No matter the genre, it is always a difficult task trying to determine the best way to organize fiction collections. In this particular case, I would keep these two genres with the general fiction collection.
1. Both GLBTQ and African American fiction (AA from here on out) crossover with different genres. At some point there can be too many genre divisions in a collection, which is why a general fiction section is a good category for many cross-genre books to be. I also think that, compared to genres like Westerns or fantasies, GLBTQ and AA fiction do not necessarily follow distinct criteria for classifying their genres (yet). Is the focus on the authors' ethnicity or sexual orientation, or that of the characters? Does a book need to focus on a GLBTQ relationship, or does one gay character qualify? While general characteristics may become more commonplace in the coming years, these genres could be easily categorized broadly or narrowly, which may prove problematic when it comes to shelving and labels.
2. These genres, especially GLBTQ, can deal with sensitive subjects that many readers would like to read discreetly. Separating genres like this can discourage readers from checking out books in that "one" area in the library. Even if a book had a GLBTQ spine label, it would most likely be more comfortable for someone to pull that book from the shelf if it was mixed in with the larger fiction collection than standing in the GLBTQ section of the library and knowing that people *could* judge you for your reading choices
3. Separating these genres would cut down chances of a patron picking up something they normally wouldn't read and giving it a chance. Genre labels can seem off-putting to some readers even though they may actually enjoy those genres. When I was a kid I wouldn't touch science fiction with a ten-foot pole simply because science was my least favorite subject in school. People can come up with all sorts of reasons to avoid certain genres, but a chance encounter is all it takes for a mind to change.
If those patrons requesting the separation of these genres sincerely thought they deserved to be highlighted in their own areas, there are other ways to honor their request. Temporary displays can honor Black History Month and GLBTQ authors. Spine labels, staff pick lists and entries on the library website are other ways to promote books from these and other smaller subgenres that your library patrons may not be familiar with. While I can understand that some libraries may choose to separate these genres based on the populations they serve, I think that they belong with general fiction.
You made a good point about patrons wanting to discreetly read different genres. I believe that some people would not want to be "judged" on what they are reading by other patrons. We do staff picks at our library and our patrons love it. We also have a blog for items that our staff has been reading. I believe that all genres should be in general fiction and we have been fighting for this at my library for a long time. I just hope that we can make the change soon.
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