Why are African-Americans the least likely group to come out the closet?

Question

With this new change in society and homosexuality being more accepted than it ever has, why are so many blacks still in the closet?

For those asking for sources,here is one:

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1097240/posts

Answer 1

The reasons I would give would add two factors: religion and"Tradition", "". First let's tackle religon. Basically we(as an african american female..I can say this) are told that it isn't really what god wants. And look at our "leaders". They say everything under the sun about how it is wrong and shouldn't be done(like it's a choice..pff).
In "tradition" it is just sterotypes..black men believe if they come out they are weak, and end up having sex with men (unprotected I might add) and bring not fun things to the women in their lives.
With women, we are told that if we like women it is just because we haven't found a good man to turn us straight. I've had that told me me numerous times. In other words, they all say we are going against what tradition is: one man and one woman. The only problem with that is that people's lives are at stake just to hold tradition dear.

Answer 2

I have an African-American co-worker who says that being gay is not discussed in in the African-American community. My friend says that he has an uncle that is gay but it is never discussed in his family even though they all know about it.

I suspect that the role of the church in the African-American community could be play a very substantial role for by blacks to be in the closet. I know in Chicago, the Rev. James Meeks who leads one of the largest Churches in Chicago (Salem Baptist) has been very outspoken against LGBT rights (even working with the fundamentalist far-right) even though he is very liberal on other issues (education etc.)

Many African-Americans are from the South and have relatives in the Southern part of the U.S. which is more conservative (both whites and blacks) than much of the U.S.

I have found out that on a individual basis most African-Americans have been very accepting of me as a gay man. As a younger generation of African-Americans meets more gay people of all races that they as a group will change opinions within the community.

Answer 3

Like we need another strike against us.

I guess because then America would have something else to blame us for. Then I think because in our black race we are supposed to be so "strong" because of what our ancestors fought for; showing a sign of weakness is a no-no.

I have no problem with gays or lesbians; I was raised around them and never understood why it was such a problem. It's more acceptable for women but bad for men. I never really understood that but I guess because men are supposed to be "manly". They are supposed to be the providers and carry on the family name.

We stigmatize our own race with things that we think aren't right or acceptable. How can we ever think that we will be accepted as a race when we don't even embrace our own?

Answer 4

Because blacks have two reps to up hold. One being straight, successful, and trying not to get away from too much of the ghetto life style so everyone can see they are about something. The other rep they have to up hold is being real and can hold it down. That is pretty much more geared towards black men. But as we know, there are the down low brothas out there as well. But all in all its just because of the rep blacks have to uphold.

Answer 5

I think it has to do with upbringing. I was raised in a Catholic environment and also it is just not as accepted. My white counterparts family accepted their lifestyle a lot better than my family did. In Hollywood there is Ellen, Rosie, Nathan Lane. Who do we have Rupaul? We just don't have a lot of us being proud in our lifestyle come on Oprah!!!

Answer 6

i think it goes back to slavery times when the men were called bucks and studs. that besides working in the fields, they were only good for increasing the stock, and this had to be with a woman and many times the woman was chosen by the owners. the same as livestock.

Answer 7

Because most gay black women used to white men> the truth will be found at this great yahoo group> check it out!

Answer 8

I don't really know but I suspect it has it's roots in the black culture. Many black men are probably letting them selves in for more than they can deal with...being gay and black..an invisible minority and a visible minority...They already know what prejudice is all about.

Answer 9

Thats just not the case with black women.Black men maybe, i think our culture pushes that black men need to be strong and tough.We are less accepting of gay black men so it makes it harder for them to admit they are gay.Just my opinion...

Answer 10

Perhaps the area you live in? Go to San Fran or DC, you'll see plenty gays in every flavor.