On the Down Low
A Journey Into the Lives of Straight Black Men Who Sleep with Men
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4.1 • 77 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
A bold exposé of the controversial secret that has potentially dire consequences in many African American communities
Delivering the first frank and thorough investigation of life “on the down low” (the DL), J. L. King exposes a closeted culture of sex between black men who lead “straight” lives. King explores his own past as a DL man, and the path that led him to let go of the lies and bring forth a message that can promote emotional healing and open discussions about relationships, sex, sexuality, and health in the black community.
Providing a long-overdue wake-up call, J. L. King bravely puts the spotlight on a topic that has until now remained dangerously taboo. Drawn from hundreds of interviews, statistics, and the author’s firsthand knowledge of DL behavior, On the Down Low reveals the warning signs African American women need to know. King also discusses the potential health consequences of having unprotected sex, as African American women represent an alarming 64 percent of new HIV infections. Volatile yet vital, On the Down Low is sure to be one of the most talked-about books of the year.
“A survey by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta found that nearly a quarter of black HIV-positive men who had sex with men consider themselves heterosexual.”
—Essence
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Black men living"on the down low," or DL as they refer to it, don't consider themselves gay; they only"get with" men from their gym, church or club who, like themselves, lead"normal, straight lives" with girlfriends or wives in tow. They're so deep in denial of their homosexual desires, King writes, that these men rarely practice safe sex when indulging in a little same-sex"somethin' somethin'.""To put on a condom is to think about what you are doing," explains King, who was on the DL for 25 years."It stops it from being a thoughtless, lustful act that they have no control over." King volleys this warning directly at African American women, who may be unknowingly exposed to HIV/AIDs and other diseases by DL husbands and boyfriends. To protect their health and dignity, King offers insight on this closeted culture from his own life experiences (his marriage ended when his wife caught him having an affair with another man), as well as from hundreds of interviews, meetings and panels with other men on the DL. He also includes candid tips on spotting DL behavior and a description of the distinguishing characteristics of five DL"types" he's identified over the years (Mature Brother, Thug Brother, Professional Brother, I Have a Wife/Girlfriend Brother, and the"I'm Just Curious" Brother). Urban vernacular generously flecks King's prose (every black woman is referred to as a"sister," every black man, a"brother") and sometimes seems overdone; however, King's street-wise, older brother persona is ultimately a comforting way to address this sensitive and complex subject matter.
Customer Reviews
Great Information
Imperative information for the African American community. I pray earnestly we will modify our behaviour by engaging in safe sex practices, and asking the hard questions of our sexual partners.
Second time around
I read this book when I was 30 years old, and it changed my life and how I interact with men.
I decided to reread the book and encourage my daughter and sons, who are now grown.
The book is educational and eye-opening. It takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, especially as a woman that has been a victim/ survivor of a down-low ex-husband.
Gratitude J.L.King, for your courage, the lives you have saved, and continuing to save because of your books.
Review
Outstanding read; it’s a eye opener, I think all women should read it.