African American homosexual males on predominantly white college and university campuses

Abstract

Much has been written about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and to a lesser degree about transgendered students (LGBT). Some interesting insights and recommendations regarding the issue of coming-out on college campuses are discussed by Rhoads (1994). Sanlo (1998) has developed a handbook to assist student affairs' personnel, faculty, and other administrators in their work with LGBT students. In Windmeyer and Freeman's (1998), Out on Fraternity Row, same-gender-loving (SGL) male college students are allowed to tell their own stories about their experience in their fraternities. Many universities have created programs and activities for their LGBT students. However, based upon the author's experience on numerous campuses, most of these programs as well as the research and the handbooks, are geared toward the needs of white students. Jones and Love (2000) remind us that, "White gay men, much like white heterosexuals, have been socialized to believe that they are the norm for (gay) society." The participation rate of Black homosexual males is extremely low. At the institution where the author currently works, a campus with approximately 3,700 African American students, only one or two black males attended any of the events sponsored by the LGBT office. Why the dearth of participants? What is it about predominantly White colleges and university campuses (PWCU) that predispose homosexual males of African descent to remain passive rather than active participants in the life of the