Introduction: Rap Expression of Black Men's Experience (02:53)

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Spoken poetry and scenes capture the experience of black men in American society.

Essex Hemphill's 'Silence' (02:08)

Poet Essex Hemphill performs his work "Silence is our shield..."

Black Chat Phone Hook-Ups for Activists (03:05)

Black activism against homophobia attempts to end the silence that hides the Black gay man. We hear of a shocking encounter on a bus.

Snap Expression (03:17)

A racist encounter with a club doorman brings out the Snap Diva's response and subsequent reports to the Mayor's Office, Human Rights Commission, and others.

Marginalization (02:34)

Hear the personal experience of a gay black man growing up in Georgia. He relates his encounters with homophobia and ugly names.

Violence and First Love (02:21)

After a violent attack, a first love brought a man back from his adolescent silence.

Castro District Revolution (02:53)

Erotic rap and images accompany scenes from the Castro District in the heyday of white men coming out of the closet.

Cross Dressers (03:55)

Cross dressing in his sister's shoes, the poet walks the waterfront while looking for true love.

Homophobia (04:43)

Hemphill's poetry notes the rejection of gay men by the black church, black politicians, and the media. Eddie Murphy performs a homophobic stand-up routine.

Repressed Anger (03:45)

Marlon Riggs and others show the pain of repressed anger that is sublimated in different ways.

Listen, Dance and Meet Up (06:04)

Gay black men talk to each other about their experience and the reception of the gay community in different states and cities.

Gay Expression (06:29)

Gay bars offer the gay community a place to express themselves. Gay Pride parades bring the community out in the public.

Heterosexual Love (03:02)

Hemphill's poetry celebrates the black gay intimate experience.

Aids Fear Challenges the Freedom to Love (04:09)

Obituaries of black gays, victims of the Aids epidemic, strike fear in the gay community- challenging the historic fight for black freedom.

Credits: Tongues Untied (02:27)

Credits: Tongues Untied