The emasculation of Black men has bred insecurity around the construct of manhood within the African American community. This dynamic, coupled with patriarchal heterosexism incite anti-homosexual attitudes among African Americans so that many same gender loving (SGL), gay, bisexual and other Black men who have love men experience social disorientation which short-circuits our developing fully-integrated personalities, and becoming self-actualizing.
Without integrated cultural identities in which we experience our sexuality, racial-ethnic and religio-moral selves cohesively, we are oftentimes bereft of the sense of entitlement that triggers indignation and impels us to redress disrespect of our human dignity.
The Gatekeeper's Collective (TGC) operates as a self-reclamation, Historical Trauma relief and community development center - a place wherein we unlearn internalized (racial and sexual) oppression, commit to valuing and integrating our multiple identities (including celebrating our sexualities), and building our communities. It is a place where we learn to "Synthesize the language of indigenous tradition into a model the modern cognitive system can chew on." - Malidoma Somé.
TGC creates safe space in which SGL, gay, and bi Brothers are supported in doing the self-examination and illumination necessary to assimilate and tap that part of ourselves which uniquely enables us to guard and mediate
constructive and destructive forces on behalf of the Black community. The self-awareness and fortitude we derive in this process disposes us toward spiritual militancy on behalf of our community, simultaneously redefining Black manhood and learning how to collaborate with each other in this important work.
