How to Support Black Gay Pride Groups

Black gay pride: What is it all about and why does such a specific group of people need their own community and their own celebrations? With a little information, it becomes easier to understand--and to support. Read on to learn how to support black gay pride groups.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Understanding of black gay pride
• Date of your next local black pride celebration

1. Understand the context. Blacks who come out as gay or lesbian can face more rejection than others because the black community is steeped in religion which often fosters the idea that being gay is a sin.
2. Realize that a black gay man is a double minority and a black lesbian, a triple minority. Their families will sometimes respond to their coming out with remarks such as, "You're already black, why do you want to belong to another minority group?" Of course, none of these is a choice.
3. Know the terms. Instead of "gay" or "lesbian," the Bback community often refers to relationships as "same gender loving" or "MSM"--men who have sex with men.
4. Learn that homophobia spreads HIV/AIDS. By accepting gays and lesbians for who they are, the black community will make it possible for more people to come out, eroding the phenomenon of married but gay black men being on the "downlow" or having sex with men on the side, getting infected and then infecting their wives--and their children.
5. Know that many blacks feel unwelcome in the straight white community, the straight Black community and even in the gay community--which is perceived to be mostly white.
6. Participate. Find out about black pride in your city and support it by going to celebrations and fundraisers.

Tips & Warnings

• Educate yourself before you judge.
• Be an ally. When you hear disparaging remarks about black pride, set people straight with the facts.