Luis Pabon

I have gone to many gay bars/clubs where I have literally felt like brother outsider. My brown skin became a liability that interfered with my ability to connect with white patrons.

Does the constant revolving door of meaningless hookups eventually lead to the generalized devaluation of the American gay male? I think so.

As a black and Puerto Rican male, some would wonder why I would opt out of such an important movement considering it is very relevant to my life.

Initially I came to this community searching for love, intimacy and brotherhood. In return, I got shade, infidelity, loneliness and disunity. The self-loathing in this community forces you to encounter a series of broken men who are self-destructive, hurtful, cruel and vindictive towards one another.

Although I am a staunch opponent of the tradition we as Americans call “Thanksgiving”, I find myself becoming increasingly reflective around this time of year.