An Interview with Delroy Constantine-Simms , BY SYREETA GILL 8: CAROLINE YEARWOOD Why is homosexuality the greatest taboo in Black cul- ture? It must be made clear from the outset that black culture is as diverse as every other cul- ture. The general perception within Black culture is that homosexuality, like Christianity, is another cultur- al imposition on Africans by Europeans. It must also be made clear that religion, specifically Christianity, plays a very important role in reinforcing this taboo. However, one has to remem- ber that mythical perceptions of Black sexuality and prowess are centered on het- erosexuality, not homosexual- ity. Therefore any deviation from this norm is seen as unacceptable in many sec- tions ofthe Black community, except the arts to a certain degree. In reality, the Black com- munity knows that homosex- uality exists; the unspoken rule is that we may know it but don’t flaunt it. More importantly, univer- sal stereotypes regarding Black sexuality are so strong that Black folks worldwide have come to believe the hype about their own sexuality. To the extent that anything out- side heterosexuality is dis- missed and not allowed to be openly portrayed or displayed in Black culture (with a few exceptions of course,) one only has to look at contempo- rary Black music, film and lit- erature to understand that expressions of diverse sexual- ity are not tolerated. If it is expressed, it is more likely to be in terms of lesbianism. In regard to gay litera- ture, what’s missing to you? What would you like to see more of? How would you encourage it? I don’t think anything is missing other than the fact that it needs to be culturally diverse and more accommo- dating to other ethnic groups. I would like to see more cul- turally diverse gay literature, in order that the audience irre- spective of their background has the opportunity to at least identify with one book that reflects them. However, I am ’ers print books that encouraged by the fact that more and more publishers are being very pro-active in this direction. At the same time, these respective communities need to take the initiative and not expect others to continu- ously support them. I am also of the view that more of liter- ature should be directed to the non-lesbian and gay commu- nity rather than writing for the converted. 0 Why do you think there is so little written about gay Black culture and gay Black writers? I think there is a lot of work out there written by many Black gay and. lesbian writers. But at the end of the day, publishers ask the obvi- ous questions: Is the work any good? How can we market this project? I must also make it clear that it’s tough enough for European American gays to get a pub- lishing deal, so it may be even more difficult for African- Americans. While the issue of race may be a considera- tion, there are too many other factors to consider. It must also be noted that the mis- guided general per- ception is that Black folks do not‘ read. So it goes without saying that as Black gays are themselves black, then it is also safe to assume that they don’t read either. So why should publish- will not be bought’ by Delroy‘Constantine March 2ili)0i1'i|ii Out in the Mountains J17 Simms Black gays _and les- bians, let alone any- one else. How did you find the con- tributors to this book? Bruce Morrow did the ground work for me in New York, while Steven Fullwood of “One Step Further” sat down with me at i the Schomburgh Library in Harlem and helped me put out a call for papers on every gay and lesbian website that we could find. I received so many responses to the point that I have enough material for a second edition. It took me so long to read the mater- ial, and it was even more painful telling people that I would not be able to use their work. What writers do you con- sider some oflthe most sig- nificant contributors to gay Black culture today? Why? When you read a book you’re never sure about the sexuality of the person, so to commit yourself to any spe- cific person is not" something you would do because you "never know who is who. That is why I don’t have any favorite gay or lesbian writ- ers. But I would argue that any openly Black gay and les- bian writer who puts pen to paper is making a significant contribution to Black gay cul- ture and Black culture as a whole. Where do you see the future of gay Black litera- ture? ' With the advent of new technology and digital pub- lishing, the opportunities are limitless. However, I do acknowledge that mainstream Black gay literature has a long way to go. Fair enough, there are always going to be a few mainstream successes, E. Lynn Harris, James Early Hardy. If Black gays and les- bians don’t buy the book, why should any one else? -outs GATE9 -.1;-if What do you think are some of the common myths, stereotypes and misunder- standings the white queer community has about atti- tudes toward-homosexuality in the black community? Homophobic, intolerant, sexual beings, nothing else. These are the common points. But I would also argue that the stereotypes held by white gays and lesbians are not much different than their het- erosexual counterparts. It must also be noted that African-Americans are not M°“duY-Sulutll“‘l 9um—“l““ 5\tI\(l0‘l 9°“"9°m Over 200,000 book, music, video & DVD titles Over 2,000 periodicals 30% discount on Borders best-sellers; Borders Best CD titles, $l2.99vand up Most Extensive Music; selection in Burlington! 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