Black and Gay at An HBCU
By Jon-William Patterson, in sexuality·viewpoints
Tuesday, November 30 2004, 12:03AM
As a black gay college student at Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, I have had a number of experiences in my advocacy for the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered students. Challenging and rewarding are two words that best describe my experiences as a black gay college student attending a historically black college.
Unfortunately, the challenges sometimes outweigh the rewards because there are several obstacles that hinder awareness and tolerance. Individual intolerance of anything queer and perceived misconceptions of gay and lesbian students contribute to this problem. Some faculty and students are very homophobic and the manifestation of homophobia is prevalent in some classroom discussions and lectures. Outside of the classroom, some students blatantly make anti-gay and homophobic remarks.
At the end of my spring 2004 semester, a group of students, including myself, submitted paperwork to establish the first LGBT organization at Paine College. We were informed by a school administrator that the administrative council and board of trustees would meet to evaluate the proposed organization.
When we came back for the fall 2004 semester, the same school administrator ordered us to change the name of the organization because the word "diversity" would not be accepted by some administrators and faculty. In addition, the administrative council did not evaluate the proposed organization over the summer. As a result, we could not be inducted as an official campus organization along with other academic and social organizations.
Another challenge is that some students are afraid of coming out and standing up for their rights as black LGBT students. As a result, some historically black college and university administrators and faculty are in denial and refuse to embrace these issues.
Although my experience has consisted of complex challenges, it has been unequivocally rewarding. One reward has been working with other black LGBT student leaders who are not afraid to speak out against discrimination and homophobia. It motivates me to advocate for the rights of all LGBT students when I see other student leaders like myself taking a stand against discrimination. I have had the opportunity to give encouragement, insight, and support to other black LGBT students to help them with activism at their respective schools.
In addition, the greatest reward of my experience is observing students coming out and speaking up against homophobia and intolerance at historically black colleges and universities and other institutions of higher learning. That is a powerful thing because for so long the rights and treatment of black LGBT students at historically black colleges and universities have not been given adequate attention.
I believe that we could be more effective in advising administrators at colleges and universities of the need for more awareness and dialogue about LGBT issues if more black LGBT students would come out and speak up against homophobia and intolerance. Some people in the African American community, including some college students, administrators, and faculty are misinformed about these issues.
Informing our community about these issues will hopefully begin the healing process in the African American community because we need to affirm and respect each other in order to become a stronger community. Every member of the African American community has a role to play in ending homophobia and intolerance. Together we can do this and make a true impact in our community.
Jon-William Patterson is a 23-year-old graduating senior at Paine College in Augusta, GA. He is a United Negro College Fund Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow and his interests include Black Gay and Lesbian History, LGBT Activism, and traveling. His hometown is Aurora, IL.
Comments conceal
Donald Andrew Agarrat
November 30 2004, 7:44AM
Hmmmm, another cute midwestern boy about to finish school and creating change in his community. Keith, is this a trend? *LOL!*
Jon-William, you weren't successful at creating an organization officially recognized by Paine College. However, I think you've managed an even greater success; you've have fortified and have been fortified by other Black LGBT students to continue to demand HBCU campuses where we can exist - and learn - as whole human beings. Congratulations!
Oh, if you haven't already, check out the previous post about Mark, the high-school student embarking upon his career in activism. Maybe you two could compare notes? I hate to recycle sentiment, but everything I said to him could also be attributed to you. Take good care.
jwpmmuf
November 30 2004, 8:45AM
Thank you Donald for the encouraging words of wisdom and I will heed your advice.
Jamel Smith
November 30 2004, 9:52AM
Jon-William:
Thanks for sharing your experience with us. You and Mark are excellent examples of role models.
Will Seals
November 30 2004, 11:37AM
Bravo! to Jon-William for writing this article and for Keith for publishing it. As an alum of an HBCU (Morehouse), I applaud the fact that students like Jon-William are courageously standing up and asking to be recognized and respected. HBCU's need to know that proud African American GLBT students (faculty and staff also) exist.
DB
November 30 2004, 2:31PM
Jon-William:
I don't want to be redundant so I'll be brief. You have courage and wisdom far beyond what I did when I was in college. Hindsight is 20-20. I applaud your efforts. I tell my friends all the time that youth are more vocal and courageous now than we ever were. It's like there was a disconnect between youth of the civil rights era and those currently in HS and entering college now. I'm glad you all are able to pick up where we have dropped the ball! Much luck and success in your endeavors.
Troy
November 30 2004, 2:59PM
Keith what would really knock the ball out of the park would be to gather the pictures of the KEY people behind these new writers. Black mothers and fathers and grandmothers and grandfathers that helped shaped these perfect diamonds. There's a better book just dieing to be written and a major major story like no other, waiting to be told.
