Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like they could just listen to this man talk - forever - about anything? I just find this whole video so comforting.
Harold, if I lived near you then I would seek you out as a friend. As a young African American gay man myself, I know it is so important for me to have an African American gay elder in my life. That specific connection is all too rare for us. But we need that sense of family as father and son or uncle and nephew among African American gay men. That exchange of wisdom and support between generations is PRICELESS! P.S. I lived in San Francisco (the Castro for the first year and a half) 2016-2019, and had a great liberating time as well! I know about all of the places you've mentioned in the Bay Area!
He has such powerful uncle energy. He seems like the type to tell you a quick story that ends up lasting 5 hours, two meals, and requires several location changes. I love him!
Thank you Dr. Cottman! I appreciate you sharing part of your story. I have been through the basic same time as you have. I grew up in and currently live in suburban Detroit, Michigan. However, I lived in West Hollywood and Long Beach back in the day. Bravo!
Harold, thank you so much for letting us get to know you. You are indeed special, and beautiful, and inspiring, and every good thing. Much love from me to you.
What an amazing man, and story. This is so important to see in our community. Thank you for representing those of us who our ignored by majority of LGBTQ+ media.
It's been 2 years, Dr. Harold, and I just found you. What a wonderful life you have had and how bravely you lived it. I was born in Berkeley, CA in 1949 so our paths may have crossed. I am a retired dermatologist and also did my graduate training in the Long Beach area (VA hospital). Your memoir is so important and so well done that I feel like Honey LaBronx, "I could listen to this man talk-forever-about anything." I also battled Kaposi's sarcoma in the 80's and I lost a number of friends like you did. Thank you so much for being brave enough to show us the beautiful soul of Dr. Harold Cottman. Peace and love, dear brother, Ned Stoughton, MD Las Vegas, NV
This was a really great interview/story....as a gay black man in Philadelphia myself, I don't get to really hear about stories from our older generation Black gay males...(or at least stories that aren't grounded in sexual activities) so this was refreshing. I appreciated listening. Also, thank you Dr. for having a voice and being active in the community for the development of African American gay men/women! I aspire to do so one day as well.
Thank you Harold! your interview kept me "spellbound". It was inspiring and inspirational. Especially the part with regards with dealing with aging. This is where I find myself, as you so well put it, dealing with a community that's focus on the youth... I can understand it bc it wasn't too long ago I was feeling the same way. Sub consciously, I don't feel comfortable and as you stated, not connecting as much as I use too, BUT, I agree with you too, most of this is probably all in my head. Just got to give myself a chance to connect by socializing more. Thx for helping me see that...
Excellent interview/documentary, with a not only charismatic man, but also a well educated and brought up human being that reflects on a time where I myself was in San Francisco and at the Russian River. Interestigly, he and I encountered a rather serendipitous road of fate, where he invested much of his time taking care of his Mother, when it happens I went to do the same. I somehow feel sad that he lives in Philadelphia when I am now in France. But that is precisely what makes lives interesting albeit challenging.
What a wonderful story and you are such a engaging person. You have helped many people along your journey. I hope you meet that special someone that will bring you even more happiness in your life.
Hopefully things will change because we all just want to fit in and have a safe space to be ourselves without trivial things like race and sexuality in the way of seeing others as actual people who deserve the same as everyone else and no less.
Yeah that’s sort of what I’m scared of because I’m gay and black. I can’t wait to get out of here and branch out to find people who will support me in my journey of self-acceptance outside of this negative community.
@@sirens4562 the other side of that story is, white or Hispanic bars weren't very welcoming to black patrons. They often had to show extra ID or the bartenders wouldn't serve them.
There is probably nothing that we could say to make you change your mind about your closeted view of the world because you truly believe that you stand above others just for being born when that’s clearly not the case. You believe in conspiracy theories instead of science and that’s your logic for saying the things that you do. Your comments are irrelevant because you can’t even speak properly and write proper English so I would think twice about judging others because you have way too many insecurities to talk about someone else especially by going to a channel dedicated to talking about lgbtq+ problems. You really must be desperate to deliberately search for a video that you’ve already seem to have condemned for not fitting to YOUR standards of what an ideal person should be. It’s sad that a straight guy had to go through all the trouble just to spread hate and condemn people for being born different and with a different mindset that allows them to be more compassionate and accepting of others. This is the problem with people like you because you can’t even follow your own logic because what you said could be turned against you because it’s not a fact and facts are unbiased compared to trivial opinions like yours.
