I forgot that there are many – but few of me. I’m not the only gay black male writer, but I am one of the few who are 30 (youngish), and sharing my experiences in spaces outside of gay media. It turns out that Places where black aunties and uncles primarily read ( EBONY , Essence ); sites my niece likely frequents more than I ( BET ); where straight men are ( Complex ); and sites that feel as white as that new gentrified coffee shop in Harlem with amazing vegan cookies ( Time ). Since I work from home, being clocked on a hook up app is my realization that people might actually read me.
So, one the one hand, it was flattering to be recognized and to be complimented about my work.