|
Speak...
Share...
Enrich...
& Grow
|
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
|
| |
|
In the summer of 2006, the Washington Post began running a series, titled "Being a Black Man", which informed the experiences of black men in America. Intending to capture different perspectives of what it's like being a black man in America, the series spanned a cross section of black male points of view, pulling input from musician to the homeless, educator to artist, yet with one notable exception...a gay black male perspective.
It was in response to the Washington Post's Being a Black Man series that we (black gay speak founders) decided to meet and discuss the scope of the project, its' impact on our community and the attention , or lack thereof given to black gay men. Were we seen as invisible in this collage of existence?
The Post was made aware of our meeting and decided they wanted to cover it. From that coverage, the Post produced a video that has since, been widely recognized and lauded and recently received a GLAAD Media Award.
(See The Washington Post's
"Being a Black Man")
|
Moreover, the video sparked a flurry of responses and dialogue in our community. As more readers picked up the story, it produced a ripple of interest and continued feedback, along with, as always, some criticism. People were talking.
To that effect, where there was no mention of a gay black male perspective before, it had now been integrated with the original storyline. As the responses were coming in, we quickly understood and acted on the notion that these collective thoughts and idea exchanges could be used as a vehicle for social change. At the same time we continued to gather and expand (monthly) to discuss topics relevant to gay black men. Thus was born Black Gay Speak.
Join us in shaping our community and renewing the Black Gay Movement.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