Origami Help Desk who are you to judge what is evil or not evil when your not a god. If you truly believed in god than you would know that he would want you to be accepting towards people and embrace there own differences as if they were your own. If anything what your doing is against him because your deliberately expressing your hate for people that you’ve never meant and haven’t tried to understand that they were just born differently. You’re probably one of those misogynistic and racist guys who believe that they’re above women and deserve everything from them for no price and that they’re better than people because of their so-called birth rights. Homosexuality is in the animal kingdom too but because you don’t believe in science you probably wouldn’t know that humans are also animals and that we share the earth with other animals that have lives, families, and friends too. We all know that Trump doesn’t care about you or your family or friends. He’s not a god and he shouldn’t be worshipped because we all sin according to your logic.
Homosexuality doesn’t degrade people it’s you conservative heterosexuals who degrade people. You can’t use scientific reasons to justify homophobia because it’s already proven to exist because we all know that homosexuals exist. I am one of them so I know. Speak for yourself and not for everyone else. Learn to use full sentences next time because you can’t even make a point without dismantling your own argument. Opinions are biased while facts are un-biased. Hopefully you’ll connect the dots and accept it and move on.
Harold when you said you were 68 in 2011, I was 64 and spent the better part of my life living in the closet. I'm a retired healthcare professional whose experiences in the gay community is very limited because I didn't want anyone to know about me. Now that I'm in my mid 70s I never had the experience of loving nor being loved and my youth is long gone. I'm financially secure and own my own home but I'm alone. I have a few straight friends who know this about me. I no longer hide anything about myself anymore but it's too late now for me.
Harold, thank you so much for sharing your story! It brings back so many memories of my days living in the Bay area, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, from, 1974 to 1992.. I'm sure our paths did meet in the Pendulum, if nothing more than 6 degrees of separation... My deceased cousin, Dwight Tyler was known for being part of the VIP section there! I really did love getting away on the weekends in the summer, to Guerneville at the Russian River, it truly was a great escape, just like you said!!! Remembering 1983, the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the place I always called, "Emerald City" of The wizard of Oz! By 1992 it had become a city of "The Walking Dead"... I can't begin to tell you, how many Gay loved ones I lost🌹🌹🌹... Thank you, so much for all you have done for the LGBT, San Francisco Community... You and I are the same age, I too feel pretty much the same way, you do about being older.. For me now, there is "No Place Like Home"..."Back Home Again, In Indiana." May God continue to shine on you, my brother 💯🙏♥️
As Gay Elders, there’s no denying the changes that come with aging, and I know often to one’s surprise, especially when reminded by others. Easily categorized now as Daddies etc., in a culture that’s evolved with Social Media to be label focused, we must embrace self care, while celebrating the experiences of a Life well lived. The world of sexual spontaneity we knew in our youth, when Gay culture was still in the closet and underground, has changed, just as our libidos, and Life priorities have as well. Having just turned 70, with many short lived relationships behind me, including a heterosexual marriage, my priorities are now my children and grandchildren, while still working in a profession I love. Gratitude and Acceptance carry me through, and while a-lot of time is spent being alone, I never feel lonely. I look forward to a Palm Springs getaway now and then. Gotta love the Wisdom, too. Cheers, Harold. Your story is an inspiration, and for many, including myself, you are seen and heard as a Beautiful, Kindred Spirit.
THANK YOU FOR BRING UP RACE IN THE GAY COMMUNITY. THIS WILL BE THE START OF MANY GOOD CONVERSATION'S. IT WILL BE A GOOD THING! AND IN THE END EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. A BLACK GAY MAN, WHO STIILL BELIEVE IN THIS THING CALLED HOPE.
