Black and Gay at Morehouse
By Jason Harrell, in sexuality
Thursday, December 9 2004, 10:03AM
Consumed with the excessive workload that is collegiate life, I force myself to take a break from the rigor of assignments and compose this promised entry. I am a student at Morehouse College, and balance is idealistically the goal of all Morehouse Men.
Slightly two years ago, the poison of homophobia struck Morehouse brutally and surprisingly when one student attacked another for looking at him in the shower. We are still recovering from the wound. Keith asked me to write an update to give a glimpse into the social intricacies of the institution. While I write this as a mere personal reflection, I trust that many of my Morehouse brothers, both current students and alumni alike, will soon pass upon this article.
First, let's start with the social efforts of "tolerance" that the administration has initiated. Morehouse, proud of its unique traditions, has a history of having Freshman Assembly each Tuesday morning to help the incoming students acclimate to the collegiate setting. The course, although it has no official letter grade, is a requirement and features many lecturers. After the brutal beating incident, Morehouse has had numerous speakers come and lecture on the "tolerance" that we must have in such a diverse setting, stating that even if we do not agree with a person's sexuality, we still are obligated to show respect.
In one of these assemblies, after a speaker stated that the Bible shows two views regarding homosexuals, a student came to the mic and stated loudly, "The Bible doesn't contradict itself, and mine says that it's an abomination." Students cheered so much that the assembly had to end. People, despite their adulthood and individuality, want to fit in here, even if it means denying themselves and their true identity.
Ironically, an institution like Morehouse, one race and one gender, seems to be the most diverse population I�ve ever seen. Yes, there are countless homosexuals. Walking the campus, eating in the cafeteria, or merely sitting in class�surely all are opportunities for one to meet the next fling or next lover. However, those are also opportunities for one to be the next victim of unwarranted gossip and defamation. Yes, it is a sad admission when I say that many of the brothers that I have heard bashing homosexuals in conversation are the same brothers who live rather secretly homosexual lives. These brothers, sometimes heavily involved in organizations, are ashamed to show their true, unadulterated selves. There is no one to tell them that it is nearly impossible to love their brothers when they find it difficult to love themselves.
Morehouse lacks the social mentoring that is necessary for the young homosexual. We need alumni to step up into the ranks and to mentor men who so easily fall into the traps of unsafe sexual practices, depression, self-loathing, and so forth. Truly, I believe there are some pieces of wisdom that can only be given by the mouth of a �seasoned� homosexual. I look at these men and am often saddened, some probably clubbing at gay clubs one night and wearing heterosexual cloaks the next day.
During Homecoming, I heard (yes, heard) the Morehouse alumni threw an official but rather popular party for the gay/bi students. It was a success for those who attended, showing them that gays can socialize without it being purely sexual. The bad side is that most of the attendees were already somewhat known, not those who really needed the mentorship of an older brother.
Has Morehouse arisen from the abyss that pretends as if homosexuality does not exist? Yes. Has it done a great job? No. There is still no official campus organization for gay/bi students. The closest thing is "Safe Space," an organization that has a faculty member as its advisor, but its meetings are not even held on the campus itself. Sadly, the president of the organization told me that he asked some faculty members to be involved who he regularly sees at gay clubs, but they were fearful of their colleagues' perceptions of them. It is nearly impossible for the students to grasp and handle sexuality appropriately if their own professors are afraid to do so.
There is a need for a social education that eradicates unfounded stereotypes, such as every member of the Morehouse College Glee Club is gay, or that anyone who doesn�t have a regular flow of girls in his room must clearly be gay. People are regularly summed up on this campus, and are often made guilty of the "crime of homosexuality" merely by association. I greatly admire my Morehouse brothers who look past the assumed feminine characteristics of a classmate and offer him to join his study group or have lunch with him.
The heterosexuals are not all to blame. The homosexual/bisexual community of this campus must erase the division that exists, and let brothers know that they are no better and no more "straight" than the flamboyant homosexual. As long as there is division between the homosexuals here, there can never be the unity that is needed to address and remove hatred and mis-education. I assume, yes assume, that people do not actually want to be ignorant�they are simply begging for someone to educate them.
Despite all of its "mystique" and academic greatness, Morehouse seems to lack one important universal truth: there is a difference between tolerance and acceptance. It seems that most of the campus has reached the tolerance level, where they tolerate the actions of the tragic homosexual, but tolerance implies judgment and secret condemnation, along with the idea that their tolerance is somehow doing their brother a favor.
I hope we reach some of the ideals of our illustrious alum, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and recognize that which affects my brother socially, emotionally, or personally, has somehow also affected me. I hope that we recognize the truth and advice in our treasured hymn, "True forever to old Morehouse may we be. So to bind each son the other into ties more brotherly." We must recognize that we are much more alike than we are different.
