Homosexuality has increased across the nation and a significant number has risen in the African American culture. What’s the cause? Is it a fad? A phase that our young people are going through, or is it truly a way of life? Between a conflict of societal changes and a church oriented culture, homosexuality has emerged and even been seen excessively on campus.
It is not uncommon to see gay or lesbian students holding hands and embracing one another. For some, homosexuality is seen as the freedom of choice to love without limits, and even considered beautiful, but for others it goes against the morals and practices of their religion, and everything they stand for.
We live in a society where being gay was once hidden and frowned upon, but now it is heavily emphasized and widely accepted. Homosexuality is a controversial subject and different people have opposing views of gay/lesbian relationships.
In another aspect of these relationships, “down-low brothers” have also surfaced in the African American community. Down-low brothers are black men who essentially live secret lives and are sexually involved with men, but have relationships with women as well. The biggest misconception about down-low men is that they don’t consider themselves to be gay, when in all actuality they are. These men are partially responsible for the outbreak of STDs and HIV/AIDS that have become so detrimental to the health of black women. In turn, this has left men and women tied down to psychological and health problems that last for a lifetime.
Various students were very passionate about their homosexual opinions, including the issue of bisexual relationships and what it really means. Some view bisexual people to be lost and confused.
Senior education major Sonceri Jones said,”It’s a trend within our generation and they are “experimenting”. History shows that homosexuality in the deep south, was discriminated against and unaccepted because it conflicted with belief systems. Sophomore Sharyn Goffney said, “I have no problem with gay couples. I feel that people should love whoever they want, as long as they are not on the down- low.”
Many female students simultaneously agreed that it is highly unacceptable for a man to date both men and women after he has been sexual with a man. Jones said, “Men need to step up because they are harming the family and their significant others.”
What about women who are lesbians? It seems that homosexual men have much more of a negative outlook than women. Could this be seen as a double standard? It’s interesting that some men find it attractive, and even enticing for a woman to be lesbian.
There are countless reasons why people who are gay/lesbian chose to be that way, but who are we to judge? People have their own sexual preferences and there will always be some type of judgement, whether it be negative or positive. To each his own.