NoMoreDownLow.tv provided live coverage of the NAACP’s recent groundbreaking LGBT town hall, held last Monday at the group’s 102nd national convention in Los Angeles. Moderated by out newscaster Don Lemon and featuring Wanda Sykes, former NAACP chair Julian Bond, Spelman College Professor Beverly Guy-Sheftall, filmmaker Patrik-Ian Polk and writer/activist Kenyon Farrow, the meeting gave panelists and audience members a chance to share their experiences and discuss issues like the role of the black church in shaping views on homosexuality.
But it wasn’t all smiles and applause—some activists took the organization to task for not supporting full equality for gays and lesbians, as well as for homophobic comments made by NAACP leaders in recent years, like ones by board member Rev. Keith Ratliff, who’s called on the gay community to “stop hijacking the civil-rights movement.”
gregger
I get so tired of reading and hearing BS from people like Rev Ratliff. Mrs. King was pro-marriage equality, for full equality of the LGBT people, and against DADT. She made it the mission of the King center to eradicate ignorance, like shown by Rev Ratliff and others, and loudly proclaimed that “Gay rights are human rights” and also saying (paraphrased) that the gays and lesbians today are continuing the fight of Dr King and his associates. If that’s hijacking the fight, he needs his head examined.
Tony
Black people need to stop acting as if they “own” the civil rights movement. No, the struggle for gay rights isn’t EXACTLY like the black civil rights movement. But you can’t deny the similarities. Color isn’t a prerequisite for civil rights. Why so many blacks can’t see that amazes me.
Cam
Mrs. King supports gay marriage,
Mrs. Loving from “Loving v. Va.” said that gay marraige was akin to her case.
And now that NAACP is having a gay town hall. Hey, things are moving. There will always be a few dickheads like Rev. Ratliff, but this is a good thing.
ewe
Anyone with the title Reverend should be silenced regarding equal rights. The Religious have proven themselves to be the enemy of the people over and over again.
Interesting
We should not let the idiots destroy what sounds like a great event. The truth is you are always going to have these types of people. What people forget is that they are same types of people who told Black people back in the 50s to accept Jim Crow. Yes, other blacks were saying that to other Black people. People as a general rule don’t change. You will always have these types.
The point is to not be controlled or deterred by them. I think this event was a great idea, and I definitely hope to see more of this.
The crustybastard
Civil rights doesn’t narrowly mean “black rights.” Civil rights are the rights of the civitas, that is, citizens.
Of course black people deserve to have their civil rights respected by their government, but to no greater or lesser extent than any other citizen or group of citizens.
However, if there is any “hijacking” going on, it is black extremists imagining they own the term “civil rights.”
Mike in Asheville
@Tony: I see, so some black people complain that ALL the gays are stealing the civil rights movement. In response, you complain “black people…” as though all black people are the same.
SOME lgbt are racist; SOME black/AfricanAmericans are homophobes. Many lgbt believe in equal rights for all including by race; many racial minority members believe in equal rights for lgbt.
*****************
Yes, some NAACP board members are homophobes; bet there are just as many racists sitting on the boards of HRC, GLAAD, NGLTF, etc.
While it is important to expose homophobia where it exists, including on the board of the NAACP, you tarnish the whole NAACP’s effort to bridge racial and sexual civil rights and you failed to report the years of efforts by Julian Bond and Coretta Scott King to lead the NAACP to fully embrace the civil rights of all, specifically calling out the AfraicanAmerican community, to embrace the civil rights of lgbt.
I have clipped and posted several times before Mrs. King’s strong statements supporting marriage equality, repeal of DADT, and her tribute to gays/lesbians who stood with black civil rights marchers. Julian Bond, recent past-president of the NAACP, while president, testified on behalf of marriage-equality before Congress and state legislatures.
jeff4justice
Was Cornel West there? I hope so.
Dr. Cornel West & Carl Dix On Gay Marriage
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BbxR9olMMc&feature=channel_video_title
Afro Boricua
Most people think of gay rights are associated with white gay males. Looking at the news media, one would think, the gay community is diverse. I do know, the gay community has lot’s of white gay males.
doomsday1038
Some times it seems that black folks can’t win.This is a step in the right direction and people still talk shit.
