Blacks & Gays in America
Common horror & hope
America’s history regarding the treatment of blacks and gays has been a blight. Blessings, however, remain possible.
Life in America has been obscenely abusive for Blacks. And it certainly has been no cakewalk for gays. This article delves into the commonalities suffered by both Black and gay Americans and the hope for change.
Common Assaults
As background, I am a white gay man married to a black gay man. We both have experienced a lifetime of abuse. And we both deeply love Jesus.
I have long been aware of the sufferings of gay Americans. I was always perplexed as to why all of the animosity toward a particular group of people who just happened to have an attraction to their same sex rather than the normative heterosexuality. Yes, we gays are different than straights, but why so much hatred toward us?
I became enlightened when I read the fascinating book, “Walking the Bridgeless Canyon,” by Kathy Baldock. Now, I know the history behind the abuse of gays in American history.
I am also reading the seminal book, “The 1619 Project,” created by Nikole Hannah-Jones. Gosh, have I become sickened by the horrors manifested upon Black people!
It struck me recently how similar both people groups are — Blacks and gays.
How can I possibly catalog the horrors provided to Black Americans? Slavery for centuries. Being treated as a commodity, rather than as a human being. Inhumane work conditions; relentless servitude. Beatings, whippings, and sufferings included being lynched, burnt alive, cut into pieces, and dismemberments displayed on storefronts. Mutilations (removing someone’s hand, toes, or testicles). Not permitted to learn to read or write. Starvation. Dividing of family members. Rape. They were working from literal pre-dawn to post-dark. And the tribulations were never going to stop.
I sob just thinking about how White humans treated Blacks in America’s history.
And the sad reality is that because of centuries of oppression, today’s system is not built to reverse the cultural under-dogging of Blacks.
I am much more familiar with prejudices and assaults upon gays in America. For example, gays were not permitted to be teachers, actors, politicians, or be in the military.
Gays have been ridiculed, taunted, and bullied as youth — even in churches and schools. For decades straights were even encouraged to assault gays — to “make a man out of him.”
Gays were not permitted to go to bars or form their social establishments. Their identities were often reported in the newspapers. Gays were barred from renting homes. Movies and television historically ridiculed gays.
Sometimes violence against gays would occur. Rape. Murders. The perpetrators were often not held accountable.
Gays’ self-esteem became so low — and hope for change became so feeble — those gays killed themselves in droves. It has become a national (but underreported) epidemic.
Indeed, as we look back upon American history, we are repeatedly sickened by the horrendous treatment provided to Blacks and gays. Why?
Simply because a person was Black. Simply because someone was gay.
Common Denigration
Every human is born with dignity. All human life is precious. No person should believe themself to be superior to another human.
Such is true regardless of gender, race, physical capability, status, wealth, or sexual or gender orientation.
And yet, Blacks in America have been considered inferior to White.
And gays have been regarded as being immoral compared to straights.
I had a Black friend who once told me that he was aware of his skin color every day of his life. I, as a White man, was not under such self-consciousness.
However, I became keenly aware of my sexual attraction at age 12. At age 30, I knew I was a homosexual. And since age 30, there has not been one single day of my life that I have not been conscious of my sexual orientation.
Many straights believe me to be a “lesser-than.”
And Blacks are viewed by many Whites as a “lesser-than.”
Why?
Blacks did not select their skin tone and racial status. Gays did not set out to be attracted to those of their same sex. Blacks are black. And gays are gay.
Is it possible for Blacks and gays to be viewed as equals?
Common Hope
America has made strides toward more equality for Blacks and gays.
And yet America is very divided politically.
Republicans view themselves as “traditionalists.” Indeed, the single largest voting block for Republicans is Evangelical Christians. Evangelicals find solace in believing they hold a traditionalist biblical worldview. They believe that scripture alone is the reliable source of truth. Therefore, such a religious worldview implies that God does not ordain gay marriages and that homosexual behavior is always wrong. Thus, full equality for gays is not permitted.
Conversely, Democrats view themselves as “progressives.” Their single largest voting block is Blacks. Thus, social justice for Blacks becomes a key voting theme. Progressive Christians believe that the Bible is not the only valid source of truth but exists alongside science, personal experience, and personalized revelation as additional sources of wisdom.
Now, I am not trying to demonize Republicans or Evangelicals. I was an Evangelical for over 40 years before recently becoming an exvangelical.
And I exclusively voted for Republicans until two years ago, when I officially switched to “Independent.”
But it is my former allegiance to Republicans and evangelicalism that has allowed me to see its blemishes.
Blacks and gays want their history to be made known. Many Evangelicals oppose such education. Many Blacks are “woke” and are trying to “even the playing field.” Relatedly, many gay Christians resent being told by Evangelicals that they cannot use the word “gay” as their sexual identity.
Republicans and Evangelicals are (or can be) wonderful people. But why is it so hard for them to view gays as their equals? I think I know the answer:
And why is it such a battle to pursue social justice with Blacks?
Frankly, I am mystified.
Conclusion
My hope resides in Jesus. In Jesus, there are no “greater-thans” and “lesser-thans.” All human life holds dignity.
May I treat all people with equality and love — Blacks and Whites, gays and straights, progressives and traditionalists.
Dr. Mike Rosebush (he, him, his; Ph.D., Counseling Psychology) is a writer for Backyard Church and may be contacted at mikerosebush75@gmail.com.
