Washington Blade - May 22, 2009
Herndon Davis

Further, the District welcomed its newest resident, President Barack Obama, as the nation's first African-American and most gay-friendly president to date. As a candidate and now as president, Obama has repeatedly included the LGBT community throughout many of his speeches, hailing America's diversity and encouraging tolerance.

The president pledged his support for the repeal of ôDon't Ask, Don't Tell,ö appointed several openly gay and lesbian individuals to administration jobs and he even invited gay and lesbian families to attend the annual White House Easter Egg Roll. Hence, the black LGBT community should be especially proud to know that the height of their socio-political liberation thus far has occurred under the administration of a black man.

But just two months after the presidential inauguration, both the District and the black LGBT community were dealt a devastating blow. Health officials revealed that at least 3 percent of the District's population was living with HIV/AIDS and 76.2 percent of these individuals were black. Sadly, of those living with HIV/AIDS in D.C., nearly 60 percent are black MSM (men who have sex with men). To add insult to injury, these shocking numbers are considered to be severely underestimated and expected to grow over the next few years as more people are tested for HIV/AIDS.

SO HOW COULD the District's black LGBT community - a group with a rich history, numerous accolades and an overwhelming sense of pride - find itself caught in a spiraling, hyper-HIV/AIDS epidemic resembling that of the 1980s? And more importantly, what can we, as a community, learn from this experience so we aren't doomed to repeat it?

Many years ago, I realized that my gay liberation did not exclusively reside in my ability to socially and/or financially remove myself from intolerant situations. Although earning educational, career and financial success are all great goals, they haven't been the true liberator for me and my black LGBT friends.

It was only when we found a true inner spiritual peace and a comfort with our diverse lives, physical bodies and sexual orientations that we were more apt to internalize safer sexual behaviors and steer clear of drug and alcohol addictions that shroud our community like a blanket of armor from the slings and arrows of homophobia and racism.

AS I REFLECT upon the District's HIV/AIDS epidemic among black gay and bisexual men, I wonder how many of these men actually have an inner peace. I wonder how many feel comfortable having deeper conversations with their male sex partners discussing the meaning of life, HIV status and condom use. And I wonder how many of these men have sub-divided their lives between who they are during the day and what they do between the sheets at night.

We should live our lives as vibrant, integrated and spiritual beings having a human experience. We were not meant to be fractured, disconnected and embarrassed about our lives.

And if we as adults are still grappling with these issues, then how do we expect LGBT youth to learn, understand and fully embrace who they are? How do we expect them to avoid making the same mistakes our generation and our LGBT forebears made?

The vast presence of HIV/AIDS within the D.C. black LGBT community is a symptom of a greater epidemic of the lack of communication, non-acceptance and fear. It simply does not make sense 30 years into an epidemic that a totally preventable disease is still ravaging the black LGBT community.

As we celebrate D.C. Black Pride, let's also make a personal commitment to be true to ourselves and to mentor black LGBT young people. Instead of sexually objectifying them, let's empower them with the facts of life. Let's teach them how to seek an inner spiritual peace that transcends the black church and allows them to freely internalize safer sex practices without shame or guilt. Let's make this our Black Pride prayer.

Herndon Davis is a media consultant and journalist and can be reached via www.herndondavis.com.

090522
WB090506

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2009. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 2009. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .