Post by Logan on Jun 28, 2016 2:46:45 GMT -6
Multiple identities: Black LGBT people can face unique challenges
Among the most common questions lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals hear are: “How long have you known?” and “When did you come out?”
But Bryan Bradford, senior assistant director of alumni relations at Indiana University and a gay black man, said he never has been able to give a definitive answer to such questions. He never tried not to be gay, he said, tending to focus on just being the best Bryan Bradford.
That doesn’t mean people aren’t “sizing me up,” he said, as his race also influenced his experiences.
“I know what the canvas of Bloomington looks like,” Bradford said.
That has never bothered him, he said; once people got past the vision of what they saw, life was better. He said there were times when he may have paused and questioned whether his race or sexuality was a factor in how well an interaction with others went, but for the most part, things have been positive.
Read more: www.heraldtimesonline.com/news/local/multiple-identities-black-lgbt-people-can-face-unique-challenges/article_779f3889-4c5a-5031-bb16-8129137bc92c.html
This is part of a series of stories about the LGBT community in Bloomington, coinciding with Pride Month events locally and nationwide.
Sunday's story addresses the recent milestones regarding gay marriage.
Another story Monday deals with black churches and LGBT issues.
Coming Tuesday: The experiences of LGBT members of the Latino community.
Sunday's story addresses the recent milestones regarding gay marriage.
Another story Monday deals with black churches and LGBT issues.
Coming Tuesday: The experiences of LGBT members of the Latino community.
Among the most common questions lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals hear are: “How long have you known?” and “When did you come out?”
But Bryan Bradford, senior assistant director of alumni relations at Indiana University and a gay black man, said he never has been able to give a definitive answer to such questions. He never tried not to be gay, he said, tending to focus on just being the best Bryan Bradford.
That doesn’t mean people aren’t “sizing me up,” he said, as his race also influenced his experiences.
“I know what the canvas of Bloomington looks like,” Bradford said.
That has never bothered him, he said; once people got past the vision of what they saw, life was better. He said there were times when he may have paused and questioned whether his race or sexuality was a factor in how well an interaction with others went, but for the most part, things have been positive.
Read more: www.heraldtimesonline.com/news/local/multiple-identities-black-lgbt-people-can-face-unique-challenges/article_779f3889-4c5a-5031-bb16-8129137bc92c.html