Jason Harrell is a sophomore English major at Morehouse College. He can be reached at mrjlamont@aol.com.
Comments conceal
Nyah Molineaux
December 9 2004, 11:47AM
This is a well written article written by Mr. Harrell. The fact is that homophobia is present in a lot of HBCU's. I feel that as Black LGBT people we have to stop apologizing to our straight counterparts. If we do this then black heterosexuals would have more respect for us.
aeleise
December 9 2004, 11:47AM
Thank you for spreading your truth. I'm a lesbain at Florida A&M University and the climate seems very similar here, tolearance but not acceptance. I think that the more people like you share their truths with others and accept and love themselves, the culture of our instirutions will change. As to Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Baptist Church holding an anti gay march, that is so very sad. I was a part of a youth dance company about 8 years ago that had an exchange program with their dance ministry. Our artistic director was gay and HIV-positive, even though I'm not sure if the Bishop knew that. It's amazing how you can embrace somone and then turn on them becuase of one aspect of their personal lives. That is not how a man of God should act. Shame on him and shame on the gay folks who attend his church and allow him to do this.
DevinDavenport
December 9 2004, 12:00PM
We need to stop apologizing and we need to confront this issue intellectually. The answer is to promote progressive ideals and point out the way in which black people are hurt by our conservative ideologies.
Jon-William Patterson
December 9 2004, 12:11PM
Jason,
Your essay was well-written and I enjoyed it. It's ashame that we have some black clergymen who misuse and interpret scripture for their gratification. Furthermore, its sad when we treat our own with disrespect. It is my hope and prayer that the gay students at Morehouse will become more unified. Keep up the good work and may God Bless You.
Michelle Brisson
December 9 2004, 2:56PM
Jason: Thank you for your article. I admire your insight and your generosity. Tolerance is not the goal, for one can be tolerant and not embrace; one can be tolerant and not understand; one can be tolerant and turn away. Keep up the good work. Michelle
karsh
December 9 2004, 3:14PM
Ah, how I remember these days back at 'da House. Great piece.
DB
December 9 2004, 3:29PM
Jason:
This is an excellent article and great insight on the post-hate crime climate at Morehouse. The one thing I'll say that hasn't been said already is that we as African-Americans are our own worst enemies. That is not just in HBCU's or other schools, it's in general. We will step on one another unashamedly and unapologetically to get ahead. We are more tolerant of what Caucasians do because we feel like they are "different." We use that excuse all the time. Well guess what, we're all the same. They may have the "white privilege" over us, but love is love, homosexuality is homosexuality, and homophobia is homophobia. We have to be more like the African Americans my grandparents used to reference. We all supported one another, whether we liked each other or not. And they definitely did not speak negatively about a brother to someone outside the race. Now I know we've been judgmental and crude since the beginning of time, but it's intensified greatly. That's why many won't come out of the closet. You'd think it'd be easier in a place where everyone "looks like you." Funny thing is that you find that's the hardest place to do it. When are we going to truly accept the charge given by MLK instead of referencing it all the time? Being a Baptist minister, I'm sure he wouldn't have condoned any deviant behavior from his beliefs; I do believe he included homosexuals in his "freedom for all" ideals. We say the dream is still alive, but is it really? If so, we're raining on its parade with our prejudice against our own brothers.
WT
December 9 2004, 4:24PM
Well written article Jason. I see that things are quite the same at the 'House.
Bklynbro
December 9 2004, 4:27PM
Good read. Sadly though, we have to admit that there is no Black gay community in the real sense of the word - anywhere. We have allowed fear and cowardice and the DL to rule and thrive instead of love, courage and a community that produces prosperity and good together. Personally, I've been greatly disappointed.
FRE
December 9 2004, 6:24PM
I'm totally convinced that many gay men and women, regardless of race, do not want to be accepted. They see rejection as just punishment for their "sinful" sexual orientation. That explains why they will not work towards achieving a more just society which accepts every responsible person, regardless of sexual orientation. It also explains much of the dangerous and destructive behavior. They court disaster because they think that they deserve it. It is difficult to help gay men and women achieve an adequate sense of self-worth when we live in a culture that disrespects us for what we are. But unless more gay men and women work to change societal attitudes, we will continue to be disrespected. It's a visous circle that is hard to break out of.
Back-stabing among gays is common and, believe me, it is not limited to blacks. It is at least partly the result of a negative self-image that gay persons often have towards themselves and other gay persons.
Jason, you have your work cut out for yourself. You seem to have sufficient guts to deal with it and I hope you accomplish much.
