Interview with Melvin Boozer as recounted by Sydney Brinkley.
Embracing Two ‘Firsts’
Melvin Boozer is no stranger to shattering societal norms. In the last year alone, Boozer accomplished two historic “firsts” – becoming the first Black person to be elected president of the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), and the first Black Gay male to receive a vice-presidential nomination at the Democratic National Convention.
A product of Washington’s ghettos, Boozer’s intellect landed him scholarships at esteemed institutions like Dartmouth and Yale, a trajectory leading to his current pursuit of a Ph.D. on a Ford Foundation Scholarship.
Stepping into Leadership
On becoming GAA president, Boozer noted, “As soon as I joined the organization, I became very involved with it. I’m very competent.” Addressing the criticism that he’s a puppet of GAA, Boozer confidently refuted, “I’m very much my own man. No one tells me what to do.”
He acknowledges the critical role of a powerful Black presence within GAA, asserting that his independence has irked the “Old Guard”.
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Engagement with the Black Community
When questioned about his perceived alienation from the Black community, Boozer retorted, “Are ‘they’ the mountain or Mohammed?” In his opinion, the underrepresentation of Black Gays in political spaces in a predominantly Black city was tied to the dual roles that Black people often have to play – gay and functional.
He firmly believes that living in the closet diminishes energy, integrity, and strength, rendering the person a ‘zombie’. Drawing an analogy to the Biblical story of Esther, he urged Black Gays, “How do you know you were not born for just such a time as this?” According to Boozer, emulating heterosexuality breeds the aggression threatening nature and human kindness.
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The Black Bond and Coming Out
Boozer acknowledged the complexity within the Black community’s approach towards homosexuality, explaining that while individual relationships might be accepting, the overall perception remains negative. He openly discussed his coming-out experience, sharing that his family’s initial acceptance had been a potential trade-off.
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Despite his achievements, Boozer confessed to feeling alienated as a Black student within the predominantly White Dartmouth and Yale universities. He humorously credited his choice of Dartmouth to a four-year scholarship offered, quipping, “Howard University gave me nothing.”
Balancing High Visibility
Handling his newfound fame and visibility is a mixed blessing for Boozer. While he relishes the ego boost, he is conscious of the dangers of becoming superficial or burning out due to the pressures of the Gay rights movement. Despite this, he expressed happiness, likening himself to a sociology professor who got himself in a bit of trouble.
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Personal Life and Love
On a more personal note, Boozer revealed that while he is seeing someone, they have refrained from defining it as a strictly lover relationship. He advocates for primary relationships with the possibility of secondary sexual relationships, arguing that monogamy is a flawed model that Gays shouldn’t imitate.
Defining His Own Path
From his time at Dartmouth and Yale to his presidency at GAA, Boozer has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to his personal journey. His experience at the Ivy League institutions was characterized by a sense of alienation, shaped by his identity as a Black man in a predominantly white space. Yet, these experiences did not deter him. Instead, they strengthened his resolve to make a mark in the world.
When asked why he chose Dartmouth, his answer was pragmatic: “Dartmouth gave me a four-year scholarship. Howard University gave me nothing.” This speaks volumes about Boozer’s resilience and adaptability.
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Life in the Spotlight
Handling his newfound fame and visibility, Boozer described it as a mixed blessing. While the ego boost it provides is enjoyable, he is conscious of the pressures of the Gay rights movement, and fears becoming superficial or burning out. “I like having my ego stroked.
This year will be easier. I developed stronger ties with the city council., I can call up most council members and get them on the phone immediately,” he added.
Despite the challenges, he expressed contentment with his current situation. He humorously described himself as a “sociology professor who has gotten himself in trouble,” reflecting his awareness of the uncharted territory he’s navigating.
Personal Relationships
Boozer is equally candid about his personal life. Currently in a relationship, he is seeing someone but refrains from defining it as a strictly lover relationship. His take on relationships reflects his ability to separate the emotional from the sexual, as he believes in having a primary relationship with the possibility of secondary sexual relationships. He argues that Gays shouldn’t be bogged down by the conventional model of monogamy, which he describes as flawed.
An Invigorating Call to Action
Boozer’s concluding message to the Black Gay community is a powerful call to action. He encourages more Blacks to become involved with GAA, hailing its effectiveness and the potential of an effective Black activist group within GAA to significantly impact Black life in D.C.
In his words, “It is self-defeating for Blacks to ignore GAA.”
This interview provides a rare insight into the mind of Melvin Boozer, a trailblazer whose life’s work at the intersection of race, sexual orientation, and political activism continues to inspire countless individuals in the pursuit of equality and justice.
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