Really, I think the extra layer of raising a son as a gay black man comes from trying to raise a son who doesn't subscribe to masculine stereotypes.
The black community can be competitive and cautious when it comes to those we want put on display for the world to see and judge. We are a prideful people who believe that anything that will make us seem 'less than' should be hidden.
I was a social worker most of my life while raising my two boys.
I want a big wedding.
The marginalization of African-Americans within their own community based on sexuality is a construct that is more complex than the idea that 'blacks just hate gays.'
There's a lot of 'how to adopt' books, but there's no practical resource for, say, school supplies.
I hate when I see someone who speaks English speaking to someone who speaks a different language, and they're screaming as if going louder is going to help the other person understand.
We, as communities that are marginalized, need to open up our minds and realize that we should be asking and advocating for more of everyone. Let's get more gay black men; let's get more trans women.
The challenges of me being a father are just the same as any other father.
I think dating apps are keeping us apart.
I think it's just so important that parents actually really study the apps on the phones and figure out what's going on.
I always encourage people to get out there, travel the world, see new things, experience new people, experience new food, experience new culture. What happens is that helps you to grow and be your best self.
I can be walking down the street, and someone will stop me and ask me for one of my hugs. They feel like I'm their friend, which I love - though sometimes my kids get a little weirded out by it.
Yes, I would definitely let the 'Queer Eye' - I mean, cameras - follow me for my marriage.
Fatherhood is an honor, and men should be strong enough to step up to the plate.
Encourage your friend and family member who are queer parents of color to post their stories and share it with the world. It's time for us to be seen.
My main thing is obviously mental health and well-being, and then my second passion would be politics; the third would be fashion.
What defines someone as a 'man' should not be the clothes they wear or how deep their voice is. It should be the content of his character, his strength in the face of overwhelming adversity, and his ability to still love and help others when the world has turned its back on him.
We must be vigilant in sharing our stories and our truths as queer parents of color at every chance we get if we hope to see art imitate real life.
So often, we take photos on our iPhone, and then they're gone in a year, and we don't even remember them. I like to experience life and disconnect from that.