KWM
December 9 2004, 9:12PM
I must say this was a delightful read. You wrote it brilliantly. It is quite misfortunate, we as human beings can not grant acceptance. People of America and the world must realize before we can grow as nations, races, and most importantly as individuals; we must learn to love and appreciate others inspite of ourselves. Hopefully in the near future we will be at that level in our lives so we all can do this.
Jamel Smith
December 10 2004, 12:10AM
Jason:
Your article is great! We have to speak and not be afriad to act. Some People of African descent can be real envious towards people of their own kind.
Anyway, I don't see anything about homosexuals in the ten commandments. Abortion is really serious, but the church can't judged those folks because, it's too many divorce people and clergy won't take a risk of talking too much, therefore losing membership. Believe me, if enough homosexuals speak out against puseudo teachings, situations might change. Instead, some of us become brainwash and become a Benedict Arnold.
I have met self-hating gays and I also have meet black gays who stereotype other blacks and then they try to riducule other black gays. My former professor is an example of a self-hating black and gay person. The man is a professor of African American studies. People would not even think he's of African descent the way he stereotypes other blacks, especially younger blacks. He was not happy for me when I informed him of my decision to attend graduate school.
Finally, we people of African descent might not be too racist, but we are very homophobic and sexist.
Troy
December 10 2004, 9:38AM
Keith excellent, excellent articles! More! More! More! But allow me this, if you will because today WE must do this and take action! Read on:
Well, brothers and sisters the power of just being a good televangelist is just not good enough, it seems it must include oppression and confusion. Let's turn a few lights on of understanding, knowledge and love as best WE can. Let it begin with a word or two whispered (more like shouted) of freedom and equality for all women and men, let us be and show what a true Drum Major for good really means! Here
now my letter to the 'good' Bishop:
Feel free to post, send, fax, copy or email=
Dear Bishop Long
We will not be silent either! While we sit in your church and have
the same bible you have we will no longer be unrecognized, put down,
nor degraded or marched out of anybody's mind!
Bishop Long to what advantage does this march serve in understanding,
knowing and loving ALL of God's people. Where is the coming together
at God's table that always included us ALL no matter who we were and
who we say we are. In God's eyes and heart HE loves and wants us all
and to know HIM, as all we need to make it through.
This march and your using the act of calling out certain members in
the name of God only divides us ALL and does not create change or
solidify, strong, loving, God believing, people.
From ancestoral homes and tribes in Africa up and through to this
very day we as people of color have survived all types of man's
decision to divide and conquer us let this day and your march put us
back into the hands of yet another man wanting to chain and shackle
our hearts, bodies and minds.
Is it wrong to love one another? Is it wrong to be playing along as
an actor would be, to be seen as one thing yet deep inside feel
another way, yet have a church be as large to hold ALL yet only be
accepting a chosen few.
Bishop Long be the true leader you and your followers would know you
to be; LOVE ALL GOD'S PEOPLE and understand more than just the place
and your point of view. Know LOVE in all it's most human
compassionate path, it's greatness sent from God who in fact has
shown us and loves us everyday in everyway, no matter where or who we
are or who we seem to be.
Can we march and meet and hear a better plan on being better together
and capitalizing on more areas of progress than we presently are?
Let your march be about uniting us and teaching us that we as in
God's eyes whatever direction our lives, just as Dr. King's life and
works did, that love that they shown and always had, for ALL.
Yours truly,
(your name)
Their website is located at: http://www.newbirth.org/feature.htm
New Birth Organization
6400 Woodrow Road
Lithonia, GA 30038
telephone: 770.696.9600
A
December 10 2004, 11:46AM
Thank you for your couarge!
Joey Tatum
December 10 2004, 1:43PM
Dear Mr.Harrell,
What a well written article. You really exposed the problem of gay-bashing by closeted homosexuals. This problem, as you so eloquently wrote, is the reason that homosexuals are not more unified in our cause for total acceptance. As with you, I was a student at a black college and was appauled by the negative image of homosexuals by so-called "learned" individuals. Please continue your fight and know that you have people praying and siding with you brother.
Mark Smith
December 10 2004, 2:43PM
Hey I just wanted to say that I enjoyed your story and hope that everything is going well at morehouse and people will step up to the plate like we are.
Mark Smith Gay Pride at a Black High School.
Troy
December 10 2004, 4:39PM
Keith, how can we help and counter march to the march Bishop Long wants to hold down in Atlanta. Let's do something to really show WE AND OUR LIVES MATTER IN ALL EYES AND IN ALL WE DO. Let's really do something as sisters and brothers, together.