I wonder just what this exact moment in the spotlight means to them and how it factors into the future, hmm, or better still what is the process President Boykin goes through to select and final come up with this super squad and how does it make him feel...Okay I'll stop and say thanks and wow! THIS is what the internet should really be about.
peaches
November 30 2004, 8:31PM
i really enjoyed this article! it was astounding.i am more enlightened on the subject matter now than i was before. i was ignorant on the subject, but i was open to points of view and therefore saw it from someone else's perspective. CONGRATULATIONS JWP!!!!!!!!
Ashley Strong-Green
November 30 2004, 8:38PM
Jon-William,
First I admire the courage and professionalism that you undertook in adressing this issue. I feel that you make a very valid point, if African Americans expect to take a role on the global stage we must first correct injustice at the homefront. If we can not be loving and accepting of each one another as a community, each and everyone of us, then we can never hope to affect global change. Historically Black College and Universities are suppose to be the breeding ground for the future Black Leaders of the world and we definitely need tolerant leaders. Additionally we all need to work to be the change that we wish to see in others and the world and I feel that you are definitely making positive strides for the black image. Good Job JW.
Autumn
November 30 2004, 9:09PM
Jon-William: this was a very interesting article; may you continue to stand up for what you believe in and not let others or society shape your thoughts.
Mark Smith
December 1 2004, 12:16AM
Hey Jon,
I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your story and I hope that we continue our quest on delivering equality and social justice.
Mark C. Smith(Gay at a Black High School)
Jeffrey Lanier Jones
December 1 2004, 9:04AM
JW, I am so proud of you for courageously taking a stand on an issue that needs a dialogue within the African-American community. Kudos to you for your great work, my brother. Keep standing up.
We need a true dialogue about black sexual politics that will demystify misconceptions and myths about black sexuality. There is certainly a taboo surrounding this issue, however, we must be vigilant in the effort to boldly confront injustice whereever it may rear its ugly head and speak the truth in love. Thank you for beginning the dialogue and hopefully a movement for social change.
Remember "When we stand up, we must know that we are standing up for everybody. Each of us needs to know, in fact that we are rainbows in the clouds. . . for everybody" - Maya Angelou
Stay strong! Stay encouraged! Stay committed! The battle has just begun, but please know that victory is on the way!
Peace and Blessings.
t morrison
December 1 2004, 10:13AM
J.W. this is a great and up lifting. An I do think you for that.
JHam
December 1 2004, 10:24AM
This is a great and wonderful article. JW, I really do appreciate everything that you have done here on campus, and you will be greatly missed when you graduate from this insititute. There will never be another strong leader such as yourself.
Tasha
December 1 2004, 12:52PM
It is indeed an issue in every community as well as the African American community. While I think you are an extremely intelligent man, I do not think that Paine College is the place to push this issue. Paine College was founded by religious organizations and currently receives financial support from these insitutions. Please do not take it personally, but by supporting your efforts, they are denying the rest of the students the right to receive this wonderful education. Without the financial support of the CME and UME churches, Paine might have a short existence. Imagine all the people that Paine has helped receive an education, in essence; a better life, the employees and all. Try to see it from their shoes, they might not be scared, but trying to stand up for their beliefs, like food, clothes, shelter and yes, even their religious beliefs. This issue is everywhere, not just at school. Perhaps, redirection of the cure to the roots will speed the healing and growth process. You should stand up for what you believe in. Ask God for guidance and trust his answer and move forward.
May God continue to guide your judgement!
Kevin McGruder
December 2 2004, 11:11AM
Jon-William,
I congratulated you on your essay off-line, but after reading Tasha's post I feel compelled to go on-line with my thoughts. Tasha suggests that because Paine College has religious affiliations it is not "the place to push this issue" and that your activism in some way threatens the availability of resources at Paine College. I assume she is concluding that if the denominations that support Paine College disagree with the formation of an LGBT organization on campus they would withdraw their support of Paine. This may be an extreme possibility, but there are other possible responses as well.
The formation of an LGBT organization could spark a discussion within the church community (however grudging it might be) as to how the black church ministers to its homosexual members (beyond telling them not to be homosexual or creating AIDS ministries). The black church does not understand how its failure to minister to us has affected us. We have been used by clergy as convenient scapegoats, an Exhibit A example of wrong living, while many of our critics never bothered to really know us or truly understand our lives. In response, some of us abandoned our church homes, others remained in tortured silence. Some of us have fortunately found more receptive religious communities. This may seem harsh, but I believe that if the black church had known how to show black homosexuals the love that it preaches about so freely, but parcels out so sparingly, we would not be struggling with an AIDS epidemic among Black gay men or wondering why some Black men are on the down low.