Origami Help Desk what’s the point of starting drama this is just about this guys story. Why be hostile when you can make peace with someone you see as an enemy. Your conservative mindset is really shining through the comments that you’ve been posting. Why come here to harass people when you can be kind and accept people for who they are. I never could understand people like this because they try to make unnecessary advances to try to justify hate. Hate is not acceptable and also not healthy no matter whats happened to make you feel this way. Just try to be a little more understanding instead of harassing gay people for their small differences that make them more human than someone who believes that they’ve better than someone else purely for being born into this world with a different skin tone and attraction. I have nothing against you but it’s really sad that you had to say all of that because it really shows that you have many insecurities about your own life. This is coming from a teen by the way so why don’t you take your own advice and suck it up like you told everyone else in the comments. You really must be desperate to make negative comments about something you don’t understand or go through. Please just open your mind to the many possibilities that you’ve never gone through!
Genghis Smith thanks I really appreciate it. I’m going to continue to fight for everyone regardless of their beliefs or actions because we are all people that are worthy of love and acceptance. It’s sad that people have to go through this but change starts from the bottom on up. I wish you well too !😇
Jalael Edwards That’s so true, Jalael, and we can’t fail to win as long as there are intelligent and good hearted young people like you. Stay strong and keep safe.
You are the luckiest gay man in the world to have found your place in it. I have not. I have a 40 year relationship with my life partner and that is the best thing about my life. But it has been difficult finding and keeping other gay friends. Living Southern California now, left the East Coast years ago but never really found my niche of friendly neighbors, friendly people in the cafe's that I frequent, friendly people in stores where I shop. As a black gay man I'm first seen as a threat or worse. I guess I'm really lucky to have found my 40 year life partner, so I guess I can't ask for anything more. But I still long to be seen as a human being with feelings, who values the respect of one human being to other human beings. There is a black guy who frequents the cafe where I hang out, and he shuns me like I'm a COVID super-spreader. But I guess I can't ask for anything more than a life-partner of 40 years (he's 98 I'm 79) and we are physically doing very well and looking forward to our 30 day cruise to Bora Bora Feb 28. Life's still good.
I really enjoyed listening to you. Just remember people from all walks of life enjoyed being friends. I've always enjoyed being friends with people. You are a special person continue being you and enjoying people for who they are not what they are. So glad I've done that have learned so much and met many for life friends.
HOLY BIBLE---- 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
With so much socializing, how come Dr Cotton didn’t find himself a life partner(s)?! Just socializing for decades, and having a good time. Thanks for the advocacy work
I have a close friend who Also makes involuntary sounds between spoken words...we've never discussed it. Is this cause for alarm? Is this a form of Tourettes?
Why are most of the black gay men profiled on this channel, paired with white men? The moment he started talking about the love of his life, I knew the man was white.
R R there is nothing wrong with that. Love is love. Race shouldn’t matter because it’s a social construct and has more to do with science. I’d say that’s awesome if they can find love outside of their race. It shouldn’t be shameful for someone to love someone else we are all people. Skin is only a barrier from the outside not a barrier to love.
@@sirens4562 yes, love is love, except when it's fueled by self-hatred. Some black gay men turn to white men, because of the mistreatment they faced within the black community, but the white community isn't homophobia free and the white gay community isn't free of racism, either. I'm multi racial. I believe people should be free to love whoever they please, but if you are incapable of loving someone who looks like you, what does that mean?
I think he explained in the first segment, it wasn't (and still problematically) accepted in the black community and church. He had to go and be where he was accepted.
Your completely right and it’s a hard topic that most people don’t want to talk about but it’s true. Most people don’t date people from their own race because of self-hatred and hold other races higher on the standard of attractiveness because of how far they are from their own race in terms of loving themselves and coming to terms with their identity as a whole. The self-loathing nature of most black men in general makes them want to date people outside of their race so they feel validated and/or fulfilled with their identity. But that isn’t always the case sometimes it’s just because they love each other and happened to find each other at the right moment. The LGBTQ+ community spaces are mostly segregated and boast about how accepting they are of people and that’s a huge problem in and of itself. I’m just a teen and I’ve notice how sexualized and fetishized black men are in the gay community and in the country that we live in and I think it’s disgusting because we are people just like everyone else and we want to have a space where we aren’t discriminated against because of our race, ethnicity, and sexuality but that sadly isn’t the case in most lgbtq* spaces because they hold everyone of their own skin color above everyone else and racism is still well and alive in America.
