Comments on: Brothers on the Down Low http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/ A Literary Art Review Magazine Tue, 31 Aug 2010 11:32:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: athikities supabiola http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-963 athikities supabiola Mon, 12 Jul 2010 14:22:00 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-963 If you have sex, it can be STD. STI symptoms are not always obvious. If you suspect that you have symptoms of STD, see a doctor. More details go to http://www.treatmentforgonorrhea.com/ If you have sex, it can be STD. STI symptoms are not always obvious. If you suspect that you have symptoms of STD, see a doctor. More details go to http://www.treatmentforgonorrhea.com/

]]> By: SamKestu http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-447 SamKestu Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:04:38 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-447 From the beginning of the fight against Murder Music, black people and black groups have been involved. The original protests against Buju Banton's "Boom Bye Bye" and the original translations of the song, back in 1992, were done by GLAAD and Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD). When an ad protesting Buju Banton's nomination for a 2010 Grammy nomination was run in Variety, GLAAD was joined by GMAD and the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and more than 15 other groups, some of them working against inner city violence such as the New York City Anti-Violence Project.<br><br>Peter Tatchell has been working with black people and black groups in England, from the beginning, as well. Take a look at this video from 1992: <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ykn9ke7" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/ykn9ke7</a> Ted Brown, shown in this video, has long been involved with Stop Murder Music! in England.<br><br>Take a look also at photographs and protests of the Buju Banton U.S. Tour in 2009. Look at <a href="http://tinyurl.com/25fo5ve" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/25fo5ve</a> and <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ygh2t5z" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/ygh2t5z</a><br> and <a href="http://tinyurl.com/28c5jpp" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/28c5jpp</a><br><br>You will see people of color are involved. It would be great to have more black people and black groups protesting against the Jamaican reggae dancehall "kill LGBT" performers. Come on in, the water is fine.<br><br>I would like to see groups like the NAACP, which supports equal rights for LGBT people (see <a href="http://tinyurl.com/yz2o7nt" rel="nofollow">http://tinyurl.com/yz2o7nt</a> ), speak out against all this hate music.<br><br>P.S. - I think LGBT groups and LGBT people need to be vigorous supporters of civil rights for all and especially people of color. From the beginning of the fight against Murder Music, black people and black groups have been involved. The original protests against Buju Banton's “Boom Bye Bye” and the original translations of the song, back in 1992, were done by GLAAD and Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD). When an ad protesting Buju Banton's nomination for a 2010 Grammy nomination was run in Variety, GLAAD was joined by GMAD and the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and more than 15 other groups, some of them working against inner city violence such as the New York City Anti-Violence Project.

Peter Tatchell has been working with black people and black groups in England, from the beginning, as well. Take a look at this video from 1992: http://tinyurl.com/ykn9ke7 Ted Brown, shown in this video, has long been involved with Stop Murder Music! in England.

Take a look also at photographs and protests of the Buju Banton U.S. Tour in 2009. Look at http://tinyurl.com/25fo5ve and http://tinyurl.com/ygh2t5z
and http://tinyurl.com/28c5jpp

You will see people of color are involved. It would be great to have more black people and black groups protesting against the Jamaican reggae dancehall “kill LGBT” performers. Come on in, the water is fine.

I would like to see groups like the NAACP, which supports equal rights for LGBT people (see http://tinyurl.com/yz2o7nt ), speak out against all this hate music.

P.S. – I think LGBT groups and LGBT people need to be vigorous supporters of civil rights for all and especially people of color.

]]> By: Paul http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-330 Paul Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:14:44 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-330 I cannot say whether the writer was informed by these perspectives but the Webmaster is--which is why they have been added to the page for further reading on the subject and a better understanding of our own traditions and best practices. "...denied the opportunity to fulfil the 'power' of manhood prescribed by that culture" - I like it! I cannot say whether the writer was informed by these perspectives but the Webmaster is–which is why they have been added to the page for further reading on the subject and a better understanding of our own traditions and best practices. “…denied the opportunity to fulfil the ‘power’ of manhood prescribed by that culture” – I like it!

]]> By: Paul http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-1375 Paul Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:14:00 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-1375 I cannot say whether the writer was informed by these perspectives but the Webmaster is--which is why they have been added to the page for further reading on the subject and a better understanding of our own traditions and best practices. "...denied the opportunity to fulfil the 'power' of manhood prescribed by that culture" - I like it! I cannot say whether the writer was informed by these perspectives but the Webmaster is–which is why they have been added to the page for further reading on the subject and a better understanding of our own traditions and best practices. “…denied the opportunity to fulfil the ‘power’ of manhood prescribed by that culture” – I like it!

