SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 @ 4pmJEFF COMMINGS
Odd Man Out: True Stories of a Gay Black Swimmer
Free and open to the public
ODD MAN OUT: AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY is the first book to tell the true story of a gay African-American swimmer. Jeff Commings was the first African-American to win a gold medal in swimming at the Olympic Festival, but he spent all of his teenage years and most of his 20s afraid to live openly as a gay man. Though he was a member of several USA Swimming national teams and competed in two Olympic Trials, his fear of rejection from those he loved and respected severely affected his life socially and athletically.
In his book, Commings reveals intimate details of his life, many of which have never been made public. But this book is much more than the story of a man’s journey to discover his place in a world he feared would shun him. It’s also the story of a black swimmer who rose to elite status when he saw very few on pool decks with his skin color.
Commings takes us on a rollercoaster ride through more than 30 years of triumph, sorrow and love. Equally heartbreaking and funny, this book is an uncompromising portrait of one man’s quest to fit in on his own terms. It tests readers of all walks of life to look inwardly and reflect on their own fears and insecurities.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 @ 4pm
JEFF COMMINGS
Odd Man Out: True Stories of a Gay Black Swimmer
Free and open to the public
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