Sorry I’m just a gay teen trying to be optimistic about life but I haven’t faced the hardships of adulthood and haven’t witnessed it first hand myself of how life is outside of where I live in the real world. I certainly understand what you’re saying and where you’re coming from because I’m black myself. I just haven’t been out in the gay community and I’m wondering myself if I’ll be accepted by anyone in the gay community and my own black community because I’m a black gay guy.
HOLY BIBLE--- 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves the recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; -HOLY BIBLE
because its part of your identity. it’s literally who you are. you cannot get a picture or accurately describe someone without mentioning their race it plays a huge role in how you’re treated, within your ethnic community, the country as a whole and the gay community. and you definitely would say “a white gay man” if it was relevant. the only reason being white isn’t specified more is because its assumed to be the default since the country is 60-70% white
Rune Stegemoller but they never say white man? It seems pretty fucking stupid to me. Especially with what’s going on in the world! And you think that the America is 60-70% white? Even if that is true it doesn’t mean you can put a title over someone just because of their race. “Black gay man” “hispanic gay man” that shouldn’t be used today. It’s not right
S0urse Although I very much see your point, you have to consider that in plenty parts of America, social segregation is still a thing, and the cultures, rather than mixing, end up segregating. Growing up in Georgia, this is very much so the case, so him being black would change his experience as a gay man.
Is it just me, or does anyone else feel like they could just listen to this man talk - forever - about anything? I just find this whole video so comforting.
Hello LaBronx
I get the sense that he is completely frank, which is so disarming.
Harold, if I lived near you then I would seek you out as a friend. As a young African American gay man myself, I know it is so important for me to have an African American gay elder in my life. That specific connection is all too rare for us. But we need that sense of family as father and son or uncle and nephew among African American gay men. That exchange of wisdom and support between generations is PRICELESS!
P.S.
I lived in San Francisco (the Castro for the first year and a half) 2016-2019, and had a great liberating time as well! I know about all of the places you've mentioned in the Bay Area!
He has such powerful uncle energy. He seems like the type to tell you a quick story that ends up lasting 5 hours, two meals, and requires several location changes. I love him!
Crazy to have to go through all of that as a gay man, AND have to suffer discrimination even by other gay people!!!
its a thing.
Just some of the vicissitudes of being a black gay man - especially decades ago!!
Racism is real in the gay community too. Trust me.
Harold, your story is impactful and beautiful. And thank you so much for your advocacy. You have inspired me beyond words.
Thank You Very, Very much for all of the works you have done in and for the LGBT COMMUNITIES! Thank You for CONTINUING to be involved!
I did not think I would watch through this whole thing.. but damn hearing his story was really interesting.
Thank you Dr. Cottman! I appreciate you sharing part of your story. I have been through the basic same time as you have. I grew up in and currently live in suburban Detroit, Michigan. However, I lived in West Hollywood and Long Beach back in the day. Bravo!
Harold, thank you so much for letting us get to know you. You are indeed special, and beautiful, and inspiring, and every good thing. Much love from me to you.
Dr. Cottman is a leader. Decisive, smart, and strong. People can't ride your back unless you're bend over. I will remember this.
I really enjoyed his honesty. It takes a ton of strength to get real with yourself and the people around you. Community is incredibly important.
Its not that easy for me to be with myself and accept who I'm truly the person that I want/be
@@brianbradley6911 there’s always some doubts. most of the time it’s more worth it to be authentic. Not all sadly but we can work on that
The best story/episode this channel has had in QUITE some time! 👏🏽✨
What an amazing man, and story. This is so important to see in our community. Thank you for representing those of us who our ignored by majority of LGBTQ+ media.
Thank you, Harold, for sharing your story. I could relate to so much you shared. Now I want to visit the Russian River.