]]> By: NKrumah http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-329 NKrumah Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:13:06 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-329 I agree with you. Understanding the discourse with our own traditions and best understanding is perhaps a potent means of overcoming the prejudice. I believe many so called "homophobes" are much more than that as well. Many are socialized in Western culture and are denied the opportunity to fulfil the "power" of manhood prescribed by that culture, so they are victims too. Widening the discourse and the information which enlightens it I think will allow space for all to move more freely. I expect though that there are those who have built well entrenched comfort zones in their ignorance which they will not want to relinquish which is their right. this pertains both to those who believe that "homosexual" is a legitimate and "universal" category and those who believe it is their right and responsibility to define manhood and coerce others to fulfill their definition. On the same page with the article were some useful books such as Ifi Amadiume which on browsing only I see as very valuable. I do not know whether the writer of the article was informed by these perspectives. I agree with you. Understanding the discourse with our own traditions and best understanding is perhaps a potent means of overcoming the prejudice. I believe many so called “homophobes” are much more than that as well. Many are socialized in Western culture and are denied the opportunity to fulfil the “power” of manhood prescribed by that culture, so they are victims too. Widening the discourse and the information which enlightens it I think will allow space for all to move more freely. I expect though that there are those who have built well entrenched comfort zones in their ignorance which they will not want to relinquish which is their right. this pertains both to those who believe that “homosexual” is a legitimate and “universal” category and those who believe it is their right and responsibility to define manhood and coerce others to fulfill their definition. On the same page with the article were some useful books such as Ifi Amadiume which on browsing only I see as very valuable. I do not know whether the writer of the article was informed by these perspectives.

]]> By: NKrumah http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-1374 NKrumah Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:13:00 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-1374 I agree with you. Understanding the discourse with our own traditions and best understanding is perhaps a potent means of overcoming the prejudice. I believe many so called "homophobes" are much more than that as well. Many are socialized in Western culture and are denied the opportunity to fulfil the "power" of manhood prescribed by that culture, so they are victims too. Widening the discourse and the information which enlightens it I think will allow space for all to move more freely. I expect though that there are those who have built well entrenched comfort zones in their ignorance which they will not want to relinquish which is their right. this pertains both to those who believe that "homosexual" is a legitimate and "universal" category and those who believe it is their right and responsibility to define manhood and coerce others to fulfill their definition. On the same page with the article were some useful books such as Ifi Amadiume which on browsing only I see as very valuable. I do not know whether the writer of the article was informed by these perspectives. I agree with you. Understanding the discourse with our own traditions and best understanding is perhaps a potent means of overcoming the prejudice. I believe many so called “homophobes” are much more than that as well. Many are socialized in Western culture and are denied the opportunity to fulfil the “power” of manhood prescribed by that culture, so they are victims too. Widening the discourse and the information which enlightens it I think will allow space for all to move more freely. I expect though that there are those who have built well entrenched comfort zones in their ignorance which they will not want to relinquish which is their right. this pertains both to those who believe that “homosexual” is a legitimate and “universal” category and those who believe it is their right and responsibility to define manhood and coerce others to fulfill their definition. On the same page with the article were some useful books such as Ifi Amadiume which on browsing only I see as very valuable. I do not know whether the writer of the article was informed by these perspectives.

]]> By: Paul http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-327 Paul Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:52:20 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-327 Akua, I have to say, I totally agree with you. Having worked in sexual health for some years, I cannot abide Peter Tatchell or his personal obsession with black males. Chris, I hear you too, which is why The Colorful Times exist so that some of us may try and address some of the many issues that blight our development and keep us with our heads in the sand. NKrumah, I think I understand what you're saying, and have my own issues with absolutist concepts of of 'gay' and 'straight' (and everything in between) and the lifestyles that may go with them. However, in order to challenge and transcend, one also must learn to think and examine without prejudice. Thank you for your comments. Akua, I have to say, I totally agree with you. Having worked in sexual health for some years, I cannot abide Peter Tatchell or his personal obsession with black males.

Chris, I hear you too, which is why The Colorful Times exist so that some of us may try and address some of the many issues that blight our development and keep us with our heads in the sand.

NKrumah, I think I understand what you’re saying, and have my own issues with absolutist concepts of of ‘gay’ and ‘straight’ (and everything in between) and the lifestyles that may go with them. However, in order to challenge and transcend, one also must learn to think and examine without prejudice.

Thank you for your comments.