Henry
@ewe: That’s true, but a black reverend is a little different from a whitey reverend.
ewe
@Henry: What you said is a generalization.
ewe
I have a problem with shitty straight people black and/or white. Fuck em all. I am so sick of seeing heterosexuality every fucking turn i make. It is annoying. Fornicating in public all over in every corner i look. These ugly hearted motherfuckers are the absolute worst hypocrites i have ever had the misfortune to be subjected too.
Oh Dear (John From England)
Roger youre an intellectual heavy weight!
besidethepoint
@Roger: If you’re so tired of hearing about us, why are you trolling Queerty? Get out of MY closet, please.
Conrad Honicker
I definitely started crying during the part about this cultural sentiment that black people are to blame for Prop 8. That sentiment is so divisive, and just what people with power want: two marginalized groups of people squabbling with each other instead of building coalitions and relationships in solidarity. End racism in the queer/trans community! End heterosexism and transphobia in the black community!
ewe
@Roger: @Roger: Girl please, start by reading one book.
ewe
@Roger: Being straight is a sickness and wrong. Wake up people!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That type of response is the only one vile shitheads like you deserve Roger.
ewe
@Roger: Don’t forget to pull out your warped gODD waiting conveniently in your back pocket.
ewe
@Conrad Honicker: you might want to go after those vicious black evangelcal ministers the same way we do white ones. It is the only right thing to do so stop protecting homophobes of any kind by hiding behind race.
ewe
@Conrad Honicker: you know what you should really be crying about Conrad? You should be upset that society overall still thinks black people are too stupid to get it and make excuses so that oppressive remarks can still triumph. It is no different than giving a pass to remain DUMB and that is more insulting than anything else. “oh don’t mind “them”, they can’t help it mentality.” If you want to attack the aggessor that divides two minorities then go after the ones that fuel the ignorant like Roger who feels he can sit back on a couch and throw shit on gay people like he has any fucking idea what the fuck he is talking about. Same thing. People like Roger do not even know one gay person much less the issues. Neither do stupid ass evangelical black people. If you need me to include stupid ass evangelical white people in my statement to make yourself feel better then i will. We need to tell them all to shut the fuck up. You are not a doormat.
Tackle
@ Mike in Asheville
Great point made.
As you see, @Tony has no response. I guess it’s hard for someone who’s narrow minded
and use sweeping generialzations to respond to wisdom and intellect.
ewe
Btw, i approve of straight people getting married just so you all know. How big of me huh? Once upon a time biracial marriages were not considered “traditional.” Don’t buy into the hierarchy. Tear those self appointed manic egos off their pedestals.
Earnest Winborne
@Afro Boricua: That’s exactly why I am producing NoMoreDownLow.TV. Unfortunately, the mainstream media doesn’t show any images of African American LGBT people and if the straight black community never see people who look like them in the struggle, that can’t relate and feel it’s not a point of concern for them. We now see how one community can affect another. Thank you Queetry for helping us get the message and images out there!
Brian Shackelford
@Ewe, instead of going after evangelicals of any color, start going after your parents. for all the bullshit talk about homophobic blacks, it’s the white gay men living in dupont circle, boystown, chelsea, west hollywood, midtown atlanta, and so on that could tell the most heart-breaking stories of their parents never wanting to speak to them again because of their sexuality. Fact: WHITE PEOPLE are responsible for your uphill struggle for “civil rights.” blacks don’t have the political clout to stop you from getting them.
no wonder you assholes are so racist. you want to blame someone for your troubles, but lack the power to defend yourself against the real culprit: WHITE AMERICA! so, you blame blacks. it’s ridiculous, as is white gay culture.
whites are responsible for your oppression. that’s a fact, bitches. hate it all you want, but it’s TRUE.
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: Cuckoo. I took college 101 a very long time ago. Then i had to get a life. I suggest you do the same.
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: FACT: you are responsible for your own hatred. You are in victim mode.
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: and your parents and yo motha and yo grandmothuh this and that. Grow the fuck up. Just because you have a five block radius does not mean everyone does.
