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I pose this question because as love and happiness are shared

human desires, I have essentially always heard black gay and queer

men say that they want a “masculine” man. Their presentation

notwithstanding, a large number of black gay men have made

masculinity their standard for love; and thereby, have attached much

of their happiness to something that – many would say – is largely

external and performative. That begs the question what is invaluable

or superior about masculinity? What gives masculinity its privilege?

And importantly from what power structure or binding source have so

many of us gotten that perception of masculinity from?

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I pose this question because I wonder if black gay men have allowed heteronormative expectations to standardize how we define ourselves. By various means America deemed gay and queer identity as partly synonymous with femininity. Have some black gay men unknowingly allowed that standard to seep into their thinking? For example:

• The traditional image of gay or queer black men in tv, film, music, etc. has usually been a more feminine-based presentation or spectacle
• Commonly used lingo of gay black men (sis, girl, bitch, read, yasss, the tea, Judy, the gods, etc.) present as feminine-based
• Those popularly referred to as “gay icons” are usually women (e.g. Cher, Patti Labelle, Tina Turner, Whitney Houston, Judy Garland, Diana Ross, Beyonce, etc.)
• Presenting with flamboyant or feminine-based mannerisms is seemingly expected by some black gay men
• Black gay men have often prefer dating “masculine” men

Therefore, I ask Do Some Black Gay Men See Themselves Through a Feminine-based Lens? To help us navigate this sensitive and complex topic, I am joined by (intro the guests)

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