The People is our section for all opinions and perspectives concerning Black Chicago. Submit your opinion to info@thetriibe.com.
This is an urgent call for more LGBTQ inclusivity because, believe it or not, racism and inequities still exist within the LGBTQ community. I am writing this to challenge the way white cis-gender gay men think of race and diversity.
White privilege has granted white LGBTQ individuals the freedom to experience discrimination at a lesser rate in their workplace; when interacting with law enforcement, when applying to rent or buy a home, when traveling or when interacting with a doctor or health care provider, compared to Black LGBTQ individuals.
As a result, Black queer people are more likely to avoid traveling or avoid working in certain areas, avoid interactions with doctors and law enforcement, and postpone having children in efforts to avoid discrimination from White individuals, according to this 2020 survey.
When compared to white LGBTQ people, queer people of color are more likely to be in fair or poor health, uninsured, unemployed, have low income, have food insecurities, be denied housing and feel unsafe, according to the UCLA School of Law Williams Institute.
From my own experience as an openly gay Black man navigating mostly white queer spaces, I see blatant racism and discrimination disguised as “preferences” that are inherently racist and influenced by European standards of beauty on dating and hook-up apps: “No Blacks,” “Just a preference,” “Big Black cock,” “Mandingo,” “No Asians,” and “white only.”
I also see and have heard stories of how queer men, who are not of color, either fetishize queer men of color or only use queer men of color for sex. I feel that some individuals of color living in the intersectionality of being LGBTQ have similar experiences of being fetishized among or discriminated against their white LGBTQ peers. Society has subconsciously ingrained a false stereotype that Black men, gay or straight, are hyper masculine or dominant or aggressive or being a threat to white supremacy.
It deeply bothers me when white gay men say that Black lives matter, but do not interact with Black people on a regular basis or have any close Black friends. If you really thought Black lives mattered, you would take the time (with good intention) to diversify your friend group and advocate for queer people of color to receive health, educational and financial equity.
Black queer men are to be valued based on their character — not based on your sexual fantasies and desires. We are to be valued outside the bedroom. Black queer men deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and not be overlooked nor objectified.
We, as a queer community, have to improve our diversity and inclusion. We, as a queer community, should embrace diversity and inclusion because how can there be racism within a marginalized community?
Step outside of your comfort zone, engage and be nice to those who are different from you. There is a whole world outside of your social bubble. Use your privilege to advocate and fight for diversity, equity, and inclusion.
To those individuals who say, “I don’t see color,” I want you to see my color and acknowledge and empathize with the fact that my life experiences may be different than yours because of systemic barriers lasting for multiple generations, and that the world treats me differently because of the color of my skin. See my Blackness — don’t fetishize it, because I am not your fantasy and I am still not your negro.
