Treating Homophobia

In any given classroom one might notice most of the men sitting a seat apart. In the punch-out while the women fully embrace each other the guys simply give a head nod or handshake. Some wonder why straight black men go to great lengths to prove that they are not homosexuals.
"Yeah, [black men are] slightly [homophobic] because before we do something physically close to one another, you have to say 'no homo,'" began Antonio Bush, a senior biology major.
"I think black men are afraid of being viewed as homosexual, so they do whatever they can to avoid that. Men don't want to be that close to each other - its just another insecurity," said Michael Craighead, a sophomore design major.
Hakeem Harmon, a junior radio television film major seemed to agree with that sentiment.
"Black men seem homophobic because men who look straight these days are gay - you never know anymore," Harmon said. "So you're cautious of how you deal with other men, because they might try to holla. Even if you are secure [with your sexuality], the other person may not be."
Bush believes that homophobia is inherent in heterosexual black males. "Homosexuality is viewed so negatively and the fear of being homosexual is so prevalent because it's just in our genetic make up, I guess."
While some may view this seemingly culture-wide homophobia, students like Craighead don't believe that men are insecure with their sexual orientation at all.
"It's not that we are insecure about our sexuality," he said, "but we want to stay as far away as possible from being viewed as homosexual, and if that means sitting a seat apart in a classroom - then that is what it is."
Brittany Slaughter, a sophomore biology major, disagrees. "I think guys that go out of their way."
Though there is a large gay population in the black community, homosexuality is still very taboo and is often viewed negatively. Mere association with homosexuals can be problematic; some men act as if sexual orientation is contagious.
Brandon*, a sophomore mechanical engineering major, disagrees with the term 'homophobic.'
"They are afraid of being perceived as gay - guilty by association - not of the actual gay person. Half the time those are the 'undercover' ones, overly conscious of what they do and say to avoid being identified and most of all labeled."
He added, "I have gay friends and have received plenty flak for it. I don't let it bother me - I'm not out here to prove anything."
While homosexuality in general is not widely-accepted in the black community, some students believe gay men seem to catch more criticism than lesbians.
"Yes gay men have a harder time being accepted, because men think lesbians are sexy but nobody gets aroused by men," said Slaughter.
"Lesbians are more accepted," Brandon said. "It's the same guys who have tons of lesbian friends who say they don't like 'fags' - guys are turned on by it. You're not putting yourself at risk of being called gay by hanging around a lesbian but you are by hanging around a gay male."
Slaughter suggests that stereotypical homosexuality is trendy.
"I think that people have a tendency to stereotype, to make it seem like they have the cute gay guy friend, like an accessory, it's a fad, or girls say they're bisexual because they think it attracts more guys."
When all is said and done, homosexuality, whether men or women, has continued to be frowned upon in the black community, especially amongst black males. People have often had their sexual orientation overshadow their more unique attributes which make them special.
"Don't limit yourself to whom you communicate with," Brandon said.
"There are many people out there gay/straight/bi that many have plenty to offer to you (not sexually), as well as having plenty to offer to society. The only difference between them and you is their sexuality."
*Brandon requested to keep his last name private.
from The Hilltop