Halloween is one of my favourite times of the year, I think I would even go as far as to say that I prefer it to Christmas time. Unfortunately, thanks to Ms. Rona, there were no spooky celebrations on the cards this year. I did, however, celebrate vicariously through the images that celebrities were posting online of their costumes, one of which being Lil Nas X, who tweeted images of himself dressed as Nicki Minaj from her ‘Super Bass’ music video. Unfortunately, he soon became subject to homophobic abuse from members of the public and fellow musicians, with rapper Dave East stating ‘And y'all was mad at me about this n***a. Bati mon [sic] bun up!!!!’. Considering that the focal point of East’s criticism was based upon Lil Nas X’s race and sexuality, and that he expressed this hatred through a fusion of Patois and English, one must question whether there is a significant connection between the two. Indeed, the language and terminology used by East is reminiscent of the language used by the group of youths who mugged Barry in a homophobic attack, with them notably exclaiming, ‘Batty man! Bum bandit! Poofter! Anti-man!’. The same hateful language is used in both instances, and coincidentally both Lil Nas X and Barrington are black, gay men, who struggled with sharing their sexuality due to the pressures and homophobia within the black community.
Kobena Mercer investigates the roots of the toxicity surrounding black masculinity, attributing key traits as consequences of slavery, colonialism and imperialism, noting that ‘black men have adopted certain patriarchal values such as physical strength, sexual prowess and being in control as a means of survival against the repressive and violent system of subordination to which they were subjected’. Mercer points out that hypermasculinity has historically been a way for black men to reclaim agency, however, the negative implications of this exaggerated sense of masculinity become apparent when they are thrust upon someone who doesn’t particularly fit these traits.
However, it is clear that throughout Mr. Loverman, judgement isn’t served solely by hypermasculine men. In fact, Barry happily embodies certain aspects of the masculine mould, but unfortunately this mould has no room for homosexuality. Early in the novel, Barry opens up to Morris about his hesitation to be honest about his sexuality, stating ‘I don’t know if I can jump into the great abyss of social alienation with you’. While some readers might be dismissive of Barry’s preoccupation with the opinion of his peers, his hesitation lay deeper than a mere desire to keep up with the Joneses. The dark cloud of homophobia consistently follows Barry around throughout the novel, both from those who knew of his sexuality to those who didn’t. Barry’s awareness that living his truth would ultimately alienate him from his peers inevitably causes him to conceal his sexuality from the world, and maintain a sense of disillusion, even to himself. Indeed, at one point he exclaims ‘I am no homosexual, I am a…Barrysexual! I won’t have nobody sticking me in a box and labelling it’. While Barry’s reluctance to conform to labels is completely understandable, it seems that his disinclination is based more upon a fear of labelling rather than a disregard for it. Furthermore, the juxtaposition of Barry’s mindset with that of Morris sets the dynamic for their entire relationship. While Barry spends the majority of the novel in a state of inner conflict regarding his sexuality, Morris spends his time supporting his partner. While social expectations pressurize Barry to supress his sexuality, it is Morris’ loyalty to Barry that forces him to supress his sexuality.
Through a series of events they are finally successful in moving in together, but they never find true liberation and peace from the judging eyes of the Caribbean community. They share a home together, but they must build an attic conversion for the sake of Morris’ children and the neighbours. Even though within the confines of the home they can be open and loving with one another, they would forever live as friends in the eyes of others. After spending a lifetime together, it seems that those judging eyes would prevent them from ever truly living as their authentic selves.