Living Out Loud with Darian

New York reporter Jose Bayona along with Tokes Osubu, Executive Director of Brooklyn based Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD)
examine depression and suicide in black gay men using the tragic suicide of Joseph Jefferson as the backdrop.


You may recall reading about the death of Jefferson on loldarian.com last October during a string of suicides by gay and lesbian youth. Jefferson was one of three black gay youth to take his own life during this time.


"More than a month after his death the sad circumstances of why Jefferson committed suicide is still unclear. Family and friends confirm he never tried to get help from a psychotherapist or mentioned anything about depression or bullying", reports Bayona.





"Some of the factors contributing to the depression in black gay men can be found in their sexual identity, in racism, in stigma, in homophobia from within the black community and from the wider community," adds Antoine Craigwell author of "Peering Into The Darkness" a book on depression in black gay men.


Too often individuals who are dealing with depression or suicidal thoughts do so silently, we have to lean on each other. If you're battling depression speak to someone whom you trust or reach out to an LGBT organization such as The Trevor Project. There is help available.


Watch the video report below:

Depression in Black Gay Men: A Silent Issue from Jose Bayona on Vimeo.

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h/t Bernie