Melissa Harris Perry discusses the LGBT movement

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Discrimination leads Substance Abuse in the LGBT Community

 Center for American Progress reports that LGBT folks turn to drugs to deal with discrimination and hate.

The Advocate states:

Noting that definitive figures are hard to come by, the center estimates that 20% to 30% of LGBT people are substance abusers, as opposed to 9% of the general population. A major contributor to the problem, it says, is “the stress that comes from daily battles with discrimination and stigma.”

“In order to lower these rates, our health care system needs to better meet the needs of gay and transgender people, and our government needs to advance public policies that promote equality for this population,” the brief continues. 

 There's more info here

I'm From Driftwood: Stephen Winter tackles the issue of Race in the LGBTQ Community - VIDEO

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Julian Bond speaks on Homophobia at NAACP LGBT Town Hall Meeting

Here is some Coverage from the NAACP LGBT Town Hall Meeting

I'm a little surprised that there wasn't a lot of coverage on the NAACP LGBT Town Hall meeting, but I managed to find something:

From FreeSpeech TV

And here is a report from People's World

Bond spoke on the taskforce's three-part mission:


* to strengthen NAACP's knowledge of LGBT issues and policies;
* to build relationships among LGBT civil rights and human rights organizations;
* to advance awareness of LGBT issues "as they relate to overarching programs and interest of the NAACP."


In his opening, Bond, a veteran civil rights leader, said, "We know sexual orientation is not a choice. We know homosexuality is not a mental illness. We know you can't 'pray the gay away.'"


The event was organized as a town hall-styled meeting with audience participation and a panel that included famous gay African Americans, like comedian and actress Wanda Sykes and CNN Anchor Don Lemon who publicly came out in his memoir, "Transparent."


Bond said gay rights are another component of civil rights.


"Sexual disposition parallels race. I was born black and had no choice. I could not and will not change it if I could. Like race, our sexuality isn't preference. It is immutable, unchangeable, and the constitution protects us all from prejudices and discrimination based on immutable differences."


Many panelists and audience members spoke about the role of the church in the Black community, and the conflicts that have arisen from that relationship on the issue of LGBT rights.


Bond said although one might be a member of a church that preaches against a religious same-sex marriage that viewpoint should not be extended to same-sex marriage in city halls, as a civil right.


Sykes said her church experience pressured her from being truthful with her sexuality because of the ingrained notion that gay and lesbian relationships were fundamentally wrong. Such sermonizing can be lethal, she said, because of bullying and violence against LGBT youth and the high level of suicides.


"You just suppress everything and become this other person. You start living that life that you think that you're supposed to do. I worked it so hard I got married! It just hit me, like, wait a minute. Why aren't my relationships going further? Why can't I really open up? And I realized oh, that's right. I forgot; I'm a lesbian! That's what it is. You don't have breasts!" Sykes said to an applauding and laughing audience.


Sykes and other panelists urged the formations of social support groups, including within churches.


Halfway through the meeting, NAACP President and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous joined the panelists on stage.


Jealous has been an outspoken supporter of LGBT issues and spoke briefly on his adopted brother being gay, and instances of defending him during childhood from bullies.


The discussion turned to California's anti-same-sex marriage Prop. 8 that passed in 2008. Many people blamed it on African American voters who came out in big numbers to vote for Barack Obama.


But, according to Jealous-and audience members-the bigger issue was the lack of outreach to the African American community at an early stage.


Jealous criticized LGBT groups "who come to the black community late" because it sends a message of disrespect.


"If folks really wanted to win on Prop. 8, and thought the black community was so important, then they should have been organizing" outreach a lot sooner, he said.
I'm disappointed with lack of coverage on this event. But I'm also hurt by the lack folks at the session. Still, I'm glad the topic was talked about.

10 Ways African-Americans can be more accepting of the LGBT community

Black folks are seriously behind the times when it comes to LGBT acceptance and understanding. Many within the community still struggle with gay people and still believe
demons are the reason why we are gay.

Well, I'm hear to say, Wake Up and get over it! It is what it is. Blacks folks are LGBT people too!

It is time for Black folks to finally get on the bandwagon and here's how:

1. Stop saying that LGBT issues are White issues. It's an everybody's issue.
2. Education yourself. Stop relying on rumors and lies about the LGBT community.
3. Remember our struggle. We don't have to compare it, but remember the struggle and how it took a lot of love and support to get through.
4. Challenge the church. You should not allow false preachers to carelessly speak for you or put stupid thoughts in your head. 
5. Actually read the Bible see how wrong you have been all these years.
6. Remember, these 'Gay' people are your family. Gays are not some new race. They are your cousins, sons, daughters uncles and aunts. They are a part of you and your family. Always keep that in mind.
7. Realizing gay marriage will not destroy the family unit. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. You know what hurts the family? Ignorance and foolishness.
8. Stop forcing stereotypical gender roles in our community. I think men truly struggle with their sexual identities due to the myths we have adapted as acceptable roles.
9. Denounce homophobia in our community. Stop promoting hate!
10. Understand that civil rights applies to all.
    

