the Down Low Phenomenon

Since living in Los Angeles, an interesting existence has come into my realm of knowledge. The phenomenon known as "down low bruhs". This so called "secret" describes the tale of predominantly African American homosexual men who live double lives. Due to religion, family expectations, corporate America, main stream society and anything else that can make one feel uncomfortable if their sexuality isn't "mainstream"... these men choose to follow the path of a so called "normal" lifestyle. This usually includes marrying a wife and having children all while fulfilling external sexual needs in secret.

The danger in this is, of course, very obvious. Contracting STD's and then passing them onto your wife, as well as living a life of lies. How can a man, or anybody for that matter, be content with a life that requires daily lies and facades? How can he live everyday knowing that he took vows to love, protect, honor and forever be a partner to someone who frequently cheats on?

This topic is something I've been thinking about because Los Angeles is full of gay men. Gay men who are so out of the closet, they basically wear a sign around their neck that says "I'm gay", to the unstereotypical gay man who seems "straight" but you can't really tell, to that homophobic man who is passionately against anything related to homosexuality, but is also actually gay. I believe I've seen it all, and I just don't understand how people can still be so bigoted to the point where they'll create laws and legislation that prevent homosexuals from simply living their lives.

I don't understand how the actions of another can effect someone so much that they feel that it is completely necessary to hate, or demean, or even act and feel superior. In conclusion, I pray for my brothers and sisters and hope that they can have the courage to live a life that suits them. If you love in a different way, it should be acceptable because you're loving! We just need people to be aware of the fact that when you spread separatism, you're spreading hate.