I thought it was from The Onion at first. But then I discovered it was real.
I don’t know any gay guys (at least who are open about it). So I don’t know if gay guys intentionally acting like the sassy black women stereotype is a real thing or even it’s an offensive thing.
I mean, if a white guy is walking around talking about having an inner black woman, it IS kind of eye-rolly. You can appropriate expressions and attitudes from another culture without claiming that culture as yours. Kind of like how I know that me calling another person “dude” or remarking that something is “gnarly” doesn’t mean I’m the reincarnation of a white Californian male circa 1990. It just means I’m using certain terms and phrases for comic effect.
But it doesn’t offend me if another group wants to borrow some of the flavor of my group, as long as they do it respectfully and it’s clear they’re not serious about it.
This is my opinion, anyway. Curious how others feel, though. (Especially other black women).
Lots of gay guys adopt a finger-snapping sassy southern diva demeanor. I don’t think they’re consciously thinking they’re black women, but it works out that way.
I have no idea what British gay guys are thinking.
I have no experience with this and no real opinion on the “legitimacy” of it. The gay white men I know best, including my son, don’t seem especially influenced by black female culture.
I will admit that I find the linked article to be hilarious. Not quite sure who the people are who run the Union of Students, but their belief that they can somehow ban all these things is…well, bless their little hearts, that’s all I can say.
Weird. Funnily this reminds me of the “They Say…” monologue on Kids in the Hall, given by the character Buddy Cole played by Scott Thompson. Buddy is a campy gay white guy with a dry wit who usually gives monologues while sitting in a bar. (Scott is gay, btw.) In this “They Say…” bit he compares black and gay stereotypes and notices certain similarities, which he takes pride in.
The sketch dates back to the mid- to late-1980s and (like most of KiTH) was pretty bold for the time. Relevant quotes:
I can tell you this from personal experience: put me in a new environment, say a large office, with me and a black woman, we’ll find each other. Don’t ask me why. We’ll spot each other, exchange a few pleasantries, and next thing you know we’ll be office besties. I don’t think I’m a black woman nor do I act like the gay southern diva, but we’ll find each other anyway. It’s happened many, many times.
Stereotypes always have some basis in reality. I don’t affect that tone, but I’ve heard many a queen in my day use it. It’s campy, and ok if not overdone.
I guess I don’t understand why gay guys would be more given to campiness or affectation than other groups. Is it something that gay culture encourages, or is it something that just flows naturally from being an outsider?
I worked for 2 gay guys for several years. (A more conservative, Republican couple I have never met.)
One is a huge Nascar fan and low-key. The other can be low-key but loves to queen it up on occasion. Having been to many gay bars with them, I would say that some gay guys do like to flame (flaming queen) with abandon, campiness and affectations galore. Maybe it’s just that I’m so accustomed to it, but it seems a little odd that someone would not be aware of this aspect of gay culture.
I’m trying to figure out where this aspect of gay culture comes from. Did it just happen by chance? Or is there something about being a gay man that makes campiness a natural expression?
Do lesbians enjoy a similar culture of affectation? If no, why not?
It’s been around for decades. I think Bette Midler based her Divine Miss M persona on it. (She started out performing in gay bathhouses in NYC.)
Just my opinion, but I’d say your second question is hitting close to home. Theatrical, histrionic, over-the-top. Seems about right. Also, they love doing it. It’s fun!
Never hung out with many lesbians. Gay guys, in my experience, rarely had kind words for them.