Christian Conservatives gather together to plan a War against the LGBT Community

These group continue their haterade towards our fam. They gathered together this weekend in Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va to start their losing battle against us.

The first step for Christian conservatives to win the war against the gay movement is to rebrand the terms, said a few panelists at this weekend’s The Awakening conference at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.


“‘Gay’ is a left-wing socio-political construct designed to create grounds for fundamental rights [based on] whimsical capricious desires,” said Ryan Sorba, chairman of the Young Conservatives of California. “Gay identity does not exist.”


Sorba proposed alternatives to the word “gay,” which received approval by a unanimous show of hands by the 40-some audience members:


* “Same-sex attraction”
* “Same-sex intercourse”
* “Sodomy”
* “Unnatural vice”


Later in the discussion, it was suggested that gays should also be referred to as “anti-Christian.”


The one self-described ex-gay on the panel, Greg Quinlan — who founded the Pro Family Network in 1996 and is now the president of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) but spent his gay years lobbying for the LGBT-rights group Human Rights Campaign – explained that his foray into homosexuality was caused by abuse from his father and looking at Playboy magazine as a young boy.


“Feelings change, and they don’t define you,” Quinlan said, noting that through counseling he was able to re-orient his sexual attraction, which led to a heterosexual marriage (he’s now divorced).


“If you had all the facts, you wouldn’t choose to be gay,” Quinlan, 52, said. “When you live a lie, you tell a lie. Truth is not a philosophy. Truth is a person, and his name is Jesus Christ. Tell the truth in love, but it isn’t love until you tell the truth.”


As a board member of PFOX, he proposed a resolution to PepsiCo Inc. shareholders (PDF) in 2010, asking the corporation to rescind their funding to the Parents and Families, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG), because he claimed they promote intolerance to the ex-gay community and protest against religious conferences featuring ex-gay speakers. He has also spoken before the Disney Board of Directors, pushing a resolution to include ex-gays in the company’s mandatory sexual orientation diversity training for employees.

We are anti-Christian? Please, what do they think they are, Saints?


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So, How Many LGBT folks live in America?

A new study from the Williams Institute claims (close to) 9 million Americans are LGBT.

That's it? I thought there were more... Anywho, there is more info from this study that you may find interesting.

In total, with approximately 700,000 transgender Americans, nearly 4% of the nation's population is openly LGBT.

Furthermore, an estimated 19 million people, or 8.2%, have engaged in some relationships or sexual behavior with someone of the same sex, and 25.6 million admit to harboring at least some same-sex attraction at some point.

The research shows that slightly more people identify as bisexual (1.8%) than as lesbian or gay (1.7%), and women are more likely than men to identify as bisexual.

The Los Angeles-based think tank came to the number after cross-referencing four recent national and two state-level population-based surveys.

"Last week, the Institute of Medicine at the National Academies released an analysis of LGBT health research calling for federal statistical agencies to quickly move toward LGBT inclusion in their data collection," lead researcher Gary Gates said in a statement. "The surveys highlighted in this report demonstrate the usefulness of sexual orientation and gender identity questions on large-scale national population-based surveys.

Better data can provide the building blocks for critical information to understand the lives of the 9 million LGBT Americans who have been historically marginalized in both society and research."

Here is a link to study. Check it out.

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Black LGBT Organizations March in the Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King

Tomorrow, I will be marching in the annual MLK Day March for LGBT of Color. I'm excited and I hope to see a huge group marching with us.

Here is the official press release:

BLACK LGBT ORGANIZATIONS UNITE IN COALITION TO MARCH IN REMEMBERENCE OF KING FOR 3^rd CONSECUTIVE YEAR

 

On the heels of the historic repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell", the Barbara Jordan/ Bayard Rustin Coalition, The Here to Stay Coalition, Black Lesbians United, In the Meantime Men's Group, At the Beach Los Angeles Black Pride, and over 50 same gender-loving/LGBT activists will march down Crenshaw and King Blvd. on Monday, January 17, 2011 for the third consecutive year to promote acceptance, visibility, dialogue and community-building as a strategy to fight homophobia and promote more awareness of Black LGBT issues within the Black community.

 

"We as Black LGBTQI's are Here to Stay and we are walking together in theMLK parade in our community because we are a living, loving, andvibrant part of both the Black and LGBTQI communities.  We are here tocelebrate the beauty of both again for the 3rd year," said Here to Stay Organizer Yardenna Aaron.

