Racism and the Gay Community
Wednesday May 10, 2006
When it comes to racism and discrimination, I often feel it's a double whammy being gay and African-American or gay and any ethnicity or just simply gay. There are many levels of racism and discrimination that are still present today and many of us experience it often. From time to time I hear people claim that racism no longer exists, but I beg to differ. I was called the "N" word for the first time when I was 12. I was called a fag for the first time when I was 15. I was called both the "N" word and a fag at the same time when I was 20. Dealing with racism is one thing, but dealing with racism coupled with discrimination is another.Some instances of racism aren't as blatant as in the past, but subtle innuendos are still present (Just the other day while checking into a $300 a night hotel, instead of directing me toward the front desk, the bellman told me they only accepted applications at the service entrance). Levels of racism can come from individuals in other communities or surprisingly from within the same community.
So, what about racism within the gay community? Can such a thing exist when gay people themselves are often victims of some form of hate? Are there levels of racism that are justified or acceptable? Are people too sensitive about racism or not sensitive enough? Can a gay person be homophobic? Will we ever live in a society without some form of racism or discrimination? Share your comments below or join the discussion.
Suggested Reading: Photo courtesy of Len Nguyen.
Comments
It makes me upset to know that there is a fair percentage of racism in the gay community. It upsets me because I feel as though we should know better in the LGBT community. I know that racism is everywhere and most likely will never die down, but being gay/lesbian or bisexual or transgendered is hard enough. Shouldnt we know better? If a gay or lesbian is walking down the street and the gay/lesbian person of a race that they “do not like” is in need of help, what are they going to do? It sadens me that I dont know the answer to this, because its scary/confusing. Maybe my words and other ppls words will hit a cord in someone.
I do agree with you in many ways but maybe you are being a bit of a martyr about the 300$ hotel issue.
maybe it was just fashion discrimination, maybe you were just dressed like someone who can’t afford a 300$ a night hotel…
but then again, that’s just what i think. cuz it used to very blatant years ago, but now I havent bumped into discrimination like that in ages, im not african american, im latin and it’s just as hard for me. it’s even worse, cuz latin people are more the kind that would be discriminated and told ‘the maid occupations are down by the hall’…
Ah racism within the Lesbian community. Where does one start on this topic. Yes, it does exist. I personally over the last twenty years or so of my gay life have witnessed it displayed among white lesbians Latinas, and women of color. All towards eachother.
I am a woman of color (I’m Black) who is open and who has dated women of all races. I have had long term relationships with white women as well as latin women and trust me when we take our clothes off we all have the same body parts. All our lips are just as sweet and all of our hearts break the same. No one race cry’s more tears than the other and we all simply want to be loved, adored and living within a mutually respectable relationship.
I initially am attracted to not the color of your skin but simply the type of energy your radiate. From there its your conversation that pulls me in and thereafter your character that keeps me there.
When dating women of other races. White women. I consistently notice the stares and comments from both white and blacks. I consistently get comments from white women that they’ve never dated a black woman before but they would date me. Or I constantly hear comments such as your black but your not really black (what the hell does that mean). To all of this I am so sick of it all that I could vomit.
If all of us would simply stop
pre-judging and stereotyping others solely based on the color of their skin you might not have so many sad, lonely and single lesbians within our community. There is love out there to be found you simply have to be open to looking for it sometimes outside of your comfort zone and immediate pre-judging circle of friends. Try it!…You never know. You might just make a great friend or even find the love of your life.
Really? You’re going to go there? I lived in D.C. in the 1980’s. Try writing about Homophobia in the African-American community. Try writing about racism in the African-American community. And when you’re done with that, try writing about the nepotism of the African-American community.
Those are REAL issues.
I so tired of “two-wrongs-makes-it-right” mentality by those who are called out on their issues. Racism - all racism - is wrong. Period. This isn’t a article that attempts to reconcile ALL maladies of society, specifically it addresses racism in the LBGT community - which certainly exists. Because I say murder is wrong, I don’t imply that any other crime is right simply because I don’t address other crimes at the time I’m discussing murder.
Racism in the gay community is a real issue.
So “not so sure” when you’re done assigning blame and casting judgment, re-read what’s been posted and try to view what’s being said not as a victim of other prejudice, but rather as someone who can empathize with the effect of prejudice.
Food for thought.
Just say “NO” to racism, facism and “preferences” that veil hatred…when a situation comes up - NAME IT! Be outspoken, and do not stand for it! We need to nip this one in the bud, and talking about it - does not work anymore….ACTION is the way things get done.