Hidden in the Open: A Photographic Essay of 140-Years of Black Male Couples

[Duncan Grant]

Historian Trent Kelly has collected 146 rare vintage photographs of black male couples from the past 150 years.

Although the large majority of the pictures depict gay couples, the collection also includes images of families and friends but they all have one thing in common: they capture images of love.

Below is a snippet of why Kelly started the collection along with a few photos from his archive.

Historically, the Afro American gay male and couple has largely been defined by everyone but themselves. Afro American gay men are ignored into nonexistence in parts of black culture and are basically second class citizens in gay culture. The black church which has historically played a fundamental role in protesting against civil injustices toward its parishioners has been want to deny its gay members their right to live a life free and open without prejudice. Despite public projections of a “rainbow” community living together in harmonious co-habitation, openly active and passive prejudices exist in the larger gay community against gay Afro Americans.

Full article and more photos at Colorlines.com

[Vanje]

1. I love those pictures.

[Behind the Aegis]

2. What a fantastic find.

It brings attention to a community within a community on two levels.

[yardwork]

3. Thank you for posting this!

[DURHAM D]

4. Beautiful.

Thanks for posting.

[Seedersandleechers]

5. Here is the actual flickr page with all the photos

http://www.flickr.com/photos/hidden-in-the-open/sets/72157624480472079/detail/

[Still Blue in PDX]

6. Thanks for the link - these are beautiful. nt

[BlancheSplanchnik]

11. Worth perusing the photos

Such history, and so poignant.

Very sweet

couldn't post a pic from the flickr site, but here's a poem that was posted with one of the pics



Excerpt from JUST ABOVE MY HEAD by James Baldwin

Crunch asked shyly, "Do you still love me?"
"Maybe we should make some more progress."
Crunch shook with laughter, silently, and Arthur shook with joy, watching him. "Right now?"
"Whenever you ready."
"Oh-come-!" said Crunch.
"That's what I said."
"You-you something-"
"I love you. I'd do anything for you," said Arthur.
Crunch watched him. "For true?"
"For true."
Crunch held him tighter.
"I want to make love with you-every way possible-I don't care what happens-as long as I can hold you." He watched Arthur's eyes; but he was beginning to feel a peace.
"You want to make progress, I'll make progress. We'll make progress together."
Crunch asked, "you and me, then?"
"You and me."
The room was dark. They heard the night outside. They did not want to leave each other's arms.

[Mira]

7. Courageous and real. Love it! recommended

[racaulk]

8. Absolutely beautiful!

This really is a fantastic find and a wonderful photo essay. Thank you so much for posting this here!

[Wistful Vista]

9. It's amazing how some people can dig up stuff like that, it could not have been easy!

Hard to imagine where to even start looking.

[mitchtv]

10. nice pics

thanks Duncan

[trickyguy]

12. These men were brave to show their love in a picture.

But unfortunately, it's a known fact that the black community and
especially black churches frowns on gay relationships. And so it sends many
black men into the "down low", hiding their sexuality from those around them.

And why do you think that the highest incidence of AIDS in current studies
is among young black women? Just ask their gay husbands.

[Lisa D]

13. These are wonderful photos.

What a great find!

[pinto]

14. Kick. What a great piece.

[AverageJoe90]

15. Interesting story. nt. =)

[Skittles]

16. this is awesome!