The D.L. About the Down Low

The last time someone told you to “keep it on the down low,” it translated to: Keep your pretty little trap shut. But ever since author JL King released his book On the Down Low: A Journey into the Lives of ‘Straight’ Black Men Who Sleep with Men in 2004,...

By Raina McLeod

September 13, 2007

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The last time someone told you to “keep it on the down low,” it translated to: Keep your pretty little trap shut. But ever since author JL 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 King version refers to men who live a predominantly straight lifestyle but who also enjoy checking out how the other half lives. If you’re not picking up what he’s putting down, King explains the sentiment by relating it to today’s scandals: “Senator Craig [getting] caught in the bathroom with his pants down, that’s Down Low behavior. New Jersey Governor James McGreevey: that’s Down Low behavior.” His book has now been turned into a – you guessed it – musical! So if you’re, uh, curious, Thursday is opening night for the stage performance of The Truth (About the Down Low) at Gusman Center for the Performing Arts (174 E. Flagler St., Miami) The play runs until September 16. Tickets cost $32.50. Call 800-432-SEAT, or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
Thu., Sept. 13

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