Queer as (Black) Folk: Your Questions Answered

7 November 2011 One Comment

By The Black Daddies Club

We are all very excited about our upcoming event, Queer as (Black) Folk: A Discussion on Homophobia and Homosexuality in the Black Community on November 26^th!

Over the past few weeks, the BDC has received some feedback from the community and, in an effort to establish as much clarity and transparency as possible, we would like to take this opportunity to answer some of your questions.

“So why are you – the Black Daddies Club – holding this type of event?

Queer as (Black) Folk is but one event in the Taboo Discussion series, where we provide a safe space to talk about topics that are often ignored in our community. Speaking specifically of this Taboo discussion, the reality is that Black Daddies are fathers of Black LGBTQ children. As such, we are very much fulfilling our mandate when we bring the discussion of homosexuality and homophobia ‘to the table’. How do those Black Daddies who are fathers of LGBTQ children provide a nurturing, affirming environment in their homes and the wider Black community, for the full flowering of the potential of their children? If we truly love all of our children – and not just the heterosexual ones – this is a question that simply cannot go unanswered.

“What can I expect from this event?”

If you attend Queer as (Black) Folk, you will be involved in an open dialogue about homophobia and homosexuality in the Black community. We will be touching on various subjects, including:

Parenting: raising our LGBTQ children with the support that is needed to become the entirety of who they are; confronting feelings of isolation suffered by queer, Black parents and heterosexual, Black parents of LGBTQ children.

Race: Why is homosexuality not considered a ‘Black thing’? Exploring the prevalence of homophobic lyrics in dancehall music; challenging the strategies of silence and isolation in Black communities around the subject of Black homosexuality; dispelling the myth that the Black community is inherently more homophobic than the white community; understanding our multiple (and often interlocking) oppressions and how safety and protection can be a part of homophobia.
Building Bridges: learning about allyship; creating a platform for a wide spectrum of queer voices that are not normally heard; creating spaces for learning, sharing and mutual understanding.

“If this is a community event, why is the BDC charging for tickets?”

The BDC exists without public funding and is able to conduct programming because of the combined efforts of committed volunteers. We are using the upcoming Taboo Discussion to raise funds for much-needed programs that are aimed at the Black community in the GTA.

“Is this event a ‘gay’ event or a ‘straight’ event?”

BDC is holding this event for Black community and the Black community is comprised of both straight and LGBTQ individuals. We view this event as a golden opportunity for several members of the same (Black) family to get together and have some real talk.

“What do you hope to achieve from this event?”

We hope that through respectful dialogue, as opposed to picketing or physical violence, we are able to strengthen our community and convey our belief that, regardless of sexual orientation, there is a loving ‘home’ to be found for our GLBTQ family amongst their own people.

We appreciate your feedback, questions and concerns. Please, keep them coming. We look forward to seeing your face in the place – get your tickets soon!

Ticket outlets:

East End – 2 lined Music Hut (Malvern Town Centre) 416-264-3999

West End – Hair Play Salon 416-782-6930

Brampton – Loc N Twist Brampton: 905-463-1747

Toronto – Loc N Twist Toronto: 416-850-0336

Downtown- Onyx Barbershop: 416 363 8408 | Play De Record: 416-586-0380

For more information, email [email protected]