This thread is too much lol. On the whole, I support any organization/entity that promotes Black excellence. At the same time, however, there has been a need to have a conversation about down low brothers in our community.
In 2014, 44% of the new cases of HIV were Black people, with 73% of that being Black men and 57% being gay/bisexual men -
African Americans | Race/Ethnicity | HIV by Group | HIV/AIDS | CDC. Now take a look at this gallup pole...
Only 4.6% of African-Americans identify as being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. What this tells us is that the African-American community has a major problem with people saying one thing and then acting another. None of this should be surprising though. From as long as I can remember there has been a deep homophobic vein that has run through the African-American community. Fearing what there family and friends may think of them gay and bi black men have done the only logical thing. Indulge in their sexual desires secretly, while simultaneously appearing to be heterosexual to the world. With the extremely high rates of HIV among gay men however, these men living a double life put the entire community at risk.
The real question is not if everyone in a Black fraternity is gay, anyone with a half a brain nows that's not the case. But rather, if Black Fraternities and there inherently secret nature lead to them having a significantly higher percentage of gay/bi men. And the answer to that question is yes. The very essence and nature of black fraternities provide a great cover for men who live a double lifestyle. You can hang out with your "brothers" all you want and no one will question your sexuality because the reason you are hanging out is self-evident.
@ the first 3 minutes
