In an experimental amalgam of rap music, street poetry, documentary film, and dance, a gay African-American man expresses what it is like to be gay and black in the United States. The film intercuts footage of poet Essex Hemphill reciting his poetry, Riggs telling the story of his growing up, and scenes of men interacting and dancing. Although he deals with social ostracism and fear of AIDS, Riggs affirms the beauty and significance of the gay black man.