Why Do Men Say No Homo?

In this episode of Bi+ Black Men: The Podcast, we unpack one of the most common—and harmful—phrases in our culture: “No Homo.”

We explore why so many of us feel the need to say it, where it came from, and how society’s constant surveillance of masculinity—especially Black masculinity—keeps men defending their sexuality instead of living freely in it. Together, we talk about how that pressure shows up in hip-hop, barbershops, locker rooms, and even queer spaces that glorify “passing” or “trade.”

We also reflect on how language shapes safety, how fear turns affection into a performance, and how we can reclaim honesty, love, and brotherhood without disclaimers. Inspired by Clear Minds in Color’s episode “Men Seeking Male Approval,” this conversation continues the work of healing masculinity through vulnerability, truth, and community.

Check out the Clear Minds In Color episode on Men Seeking Male Approval

Referenced in this episode:

• Flood, M. (2008). Men, Sex, and Homosociality: How Bonds Between Men Shape Their Sexual Lives. University of Western Sydney.

• Hearn, J. (2012). Men and Masculinities: A Social, Cultural, and Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO.

• American Psychological Association (2022). Toxic Masculinity and Emotional Expression. apa.org

• Pew Research Center (2019). Attitudes About Homosexuality Among African Americans. pewresearch.org

• SAIC Library Guides (2023). Facing Race and Pleasure: The Black Body and Fetishization. libraryguides.saic.edu

• Trade (Gay Slang) – Wikipedia. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trade_(gay_slang)