Carter the Bandit calls for end to Black and gay stereotyping

Gay drill artist Carter the Bandit sees Black History Month as a celebration of life itself.

It is a tribute to the lives that contributed to the liberation of marginalized communities and the joy of “living in your skin,” the musician told PinkNews.

Black History Month has been an annual event in the UK since 1987. Every year, the achievements of black British people are highlighted, but black LGBTQ+ voices are often ignored.

One voice that is always heard during Black History Month is that of Carter the Bandit. He was born and raised in Peckham, south London, and is of both Ghanaian and Jamaican descent.

He is proud of his identity as a black gay man, which he sums up as “brilliant,” “sexy,” and “crazy.”

The rapper, who sports an unmistakable tattoo that spells out “love” on his knuckles, draws inspiration from civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., whose acclaimed ” “I have a dream” speech resonates with his heart.

“Everyone has dreams, so I relate to that,” he explains.

For Carter, it’s not just about personal success, it’s about contributing to social change and uplifting his community.

He recalls when he was about 15 years old and his mother asked him about his sexuality. “It was a little scary,” he admits, given the cultural stigma surrounding homosexuality, especially in some black communities. She wasn’t overjoyed, but she wasn’t angry either. “I think it went well,” he recalls.

He explains that the stigma stems from the upbringing of people in some of those communities. “I’ve always been taught that it’s wrong, especially [some] Cultural background. That’s all you’ve been taught, so that’s all you know. ”

He said he struggled with “mixed emotions” when he was younger, but as he got older and started going to clubs, he met “a lot of gay black people” and learned from them.

A 2021 survey found that gay people of color in the UK do not feel welcome in LGBT+ spaces, with many experiencing discrimination, harassment and abuse. But that wasn’t Carter’s experience. But while he has always felt comfortable in London’s gay clubs, the rapper admits that “it might have been different back then.”

Speaking at this year’s British Black Pride, founder Lady Phil stressed that there was “no time to stand still” when it comes to racism and discrimination in the UK. Her words came in the wake of an explosion of far-right violence across the United States over the summer.

“That’s how we are naturally raised.”

But as far as Mr. Carter is concerned, society has become more welcoming. “Before, everyone thought gay people were judgmental and mean. Of course some people are, but if you peel back the layers, everyone can protect themselves. It’s just that.

Over the years, his appearance has evolved to reflect his identity as a proud gay black rapper. Even though society feels more welcoming, he still draws attention to one major misconception: that gay black people are inherently rude.

“That’s how we were naturally raised. Everyone has an attitude, but gay people have an attitude even more so. Of course, it’s also a defense mechanism. ” His solution to the myth is simple. “Just having a conversation.”

He recognizes that his music is being embraced by younger members of the LGBTQ+ community. “This is about helping the younger generation,” he says, and knowing he’s making an impact “feels great.”

He previously told PinkNews that his love for fellow singers like Megan Thee Stallion, Miss Banks, Miss La Familia and Sassy Santana inspired him to create “Inclusive Drill.” Through his music, he hopes to inspire young people to “live their truth.”

Carter the Bandit is currently working on a short film that will be released next year, along with new music. A Christmas project is also underway.

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