Out of the Darkness, Into the Spotlight

The last time someone told you to “keep it on the down low,” it meant you needed to shut your pretty little trap and keep things secret. But ever since author J.L. King released his book On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of “Straight” Black Men Who Sleep with Men in 2004, the term has -- shall we say, switched teams. “The down low” now refers to a different type of covert operation -- that of men who live a predominantly straight lifestyle but also enjoy taking a stroll on the gay side.

King explains it best when he relates the phrase to one of today’s scandals: “[Idaho] Senator [Larry] Craig that got caught in the bathroom with his pants down, that’s down-low behavior. [New Jersey Governor James] McGreevey, that’s down-low behavior.” And in case you weren’t sure, it’s not their legislative record that puts them on the list. According to King, it’s the “deceit, deception, lies, and secrets that cause families to break apart.” In case you’re still confused about the phenomenon, tonight marks the opening of the King-endorsed musical The Truth (About the Down Low), which will give the story a beat and translate it into a form that anyone can understand. The play runs through September 16. Tickets cost $32.50. Call 800-432-SEAT, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Sept. 13-16