(love the SpongeBob photo; lol, good but funny change)
cmoney
December 13 2004, 8:21PM
I like your article because it brings to mind the first time my father made a homophobic statement to me. When I proudly announced that I had been accepted to my first choice college, Morehouse, he exploded "I don't know why you want to go to that faggot schoola and you will not go to that faggot school!" I was stunned and had to choose another college (Howard, that had even more "faggots"). Irony of irony that a school that already had a "reputation" for harboring gays now has a reputation for being homophobic. There is a connection here. A guy at an all male school with his own identity issues flies off the handle when he perceives another guy crusing him in the shower. Would his reaction have been so violent if he wasn't aware of the image that Morehouse has as an all male school? Would it have mattered that some other guy might have looked at him if he wasn't so afraid of his own homosexual feelings? Self love would go a long way toward ending this violence.
Don Jones
December 15 2004, 5:37AM
Jason,
What an excellent article pointing out the hypocrisy that exist in the Black community. It's not only Morehouse, it's universal. Having just moved from Oakland, CA to Memphis, TN, I see the urgent need to address this issue.It is difficult to try and convince someone who refuses to listen to rational reasons for acceptance. It must be demonstrated in ways that can bring them together. However, I'm interested in sponsoring a seminar for diversity acceptance in the Memphis, TN area. If anyone would like to participate and have ideas that can be explored, please contact me at: edonaldjones@aol.com.
Thanks again, for your courage and determination to help bring two communities together...straight & gay.
Peace,
Don Jones c/o DJ Consultants
POB 92
Memphis, TN 38101-0092
Carey Foster
December 17 2004, 2:10AM
Dear, Jason I really enjoy your article on Black, Gay at Morehouse College, I'm a 35 years old Black Minister from Detroit,MI I'm gay I have being life-long college student. I can understanding Homophobia on a Black college campus. in 1991. when I was 21 years old I was at student at Miles College in Birmingham, AL. I was a victim gay bashing and sexual harrasement and rumors of my sexual ornienation was speading. I feel like didnt how anybody talk my other gay friends at Miles College was in the closet didn't want to talk to me on campus I feel so very depressed and alone I isolted myself I people on Campus I transfered out Miles College to Ferris State University in Big Rapids,MI it took me many years to get your the pain I went throught by the grace of God I'm Heal ministry to young African-American Black Gay& Lesbians to be leader fight hard against Homphobia against African-American community. I happy that Morehouse College how support to help Black Gay male to succed the world. I will Pray for Morehouse College, all our historically Black College to end Homphobia on campus I will pray for you, Jason and pray for me
Sincerely,
Minister Carey Foster,
Detroit,MI
antwan
December 17 2004, 11:25AM
I know some straight brothers that are Morehouse alumni and they told me that Morehouse will never accept gay men at Morehouse, because gay men cannot meet the defintion of a stong, intelligent, activist Morehouse MAN, which is the image that the college llikes to present to the world. They also said that some very prominent Morehouse alumni have warned Dr. Massey, President of Morehouse, that if Morehouse becomes known as some gay black mecca, they will cut off all donations to Morehouse, they will not send their sons to Morehouse and they will not encourage any students to attend Morehouse. He told me Morehouse will put up a good front that they believe in tolerance, but acceptance will never be forthcoming because Dr. Massey and the Board of Trustees know the real deal.
J.P.
December 21 2004, 5:22PM
Mr. Harrell:
Thanks for your essay. If you are not familiar with it I suggest you pick up and read "The Good Book: Reading the Bible with Heart and Mind," by Peter J. Gomes of Harvard Divinity School -- I presume you are familiar with him. Many say he is the second most powerful man at Harvard and most agree he is the most loved.
I find this ironic: it was Bible scripture (used by white men) that served to justify slavery (and the scripture supporting that issue is far more explicit than the scripture used against gays) and now some African-Americans take the book used to enslave them and use it against others in the very same hateful way. Curious isn't it how black can so easily become white? I find it very interesting that the people who were enslaved by misuse and abuse of scripture now do the exact same thing to others – how white of them. This should be no surprise for the devil too can quote scripture for his own purpose and -- big shock – bigots sometimes wear their bed-sheets black.
But do read Reverend Gomes' book for I think you will find some great ammunition for your battle. When others use the Bible as a sword against us Gomes shows us how to use it as a shield. Most important, he does it with compassion, grace, and without a trace of bitter polemic.
T.G.
December 22 2004, 11:21AM
The article was/is true, however, why put the school on blast? There are many problems at Morehouse socially, politically, economically (and every other -ally you can find). The whole homo v hetero argument will never be settled unless both members of each respective group can dialogue without bringing his religious/personal beliefs and judgements to the table.
There is nothing new under the sun. Homosexuality did not just invade Morehouse's halls in the last 5 years. And I highly doubt it will go away any time soon.
As past, present, and future students learn to really deal with this issue, it will plague Morehouse's progress and growth for years to come.
The one lesson we can learn from our predecessors is to keep all House business in House.