As know Jon-William these are issues that should be discussed at Paine College, at all black churches, and any institution with which they are affiliated. These issues don't get discussed because there are not that many people with your courage and support who are willing to do the work that you have been doing. In reality the work that you are doing has a significance that goes well beyond Paine College, and as you know is consistent with the work of others represented on this webpage and elsewhere. What you are doing is demonstrating that it is possible for a Black, gay man to live a life of integrity rather than a life of subterfuge, duplicity and deceit on matters related to your sexual orientation. It is ironic that the black church, the institution that spends so much energy promoting truth and love is the institution that is least able to accept the integrity of your example and the truth of your message. Keep up the good work.
Your friend always,
Kevin McGruder
Jon-William Patterson
December 2 2004, 11:59AM
Tasha wrote:
It is indeed an issue in every community as well as the African American community. While I think you are an extremely intelligent man, I do not think that Paine College is the place to push this issue. Paine College was founded by religious organizations and currently receives financial support from these insitutions. Please do not take it personally, but by supporting your efforts, they are denying the rest of the students the right to receive this wonderful education. Without the financial support of the CME and UME churches, Paine might have a short existence. Imagine all the people that Paine has helped receive an education, in essence; a better life, the employees and all. Try to see it from their shoes, they might not be scared, but trying to stand up for their beliefs, like food, clothes, shelter and yes, even their religious beliefs. This issue is everywhere, not just at school. Perhaps, redirection of the cure to the roots will speed the healing and growth process. You should stand up for what you believe in. Ask God for guidance and trust his answer and move forward.
__________________________________________________
Thank you for your response Tasha. However, raising this issue at Paine College is not denying any student the right to receive an education. Furthermore, raising this issue at Paine is necessary because there is ignorance and intolerance on this campus around LGBT issues. Ignorance and intolerance are two negative components in any educational environment.
Jon-William
Nyah Molineaux
December 3 2004, 2:58PM
I am a member of BLAGOSAH (Bisexual Lesbian and Gay Students of Howard) a Black LGBT organization at Howard University . I have been a member for over a year and it is a rewarding experience. I have made a new group of friends and I have found a love for volunteering that I have not had before.
Nyah Molineaux
December 3 2004, 2:58PM
I am a member of BLAGOSAH (Bisexual Lesbian and Gay Students of Howard) a Black LGBT organization at Howard University . I have been a member for over a year and it is a rewarding experience. I have made a new group of friends and I have found a love for volunteering that I have not had before.
JP
December 3 2004, 3:56PM
Mr. Patterson,
In spite of the challenges it sounds like you are doing just fine. Remain patient. Do not expect that others will be as courageous as you. What you are doing is not comfortable but the work you are doing is not about being comfortable. Another commentator here wrote, "I do not think that Paine College is the place to push this issue." I disagree. We take our victories as we find them but we must also accept the challenges as we find them. You are pushing the issue exactly where you need to push the issue – where you are and where you stand. You are doing exactly what needs to be done and doing it where enlightenment is most needed.
Don't sell people short. Give them room to get bigger. As others witness you take the slings and arrows yet still remain standing in the light they will begin to come around. Of course, some will never come around – don't waste your time with them (no point casting pearls before swine) just stay centered on the teachable. But don't expect them to be as big as you. You know how it is, we all have to peel away layer after layer of garbage the world lays on us before we can emerge. Just keep peeling away the layers. Believe me -- I speak from many decades of experience -- they will come around. They will come around.
Stand tall. Stay proud. I salute you!
Laura
December 5 2004, 5:49AM
Tasha said:
While I think you are an extremely intelligent man, I do not think that Paine College is the place to push this issue. Paine College was founded by religious organizations and currently receives financial support from these insitutions. Please do not take it personally, but by supporting your efforts, they are denying the rest of the students the right to receive this wonderful education. Without the financial support of the CME and UME churches, Paine might have a short existence. Imagine all the people that Paine has helped receive an education, in essence; a better life, the employees and all. Try to see it from their shoes, they might not be scared, but trying to stand up for their beliefs, like food, clothes, shelter and yes, even their religious beliefs. This issue is everywhere, not just at school. Perhaps, redirection of the cure to the roots will speed the healing and growth process.
LOL, when we see heterosexual students begin "redirection of the cure to the roots" so they can get their healing, then perhaps that remark will even make some sense...
For queer students and alumni religious schools there is an organization called Heartstrong, "The place for GLBTs from Religious Schools".
http://www.heartstrong.org/
I'm one, and am on their list. Nice people there, though not very up on Black gay students at religious institutions. We can go there for each other, though.
Jeffrey Lanier Jones
December 7 2004, 1:11PM
Tasha said:
While I think you are an extremely intelligent man, I do not think that Paine College is the place to push this issue. Paine College was founded by religious organizations and currently receives financial support from these insitutions. Please do not take it personally, but by supporting your efforts, they are denying the rest of the students the right to receive this wonderful education. Without the financial support of the CME and UME churches, Paine might have a short existence. Imagine all the people that Paine has helped receive an education, in essence; a better life, the employees and all. Try to see it from their shoes, they might not be scared, but trying to stand up for their beliefs, like food, clothes, shelter and yes, even their religious beliefs. This issue is everywhere, not just at school. Perhaps, redirection of the cure to the roots will speed the healing and growth process.
