BlaqueOut Interview: KC Washington (pronouns: He,Him,His) JD: What is your personal definition of masculinity? KC: An individual that shows strength; is bold, and authoritative. JD: What do you feel the relationship is with Black Queer men and the idea of masculinity? KC: I feel that there can be a conflict when it comes to the idea of masculinity, opposed to it being something someone embraces as an individual. Based on life experiences, or what one sees in the media, it’s easy to adopt an idea of how you should act to be considered masculine. This can cloud perspectives regarding masculine gay black men who embrace their manhood, and values they have as men. JD: Do you find that "toxic masculinity" is a factor within the Queer community? KC: Yes. I do feel that there can be toxic masculinity within the Queer community. Especially when it comes to one's own preference. Being a masculine gay man, I prefer to date masculine gay men, and there’s nothing wrong with that. It becomes harmful and/or “toxic”
KC resides in Charlotte, NC He is a licensed barber, model, and singer of the international R&B group AHMIR.
when masculine gay men start to berate, or shame feminine gay black men for not being as masculine as they think they should be, instead of accepting and appreciating the differences between them. JD: What does it mean to be considered feminine or masculine in the LGBTQ community from your perspective? KC: Feminine is someone who is dainty, soft, and submissive. Masculine is more aggressive, assertive, and dominant. This is my perspective of the
