Raphael Perez
39 artworks by Raphael Perez (Selection)
Download as PDFHomosexuality among the black gay community in the United States • 39 artworks
Who are the black gay community?
The black gay community is a diverse group of people who identify as black or African American and as gay, bisexual, or other sexual orientations that are not heterosexual. According to a report by the Williams Institute, black LGBTQ adults make up about 12% of the LGBTQ population and 3.7% of the black population in the United States. The report also found that black LGBTQ adults are younger, more likely to be women, and more likely to identify as bisexual than white LGBTQ adults. Additionally, black LGBTQ adults are more likely to live in poverty, experience food insecurity, and lack health insurance than white LGBTQ adults.
What are some of the challenges faced by the black gay community?
The black gay community faces multiple forms of discrimination based on their race and sexual orientation, which affect their lives in various ways. Some of the challenges they face include:
- Discrimination in public spaces: According to a survey by the Center for American Progress, 33% of black LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing discrimination in public spaces such as stores or restaurants in the last year. This discrimination can take the form of harassment, denial of service, or physical assault.
- Discrimination in workplaces: The same survey found that 31% of black LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing discrimination at work in the last year. This discrimination can include being fired, denied a promotion, or subjected to verbal or physical abuse. Moreover, black LGBTQ individuals have lower incomes and higher unemployment rates than other groups in the United States.
- Discrimination in health care settings: The survey also revealed that 29% of black LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing discrimination when seeking health care in the last year. This discrimination can involve being refused treatment, being given inferior care, or being subjected to invasive or inappropriate questions. As a result, black LGBTQ individuals may avoid seeking health care or face worse health outcomes than other groups.
- Discrimination in police interactions: The survey also showed that 22% of black LGBTQ individuals reported experiencing discrimination when interacting with law enforcement in the last year. This discrimination can include being stopped, searched, arrested, or assaulted by police officers. Furthermore, black LGBTQ individuals are more likely to be incarcerated than other groups in the United States.
- Violence and hate crimes: The black gay community is also more vulnerable to violence and hate crimes than other groups in the United States. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2021 is on track to become the deadliest year in history for violence against black transgender individuals, at least 16 of whom have been killed in hate incidents as of this April. Moreover, black male-male couples are less common than white male-male couples, accounting for 6.6% of gay couple households in the United States in 2021.
How can we support the black gay community?
The black gay community deserves respect, dignity, and equality as human beings. There are many ways we can support them and help them overcome their challenges. Some of these ways include:
- Educating ourselves and others about the history and culture of the black gay community and their contributions to society.
- Challenging stereotypes and prejudices about homosexuality and race and promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Advocating for laws and policies that protect the rights and interests of the black gay community and prevent discrimination and violence against them.
- Supporting organizations that provide services and resources to the black gay community such as health care, legal aid, counseling, education, and advocacy.
- Showing solidarity and compassion to the black gay community and celebrating their achievements and identities.

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes

Raphael Perez
Digital Arts | Several sizes