It's been 2 years, Dr. Harold, and I just found you. What a wonderful life you have had and how bravely you lived it. I was born in Berkeley, CA in 1949 so our paths may have crossed. I am a retired dermatologist and also did my graduate training in the Long Beach area (VA hospital).
Your memoir is so important and so well done that I feel like Honey LaBronx, "I could listen to this man talk-forever-about anything." I also battled Kaposi's sarcoma in the 80's and I lost a number of friends like you did. Thank you so much for being brave enough to show us the beautiful soul of Dr. Harold Cottman.
Peace and love, dear brother,
Ned Stoughton, MD
Las Vegas, NV
This was a really great interview/story....as a gay black man in Philadelphia myself, I don't get to really hear about stories from our older generation Black gay males...(or at least stories that aren't grounded in sexual activities) so this was refreshing. I appreciated listening. Also, thank you Dr. for having a voice and being active in the community for the development of African American gay men/women! I aspire to do so one day as well.
this is gorgeous, full stop, and so important.
it feels good. To come out. Feels good. Feels good man!
Even if people won’t understand the feeling is so worth it. It’s something I’m grateful for with its gradual acceptance.
Thank you Harold! your interview kept me "spellbound". It was inspiring and inspirational. Especially the part with regards with dealing with aging. This is where I find myself, as you so well put it, dealing with a community that's focus on the youth... I can understand it bc it wasn't too long ago I was feeling the same way. Sub consciously, I don't feel comfortable and as you stated, not connecting as much as I use too, BUT, I agree with you too, most of this is probably all in my head. Just got to give myself a chance to connect by socializing more. Thx for helping me see that...
what a wise and lovely man, much love to him
Thank you sooooo much for this! I too knew when I was about 7. God bless you for telling your story.
Your story is so me when I was young.
Excellent interview/documentary, with a not only charismatic man, but also a well educated and brought up human being that reflects on a time where I myself was in San Francisco and at the Russian River. Interestigly, he and I encountered a rather serendipitous road of fate, where he invested much of his time taking care of his Mother, when it happens I went to do the same. I somehow feel sad that he lives in Philadelphia when I am now in France. But that is precisely what makes lives interesting albeit challenging.
Please make them this long!
We have a whole series of long videos at "imfromdriftwood.com/tag/what-was-it-like/"
@@ImFromDriftwood I'm redirected back to TH-cam to watch the same video lol. Maybe you don't know what's on your Website.
What a wonderful story and you are such a engaging person. You have helped many people along your journey. I hope you meet that special someone that will bring you even more happiness in your life.
I really enjoyed listening to Harold's experience.
What an amazing interview. Such a full life Harold. Thank you for all your dedication and love for the LGBTQ community. You're wonderful !
Hopefully things will change because we all just want to fit in and have a safe space to be ourselves without trivial things like race and sexuality in the way of seeing others as actual people who deserve the same as everyone else and no less.
Yeah that’s sort of what I’m scared of because I’m gay and black. I can’t wait to get out of here and branch out to find people who will support me in my journey of self-acceptance outside of this negative community.
@@sirens4562 the other side of that story is, white or Hispanic bars weren't very welcoming to black patrons. They often had to show extra ID or the bartenders wouldn't serve them.
There is probably nothing that we could say to make you change your mind about your closeted view of the world because you truly believe that you stand above others just for being born when that’s clearly not the case. You believe in conspiracy theories instead of science and that’s your logic for saying the things that you do. Your comments are irrelevant because you can’t even speak properly and write proper English so I would think twice about judging others because you have way too many insecurities to talk about someone else especially by going to a channel dedicated to talking about lgbtq+ problems. You really must be desperate to deliberately search for a video that you’ve already seem to have condemned for not fitting to YOUR standards of what an ideal person should be. It’s sad that a straight guy had to go through all the trouble just to spread hate and condemn people for being born different and with a different mindset that allows them to be more compassionate and accepting of others. This is the problem with people like you because you can’t even follow your own logic because what you said could be turned against you because it’s not a fact and facts are unbiased compared to trivial opinions like yours.