 

On Saturday, January 15^th, 2011 Here to Stay Coalition and Jordan/Rustin Coalition are hosting a sign making party and check in at Jewels Catch One at 11:30 am.  "The sign making party is a time where our organizations can come together and show unity before the parade. All participants in the LGBT contingency of the parade have been asked to where white as a symbol of unity," said JRC Field Organizer Andre J. Molette.

 

"This is a historic time for our country and the Black LGBT community has to ensure that our issues are not being forgotten amidst the statewide and national climate, said Rodney Nickens Jr. JRC Field Organizer. "Some will question what purpose the MLK March serves for the Black LGBT community in Los Angeles, but I think now more than ever, it is important that we come together in solidarity and present a united front to ourselves and to the world. It is only going to be through coming together during difficult times that we can begin to have difficult conversations."

 

All of this occurring as a record number of pro-LGBT political candidates swept statewide offices and a number of Black LGBT candidates took office nationwide in last year's midterm elections. Democrat Marcus Brandon, an openly gay African-American political consultant from North Carolina made history Tuesday, after being elected to the North Carolina House of Representatives becoming the 2^nd openly gay person elected to the North Carolina General Assembly. Brandon will be the only openly LGBT state legislator in North Carolina, and one of just five openly LGBT African-Americans serving in state legislatures across the country (including Maryland House of Delegates candidate Mary Washington. 

 

Openly lesbian N.C. State Sen. Julia Boseman is stepping down at the end of this term. "Although JRC is a non-partisan organization we are very excited to see so much progress being made across our great nation.  It is truly inspiring to watch our movement strengthen as Americans realize the inherent harm in discriminating against the LGBT community.  As more LGBT legislators of color rise to power it is very likely that the Black LGBT community will become more empowered to live healthier and happier lives as openly LGBT individuals and families, said JRC Field Organizer Rodney Nickens Jr. 

 

 WHO: BLACK LGBT COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS

WHAT: BLACK LGBT ORGANIZATIONS UNITE IN COALITION TO MARCH IN REMEMBRANCE 

OF KING FOR 3^rd CONSECUTIVE YEAR

WHEN: MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2011 AT 11 a.m.

Marchers will gather at Lucy Florence Coffee (on 43^rd and Degnan Ave. beginning at 8:30 a.m.)

Gays Bloggers and Activists played a part in the DEMS election fallout

I'll say it and put it on the carpet... Some of our gay bloggers and activists played a decent role in the Republican win last week.

They can't deny it. After all they did in order to hold Obama and Dems accountable, their actions took on a powerful negative effect. I will highlight a few of these actions from the past 2 years:

• Showtime! Ever since Obama was elected, several folks were all over CNN, MSNBC and the internet, dooming Obama's actions on the LGBT community. Dan Savage and Dan Choi, could be found any news outlet, pushing a lot of their anger, but never offering many solutions.
• Blog, Rant, Blog- Pam Spaudling, John Aravosis, David Mixner and journalist Kerry Eleveld spent the majority of their blogs or posts about Obama/Dems failing at everything Gay. In fact, they blogged more negative posts on Obama/Dems than positive. After a while, a faithful reader of their work would be convinced that Obama hated Gay people. I'm not saying they should be all roses and unicorns about Obama, but they could have at least threw a dog a bone.
• Boycotts- There were at least 3 DNC boycotts, trying to make gays close the gAyTM. It didn't really work, but it did send the message to everyone that was watching.
• Attacking within. There were so much infighting within our activists. Without strong leadership, everyone with after everyone. The usual target was HRC. In fact, the online Town Hall meeting of LGBT bloggers spent most of their time attacking HRC and yet, STILL not putting out many solutions.
• getEQUAL- They could have been great, but their breakout performance left many confused and bitter. I hope they will get better in time.
• Confusion/Half-truths/partial stories - John Aravosis was a puppetmaster. He basically spat out a lot of foolishness, that critical thinking person could easily see through. However, his popularity allowed him to manipulate many folks into believing in his crap. Only a few LGBT activists and writers called him out, only a few.
• No accountability on the quality of the info spewed out by some LGBT bloggers/activists. And if you challenged them, you were attacked by many of their drones.
• Presenting the LGBT Civil Rights movement as a quick fix. If anything, the Civil Rights movement in the 60s should have taught us that this will take time.
• Not educating ourselves. I believe some us took a lot info for granted and not challenge the validity of the content or the credibility of the writer.

Okay, I'll stop there, because there are more issues. Yes, there are things Obama/Dems can improve on, but we really need to do the same. Looking back at everything over the past 2 years, made me really sad. The lack of leadership and clarity cause many of our fam to vote Republican or not vote at all. Instead of educating our peeps, some of our "activists" used them to their own advantage, trying to build up their readership by causing chaos and confusion.

