(ThyBlackMan.com) Most of black America knows about CNN anchor Don Lemon. He’s 45-years old, but doesn’t look older than 35. He has a great deal of experience as a seasoned journalist, working on stations in Philadelphia and New York for several years. Now he’s a regular face on CNN, giving you the latest news on the hottest topics that affect our nation daily.
Well, in his new book, “Transparent,” Lemon speaks to the world about the 
last thing that many African Americans might know about him – that he’s a gay man. Lemon shared his thoughts on what the book is going to mean for his career and the perceptions that others have of him.
“People are going to say: ‘Oh, he was molested as a kid and now he is coming out.’ I get it,” he said.
Lemon has made many of his co-workers aware that he’s gay, but wondered openly whether or not it would cause him problems on the job, as well as in public. Very few news personalities have admitted to homosexuality, other than Rachel Maddow of MSNBC.
“I’m scared,” said Lemon. “I’m talking about something that people might shun me for, ostracize me for.”
Lemon specifically mentioned the homophobia which exists within the African American community. He believes that black women and black families can be especially harsh on those with a different sexual orientation.
“It’s quite different for an African-American male,” he said. “It’s about the worst thing you can be in black culture. You’re taught you have to be a man; you have to be masculine. In the black community they think you can pray the gay away.”
Staff Writer; Dr. Boyce Watkins
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. For more information, please visit http://BoyceWatkins.com.
