80% of gay black men have experienced racism on the scene

A shocking new report has shed light on the scale of racism on the UK’s gay scene.

The study by gay men’s charity GMFA and published in FS Magazine surveyed over 850 gay black and minority ethnic (BME) men.

Image: FS Magazine

In total, more than two-thirds of the men from BME backgrounds had personally experienced racism in the gay community, while 63% of black and South Asian men said they considered racism to be a bigger issue for them than homophobia.

80% of black gay men said they had experience racism on the scene, compared to 79% of Asian men, 75% of South Asian men,  64% of mixed race men and “most” Arab men.

Many of those who took part in the study made upsetting and illuminating testimonials about how they were treated on apps and in gay bars because of their racial background.

“The only approach I’ve had at a gay bar was when I was asked if I supplied drugs,” said 47-year-old Wayne from London. “Terrible behaviour that was not only insulting, but humiliating, since I thought the approach made was due to a romantic intent.”

28-year-old Mo from Leeds reported that he had been called a “P*ki” and a “terrorist” by other gay men.

“I think racism is as big a problem as homophobia, and both need to be tackled,” he said. “You would think that the discrimination homosexuals encounter would make them more mindful of their judgements based on race.”

One respondent, named Ari, added: “The stereotypes held for Asians are the same for South East Asians. Some older white males think that as they are showing us attention, then I should be grateful. Some younger white males think that I am a submissive bottom and my cock is small. I am neither of those, and hate having to put up with this level of ignorance.

“People think by saying this type of nonsense they are being honest, but it just shows how rude and inappropriate they are.”

GMFA’s Matthew Hodson said of the survey’s findings: “There are significantly higher rates of suicide, self-harm and mental ill health among Black gay and bisexual men.

“Of course you can’t just say this is purely the result of sexual stereotyping or experiencing racism on the gay scene, but it is clear that there is a major health challenge here which needs to be addressed.

“We also see higher rates of HIV among Black gay and bisexual men, despite data which suggests that there isn’t much difference in risk behaviour or HIV knowledge between Black gay men and white gay men.

“It comes down to treating each other with respect.

“I don’t know that the gay community is any more racist than any other section of society, but it’s clear that there are some people on the scene who hold vile and completely unacceptable views.

“As gay men we all know what it’s like to be marginalised, to be outsiders and members of a minority. We’ve all experienced prejudice and discrimination first hand. It’s sad and pathetic that we still inflict the same on other members of our community.”

You can take a look at the report’s shocking findings here.