgar Gomez

Explore the challenges of survival, identity and the pursuit of the American Dream through the lens of Edgar Gomez’s darkly comic memoir, Alligator Tears: A Memoir in Essays. Presented by the Books & Books Literary Foundation on Saturday, February 15, 2025, this event highlights Gomez’s journey growing up in Florida as a queer, Latinx writer navigating poverty, family struggles and moments of joy.

Through a collection of sharp, reflective essays, Gomez sheds light on the realities of working-class life while challenging the expectations placed on those chasing a seemingly unattainable dream. With wit and honesty, Alligator Tears reveals the twists and turns of survival and the bonds of love and community that emerge along the way.

Edgar Gomez is an award-winning author whose works explore the queer Latinx experience. His debut memoir, High-Risk Homosexual, earned the American Book Award and Lambda Literary Award. Gomez’s writing has appeared in The Los Angeles Times, LitHub, New York Magazine and more. Born and raised in Florida, he now splits his time between New York and Puerto Rico.

An Evening with Edgar Gomez takes place at the Books & Books in Coral Gables. Admission is free, with books available for purchase during the event.