A Shout Out to Black Gay Men

"Hidden in the Open: A Photographic Essay of Afro American Male Couples" is a beautiful presentation of african american male gay couples from a history many of us probably didn't know existed. Trent Kelley, a Texas-based playwright, says he collected most of the photographs on eBay, in flea markets and in estate sales.

Afro American same-sex loving gay men who were coupled with one another in the distant past walked the streets, ate at the dinner tables, and generally participated in their larger ethnic community out in the open, their relationships known only to those who were consequential to their everyday lives. In this respect, they were out in the open but hidden to those who didn’t know about their sexual proclivities. Hence, the title of this series of pictures dating from the mid 19th century to the late 20th century is "Hidden in the Open: A Photographic Essay of Afro-American Male Couples." -- Trent Kelley

This was first released in 2010. I thought a repeat was in order. PLUS, while cruising YouTube I was especially touched by "A Black Mother and Her Gay Son: A Conversation" from Sampson McCormick. Have a look --

And while we're at it, I encourage you to also take a look at this --