Another Missed Opportunity
I have a small bone to pick with Oprah Winfrey. First I want 2 point out that I absolutely admire her and think that her accomplishments and contribution to society are commendable. But she dropped the ball on her show on Women Leaving Men for Other Women.
I don’t want 2 go into the conversation about labels and whether they’re “real” lesbians or bisexuals. The concept of sexuality being fluid was discussed as well. A very fascinating concept that I won’t go into either. Nor will I talk about the families point of view and the interviews O had with the children of these late blooming lesbians. I just want to point out a small almost unnoticeable part of the show. The lack of womyn of colour.
It seems that the Prop 8 debacle brought to light that some don’t even believe that there are any black gays. And understandably so. We’re practically invisible. .Not in movies, television shows, or entertainment. You can find the occassional black gay man. But African American lesbians? Nah. People have heard of us but never actually seen one or met one. What’s messed up is that I didn’t notice until I noticed that others didn’t notice. I was content with being lumped with all gays until the black vs gay topic broke out. Then I had to realize that I am not black and gay. I’m black or gay.
I refuse to choose. You can’t slice me up and have me only acknowledge certain parts of me when convenient. I am black and gay and woman. And u know what? There are a lot of us out there and I’d like to see us more. There was a chance to make that happen on the Oprah Winfrey on March 20th. But her people just couldn’t find the elusive black lesbian. I guess we’re like big foot or something. . .
