Serving The Black Gay Papers: My Collection at the Auburn Avenue Research Library
Craig Washington discusses his archive at the Auburn Avenue Research Library, which preserves Black queer history, honors untold stories, community, and courage.
The Trial of Kaytranada
When Grammy-winning producer Kaytranada faced online backlash over his dating preferences, it spotlighted the complex pressures Black men face regarding who they date. Writer, Joshua Alston examines how public policing of private lives not only flattens individual identity but also risks harming the very communities seeking greater representation.
Black Dandyism and the Crisis Among Black Men—A Call for Change Beyond Fashion
As Black dandyism takes center stage, writer Eric Paulk explores the tradition's roots while calling for real change to address the mental health, education, and economic struggles plaguing Black men today.
Bridging The Ivory Tower: Spotlighting Significant HIV Research
As an academic, I was aware of numerous groundbreaking studies and scientific advancements related to HIV. Yet, even those actively involved in HIV advocacy outside academia were largely unaware of this research. This urgency drives me to bridge the gap between research and practice, to ensure that the brilliance of research is not confined to the Ivory Tower.
Remembering the "Power" of Queer Characters in One of Black America’s Most Watched Shows
in the Power universe, multiple Black queer characters are not caricatures or void of complexity. Instead, they are the core drivers of the plot and prompt character development for others. Their queerness is as apparent as their Blackness.
An On-Court Kiss: Magic, Isiah and the Politics of Black Masculinity in the NBA
As their teammates traded pre-game handshakes at center court, Johnson, an auto plant worker’s son from Lansing, Michigan, and Thomas, a native of Chicago’s hardscrabble West Side, stepped toward one another.
The best friends shook hands. Then they kissed one another on the cheek.
Atlanta Therapist Launches Online Community To Promote Black Mental Health
Atlanta psychotherapist Dr. Ed Garnes wears more hats than a pub coat rack. Healer. Educator. Community activist. Writer. Podcaster.
Despite such varied, complex interests, Garnes says his professional goal is quite simple. He wants to demolish the trope that Black people — specifically, Black men — don’t look after their mental health. He wants to make therapy cool.
Intentional Storyteller Doug Jones on Real Estate and “The Fantasies of Future Things"
Despite decades spent honing his skills in New York City’s cutthroat housing and economic development arena, then taking on Atlanta’s booming housing market, Doug Jones considers himself an accidental real estate agent. He considers himself a storyteller who happens to sell real estate.
The Last Closet: Reflecting On My Experience Inside of the Football Locker Room
When I was about 11 years old, my parents suspected I might be gay, and they decided to do something about it.
Letter From Home
I do not want to disappoint God, Mississippi, or home with this letter, but I have to disappoint God, Mississippi, and home with this letter. I am currently succumbing to evil.
Creating Safe Spaces for Black Queer Youth in Schools: You Don’t Have to Do It All, But You Should Do Something
As a Black queer teacher with over 10+ years of teaching across various cultures, including in the Midwest, East Coast, Appalachia, and at an HBCU in the South, I wanted to provide a road map/examples of how teachers of all sorts can intentionally create spaces where Black queer students thrive.
Not All Book Bans Are Equal: Censorship and the erasure of Black queer literature
While ample attention has been given to book bans, especially recently, one aspect is, oddly, glaringly absent from the conversation- how are minority children who desire to read these books impacted by these bans?
What We Missed In The Moonlight: Chiron’s Journey and the Unchecked School-To-Prison Pipeline For Black Queer Students
Instead, it was a post that read “They’re having a best gay movie off” and it featured two films - Call Me By Your Name and Red, White & Royal Blue. Individuals, particularly Black queer men like myself, were stunned as the film Moonlight, which won an Oscar, was glaringly absent from the discussion (a topic for another day).
Back to School for Black Queer Kids: Its Complicated
It is incredibly dehumanizing, discouraging, and demoralizing to be a 1st generation, neurodivergent Black queer man who flourished academically while others, including friends, seemed to be relegated to the shadows.
One Step Forward & Two Steps Back: Unpacking the Heteronormative Barriers to Gay Men Having Children
While it is important to highlight fatherhood and those who shepherd their children into adult life, we frequently forget to ask a critical question: who gets the opportunity (and privilege) to be a father if desired? For many men who identify as queer, there is a delta between wanting a child and having one.
An Unfortunate Perfect Storm: We Need To Talk To Gen Z about HIV
Despite waning attention, HIV is still around, and most new cases are found in gay men ages 13-34. Of note, we know Gen Zers are between the ages of 13-27. Thus, an unfortunate and impactful storm is brewing, but we must predict the weather and prepare.
Municipal Judgeship Is the Latest First for Atlanta Gay Attorney
At barely 10 years old, Pierce Hand Seitz already had a leg up on other 5th graders: After getting a taste of legal proceedings during a mock trial, he was pretty certain he wanted to be a lawyer when he grew up
My Journey to an ADHD Diagnosis
I want to highlight my long but important journey to being diagnosed with ADHD and how I am continuing to grow my flowers. The diagnosis was not the rain; instead, it was the sunlight needed to illuminate how and where I could grow.
Unpacking Black Queer Men’s Nuanced Ambivalence to Jerrod Carmichael’s Breakout Show
It has been just over a month since Jerrod Carmichael launched his groundbreaking series, the Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show. Unlike his 2015 scripted show, featured on NBC, this new series was packaged as an authentic and transparent view of Carmichael’s (who is Black and gay) world.
The Elephant In The Room: The Real Issue With Molecular Surveillance; No Trust In The Medical Establishment
In October of 2023, a coalition representing 110 networks of people living with HIV met to discuss a deep-rooted but under-discussed issue in HIV advocacy - molecular surveillance.