We really did a number on ourselves, we really did. And instead of claiming that it didn't happen, we need to own it, so we can move forward and not go down this path again.

Record Number of Gay candidates Won last night

Despite of the loss of the House, we were still victorious! A record number of gay candidates won seats, in fact, 123 openly gay candidates made history.

From CNN:

They include David Cicilline who is running in Rhode Island for the 1st Congressional District seat. The former mayor of Providence, R.I. could become just the seventh openly gay person to serve in Congress, and only the third to be elected for the first time as an openly gay candidate.

Victory Fund also finances candidates like Rep. Patrick Murphy (Pennsylvania, 8th Congressional District) who is not gay and is an Iraq War veteran. Murphy fought for an amendment to repeal the military's "Don't ask, Don't tell' policy in May.

Some of these races are important to the gay community not just because the candidates are gay, but because they are in states where legislation that affects gays is up for debate. Rhode Island, Maryland, New York, Washington and Colorado have state legislative and gubernatorial elections that could determine whether bills will pass granting gays domestic partnership benefits.

Our battle continues, hopefully these new editions will push us forward.

Gay Voters Angry At Democrats Could Sway Election... It Better NOT!

Please check out this article about how we can sway the vote.

But this article couldn't come out at a worst time. I say this because if the Dems do lose, guess who will get blamed... No, not the Tea Party.

I know we are mad, but it's not that serious. We should know that this will be a long term battle. I hate to say that, but it could be a reality. The Dems are our only chance of getting things done. No 3rd party or the GOP are going to help, that's a fantasy.

We need to vote and vote Dem-O-Crat! We are fooling ourselves if we think sitting out is the best method. It's a dumb method! We need to make our voices heard and we need to do it in an effective way. So we should vote and hold our elected officials accountable once they are in.


But in all seriousness, folks who are super mad. Get over your anger and get to the polls. Think about the possible setbacks and the Bush years. That will put some sugar in your tea.

MSNBC talks to City Councilman Joel Burns

MSNBC's Thomas Roberts interviewed Joel Burns, the Texas Councilman who gave his emotional "It's Gets Better" speech during a city council meeting

BSLADE's Musical Response to Bullying and Gay Bashing

Powerful artist, BSlade has an new anthem for the LGBT community. It's called BSFF and it's cute.
Here's some info:

In response to all the bullying of all people and gay bashing and slander of past and present, this song is an empowerment tool for you.

In Orlando: Forums on Gays and the Black Church begins Tonight

The Eddie Long scandal has knocked the top off of the gays and Black church issue. Now (and finally) some churches respond; the Church of Healing and Prosperity in Orlando, will begin their first of three open forums on the issue of gays in black churches tonight.

Bishop RT Davis of the Church of Healing and Prosperity said the sessions, which will include members of the gay community and straight black ministers, were prompted by the scandal involving Bishop Eddie Long in Atlanta. Long, who frequently denounced homosexuality from his megachurch pulpit, is accused of coercing several boys into having sex with him.

“We’ve had our heads in the sand for years about this. We have gay, lesbian and down-low brothers and sisters in our churches, but we have required them to remain in the closet,” Davis said. “With this Bishop Eddie Long situation that has come to the forefront,  this is a hypocrisy that the church can no longer stand on.”

It's a good start, I hope other churches follow their example.

Thanks to Derrick for the tip.


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New LGBT Campaign: I Love My Boo

Great job, guys!!

WATCH NAACP President Benjamin Jealous speak at the New York City LGBT Community Center

NAACP President Benjamin Jealous made history by speaking at the New York City LGBT Community Center a few days ago. He was there to promote, One Nation Working Together, a rally for October 2nd  in Washington, D.C.

Please watch:

NAACP President will Speak in the New York City LGBT Community Center

NAACP president Benjamin Jealous will make history by being the 1st NAACP president to meet in a LGBT center this Wednesday. The meeting is in preparation for the rally, One Nation Working Together, which takes place in Washington, D.C. next month.

Here's more:

The visit, believed to be the first by a sitting NAACP president to an LGBT center, comes in advance of the rally backed by major civil rights organizations and unions, which is expected to draw hundreds of thousands to the Lincoln Memorial on October 2 under the theme of “jobs, justice, and education.” Participating groups such as the NAACP, the National Council of La Raza, the AFL-CIO, and the Service Employees International Union will issue their most explicit call to date for LGBT equality during the march.

“I believe it is unprecedented for the sitting NAACP president to speak at the New York LGBT center, or any LGBT center, for that matter,” said Jeffrey Campagna, head of the LGBT desk for One Nation Working Together in New York. “It is an indication of the true coalition that One Nation Working Together represents and the true opportunity this is for the LGBT movement to join with labor groups and other civil rights groups to advance our agenda.”

I'm proud of Benjamin for making this progressive move forward.

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