Origami Help Desk who are you to judge what is evil or not evil when your not a god. If you truly believed in god than you would know that he would want you to be accepting towards people and embrace there own differences as if they were your own. If anything what your doing is against him because your deliberately expressing your hate for people that you’ve never meant and haven’t tried to understand that they were just born differently. You’re probably one of those misogynistic and racist guys who believe that they’re above women and deserve everything from them for no price and that they’re better than people because of their so-called birth rights. Homosexuality is in the animal kingdom too but because you don’t believe in science you probably wouldn’t know that humans are also animals and that we share the earth with other animals that have lives, families, and friends too. We all know that Trump doesn’t care about you or your family or friends. He’s not a god and he shouldn’t be worshipped because we all sin according to your logic.
Homosexuality doesn’t degrade people it’s you conservative heterosexuals who degrade people. You can’t use scientific reasons to justify homophobia because it’s already proven to exist because we all know that homosexuals exist. I am one of them so I know. Speak for yourself and not for everyone else. Learn to use full sentences next time because you can’t even make a point without dismantling your own argument. Opinions are biased while facts are un-biased. Hopefully you’ll connect the dots and accept it and move on.
Harold when you said you were 68 in 2011, I was 64 and spent the better part of my life living in the closet. I'm a retired healthcare professional whose experiences in the gay community is very limited because I didn't want anyone to know about me. Now that I'm in my mid 70s I never had the experience of loving nor being loved and my youth is long gone. I'm financially secure and own my own home but I'm alone. I have a few straight friends who know this about me. I no longer hide anything about myself anymore but it's too late now for me.
Sweetie it's never too late
Harold, thank you so much for sharing your story! It brings back so many memories of my days living in the Bay area, The Good The Bad and The Ugly, from, 1974 to 1992.. I'm sure our paths did meet in the Pendulum, if nothing more than 6 degrees of separation... My deceased cousin, Dwight Tyler was known for being part of the VIP section there! I really did love getting away on the weekends in the summer, to Guerneville at the Russian River, it truly was a great escape, just like you said!!! Remembering 1983, the beginning of the AIDS epidemic in the place I always called, "Emerald City" of The wizard of Oz! By 1992 it had become a city of "The Walking Dead"... I can't begin to tell you, how many Gay loved ones I lost🌹🌹🌹... Thank you, so much for all you have done for the LGBT, San Francisco Community... You and I are the same age, I too feel pretty much the same way, you do about being older.. For me now, there is "No Place Like Home"..."Back Home Again, In Indiana." May God continue to shine on you, my brother 💯🙏♥️
Extraordinary and humbling. Eloquent, intelligent and deeply human. Your history deserves publishing.
To be gay is one thing.To be gay coloured and Catholic is different for there is homophobic racist bigoted individuals to deal with too.
As Gay Elders, there’s no denying the changes that come with aging, and I know often to one’s surprise, especially when reminded by others. Easily categorized now as Daddies etc., in a culture that’s evolved with Social Media to be label focused, we must embrace self care, while celebrating the experiences of a Life well lived. The world of sexual spontaneity we knew in our youth, when Gay culture was still in the closet and underground, has changed, just as our libidos, and Life priorities have as well. Having just turned 70, with many short lived relationships behind me, including a heterosexual marriage, my priorities are now my children and grandchildren, while still working in a profession I love.
Gratitude and Acceptance carry me through, and while a-lot of time is spent being alone, I never feel lonely. I look forward to a Palm Springs getaway now and then. Gotta love the Wisdom, too.
Cheers, Harold. Your story is an inspiration, and for many, including myself, you are seen and heard as a Beautiful, Kindred Spirit.
It's really sad to hear about him losing his love. this was so many years ago yet you can still see how he chokes up when he talks about it.
Thank you very much wonderful and brave soul. You have done great and wonderful things thank for your service.
THANK YOU FOR BRING UP RACE IN THE GAY COMMUNITY. THIS WILL BE THE START OF MANY GOOD CONVERSATION'S.
