The other aspect of the book is biographical. One learns that King deceived himself for more than 20 years after he began having sex with men, as well as women. Indeed, self-deception seems to be as important to understanding him as deception of others. He actually believed he could convince his wife that he was not bisexual after she literally watched him have anal sex with another man. A reader finds herself thinking 'Buy yourself a clue, dude.' King says that he no longer deceives himself or other people. Women who enter into relationships with him are told in advance he also has sex with men. Other facets of King's life remain blurry. It is not clear how he earns his living. Though he professes a deep religious faith, there is ambiguity in how it and his life style, both past and present, fit together. Indeed, church seems to have been a main source for meeting prospective male lovers for him. It is also uncertain whether King will devote any of the considerable profits from the book to HIV/AIDS education.

There is a temptation to perceive J.L. King as representative of men on the Down Low. It should be resisted. We do not know that King is typical, only that he is the first of the group to speak out loudly and forcefully. Despite my reservations about some of his character traits, I strongly commend him for having done so. On the Down Low is worthy of reading for that reason.

Note 1: This entry also appeared at Silver Rights.

Note 2: There is more good blogging at Mac-a-ro-nies.