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Thursday, June 23, 2011
Image: Project Q Atlanta
Openly gay CNN anchor Don Lemon made an appearance at Outwrite Bookstore in Atlanta last night in support of his new memoir Transparent. Lemon spoke to a packed and enthusiastic crowd in Atlanta's gay district. Lemon took questions from the audience after speaking candidly about the process of writing Transparent, his decision to come out and the reaction of family, friends, and fans. One particular question gave Lemon the opportunity to discuss black gay men, the black gay community, and the religious bigotry that exists in the church around homosexuality.
I had the opportunity to speak with Lemon briefly and he was just as warm and engaging as I thought he'd be. He also left with a copy of my new book: When Love Takes Over: A Celebration of SGL Couples of Color.
Get into his response in the video below:
8 Comments:
What a gorgeous guycl. I'm sure he'll make a wonderful husband to some lucky guy.
June 24, 2011 9:33 AM
I didn't make the booksigning last night but heard there was a huge crowd. Mr. Lemon was quite eloquent in this video as usual. I had purchased two copies of "Transparent" and read it. In all the television and written interviews I came across he's done they primarily focused on his coming out. I was a little let down about how very little transparency was mentioned on his coming out, just 3 pages out of 220 pages. Even though his intent was not for Transparent to be a coming out book it was heavily marketed as one and that was probably why Mr. Lemon had a full house. For young black men aspiring to become journalists or planning to work in Corporate America the information he shares about racism and being resilient and persistence in the workplace is useful. However, for SGL/Gay men dealing with their own sexuality like Tyler Clementi, "Transparency" provides very little support. I would love to hear what others have to say about Transparent.
June 24, 2011 9:50 PM
Wait. I'm racist because I don't find the general features outside of my own ethnicity to be attractive enough to lure me into a relationship? Was I the only one listen to him? Just because you're boyfriend is white Don Lemon, doesn't mean the rest of us should follow suit.
And then I must take it upon myself to go beat down the doors of communities that don't necessarily want to include me? What? I guess I have to respect his point of view. Because that's all it is. A point of view...
June 25, 2011 7:44 AM
don lemon had me consider coming out but I can't. I am Nigerian and I am a Christian. Don't know if i can do it
June 25, 2011 3:15 PM
Darian, I want you to know that even though you don't know me, I have great respect for you. Moreover, you're a good guy.
Don't take this personal, as it is not an attack against you. Though I know you will disagreee, I simply can't jump on the bandwagon of love for Don Lemon. He is more dangerous to me, as an out black man, than any homophobic or racist that I come into contact with.
CNN has Don touring the country speaking on the difficulties of being a black gay man. What Don really is doing is slamming the black race with his over-the-top delcarations of raging homophobia in the black community and irresponsible DL black men.
Here's the problem: Don is barely associated with blackness. His biracial experience is far different from the dark-skinned brothas who admire him and want to follow in his footsteps. Don doesn't appreciate black features and certainly doesn't find them attractive. I can't idolize someone who would absolutely dismiss me based on my appearance. He lives in the ATL. Certainly there is at least ONE black gay man he could have involved himself in a relationship with. Or, is the situation that bad down there? I highly doubt it.
June 26, 2011 12:18 AM
don lemon is just too gorgeous.He has got to be the FINEST MAN Alive right now. his preference for white men is purely a matter of choice. I dont mean to offend any black person(espacially the guys) but I'm a black lady and I find myself getting more attracted to white guys and bi-racial guys. Sorry, but its all about personal choices.
June 26, 2011 10:55 AM
Yes, Don is attractive and he's dating a white boy, a touchy subject in the Black community but did anyone read his book? I'm curious of what you think about it. He's been in the communications field for quite some time so one should have some expectations for his writing skills, story-telling and ablity to deliver on the promotion of Transparent "most courageously and shockingly honest memoirs ever" (as the back cover jacket states).
June 27, 2011 10:16 AM
In the book "Transparency" I felt I needed more for it to be called A "Memoir", Somewhat "Lackluster" this may be a strong description but the only Adjective I can think of at the moment. I Remember one early afternoon watching Mr. Lemon thinking "He's got some life lessons to teach, If I ever meet him the questions I would ask and the flirting I would do", So after reading the book the I was left feeling uninspired. I would like to say Don Lemon is courageous but by his own admission everyone knew he was Gay! so how will a few paragraphs help a young individual like the Clemente kid or even a younger Me. There are many Activist in our community praising Don for his Honesty And to no offense but WHY? This is a serious question!! and I don't want to hear "Because He Is A Black Man Who Came Out"
On the topic of him being in a relationship with a white guy, I have noticed that High Professional Black men date White guys or White Women. I have Dated out side my race many times but I always go back to Black. I'm always curious of this- Why is "Caucasian" considered Desirable when a Ethnic Man becomes successful? Is it Choice or is it Influence?
June 28, 2011 11:51 PM
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