I was watching the news last night, and a segment came on about how Rev. Jesse Jackson was in Newark to lend his support/suggestions on how to curb the murder-rate problem that's plaguing the city. It seems like whenever you turn on the TV and there's some uproar about a problem facing our community, you either see Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton.
Then the thought came to me....why don't we see any prominent black leaders within the black gay community? We have no problems discussing other subjects concerning our people. Is this subject still taboo on a global level? Cause God knows I do not want to see Terry McMillan representing us on another program discussing her hatred/bitterness about gays just because one (count em, one) deceived her! I think the leaders are within ourselves. Hell, who can better represent each one of us than us ourselves?
What does everyone else think?
Then the thought came to me....why don't we see any prominent black leaders within the black gay community? We have no problems discussing other subjects concerning our people. Is this subject still taboo on a global level? Cause God knows I do not want to see Terry McMillan representing us on another program discussing her hatred/bitterness about gays just because one (count em, one) deceived her! I think the leaders are within ourselves. Hell, who can better represent each one of us than us ourselves?
What does everyone else think?
5 comments:
I always thought of Keith Boykin as somebody that has always stood out for Black Gay Men... but the media only lets him be so visiable.
You're black "gay" leaders, the few, are selfish and narrow-minded. They're only concerned about their sexual nature being pushed in the faces of society.
The problem is there aren't too many people who are black and gay who are also strong enough to break through the glass ceiling. Someone has to be confident and humble enough to put themself on the chopping block so that doors may be opened for the rest of us.
I agree with Shawn. I feel Keith does an awsome job. However, our community should not just have one mouthpeice. We need more who are willing to step out there and make changes.
the real issue is.. is there really a black gay "community" ? i see division and fragmentation, but little in the way of community.
Phill Wilson and Keith Boykin are the most well known Black Gay Male leaders. However, most of their focus and the other lessor known "so called" leaders seems to be related to HIV/AIDs issues. I agree with ponoono in that the black community needs to try to make a connection on some level with each other. It can be any small thing that connects us and from that a movement can be generated more fully. HIV/AIDs is still too personal for most.
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