Please check out The Darthmouth Free Press‘ “Black Sexuality: Overcoming Homophobia,” featuring my perspective on various topics. This article was inspired by my recent appearance as part of the “Disrobed: An Exposé of Black Sexuality” panel at Yale University’s 14th Annual Black Solidarity Conference.

Rutgers University Senior Dymir Arthur brought up these concerns, questioning the panel about “religion and homophobia within the black Church.” With a piercing, concerned glare, B. Scott nodded his head and cracked a slight smile before deeming it “ironic [that] homophobia exists within the [black] Church.” He further stated that a “large portion of the choir members, deacons, and sometimes the preachers” engage in homosexual activity or openly identify themselves as gay. The irony comes into play when, according to B. Scott, ministers then stand before their congregations and “focus on the condemnation of men,” rather than “focus[ing] on teaching others to become more Christ-like, who teaches all to love, accept, and uplift fellow men.” The message is clear. According to B. Scott, these “Men of God” are essentially “responsible” for many things, including “the increase in HIV/AIDS cases and teen pregnancies” in the black community because they refuse to “talk about these things in church.” This in turn creates “a mentality that people should be ashamed of themselves,” leading to a decrease in the use of protection during sexual encounters. B. Scott further said that when people fail to practice safe-sex methods, they develop a sense of “worthlessness” and a “loss of respect for themselves and for the people they’re involved with.”

Read the full article after the jump or on The Dartmouth Free Press‘ official website.

Black sexuality is at the forefront of many discussions regarding the black community. From debating the perpetuation of misogyny and the sexual exploitation of black women to discussing the clash of orthodox religious beliefs with homosexuality, the topic of black sexuality extends into many areas. To discuss black sexuality in relation to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) issues, the conference organized a panel comprised of such respected people as YouTube personality B. Scott, upcoming author Adam Benjamin Irby, and Yale lecturer Shana Goldin-Perschbacher.

Standing poised, tall, and energetic, B. Scott made his way across the stage to the seat closest to the moderator, Yale Senior Donté Donald, an African American Studies major. Adam soon followed, dressed in semi-casual clothing, accessorized with diamond earrings and a black leather fitted cap. Finally, Shana took the stage with assertive grace, smiling and waving to the audience as she took her seat next to Adam. Donald launched the round with a question addressing the comfort level of the black community with people of different sexual orientations and gender identities. Adam broke the momentary silence of the room by stating that the black community is “not as comfortable as [it] should be,” and in order for genuine progress to continue, “integration is key.” The “integration” Adam refers to is the successful coexistence of blacks of varying sexual orientations and gender classifications. He also commented on the desire of members in the black gay community to push legislation regarding same-sex marriage. Adam asserted that no results would arise without other blacks’ “acknowledgement of black homosexuals as ‘regular’ people. We can worry about legislation after we gain support from our own communities.”

The message Adam conveys reinforces the need to end all forms of segregation. Historically, the black community has been ostracized by whites who insisted on their racial superiority. Since this color barrier already exists, why do people insist on further fragmentation of a community that is already a minority? This question has yet to be answered by those who continue to hold prejudiced beliefs, stemming from religion or from parental influence. Rutgers University Senior Dymir Arthur brought up these concerns, questioning the panel about “religion and homophobia within the black Church.” With a piercing, concerned glare, B. Scott nodded his head and cracked a slight smile before deeming it “ironic [that] homophobia exists within the [black] Church.” He further stated that a “large portion of the choir members, deacons, and sometimes the preachers” engage in homosexual activity or openly identify themselves as gay. The irony comes into play when, according to B. Scott, ministers then stand before their congregations and “focus on the condemnation of men,” rather than “focus[ing] on teaching others to become more Christ-like, who teaches all to love, accept, and uplift fellow men.” The message is clear. According to B. Scott, these “Men of God” are essentially “responsible” for many things, including “the increase in HIV/AIDS cases and teen pregnancies” in the black community because they refuse to “talk about these things in church.” This in turn creates “a mentality that people should be ashamed of themselves,” leading to a decrease in the use of protection during sexual encounters. B. Scott further said that when people fail to practice safe-sex methods, they develop a sense of “worthlessness” and a “loss of respect for themselves and for the people they’re involved with.”

The intersection of black sexuality and the black church lies at the center of much of the debate about the black community’s regard for black homosexuals. Conflict arises due to the black church’s emphasis on the specific gender roles traditionally associated with each sex. Aja-Monet Bacquie, a nationally acclaimed “spoken word” poet from Sarah Lawrence College, questioned performative identities and gender schematics, asking more explicitly, “How do we change the way we perform identities that perpetuate stigmas [of] the black gay community?” Shana responded by suggesting if “one is aware of one’s urges, then requests or proposals can be made to the culture by nonviolently resisting [those] ‘boxes’ we are placed into at birth.” The “assimilation and normalization” to which black Americans are subjected further accounts for the “limited respectability” and “subtle discrimination” that arises when some embrace “non-conformity.” Shana believes that ultimately, this “normalcy” becomes “translated into different spheres,” such as sexes and socio-economic statuses. She expanded on this notion by reminding the audience, “the human character is dynamic.” This statement epitomizes the exact idea that needs to become accepted by the black community.

Disregarding the unfamiliar and unknown does not advance any person’s understanding. Dialogue and discovery dictate what the black community should try to accomplish. This de jure segregation will eventually become such a detriment to the race as a whole that marginalization may again occur in the future. Regardless of what anyone’s sexual preferences may be, everyone should take advice from the spiritually wise B. Scott and “let your light so shine.” The black community should not be reduced to simple color; instead, it is made up of an array of different personalities and beliefs that comprise the unique facets of beautiful black gems. Urge others not to discriminate—educate them about other people’s experiences, and elevate their minds. Black people, stand up for your fellow brothers and sisters as we move toward a higher mark as ordained by no one else but us.

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