Watch a video of the Real Talk Forum
An open forum held Thursday night discussed what it means to be African American and homosexual.
Real Talk “No Homo” Pt. II is a continuation of the “No Homo” series, coordinated by the African American Cultural Center.
Bruce Parker, graduate assistant and Safe Space Campaign coordinator, said this topic is rarely discussed openly at the University.
“This is an ongoing event to encourage conversation about sexuality and race,” Parker said.
The second session featured historical black community leaders like Sheryl Swoopes, Alice Walker, Langston Hughes and Bayard Rustin and their achievements and contributions to society, highlighting their lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer status.
The event provided students a chance to voice their opinions about homophobia in the black community and solutions for acceptance of all people regardless of their sexual orientation.
Law student Mandisa Moore stressed the importance of self-acceptance as a homosexual person.
“It is important for people to feel themselves at all times and not black in one group and gay in another,” Moore said.
Moore is also the co-founder of a new LGBTQ student organization entitled “Black and Proud,” which she said promotes gay pride and incorporates the black power movement.
“The purpose of the organization is to have a space for people to bring all identities so they do not feel that they have to drop one [identity] at the door,” Moore said.
Education assistant professor Roland Mitchell led the forum and noted the value of the topic of the discussion.
“These are the conversations that are supposed to be happening at the flagship university,” Mitchell said.
LaKeitha Poole, graduate assistant for African American Student Affairs, said the event is held to provide a comforting atmosphere for students to openly converse.
“The event raises awareness in an open and welcoming environment,” Poole said.
John Lewis, computer engineering freshman, said he hopes the events shed a different light on the topic of homosexuality.
“The events are to increase awareness that LGBTQ people love and care about each other like us, instead of focusing on the sexual aspect,” Lewis said.