I watched it last night and for those who know me, you know I am anti-Oprah (her show). I had not watched Oprah since she had Jill Scott and Alicia and India on back in 2001.
Anyway, she started the show off like DL brothas was BRAND BRAND new. I was surprised that she had not done a show on this before. E. Lynn Harris bought this to my attention (and many of yours) with his first book in late 1990s.
That 72% of ALL NEW AIDS CASES being Black women hurt me to my heart. I just could not sleep well last night. I am HIV negative according to JAnuary 04 results but I swear I wanted to go get an AIDS test last night just to reconfirm.
I will be getting J.L. King's book. I will read it and I will pass it on. My brothas and my sistas, ASK!!!
I asked my ex:
When was the last time you had sex with a man?
When was the last time a man had sex with you?
I HAD TO BE SURE. He got offended, but I would rather him be offended than I get AIDS.
I got pissed and paranoid thinking about all of these men out there who are living on the down low and think nothing of protecting themselves let alone their sex partners.
I got pissed that this was only a one hour episode and not a 3 parter. She could have spent just an hour with J.L King; another hour focusing on Black college students (Jonathan is here in Charlotte at JCSU, article in the 4.16.04 Charlotte Observer that tells how he acquired AIDS, he is fully and openly GAY not living on the DL) and then another hour focusing on the older folks who are getting AIDS in our society. I am glad that Phil Wilson mentioned that WHITE WOMEN are not safe either. Even if they are not into Black men, their WHITE HUSBANDS might be and bring it back home to them.
AIDS does not discriminate.
AIDS is real.
THERE IS NO CURE.
Oh and let me just say I think that all DL men are cowards. Yes I know there is a triple consciousness for BLACK GAY or BISEXUAL MEN but it is unhealthy to live that way. Like my pastor's grandmother used to say:
JUST BE WHO YOU IS!!!! Love yourself enough to accept who you are.
I can honestly say that this single life is not easy and that it can be dangerous. COMMUNICATE with your partner. BE HONEST with your partner.
Oh and I do think for some men, being on the DL is a trend. Just like it is a trend for folks to be dating and start having sex with their mates' siblings and parents (see Maury Povich) but some things just should not be fashionably trendy.
I am not homophobic at all but I am anti-DL!!!
