Down Low

Normal everyday lives led by men in their business suits working on Wall Street or just corporate America period. Blue collar workers...mechanics, fast food workers and restaurant owners just to name a few professions. These men are decorated with wedding bands and their vehicles further indicate they are married with children.

Down low - Secrets or that phrase "Straight" Black men that sleep with men. Before I go any further let me just say...the acronym 'DL' is not exclusive to Black Men; however it appears that the Black Male is more publicized in regards to such. This practice is seen across all ethnic groups.

In my reading one male indicates that 'Anyone can be had if the element is right'. Simple phrases such as "Wassup" or a certain look, wink or smile could lead to an interest in another man, which is unknown to the female. Code of the 'DL' Brother is they have to be hard due to the stigma associated with it. Some are thought that most DL brothers have the thugged out look. Fitted ball cap, Timberland's and a team jersey of some kind including throwback jerseys. Bottom line ANY man could be a DL suspect. Not just the tall 6'5" brother built like Arnold Schwarzenegger (back in the day of course) resembling Idris Elba, Michael Ealy, LaRon Landry, Morris Chestnut and Lamman Rucker. Eye Candy for my Ladies and some men, let's be real.

Studies suggest 30 percent of all black bisexual men maybe infected with HIV and up to 90 percent of those men do not know they're infected. With these statistics it is imperative for a person to advise their partner of what their lifestyle is and what their past relationships have been. A woman should be proactive in looking out for themselves. Asking the right questions while making the right observation. Love and lust can be blind to the point where you don't see what is staring you in your face.

If you are married or in a relationship, keep in mind that men on the DL would prefer not to give up the lives they've built with the 'perfect' woman. Oftentimes even the 'perfect' woman is not willing to let the man on the DL go because of the embarrassment they feel they may face.

I've read that one of the signs of a man on the DL is that he spends a lot of time with the guys. I personally am not in total agreement with that, because it just could be 'He's just not that into you.' Food for thought.

So gentlemen I wonder how you would feel if your daughter was dating a guy and this guy was on the DL. How do you think you would react? This question is even for the man on the DL with his 'Perfect' family. Think about it long and hard...no pun intended. Same question is posed for the woman. There are women on the DL as well. Let's be fair.

~~Skin I'm In~~

The Embrace of Forever

Each curve of the clouds

Reminds me of the mountains that surround me

Your embrace

My every breath is carried away

With the ocean breeze

The desire found when the sun meets the rain

The careless whisper

A long way from heaven

Refusing to give in

Back here again questioning why

The skies open without saying a word

Welcoming me inside to keep me warm

The Embrace of Forever

~~Skin I'm In~~