Slideshow: Black Men of the Castro 2010
Slideshow: Black Men of the Castro 2010
In 2009 STOP AIDS Project's Our Love program launched the "Welcome to Our Neighborhood" campaign. Our goals were to increase the visibility of Black gay, bi, and trans men in the Castro, and to start a conversation about race in the LGBT community generally, and in the Castro specifically. The images photographer Joe Mazza captured and the narratives of the local models were so arresting that we made a Black Men of the Castro 2010 calendar out of them.
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Anthony Arinwine, Teacher"The Castro should be a place where we feel safe, connected and accepted. Even after living in the neighborhood for two years, I feel prejudged. People just see a Black guy and associate me with bad things. Or assume that I am not a part of this neighborhood. I am a part of this neighborhood. This is my home." -
Channing Sheets, Volleyball Coach and Founder of Raptors"Most of us came to the Castro from other places, some running away and others running towards something. Each of us searching. But community isn't found...it's created and shaped through actions. If you want a more accepting community for yourself then it means learning about others, dealing with your own issues, and knowing what you are really looking for." -
Charles Fann, Writer"I see the Castro much like the gay icons we worship, always on the verge of a change or a comeback. Even with its limits, the Castro still contains all the things we need to make a difference: people who, at their very core, care about each other and a bank of invaluable talents." -
Craig Wingate, Musician"For many Black gay men, the Castro can make them feel as though they are unwelcome, objectified or ignored. Let's push for a more welcoming Castro that is reflective of all, not just a few." -
Jamal McCrainey, Nurse"How can we ask society to treat us equally and fairly if we can't do it in our own neighborhood? If the Castro promises to be the neighborhood for LGBT people, then it belongs to all of us. That shouldn't be an empty promise. It should encourage us to continuously create something wonderful, a place of found families." -
Jashiro Dean, Volunteer"To keep our community progressing, we must share the history and individual experience that each of us has. That's the essence of coming out. If people didn't keep pushing for a more welcoming Castro, then there wouldn't be a community here for any of us." -
John F. Weber, Emperor XXVII of San Francisco"I shouldn't need to rid myself of my African American culture or experience to be accepted here. In fact, it should be embraced. Sylvester, a Black disco diva, helped put the Castro on the map of the LGBT community. I care about the Castro and the people here; to walk away from it would be denying my own history." -
Erykah Daye Munro, Equality Activist and HIV Prevention"The concept of the Castro is bigger than the neighborhood. Too few people define its culture. The assumption here is that you can be anyone you want. But ask a Latino, or a Lesbian, or a Black person. You'll get a different story. Don't wait around for inclusion. Assume it. Include yourself. It's a powerful concept and the neighborhood is small enough to change." -
Justin Gaines, Bartender"Most people are looking for a friendly face, someone who will remember them and welcome them back. We all need to feel recognized and have a sense of belonging. Sometimes a smile or a simple acknowledgment is all it takes. When you think about it, it doesn't cost anything to give those things to someone, but it means so much to receive it." -
Kenneth Wingard, Castro Business Owner"Many of our struggles for rights, freedom and even life, played out on these streets. Long before the Internet, the Castro became the place for us to meet and exchange ideas. Even today we hold protests, celebrations and vigils here. It's not just a neighborhood, it's the town square of our movement and a heritage that belongs to all of us." -
Kyriell Noon, Executive Director, STOP AIDS Project"The Castro has long been the place where we can be how we are and finally embrace and express ourselves. I believed that promise before I moved here. And I still believe it. We have work to do but all the potential is here. Of all the places, the Castro should be one place where it's not surprising to see LGBT people of all colors living and loving." -
Lawrence Lowery, Health Educator"The challenges we face in the Castro aren't unique to the neighborhood. Our individual experiences of isolation and exclusion are a symptom of the many 'isms' that keep us from recognizing our shared humanity. I may not be able to save the world alone, but if we can genuinely care for ourselves and others, then I think we have a chance to create a healthier and more compassionate society." -
Lonnie Haley"I've made it a part of my personal growth to help others excel. Of course, the world isn't a perfect place but I will not be a victim of others wrong doing. Our time will come when we truly have acceptance in the Castro. Until then, I celebrate who I am and recruit others to celebrate themselves as well." -
MIke Survillion, Middle School Teacher"As diverse as the Castro is, it only caters to a specific crowd and doesn't include Black culture in certain spots. That's why we don't see a lot of Black men here. Still, it's a place we call home outside of our own front doors. I try to be accepting of the possibility of change and I'm always finding other people willing to get involved and take that risk too."