IT WILL BE A GOOD THING! AND IN THE END EVERYTHING WILL BE ALRIGHT. A BLACK GAY MAN, WHO STIILL BELIEVE IN THIS THING CALLED HOPE.
Origami Help Desk Shouldn’t you be watching Faux, and then out demonstrating....
Origami Help Desk what’s the point of starting drama this is just about this guys story. Why be hostile when you can make peace with someone you see as an enemy. Your conservative mindset is really shining through the comments that you’ve been posting. Why come here to harass people when you can be kind and accept people for who they are. I never could understand people like this because they try to make unnecessary advances to try to justify hate. Hate is not acceptable and also not healthy no matter whats happened to make you feel this way. Just try to be a little more understanding instead of harassing gay people for their small differences that make them more human than someone who believes that they’ve better than someone else purely for being born into this world with a different skin tone and attraction. I have nothing against you but it’s really sad that you had to say all of that because it really shows that you have many insecurities about your own life. This is coming from a teen by the way so why don’t you take your own advice and suck it up like you told everyone else in the comments. You really must be desperate to make negative comments about something you don’t understand or go through. Please just open your mind to the many possibilities that you’ve never gone through!
@@sirens4562 You appear to have a good heart.....your parents have done a good job. I wish you well for the future.
Genghis Smith thanks I really appreciate it. I’m going to continue to fight for everyone regardless of their beliefs or actions because we are all people that are worthy of love and acceptance. It’s sad that people have to go through this but change starts from the bottom on up. I wish you well too !😇
Jalael Edwards That’s so true, Jalael, and we can’t fail to win as long as there are intelligent and good hearted young people like you. Stay strong and keep safe.
You have no idea how helpful you sharing has helped
I'm so glad that we have treatments for aids and I feel for the people before me that had to suffer from something so terrible
You tell a very interesting and fascinating story.
You are the luckiest gay man in the world to have found your place in it. I have not. I have a 40 year relationship with my life partner and that is the best thing about my life. But it has been difficult finding and keeping other gay friends. Living Southern California now, left the East Coast years ago but never really found my niche of friendly neighbors, friendly people in the cafe's that I frequent, friendly people in stores where I shop. As a black gay man I'm first seen as a threat or worse. I guess I'm really lucky to have found my 40 year life partner, so I guess I can't ask for anything more. But I still long to be seen as a human being with feelings, who values the respect of one human being to other human beings. There is a black guy who frequents the cafe where I hang out, and he shuns me like I'm a COVID super-spreader. But I guess I can't ask for anything more than a life-partner of 40 years (he's 98 I'm 79) and we are physically doing very well and looking forward to our 30 day cruise to Bora Bora Feb 28. Life's still good.
Back in the 80s, I had aspired to go to medical school. It didn't happen. Good for you!!
If your religion family or friends do not love respect and accept you then they do not deserve your love respect or acceptance.
I really enjoyed this.
This guy is awesome 👏
I really enjoyed listening to you. Just remember people from all walks of life enjoyed being friends. I've always enjoyed being friends with people. You are a special person continue being you and enjoying people for who they are not what they are. So glad I've done that have learned so much and met many for life friends.
Harold, you deserve a partner.......someone very special......for you are very special.....
What a beautiful soul!
This was good one to show about racism in the community
I like this
Exceptional video!
When we say “white gays” this is the energy we’re talking about... #racism
I’m glad I found this ad
A very special human indeed.❤️😊
what a lovely man!!
Brave, beautiful man
Amen
No he's very interesting talker.
HOLY BIBLE---- 18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. 21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.
Wait my boy said Harvard?! Yas sis!
With so much socializing, how come Dr Cotton didn’t find himself a life partner(s)?! Just socializing for decades, and having a good time. Thanks for the advocacy work
I have a close friend who Also makes involuntary sounds between spoken words...we've never discussed it. Is this cause for alarm? Is this a form of Tourettes?
Kudos, you'll find a person
I came out when it was a en y mom asked when I was 15 n 19 I had it own apartment she said I lookilove I told her my y n z December decided
Why are most of the black gay men profiled on this channel, paired with white men? The moment he started talking about the love of his life, I knew the man was white.
