Emmy-winning actor Billy Porter has opened up about his experience of homophobia within the African-American community.
In an interview with Billy Eichner, Porter details: “Growing up gay in the black community–it’s a very homophobic community across the board. With that said, as the world has changed and as the world has shifted, the black community is changing and shifting.”
Related: Billy Porter takes us to gay church by destroying the “masculinity game”
Porter went on to share the reaction to an Instagram message he posted for pride month calling out queerphobia within the African-American community. Porter says that he received a somewhat ironic backlash of people reaching out to him to tell him how loved he and other queer, African-Americans are within their own community.
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“Language in this moment has to be more specific,” Porter admitted to Eichner, clarifying his earlier remarks. “All black people are not homophobic — and I know that. I’m talking to homophobic and transphobic people in general, specifically black people in this instance because black trans women are dying at the hands of black cis men at such an alarming rate that it is the highest violence on record. I know it’s hard to hear, but I have worked my whole live to be in a position where I can speak from authority, where I have a platform to speak.”
He also shared a vision of a future LGBTQ people are welcomed by all communities. “We can do it together, but we can’t do it until we embrace and love each other through our differences,” Porter says. “Love the humanity in every single human being. We’re human beings first. That’s all I’m trying to say.”
Porter will next appear in an episode of Season 2 of The Twilight Zone.
ThinkPlease
Of course not all black people are homophobic or transphobic. That would be racist to say so. Just like it would be racist to generalize about any other community.
I’m sure we can all see the lesson in there and I’m equally sure that nobody will learn a damn thing from it.
snuggles65
I always find it strange to find certain persons talking about “their” community growing up & all that but have not been a part of “their” community in 25 plus years. For example, as soon as Mr. Porter got famous years ago , ran from the black community & dates only white men. Don’t you think that is a little racist too & hypocritical. Talks about all the racism there but is doing the same thing.
Cam
Translation: You have no proof and offered up no links to prove your comment.
Secondly, do you have any comments on Porter’s actual statement?
TheMarc
What a silly comment. But one that is far too familiar and frequent. You don’t suddenly “lose” your “blackness” because you date/marry someone non-black. And you can’t just “leave” the black community. You’re either black or you’re not. Some may want to believe otherwise, but I assure you, it follows no matter where you go. What exactly is he not doing to be part of the black community?
mydude
Billy here has this really bad habit of speaking about the black community like there isn’t homophobia in any other community or that white folks haven’t been passing laws to deny LGBT their equality. I don’t recall any of those white presidents turning the white house rainbow or the black caucus in Congress pushing forward anti-gay legislation. He’s acting like Terry Crews…and who made him an authority to talk about a community he obviously pushed away? Ah, white people.
MenziesJ
Amen!
Cam
The more out people we have the more that will help fight homophobia.
I get that with the history of the Southern Baptist religion, etc. there is a history of homophobia in the Black community, but I have to say that doesn’t concern me half as much as the homophobia that is the plank of the Republican party, and that a major political party in America is trying to take away our rights.
At least the Black community is voting for politicians who don’t want us killed, so Porter’s comments aside, it doesn’t look like homophobia is the main motivating factor of their voting, unlike white evangelicals who vote for politicians like Mike Pence or Jim Jordan.
Ronbo
Yes, so true. How I wish that Billy would stand up within the church to expose the overwhelming religious homophobia. Down Low leads only to HIV+ and continued homophobia.
Come out, come out.
TheMarc
Agreed!
TheMarc
I have to agree for the most part. Like Cam said, I think the most significant factor in decreasing homophobia or anti-gay sentiments in the black community are the number of those within the black community who have come out. Personally, I’ve seen increased acceptance within my own family. Now, to be fair, no one threatened to kick me out, beat or kill me when I came out. It was more a silent acceptance from some, silent tolerance from others and enthusiastic curiosity and acceptance from others. But despite what I’ve experienced, I know it’s mostly due to the fact that I’m fairly “masc”(listen, I don’t like that characterization anymore than some others, but it is what it is.) I know I wouldn’t enjoy the same level of acceptance if showed up in drag at a family get together.
There is still work to be done. But I am encouraged by the progress I’ve seen.
Josh447
It’s always great to hear someone so clear in heart and mind speak his truth with dignity clarity love and compassion. I always feel inspired listening to his message.
Black Pegasus
Billy Porter is doing and saying what needs to be said!! It’s too bad other black gay men in positions of power and influence are still afraid to speak out.