Message to the Down Low
Written by: MARKEZZACKUI
A few years back, America had its covers pulled back and a serious truth had been exposed. This truth was about the huge number of men having sexual encounters with other men. The term given has been “The Down Low Lifestyle” and it appears to be primarily targeted at the African American community.
Today, the term is still being used widely and some attention needs to be drawn to this way of looking at things. First and foremost, men have been having sex with men since the beginning of time. Many struggles and battles have been fought and won for men like me to live openly with our sexuality. People have marched, protested, voted, put their lives on the line, and, in many extreme cases, lost their lives just to receive regular treatment that is afforded every other human except homosexuals.
“Down Low” men discredit the entire gay movement and simplify us to mere sexual beings… Promoting this “Down Low Lifestyle” leads one to believe there is something to be ashamed of. I, for one, am not ashamed.
I am not a fad, nor am I a passing phase. There is nothing “down low” about who I am and how I live.
When I hear this term “Down Low” the first thing that comes to mind is an individual who is hiding his true identity for the rest of the world. I see a man who is ashamed of the fact that he is gay. It has been given this colorful name of “Down Low” as a way to protect those who don’t have the courage to be real. These men want the pleasures of being gay, but when society does the name calling and all the other things it does, these men choose to hide like the cowards they are in order to escape the harsh scrutiny of society. Many of these men hide behind wives and kids… some of them even hide behind the church.
Homosexuals have come such a long way and fought so very hard and continue to fight for equality. Now more than ever is the time to stand tall and proud about being gay. “Down Low” men discredit the entire gay movement and simplify us to mere sexual beings. The gay community is so much more diverse and rich; we are artists, musicians, teachers, doctors, actors, scholars, performers, dancers, beautician, nurses, fathers, uncles, brothers, cousins, mayors, governors, models, poets, athletes, lawyers, and the list goes on and on.
Playing with people’s time and emotions is not a healthy game to play. You will find yourself creating a world of confusion, distrust, and misery…
Promoting this “Down Low Lifestyle” leads one to believe there is something to be ashamed of. I, for one, am not ashamed of the fact that I am attracted to and have loved other men. I am not a fad, nor am I a passing phase. There is nothing “down low” about who I am and how I live. I represent a community of men who are anything but ashamed to be gay. Being gay has opened tremendous doors for me when I consider the quality of life I have today. I am able to walk with my head held high and my motives and reasoning in line with my spirit as well as my goals. There is a part of me that feels sympathy for these men who choose to live life on the “Down Low”. The fear of being caught is overwhelming and can drive a person to drastic measures. I, too, have been there. My heart also goes out to my gay brothers who find themselves involved with men on the “Down Low”; not being able to go for walks in the park or out to the movies together because your heart belongs to a man who has yet to respect himself enough to stand up and stand out. My heart is with you! I understand what you are going through is very difficult.
So, the message to the “Down Low” is this: think twice. Think about all the people who are affected by the actions you take. If you have a wife and children, give that woman the respect she deserves by telling her the truth. That much she has earned. Give her the opportunity to make whatever decisions she needs to make. If you are involved with another man and the feeling is real, commit to that man. Playing with people’s time and emotions is not a healthy game to play. You will find yourself creating a world of confusion, distrust, and misery. So, I just ask that you think twice because the ultimate affect on living on the “Down Low” is nothing but pain.
