A native Arkansan, Clay Turner earned a B.A. in political science with a minor in Spanish at Arkansas State University as well as a Master’s at the University of Arkansas. After studying abroad in Spain, Clay realized he wanted to write a book that captured the contrast of the gay experience between the American South and Europe. He attended the New York Write to Pitch Conference in 2024 and ThrillerFest in 2025, where American Gay was requested by multiple agents and editors. Clay lives in New York City.