Afro Boricua
@Earnest Winborne: Earnest, thank you for your response. For us as gay black and Afro Latino men, we have to deal with being a black man and being gay in society, along dealing with what our families think of us. To many blacks, we do care about how our families feel regarding homosexuality. In the black community, it’s don’t ask don’t tell. I am an only child, masculine, and in my late 40’s. I don’t have a girlfriend, wife, boyfriend, or partner. I know my family have discussed my sexuality behind my back because they never see me with women. I feel, my personal life should be private and who I sleep with is no one’s business. On the issue of white gay males, I’ve found many of them to be down right racist. I have experienced more racism from gay white males, than heterosexual white males. Black gays and lesbians are basically invisible by the mostly non inclusive white gay community. I live in Washington, D.C. and many of the white gays seem to have chips on their shoulders. I tried speaking to some in passing at the Safeway or Giant grocery stores and they ignored me. However, white gay males aren’t a minority in the United States. They belong to the 220 million white majority population.
Afro Boricua
Let me say this, I am black, Puerto Rican, gay, Catholic, masculine, and a human being. My being gay is a small part of who I am. When many whites see me, they tend to see my blackness, not me as a human being. White gay men can hide their gayness like other black, Hispanic, Muslim, Jewish, and Middle Eastern down low men. It’s not just black men that’s on the downlow. There are many others on the down low too. As a black man, I cannot hide my blackness in a closet. However, I don’t blame all the ills in America on whites. Racism still exist and the Congressman from Colorado proved my point by referring to President Barack Obama as tar baby. If possible, I wish whites in America could try being black for one week and come back and tell me their experience. I bet my bi-weekly salary, many will be thankful to God, they were born white. I’ve battled with depression for the last several years due to my being black and gay in society. I can’t wait to gone on to glory because there has got to be a better place than living in hell on earth.
ewe
@Afro Boricua: You said “I feel, my personal life should be private and who I sleep with is no one’s business.” That has very little to do with you being gay. Frankly speaking, i don’t give a hoot who you sleep with and you still remain a gay man. One has nothing to do with the other. That’s a bunch of propaganda instilled by ignorant haters. Usually the religious. Don’t buy into that overtly negative self analysis.
You also said “I have experienced more racism from gay white males, than heterosexual white males.” I have no doubt that is because gay white males are more willing to call you on your bullshit than straight white males. Not everyone is an enemy.
Then you said ” I’ve battled with depression for the last several years due to my being black and gay in society. I can’t wait to gone on to glory because there has got to be a better place than living in hell on earth.” Depression is a medical diagnosis and i would like to recommend you get the correct care by possibly finding a good medication that can help you with that. It very well may change your life for the better. This nonsense about the glory hereafter is really a crap shoot. I hope you don’t dwell on that theory. I speak to you sincerely about the above remarks so please don’t take it as an attack. “We” are dealing with people the likes of an earlier commenter named Roger who says the AIDS virus deciphers between gay and straight people before entering the physical body because stupid Roger thinks that viruses make a pit stop and have itself an intellectual pep talk imposing it’s morality on gay people and not straight people before making a conscious decision to expose itself upon certain people “it” deems fit. He is a freagin idiot and gay rights is one of the few struggles that is actually inclusive of all groups, creeds, ethnicities and races.
ewe
@Afro Boricua: You have to not like yourself in order for the haters to win Afro Boricua. You are NOT beaten down. You sound like you are just sad from hurt. There is a difference.
Brian Shackelford
@Ewe: “College 101” is not an academic course, nor does it represent an accredited instituion of higher learning. It sounds like “street cred” which fully explains why your replies to me made ZERO sense. Clearly, I read you like a book and then you allowed your low self-esteem to try to make a comeback with those lame ass replies.
Try and do better next time, okay!
Brian Shackelford
@Afro Boricua: You are too damn old to still be held hostage to your issues of racial self-hatred. I have read posts from you on other websites, and it’s the same old shit: feeling sorry for yourself because white guys/pale latin guys won’t give you the time of day. FACT: you are half Afro-American, half-latino. FACT: your latino dad has dark-skin. FACT: the world sees you as a NEGRO, regardless of your latino/Afro-American heritage. FACT: to become healthy and happy, you need to accept that you are black. FACT: people, especially gay men, are racist. FACT: you need to tell them to kiss your ass. FACT: you can’t tell them to kiss your ass because you suffer from self-hatred AND you’re a fucking racist too!