_________________________________________________
In response to Tasha's statement, I respect your comment but I am not in agreement. It is time for all institutions to recognize the contributions of LGBT persons. A dialogue seriously needs to happen within the black communities, particularly black schools because there is such an taboo surrounding black sexuality that is crippling our communities almost to the brink of destruction. I hope you consider that sexuality is a gift from God, and we should be able not to allow misconceptions to cloud our thinking and allow justice and mutual respect to occur.
Jeana
December 7 2004, 8:09PM
I think that Jon-William was brave to speak out about his homosexuality. A lot of men cause problems due to the fact they they are in the closet. This has been a problem that has not only affected African American women but also the surrounding people. I think that he paved the way for others to speak out. It's always good to tell the truth. Only the truth can set you free.
Jessica
December 7 2004, 8:23PM
I do believe that this was a well written attempt to undo the prejudice and underlying hatred towrads the LGBTs on HBCU campuses. People are afraid of what they don't know and being that this new "phenomeon" of homosexuals is on the rise persons are unsure. It is not uncommon to know one gay person in your life but to deny them the same rights as yourself is just wrong. There are some many college organizations geared toward heterosexuals that why not have at least one for homosexuals. They are the same as everyone else except for their sexual prferance and we should not judge people on that. I'd rather they be in a same sex relationship with someone who cares about them rather than in a heterosexual relationship that is unhealthy or abusive. I have many friends that are homosexual and I look at them the same as my straight friends. They all look out and want the same out of life happy healthy productive relationships.
Whitney G. Harris
December 9 2004, 9:10AM
Jon,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Many same-gender-loving brothers face these same issues on historically white college campuses. Even tenured faculty members are afraid to come out. At my institution, where 16 percent of the faculty/staff is African American, I'm the only out staff member. Maybe, seeing students like you will help SGL staff and faculty take the risk to be "present" on campus as out brothers. I think that all would benefit.
Peace
Pleasure
December 9 2004, 12:23PM
I am not gay or bi personally but I do have friends that are. I back my friends cause of something they believe in and they want a change from the typical stereotype. If we are all equal then why not support what ever makes the gay or bi sexual community happy. If your happy being heterosexual then your friend backs you cause of something you believe in...IF NOT THEN YOU OR YOUR FRIEND IS NOT A TRUE FRIEND...Pleasure
AprilJackson
December 9 2004, 6:18PM
This article speaks about the number one issue facing many of my fellow colleagues on Paine's Campus. Brothers are on the downlow and need to let the Sista's know!This article was very interesting.
Keta
December 9 2004, 6:20PM
I don't have any problems with people who are gay. Two of my friends are gay and I support them in whatever they do. I just hate the fact that my other friends had to find out by catching my two friends in the act. I see them as regular people and that everyone has their own preference in who they want to be involved with. I commend J.W. on telling his story. There needs to be more students to come out and let people know what their sexual orientation is if they want the people to know.
Glamour star
December 9 2004, 6:43PM
Well, I just want to say a couple of things. First off, I think that J. Dubb is a very well- rounded, respectful, and humble man. He has made am impact on a lot of people's views on homosexuality over the time he has been a student at Paine College. Knowing how Paine College is, it is going to take a while for them to "adjust to reality". People at this institution and in the "Dirty South" are just now starting to break out of their "Conservative Personality". Me being from Los Angeles, diversity plays a major role in my life. Being homosexual, bi-sexual, heterosexual are all the same to me because they both require a second person and the feelings are no different. People need to stop looking at Gays and Lesbians as ALIENS!! THEY ARE PEOPLE JUST LIKE WE ARE!! Wake up people, we are in a new age. Get your foot out of your a** and realize that it is 2005!!
R. Bryant Smith
December 11 2004, 3:24AM
J.W.,
What can I say except how proud I am to see you take such a stand! You are very courageous and to say "talented" would be a slight to your pioneering yet genuine heart.
In reading the reviews of the article, I commend you all the more! It is interesting that even in this new millineum and decade, and with all of our education, we yet live in the dark ages. It is interesting how one could comment that Paine College was funded by religious people, hence, SGL themes should not be discussed or supported by the institution. I wonder if this same person has ever attended a homecoming at an HBCU?
Being a colleague of yours and graduate of an HBCU that is very closely connected to Paine, it is a marvel at how we yet perpetuate silent death. When will our people learn that silence = death.
My friend, my brother, my colleague, I admonish you to keep on keeping on.
Yours very sincerely,
R. Bryant Smith