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Downlow Men

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“Down Low”: Homosexuals in the African American Community:

Why is it a Taboo Topic?

Danielle Carter

Senior Seminar HSU 498

Professor Hogan

March 25, 2010

Abstract

The phenomenon known as the “Down Low” among African American Men who have sex with Men has caused much concern among black community leaders, the general population, and not to mention HIV/AIDS researchers. There are questions which are not being addressed regarding communication patterns of stigmatized groups specifically the “Down Low” group. Why is there little research about the “Down Low”, when there is more than half AAMSM in this world? This paper will explain why so many African American men are on the “Down Low,” why there is a lack of communication when it comes to speaking about the “Down Low. This paper will also help Human Service workers learn how to help AAMSM and their families.

“Down Low”: Homosexuals in the African American Community

A Review of the Literature

Today, while there are men who are openly gay, it seems that the majority of those having sex with men still lead secret lives, products of a black culture that deems masculinity and fatherhood as a black man's primary responsibility (Roscoe, 2008). The “Down Low” culture has grown in recent years out of the shadows and developed its own contemporary institutions for those who know where to look for example web sites, chat rooms, private parties and special nights at clubs (Roscoe, 2008). Dr. Molefi Kete Asante, of Temple University, states, “Homosexuality is a deviation from Afrocentric thought because it makes the person evaluate his own physical needs above the teachings of national consciousness.” Before one can understand the “Down Low”, consider these following questions:

Homosexuality

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