R R there is nothing wrong with that. Love is love. Race shouldn’t matter because it’s a social construct and has more to do with science. I’d say that’s awesome if they can find love outside of their race. It shouldn’t be shameful for someone to love someone else we are all people. Skin is only a barrier from the outside not a barrier to love.
@@sirens4562 yes, love is love, except when it's fueled by self-hatred. Some black gay men turn to white men, because of the mistreatment they faced within the black community, but the white community isn't homophobia free and the white gay community isn't free of racism, either.
I'm multi racial. I believe people should be free to love whoever they please, but if you are incapable of loving someone who looks like you, what does that mean?
I think he explained in the first segment, it wasn't (and still problematically) accepted in the black community and church. He had to go and be where he was accepted.
Your completely right and it’s a hard topic that most people don’t want to talk about but it’s true. Most people don’t date people from their own race because of self-hatred and hold other races higher on the standard of attractiveness because of how far they are from their own race in terms of loving themselves and coming to terms with their identity as a whole. The self-loathing nature of most black men in general makes them want to date people outside of their race so they feel validated and/or fulfilled with their identity. But that isn’t always the case sometimes it’s just because they love each other and happened to find each other at the right moment. The LGBTQ+ community spaces are mostly segregated and boast about how accepting they are of people and that’s a huge problem in and of itself. I’m just a teen and I’ve notice how sexualized and fetishized black men are in the gay community and in the country that we live in and I think it’s disgusting because we are people just like everyone else and we want to have a space where we aren’t discriminated against because of our race, ethnicity, and sexuality but that sadly isn’t the case in most lgbtq* spaces because they hold everyone of their own skin color above everyone else and racism is still well and alive in America.
Sorry I’m just a gay teen trying to be optimistic about life but I haven’t faced the hardships of adulthood and haven’t witnessed it first hand myself of how life is outside of where I live in the real world. I certainly understand what you’re saying and where you’re coming from because I’m black myself. I just haven’t been out in the gay community and I’m wondering myself if I’ll be accepted by anyone in the gay community and my own black community because I’m a black gay guy.
Have you come out to your family? To some black communities? How did that go?
Wow. Prejudice is every where.
i think i would rather grow up in medievil Europe than 1980s america
Sexual attraction at 7? Interesting
He said “funny feeling” not necessarily sexual attraction
Actually I was sexually aware earlier than that.
Early bloomer.
It’s different between men & women.
Tho I didn't do anything sexual til my mid-twenties, I was first aware of my sexual attractions at about age 3.
sadly the area I'm in...very racial
??
@@vince7735 Dunno, maybe they mean racist?
HOLY BIBLE--- 5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 6 for which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: 7 In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. 8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
26 For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves the recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; -HOLY BIBLE
how dare you kiss another man harold
Why do you say GAY BLACK MAN! But you don’t say white gay man? You also said Puerto Rican gay man. Why does someone’s race have to do with sexuality?
because its part of your identity. it’s literally who you are. you cannot get a picture or accurately describe someone without mentioning their race
it plays a huge role in how you’re treated, within your ethnic community, the country as a whole and the gay community.
and you definitely would say “a white gay man” if it was relevant. the only reason being white isn’t specified more is because its assumed to be the default since the country is 60-70% white
Rune Stegemoller but they never say white man? It seems pretty fucking stupid to me. Especially with what’s going on in the world! And you think that the America is 60-70% white? Even if that is true it doesn’t mean you can put a title over someone just because of their race. “Black gay man” “hispanic gay man” that shouldn’t be used today. It’s not right
S0urse
Although I very much see your point, you have to consider that in plenty parts of America, social segregation is still a thing, and the cultures, rather than mixing, end up segregating. Growing up in Georgia, this is very much so the case, so him being black would change his experience as a gay man.
I don't remember him saying that. If that's what you picked out, you're not paying attention to his overall message.
He absolutely did say gay white men when it was relevant, that is, when he was describing issues of race.
Backstreet bar/disco in Atlanta demanded multiple ID's of African Americans as well, at least when I frequented the place in the 80's and 90's.