An Open Letter to Johnny Gill and Those like Him

There is a real and measurable percentage of African-American men who engage in bisexual relationships. The exact number...who is to say? Regardless of the exact number, there is no argument to be had that the percentage is real and measurable. Additionally, there are men who engage in bisexual relationships who have both a wife and children. A wife and child do not absolve one from the possibility of a clandestine homosexual relationship.

These are the facts and they are indisputable.

The only "phenomenon" related to the "down-low" discussion was that the African-American community was actually discussing it AT ALL in the public space.

The hindrance to that discussion heretofore can rightfully be blamed on African-Americans' collective stigma placed on anything and anyone connected with homosexuality.

This is not an editorial in support of Gay Rights or an endorsement of any type of alternative lifestyle. It's just a statement of fact as to African-Americans and our collective conceptions of those things considered "virtuous" and "shameful."

Conversely, the stigma that accompanies all things homosexual within our community has led to the ubiquitous hyper-faux-masculinity found in our music, movies and our general everyday mentality.

This is not an editorial meant to diss hip-hop or its related elements. It's just a statement of fact as to African-Americans and our collective conceptions of those things considered "virtuous" and "shameful."

R&B singer Johnny Gill, recently took to the radio airwaves to "clear his name" in regards to the rampant rumors surrounding his "rapport" with actor/comedian Eddie Murphy. In an interview on the nationally syndicated The Ride with Doug and Dede, Gill pleaded his case as to how he "is heterosexual, "has always been" heterosexual and "always will be" heterosexual.