Summary
The question “Who Gets to Drink from the Fountain of Freedom?” is designed to evoke the image of the “Whites Only” water fountains of the segregated South and to provoke discomfort and dissonance among those who, having claimed the right to drink from the fountain of freedom, would deny this right to others. Homophobia in families and communities of color is explored, and discrimination against gays and lesbians within those communities is analyzed. Commonalties in the oppression experienced across communities of color and lesbians and gays of color are explored. Finally, some progressive initiatives occurring within racialized communities are examined, including recommendations for necessary institutional and individual changes for broadening the definition of community to fully incorporate lesbians and gay men of color.