Why do most black men say that it is harder for them to come out of the closet?

Answer 1

Because its hard enough being a black male in this culture let alone being gay. And disregard any answer from women, thats like me answering about tampons.

Answer 2

smm said a lot of good things that I agree with and have read papers on. Lots of pressure in the Black community to be straight. Much more than in the white community.

Then besides the backlash from the Black culture they are now acknowledging that they are a part of two minority groups. Well being in one minority group is hard enough. But to be a target of two types of oppression is even harder. A lot of people who can hide membership to one of the target groups do just that, at least for a little while.

So yeah, damned from both sides so to speak.

P.S. Hey C-Nice. Don't pick on the ladies now. None of the posts I read made it sound like we knew from personal experience what it's like to be a gay black man. There are so few gay black men who answer questions consistently on this site. I would think a factual answer from some ladies would be better than no answer at all. The girls hit on the dual discrimination thing just fine, right? If this was a mostly male section and some guy asked about tampons I'd be more than happy for you to answer. You could probably answer better than some women, based on some of the nonsense I've read in the Women's Health section.

But I am very glad that you answered the question. It's much nicer when people speak for themselves.

Answer 3

There are various cultural expectations. For example it's more acceptable for a woman to be overweight in black culture. Not the point, but a small example.
In places like Jamaica homosexuality is something that people get killed for. It's acceptable to call a person a "battiman" - equivalent to American "******"- and some homosexuals have been beaten and even killed on the streets.
The situation is similar for African Americans, there is an increased pressure for a certain kind of masculinity.
Some other cultures where being gay is totally uncool:
Most Islamic countries (punishment- death)
Eastern Europe (punishment- jail)

Cultures where being gay is accepted- or close to it:
Thailand (1 out of 100 people are trans gendered)
USA (atleast Northeast and West).
Israel- (the most liberal middle eastern nation)

Answer 4

Don't believe that! It's no harder for them then anyone else! I'm a black woman and I've met quite a few that do not care if people know about their lifestyle or not. And it's not just black men that have a hard time coming out of the closet either. You white men have a reputation also to keep up. So don't make it seem that it's just the brothas that are scared. What about the white men who are CEO's, Executive Directors, Managers all of these men who wear power suits to work everyday, with wives and little children at home, living in the suburbs, next to their nosy butt neighbors? Do you think that those white men want to advertise what they really are? Hell No!

Answer 5

because the image of masculinity in black culture is very particular, and important. Also, there will the anger of another "good black man" leaving. There have been a lot of books and articles on this. It would be very similar to an Italian coming out of the closet, etc.

Answer 6

i know a lot of them n they tel me they cant let their "MANHOOD" down.......but then again they are the highest percentage of gays

imagine how many more havent come out yet

Answer 7

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