ABSTRACT
Passing, the subject of this chapter, denotes a cultural performance whereby one member of a defined social group masquerades as another to enjoy the privileges afforded to the dominant group. The most common form of passing in contemporary culture is probably that which occurs among gay men and lesbians. Passing occurs when there is perceived danger in disclosure. This chapter considers how the dynamics of racechange might resonate with the strains of developing an effective identity in a homophobic society. Gay men and lesbians have only recently emerged as speaking subjects in psychoanalytic discourse. The same may be said of African Americans and other people of color. The phrase 'keeping it real' has emerged from contemporary hip-hop culture to denote an African American who resists assimilation no matter what station in life he or she occupies and one who allies his or her personal interests with those of the Black collective.
