Identity

Identity

I am a black man.

This statement is very powerful to me. Identity may seem like a very simple concept, but for those whose individualities have been historically marginalized, it’s ever complex.  People of Color/Blacks have always been subjugated in the United States. From the Middle Passage to current unequal access to power and resource, POC must constantly work to dismantle the framework of racial injustice. There is no way to sugar coat this fact. Yes, Civil Rights initiatives have brought awareness to racism; however, this construct continues to find nuanced ways to prosper. When looking at me, you see color. Standing at 6’3, depending on what you’ve been socialized to feel, your gut-level feelings can vary when looking at me. Every day I fight against stereotypes and try to dodge racial profiling. Initiatives like Stop and Frisk and Stand Your Ground are just reminders of the work we have to do to shift the perspective of POC especially black men. I am a black man.

I am a gay man.

Religion as it relates to moral and ethics are constantly being evaluated because they influence legislation. We call for a Separation of Church and State but allow many Judeo-Christian values to shape whom get’s more rights and privileges. There is a worldwide hetereonormative ideal. Being heterosexual is what is considered the standard. This standard is set forth in many religious documents. This is what I challenge. I deserve the right to coexist with my heterosexual counterparts enjoying the same freedoms and liberties. Hate Crimes, Employment Discrimination, Public Ridicule, Inadequate Media Representation, Marriage Equality, and much more are things the LGBT community faces.

I am a black gay man.

My work is cut out for me. Every day I stand at the intersection of racism and homophobia ready for war. I experience the deleterious effects of these constructs when I come into contact with law enforcement, apply for employment, or walk into a store. While, I recognize that as a man in a patriarchal society I have privilege, I stand in solidarity with all marginalized groups.

I shouldn’t have to fight to live as a black gay man.