Black Gay Artists Perform

A group of Black gay writers and actors brought their "unique perspective" to Harvard this weekend by means of theatrical sketches, lip-synching, singing, monologues and dance.

Approximately 50 students gathered in the 2 Divinity St. lecture hall Saturday for "Livin' My Life," a presentation sponsored by the Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Student Association, the Black Students Association, the Freshman Black Table and the Afro-American Studies Department.

The act, performed by the group Other Countries, described the effects of AIDS and explored ways to help prevent it. On the back of the program, a self-descibed "safer sex message" read "What?! No rubbers! Get the fuck out of my bed!"

Fabian Thomas, a member of Other Countries, said, "President Bush says a behavioral change would stop AIDS tomorrow," drawing laughs from the audience.

The group also examined society's bias and gay activism.

"I want you to know we are going to survive and be happy and make love and be loved no matter what you do," Claude E. Sloan '79 said. He concluded, "This snap's for you," drawing a cheer from spectators.

Thomas recalled marching for gay rights with the chant, "we're Black Black Black Black, gay gay gay gay, we wouldn't have it any other way!"

"Sewing a quilt will not...save us," he said, referring to the AIDS quilt now being exhibited across the country.

B. Michael Hunter, a member of the group, said the presentation was intended to "validate the lives of Black, gay people."

He said Other Countries hopes to give the public "exposure to how we represent our lives" and called their work "cultural activism."

"We're using our voice to speak about what's being reflected in our minds," Hunter said.

The event was part of Bisexual, Gay and Lesbian Appreciation Days, which end this Wednesday.