”I am a proud black gay man. At age 16 I decided to embrace my sexuality. I let the world know I was a man who was attracted to other men; I chose to no longer hide or fight who I truly am.” — Darriyhan, Atlanta
Showing 3 posts tagged black
Anonymous Submission:
About the poet: Cis, gay, black. Detroit born and raised. This is a poem about being black and gay. It is something my white friends–straight, gay, trans, or cis–won’t understand. This is about something my white teachers definitely never understood.
Title: Safe
From school to the gay bars
it is a white space for my black face.
So yes
I’m black
and sometimes proud.
I’m black
and sometimes hopeful.
I’m black
and sometimes brave.
But I’m black
and never safe.
So tell me where and when I can feel safe.
Tell me.
When I’m out in public?
Eric Garner.
What if I was on the floor?
Oscar Grant.
When I’m walking home to my family?
Trayvon Martin.
When I’m taking the trash out with mom watching?
Darius Simmons.
How about when I’m hurt and asking for help?
Renisha McBride.
Maybe when I’m shopping for my newborn baby?
John Crawford.
How about the day of my wedding?
Sean Bell.
How about as a child in a park?
Tamir Rice.
What if I knew my rights?
Sandra Bland.
What if I was a seven year old girl dreaming?
Aiyana Jones.
What if I was in school?
University of Missouri.
What if I was praying in church?
Charleston.
From school to prison bars
there’s no safe space for my black face
And yes
I’m black
and sometimes proud.
I’m black
and sometimes hopeful.
I’m black
and sometimes brave.
But I’m black
and never safe.
Load more posts