Whether homosexuality is a choice or a genetic mutation, its acceptance at historically black colleges and universities has been widely discussed. According to the American Psychology Association, one’s sexual orientation is not adopted by an individual’s choice, but rather develops as a result of “cognitive and biological factors” as well as by interacting with the surrounding environment.
The term “alternative lifestyle” is often used to covertly refer to someone who chooses to act in a way that is opposite normative behavior. This lifestyle appears to be much more noticeable at Prairie View A&M University more than ever.
Dr. Miron P. Billingsley, associate vice president for the Office of Student Affairs, said, “African-Americans, Hispanics and Native Americans have been discriminated against our whole lives. Therefore, we, as a people, do not have a place in society to discriminate against others. We have to accept others for who they are and how they choose to be. Regardless of whether or not I agree with the lifestyle, it is still my duty and responsibility to make sure that students at this institution are comfortable with themselves, their living arrangements and their learning environment, regardless of sexual orientation.”
The refusal to accept the homosexual lifestyle in African-American communities has created tension among black males and females who struggle with their alternative lifestyle.
A freshman, who accepted the lifestyle during his first year of high school, said, “We are all human beings.”
Since coming out of the closet, he claims he has encountered acts of discrimination.
Persons living the not so accepted lifestyle wonder what is so abnormal about doing what one feels? The old cliché goes “we cannot choose who we love,” but in America, and specifically in conservative communities, such as the Prairie View community, many people with alternative lifestyles are asked to do just that.
They are asked to make a choice of whom they choose to associate with, romantically and sometimes platonically, and if that choice does not fit the standard of what is accepted, religiously and politically, then they are labeled “different.”
Society teaches people at a young age what the standards are. As children grow, they learn to perfectly fit them. One senior student, frequently questions what makes him different from anyone else?
The student, who wishes to keep his name off record, said, “That is assimilating to the world. That was not what we were put on earth to do…we’re not supposed to just do anything. We’re supposed to love.” He also explains that “Within love each person has their own qualifications. Ultimately you have to really accept yourself and not look for justification.”
According to the Web site, FamilyDoctor.org, “A person is said to be homosexual if he or she is sexually or romantically attracted to members of the same gender, or sex.” This lifestyle is not to be confused with bisexuality in which a person is attracted to both sexes. Homosexual is a reference for both men and women, gay or lesbian.
The senior student, who considers himself bisexual, said that the person he is now has been bottled inside of him for a while. He said, “Initially I wasn’t as comfortable being alone with a girl, but I allow the potential to have sex with a girl rattle my confidence. I have to let her know I’ve slept with guys and until then I can’t be comfortable. It is a difference that I made in my own mind. I put potential in a female being long term. I never want to have any kind of concealed anything. If I were to get with a girl she would have to know. I feel like it should be her choice. I wouldn’t want her to find out through someone else.”
Common taboos prevent those who violate them to live freely. They become alienated and their lives become a constant topic. The senior student understands that society automatically places labels on people.
“You have to put a label on something and because I have slept with guys, it takes the possibility away from being heterosexual which ultimate translates into the impossibility to be looked at as ‘normal,'” the bi-sexual student said.
The student who also admits that he spent a great amount of time “hiding” from who he was, said, “There are two different ways that people execute life. You either go through life and withdraw from understanding or you experience life and gain understanding. The latter of the two is most beneficial. You can plan as much as you want but reality takes its own course.”
For years, the discrimination of same sex relationship participants has caused many to enter the lifestyle in a discreet manner. In October 2009, Morehouse College enforced a dress code that prohibited cross dressing. Although the dress code labeled baggy clothes as inappropriate attire, openly homosexual students felt targeted., therefore questioning how open and accepting society really is.
Billingsley noted that the university is in the process of establishing a new program called “Panther Allies” for students who participate in the homosexual lifestyle and may desire counseling services.