Fear of homosexuality has led many black adult men to withhold their love from male children and adult peers. Rooted in homophobia, this fear must be overcome if black men are to experience self-love. At the same time, until black folks openly address same-sex incest, the sexual abuse of black boys by older males, self-love will not become the norm for all black men. Self-loving black men do not fear being gay. For they know that embracing their sexuality, in whatever form it takes, is a gesture of self-acceptance necessary to love.
