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The price of hiding in the shadows: Black & Gay in America
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by Rhonda J Mangus | November 3, 2009 at 04:36 am
970 views | 48 Recommendations | 9 comments
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The price of hiding in the shadows: Black & Gay in America
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In Black men in America: The Obama effect, a reader wondered why everytime the gay issue is raised in the black community, everybody can't wait until it's time for the next subject.
It was brought to my attention then that more could be written on the experience of what it means to be Black & Gay in America. So, I did a little research and directed the reader to Living Out Loud with Darian, a blog that discusses a range of issues from an African-American gay male perspective, including the price of hiding in the shadows (or, on the Down-low).
Down low is a sexual slang that is used to define a clandestine Black gay culture, "a clandestine culture that involves secret gay relationships, but rejects the suggestion that the participants are themselves gay, effeminate, or bisexual."
On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of 'Straight' Black Men Who Sleep with Men by J.L. King explores the lives of 'straight' black men who sleep with men. In Why Are Hollywood's Black Gay Characters on the Down low? QUEERTY IN-DEPTH explores the reasons why the increased visibility for gay black characters is so important.
Not simply for the purposes of ticking off some quota box or the momentary delight of seeing someone on screen who “looks just like me.” Rather, it’s for the simple reason that it provides a necessary reflection of the African American community as it stands today. Necessary and accurate, showing black audiences that there are gay, bisexual, lesbian and transgender members of their communities. That they are nothing to be feared or misunderstood, but merely just another facet of humanity to embrace. It’s much easier to do something if you have an example to work from. And if black communities can see from their favorite television shows and movies that a gay member of the family is still a member of the family, then that’s still progress being made.
Living Out Loud with Darian has another perspective:
"As African- American same-gender loving men and women, we can no longer allow our white gay brothers and sisters to champion our cause as they fight and campaign courageously for marriage equality and Civil Rights – things every American citizen, no matter what their sexual orientation rightfully deserves!
If we continue to make statements like “Man that is just not my thing or I don’t attend those kind of events” we help to perpetuate the myth that white America has somehow infected the black community with a demented, sinful lifestyle that is unique to them, that somehow demeans and perverts our culture and true masculinity. I know this may sound strange to you but you would be surprised at how many African-American conservatives actually believe that we have chosen to love someone of the same gender because some white man or white woman has bewitched us and somehow brainwashed us because there is no way we as black people could ever be born gay.
And yet another perspective on the price of hiding in the shadows in this CNN Reports On Blacks & Gay Equality. Essence Magazine Editor in Chief Angela Burt-Murray speaks about one of the most important reasons to move beyond hiding in the shadows, the incidence of HIV/AIDS among black women 18-34 who are being killed because 'we' are refusing to talk about this issue.
View CNN Reports On Blacks & Gay Equality, here.
Related stories on NowPublic by this author can be found, here.
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Rhonda J Mangus
North Tonawanda, New York, United States
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (9)
at 05:36 on November 3rd, 2009
Everyone have to understand that gay people should have their rights and we shouldn't be the ones that judges them, let's leave that to God.I agree that black people should have examples and don't be afraid of their orientation.However, I don't agree with the second quote. Black people were not influenced by white people. White people have not influenced their behavior and their sexual orientation.
at 07:57 on November 3rd, 2009
This is a huge issue that can potentially get bigger, especially given the publicity gay marriage has and will continue to get. I'm on the opinion that regardless on what you agree with or not, you should not condemn the next person. There is no reason their lifestyle should effect you in that way.
at 12:19 on November 3rd, 2009
Thank you, Vic De Zen, for reading and commenting. I agree:).
at 10:40 on November 3rd, 2009
These people are just whining for attention. I don't know anyone who hates gays, or is prejudice against gays. And I know a lot of people. Actually, I think there is a small problem with gay people who are prejudice against straight people. All i can say is, it's A LOT easier to find a job if you're gay in MANY places in America.
at 12:36 on November 3rd, 2009
Thank you for commenting, bettermaker. I'm sure your comment is sarcastic in nature?
at 11:54 on November 3rd, 2009
bettermaker, what reality do you live in? FYI I have been fired because I am gay, does that sound like I can get a job Because I'm gay ?¿ I don't think so!
If you really think there are no people that "hate gays" then do a bit of digging in the world, talk to a gay high school student, they will quickly dispel that myth for you..
P.S. its not for attention.
at 12:40 on November 3rd, 2009
Thank you, Spydermonkey! As I indicated to bettermaker, I think the comment was intended to be sarcastic in nature. I'm hoping so, anyway:).
Nevertheless, it is true that people have, and are still being, fired (the reason for ENDA), that GLBT middle and high school students are often at the mercy of their 'straight' peers and "school officials" who lack the necessary knowledge and skills to address a homophobic school setting, or who intentionally look the other way.
No, it's not for attention -- I agree.
at 11:56 on November 3rd, 2009
Macdonald Amy Bio, thank you for reading and commenting.
"I don't agree with the second quote. Black people were not influenced by white people. White people have not influenced their behavior and their sexual orientation."
What Darius Out Loud is saying is that he has come across some African American conservatives who believe this (in so many words). Saying it, does not necessarily make it true:)!
at 12:07 on November 3rd, 2009
Roy C, thank you for reading, commenting, and for the recommendation.
"If these men are gay, why do they have sex with women, too?"
For men on the Down low, this piece should answer those questions -- particularly the video.
"We never talk about bi-sexuality here, but I think that that is the issue. It is not the same as homosexuality."
True and true:)! It could be the issue here but, even though there are women who knowingly marry homosexual and bi-sexual men, I don't think it is generally speaking.