Wow!

Where to start?

The two major problems I have with this piece:

1. You’ve written an article that is an epic fail in understanding both racism and how it operates, as well as completely misrepresenting the reality of sexual objectification of gay men of color, and the resultant damage that can occur from it.
2. You have also unfairly appropriated a slogan (blacklivesmatter) that is an important and timely symbol for radical and sweeping social justice change (one that is clearly not yours for the taking). In effect, using it as a tag line for a glaringly ignorant article that reduces the legitimate concerns gay men of color have over sexual objectification, to a problem that MANY people would LOVE to have.

If you still don’t see why these are serious concerns, the number of responses your piece has garnered should tell you otherwise.

But, here’s your opportunity. You need to LISTEN to what is being said.

Please don’t pull the typical privileged, white male response and tune out, get defensive, offer justifications, or otherwise dismiss the serious critique of your article by the many gay men of color that have responded here. While you may be “bored” and think that they are “oversimplifying” the issue, they are actually taking the time to share with you the numerous reasons that your piece is problematic. You need to demonstrate respect for that by believing that which they tell you.

And remember, this is not simply an issue of your opinion vs theirs, it is men sharing with you the reality of their daily lived experience. One that you have no direct knowledge of and never will. So, suck it up and listen Gabe Zichermann.

Face it, you fucked up here. Take it as an opportunity to learn something, then do whatever you can to mitigate the damage this piece has caused.