CNN News Anchor, Don Lemon came out over the weekend, adding much needed visibility to the face of black gay men. So far, the reaction to his coming out has been quite positive, which must be reassuring to those in the public eye thinking about coming out. A lot of people have said “we always thought so”, “we already knew” etc. Guessing a public figure is gay is one thing, but coming out and making it public is entirely different and takes balls, so Black Gay Men’s Blog says kudos to Don Lemon! While coming out is not for everyone, the importance of public figures and especially black gay public figures coming out should not be diminished. We still have hardly any positive images of black gay men, so when a public figure or celebrity comes out, it says to the world yes we exist in all fields and it is okay. Not to mention the impact it can have on young black gay men struggling with their sexuality – it gives them hope. Can you imaging what Lemon’s coming out does for that black gay intern, whose dream is to become a news anchor? He can now see it as possible to be both gay and a successful news anchor, without having to live in the constant fear of being discovered or outed. There is hope that he can now live his truth and be successful in his chosen profession.
I’m sure Don Lemon’s book, Transparent(in which he comes out and reveals details about his life), will be a good read, my copy should be delivered tomorrow. It is important for black gay men to be represented from different walks of life. An artist coming out is fine, but society still needs to see that there isn’t one type of black gay man. The focus in recent years has either been the stereotype effeminate, flamboyant, black gay friends of Real Housewives and other reality stars(not that there is anything wrong with being effeminate or flamboyant, but that’s not all we are), or the speculation about suspected rappers and talk about homothugs and black men on the downlow. Don Lemon’s coming out brings much needed diversity to the face of the black gay male. So, kudos to Don Lemon! We need more successful black gay men like him to come out and hopefully serve as positive role model for younger black gay men.
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Finally! A high profile American Black gay man–who is still breathing. Intelligent, accomplished and attractive too(I had no idea he was any older than 35). I’m getting his book.
Thank you Don Lemon.
It’s so get that he came out but I have to admit thT I was a little disappointed to learn that his boyfriend is white.
I grew up in the Philadelphia area while Don Lemon was on a local news broadcast and frankly, I always admired his professionalism and prescence. He was clearly a rising star even as the rumor mill was churning out accusations. The older members of my family would always comment on his being a ‘nice’ man, a ‘good looking’ man, often code for, “I think he’s gay.” It was for me hinted too when introduced by a mutual friend to his colleauge who had been thru a nasty episode of public rumors/ridicule surrounding a hamster incident. I commented how sorry I was for his troubles and how glad I was his station had stuck by him. He thanked us and shared that many at his station had been supportive,using the intials ‘DL’.
Even though gay people have been coming out more, one can count on one hand the men who have, and the black gay men on a few fingers. Mr.Lemon is to be congratulated for being one of the only who did so while he was working in the very public eye and not after he retired. Yes his job is at great risk in an industry where ratings count for everything. This kinda of courage is I think even a more powerful example to others, whatever thier race.
@Jason; I am not surprised Don Lemon’s boyfriend is white. It’s interesting, there’s not many comments on this article. I thought, many black men would have something to say.
I too, was curious, for whatever reason after all his “blackness” talk in a profile in the current Essence magazine if his boyfriends past and present were white – while I’m grateful that he is putting a black image to the gay dialog in America – I will be happy to see black gay men loving other black gay men. Everywhere I look, whether it’s Mr. Lemon or the wedding announcements in the NY Times – it’s gay black men with gay white men. How has this happened?
He is fine as hell!!! Its very brave for someone who isnt perceieved as gay to vocalize they are. 2011 you would think people know already that gay isnt just a man that doesnt act str8 and that we come in all persuations. He has every right to fear losing a job that paid him a lot of money. But someone will hire him that thinks he is a PIONEER! People thought Oprah wouldnt be as big as she is now.. Look at her. There is hope for Mr lemon with his fine assed self.
Quite frankly, I dont think it matters if his bf is “black” or “white”. im pretty sure therz loads of black gay men with black bfs,the only thing is they are not celebrities or in the media.
Yes, I am proud of Don Lemon for coming out!
However, I am very disturbed by the number of black celebs dating poor white poeple.
Other gay black celebs who date only white are Donna Brazile, Wanda Skyes amd Robin Roberts.
I just don’t see rich white people marrying poor black people, gay or straight.
I see blacks marrying poor white trash!!
It’s sad!!
Bj…. You obviously didn’t do your research before you made your comment! His boyfriend it’s a CNN producer. So he is not date a poor man by any means. His boyfriend may even make more, than him.