Black Art In Aids Age

Catalog description

This course will examine African American history, literature, art, theater, performance, film and fashion. This interdisciplinary approach will examine, in particular, black gay men and the distinct creative and political identity they have created about race and sexuality. After the discovery of AIDS in 1981, gay men faced a great deal of prejudice, discrimination and isolation. One way they countered the exclusion, silence and hate, was through artistic mediums. Their creative responses to the dual prejudices of racism and homophobia will be discussed and analyzed with visits from men who created during the 80’s and 90’s and by viewing performances.