Are Black Gays Invisible?

I ran across an article about a group of folks at NYU who held a forum concerning the Black gay community, and its visibility, power, relevance, etc. The ultimate question at this summit was "Are Black Gays Invisible". It is true that the gay community as a whole has experienced a tremendous amount of growth in power and influence, however the African-American sector of that group is really behind. We all know how homosexuality is still viewed by many in the black community. Our institutions are some of the fiercest opponents of diversity, which is odd when you think of where we have come from. In an earlier post I questioned whether or not even black gays are concerned about the gay marriage question...it just seems at times that we are standing on the sidelines while others are fighting the battles that should be important to us. One example that stands out in my mind, which occurred just last year, I participated in an AIDS Walk/Run event, which of course was organized to raise much needed funds for AIDS research and treatment. At that event I witnessed an outpouring of support from many businesses in the community and hundreds of individuals...however I must say that the African American presence was just not there. The only black organization represented was the local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta. Of all the churches, and black businesses in this city...none of them showed. The black community has to reach the realization that our relationship with our gay subculture is going to cause the decimation of our race if we do not address these issues and become educated on these matters. Just ask any of the black women who now represent the fastest growing segment of the HIV population...for more info on the NYU forum click here. By the way, I'd love your comments on this one.