Because other gay racial and ethnic groups have message boards (also known as bulletin boards), I was curious to find out whether gay race relations were being discussed. Well, they are, and just as candidly.
One of the most revealing themes has been the shared experiences of racial and ethnic minorities, as well as interracial gay couples, vis-a-vis the larger society. This posting from the Gay Asian message board illustrates the point: "I am a 33-year-old Filipino-American. My lover and I have been together for six years.... My lover is white and [has] been often asked why he's going out with an Asian. His response is that he was attracted to me as a person and not because of my origin. I think that's what it should be...."
Yes. That is how it should be: people appreciating and respecting people, not because of others' racial or ethnic origin, but for the persons we are. Somehow, this truth continues to be lost. Perhaps it explains the marginalization--and alienation--that continue to exist among racial and ethnic groups, undermining our common lesbigay struggle for our rightful place at the table of humanity. And, of course, it goes without saying that these lessons are true for the larger society, as well.
In spite of the inherent sadness in the discussion on race relations, particularly among gays and lesbians, there is reason for hope. Why? Because we are talking about it! And even more heartening is the cross-pollination taking place, as persons of one racial/ethnic group contribute to the discussion in another racial/ethnic message board. The future for gay race relations--and race relations in general--can be bright. But only if we choose to make it so. I think that we have begun to do so. Let's continue.
- Robert Bromfield