Jewelle Lydia Gomez is an American author, poet, critic, and playwright, born on September 11, 1948. Her extensive body of work, encompassing fiction, poetry, essays, and cultural criticism, frequently explores women's experiences, with a particular focus on LGBTQ women of color. She is the author of seven books, notably the double Lambda Literary Award-winning novel *The Gilda Stories*. Gomez has also been interviewed for several documentaries addressing LGBT rights and culture.