]]> By: NKrumah http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-326 NKrumah Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:52:19 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-326 I think if we use the best knowledge of Africa both the issue of supposed down low and that of homophobia would be non-existent. Where does the notion of homosexuality come from? Did we see sexuality in the manner in which it is seen among Europeans? What does it mean to be "sexually" attracted; and therefore "Sexually" attracted to a man? Was gender seen in the same rigid way that produces the ultra-macho man (who under a system of oppression seeks ways to express or fulfil this notion of manhood therefore projecting the effeminate or male-attracted male as less than male) and the confusion about "sexuality" in those led to refer to themselves as "homosexual". I do not embrace the terms homosexual and bi etc. I think people should read and study more about notions of gender in our African cultures, notions of masculinity and femininity, the nature and levels of attraction (and thereby determine how it can be navigated best) and the nature of sexuality. <a href="http://www.menweb.org/somegay.htm" rel="nofollow">Gays: Guardians of the Gates</a> (I do not think it was wise for Malidoma to uphold the word Gay here which may distort the differences between the cultures which produced the ideas of sexuality he speaks of) - Being attracted to men does not mean it is something which needs to acted on physically or that if one acts on it physically that one needs to be classified as "gay" or "homosexual"(same-sex etc) Both the homophobia and homosexuality are products of the same cultural ethos which has a very limiting notion of sexuality which is purely physical (among other things such as this cultures desire to categorize and compartmentalize things into need categories). I do not think attraction to persons who share the same sex (physically) as one is rare but when one understands the many levels at which attraction can operate it makes it easier then to navigate one's attraction and understand what types of actions are necessary in response to such attractions rather than making a "lifestyle" of it. What if one is attracted to one specific person who is the same sex for the purpose of some emotional, psychological or spiritual evolution, does that suggest that y'all have to get sexually involved or does that mean one should make a choice of what is one's "orientation" or "lifestyle"? We do not see often that the categories provided us by the notion of reality of the culture under which we were oppressed helps to frame our thoughts, choices, discourses unless we transcend and challenge them. I think if we use the best knowledge of Africa both the issue of supposed down low and that of homophobia would be non-existent. Where does the notion of homosexuality come from? Did we see sexuality in the manner in which it is seen among Europeans? What does it mean to be “sexually” attracted; and therefore “Sexually” attracted to a man? Was gender seen in the same rigid way that produces the ultra-macho man (who under a system of oppression seeks ways to express or fulfil this notion of manhood therefore projecting the effeminate or male-attracted male as less than male) and the confusion about “sexuality” in those led to refer to themselves as “homosexual”. I do not embrace the terms homosexual and bi etc. I think people should read and study more about notions of gender in our African cultures, notions of masculinity and femininity, the nature and levels of attraction (and thereby determine how it can be navigated best) and the nature of sexuality.

Gays: Guardians of the Gates (I do not think it was wise for Malidoma to uphold the word Gay here which may distort the differences between the cultures which produced the ideas of sexuality he speaks of) – Being attracted to men does not mean it is something which needs to acted on physically or that if one acts on it physically that one needs to be classified as “gay” or “homosexual”(same-sex etc) Both the homophobia and homosexuality are products of the same cultural ethos which has a very limiting notion of sexuality which is purely physical (among other things such as this cultures desire to categorize and compartmentalize things into need categories). I do not think attraction to persons who share the same sex (physically) as one is rare but when one understands the many levels at which attraction can operate it makes it easier then to navigate one’s attraction and understand what types of actions are necessary in response to such attractions rather than making a “lifestyle” of it. What if one is attracted to one specific person who is the same sex for the purpose of some emotional, psychological or spiritual evolution, does that suggest that y’all have to get sexually involved or does that mean one should make a choice of what is one’s “orientation” or “lifestyle”? We do not see often that the categories provided us by the notion of reality of the culture under which we were oppressed helps to frame our thoughts, choices, discourses unless we transcend and challenge them.

]]> By: Chris http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-325 Chris Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:52:18 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-325 Why is that , when ever problem in the blk community we never do anything about but when other open their mouth we find a problem ....Anokye how many ofus willing to stand against these ppl and lets look at other in issues within the blk community do talk about it we all try to keep our mouth shut bcos we dont bother or its not my problem Why is that , when ever problem in the blk community we never do anything about but when other open their mouth we find a problem ….Anokye how many ofus willing to stand against these ppl and lets look at other in issues within the blk community do talk about it we all try to keep our mouth shut bcos we dont bother or its not my problem

]]> By: Anokye's Sword http://www.colorfultimes.com/2010/03/lifestyle/sexuality/brothers-on-the-down-low/comment-page-1/#comment-324 Anokye's Sword Wed, 03 Mar 2010 09:52:17 +0000 http://www.colorfultimes.com/?p=1066#comment-324 Interesting article. It raises many issues. I am hugely pro gay rights and hate homophobics and homophobia, but there is something about Peter tatchell I do not like at all. Personally it seems like he loves talking about black homophobia because it garentees him airtime. The fact that school children all over the country have made being gay the worst thing you can say is making for a situation that will send gay rights back by decades. I'm not sure that fighting homophobia should be divided into different ethinic communities. There should be a range of people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations fighting homophobia. I know for a fact that being on the DL is not a black thing. There are many black, white, brown & yellow people all over the country on the DL because they don't trust the people around them to accept them and that is the real shameful thing happening at the moment. Interesting article. It raises many issues. I am hugely pro gay rights and hate homophobics and homophobia, but there is something about Peter tatchell I do not like at all. Personally it seems like he loves talking about black homophobia because it garentees him airtime. The fact that school children all over the country have made being gay the worst thing you can say is making for a situation that will send gay rights back by decades. I’m not sure that fighting homophobia should be divided into different ethinic communities. There should be a range of people from all backgrounds and sexual orientations fighting homophobia. I know for a fact that being on the DL is not a black thing. There are many black, white, brown & yellow people all over the country on the DL because they don’t trust the people around them to accept them and that is the real shameful thing happening at the moment.

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