Crossing the Gay Color Lines

Polk too, has had similar experiences at clubs. "If I go to a predominantly white gay club, the men just aren't really interested," he said. "I call it the invisible man syndrome." People try to explain their lack of interest by claiming it's "just a preference," but Polk pointed out, "it's not really a preference to exclude an entire group of people based on the color of their skin."

Fixx believes that gay men — who often seem predisposed to judge the image rather than the human being behind the image — may be uniquely positioned to fall prey to racism. But he sees another factor as well. "Because of us [gays] being the last group of people that it's OK to belittle and bash by the rest of society," Fixx said, "I think everyone within our community is scrounging to find a way to make themselves feel better. So it's like, 'OK, who can we now put down?'"

Beginning a Dialogue

The idea of prejudice begetting prejudice and marginalized peoples cannibalizing segments of their own communities for a sense of superiority is, unfortunately, something that has haunted minority communities for countless generations. So is it possible for gay people and people of color to move beyond that cycle? How can we begin to come together?

"I think the way it begins is right what you're doing here," Taylor said. "To be willing to ask questions that haven't been asked over a sense of discomfort. You cannot have a breakthrough without a breakdown. And we have not been willing, many of us, to have a breakdown in the truth of the conversation. The truth: Why don't you like me?"

Taylor believes we'll have more success if we think more inclusively and more broadly; if we change the framework from gay rights or black rights to "basic human rights" for all people. "So that," Taylor said, "we turn this conversation on its head: to equality. Period."

Daniels believes it will take "pioneers and people who are mavericks" to see outside those boxes. "Martin Luther King made a statement," Daniels said. "He was a brave man, and was politically incorrect. I think that people really don't get his wife even — her stand on same-sex marriage and homosexuality. And all of that stems from him and his belief that we are all one. And no one has the right to be prejudiced against anyone."

Fixx sees the answer as something simple: compassion. "If we can pay attention just a little bit to each other's struggles or stories, I think that will start to bring about change," he offered. "Once we allow ourselves to care about others just enough … maybe we can find a way to get out of this together."

See Tori Fixx in the upcoming Homorevolution tour, and visit him at his website www.t-fixx.xbuild.com. Lee Daniels upcoming film is Tennessee starring Mariah Carey. Visit Kevin Taylor a www.kevinetaylor.com. Rod McCullom blogs every day at Rod 2.0.