A remarkable collection of short stories that embrace the breadth and depth of being a gay African-American, The Rest of Us approaches life from the angst of youth and first love to the familiarities of cruising and romancing later in life. The boys and men in Guy Mark Foster's tales refuse to be bound by the heavy chains of oppressive religion in the family household or racism encountered on campus. And this strength will be needed to face the passions stirring in their chests, their bedrooms, their lives. From the restlessness of ''Lasius niger (The Black Ant)'' to familiar discord in ''Legacy'' and the promise of love in ''This Man and Me,'' Foster's is a voice that will resonate with all readers.