Baltimore OUTloud - LGBT- Gay - Lesbian - Transgender - News - Maryland - Baltimore OUTloud - An Independant Voice for the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Community

Black history month is the time when all people take time to learn about the historical contributions of people of color. While we all know that black history occurs every day, it is certainly beneficial to showcase our life changing gifts to the world and specifically the fabric of America. From Mabel Hampton, Bill T. Jones to Audre Lorde and Bayard Rustin our African American lesbian, gay and bisexual community members are finding their way into our conversations. Still and yet the term transgender has yet to take hold in the black community. More so, a comprehensive understanding and positive visual light of African American transgender individuals have yet to fully manifest in mainstream America and the black community.

It seems like with each passing year, we as LGBT folks are more tolerated under society’s microscope. But the looming questions such as, “what made gays the way they are or what happened to us to change our minds in the first place” are still persisting, and an alarming amount of people continue to believe that we can be converted or changed back because of them. 

HIV/AIDS is a disease that has ravaged the gay community. It’s scary that at one time in my life I didn’t know anyone who was HIV infected. Slowly but surely I’m learning that some people who have come into my life are battling with this disease. Safe sex is something we all should practice, not that we all don’t fall short of glory. I, myself have engaged in raw sex, and I must say it feels damn good. To feel that penis slide in you like a hot knife through butter is very tempting and makes you want to throw caution to the wind and have raw sex every time. However, by now we all know the consequences of our actions or others. I had my own little consequence to deal with.

Greetings all, yes the Voice of the Youth column has returned! Amidst my graduation from Coppin State University, Celebrating Christmas, and the New Year, I am back. This year, I promise to make more of an impact and be a voice for the LGB&T youth everywhere, but enough about that subject and me.