Why did i call you out as racist? because, you discriminate against other black men too. you don’t want another black man. but, you want white men to desire you. why? you don’t desire other black men. as such, why should white men desire you? you are mentally unstable. your life has been pathetic, and you clearly have no desire to change that. same pattern year after year.
unlike ewe’s ignorant ass, i have no sympathy for you. you add pain to your life. suffer well, loser!
Mike in Asheville
@Afro Boricua: I have read all of your posts above, and your story haunts me.
What concerns me is that you do not know who you are: Are you a black man who happens to also be gay, Boricua, Catholic, masculine, and human? OR, are you a Boricua who is also gay, black, Catholic, masculine and human? OR, are you a Catholic who is also gay, black, Boricua, masculine and human?…
You wrote that being gay is but a small part of your life. Perhaps that is why you suffer from depression and loneliness — being gay is so much larger than you are willing to embrace. There is no closer and loving relationship one can have with another than sharing your self sexually, and boxing in your sexuality into merely a “small part of my life” denies you the ability to be the sexual being you are. (No need to comment about members of the clergy who embrace celibacy — the commitment of celibacy is determining your own sexuality too, offering that love to God. Not my thing, but I do respect that others find that as fulfilling as I find my sexuality.)
I know I do not know you and that my next comment is strictly based on my limited understanding of you. Nonetheless, as a fellow human being, I suggest you try an exercise (repeat aloud or quietly meditate):
*******
I am black, Boricua, Catholic, masculine, and a human being WHO HAPPENS TO BE GAY.
OR
I am a gay man who happens to be black, Boricua, Catholic, masculine, and a human being.
********
If you see yourself in the first statement, the “happens to be gay” then the “being gay” is so negative in your thinking, there is cancer cell festering your life.
If you can see yourself in the second statement, there is much hope: you are gay, hooray, now MAKE the other parts of your life become harmonious with your sexuality.
********
Good luck to you! Life is too hard not to have love in it — and the greatest love of all comes from you to you. (BTW, white guy here who luckily sees skin colors as spices to my sexual chemistry. At Berkeley, early 80s, I had such great fun with 2 cousins, Vince was Blacktino (he taught me the word) and Carl black — wild crazy fun. And talk about being the odd-ball when they brought me to a 20+ family bbq.
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: you twisted wanker. i don’t need your pious sympathy. You are a flake. yo mama this yo papa that nonsense. You are the gutter honey.
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: @Ewe: “College 101? is not an academic course, nor does it represent an accredited instituion of higher learning. It sounds like “street cred” which fully explains why your replies to me made ZERO sense. Clearly, I read you like a book and then you allowed your low self-esteem to try to make a comeback with those lame ass replies.
Try and do better next time, okay!
That is one pathetic attempt at condescending. Yo mama this yo mama that. Go the fuck somewhere else.
Queer Supremacist
@ewe: Preach it, brother ewe! Not only am I sick and tired of having to be tolerant of nongays of any race (and their quisling defenders) but I am tired of being the only one here who’s not afraid to say “enough is enough” to the Heterosexual Agenda.
They attack us, they accuse us of “hijacking” a civil rights movement that had gays involved at many levels (*cough*Bayard Rustin*cough*) and stole much of its rhetoric from the Biblical story of the Israelite Exodus from Egypt, yet we are the r*c*sts? Does not compute. If people don’t like you, it’s usually because of bigotry against assholes.
The problem is not so-called “white” people, which is an ethnically diverse category that includes people of European and Middle Eastern descent. The problem, or one of them, is Christianity as practiced by all races and ethnicities.
Brian Shackelford
@Ewe: Just when I thought you had used up all of your asinine clichés, you come up with yet another clueless statement that proves to the world how much of a fucking idiot you are. Your ignorance overwhelms!
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: Read your own words and get yourself a psych evaluation.
ewe
@Queer Supremacist: yes the obvious hypocrisy and double standards is staggering.
Aaron Cohen
Wow talk about an influential event. There must have been FIFTEEN people in the audience.
Brian Shackelford
@Ewe: You know all about psych evaluations, don’t you? Just how often do you get them?
Afro Boricua
Some of you need mental health counseling by your personal attacks of one another. Brian Shakelford, go fuck yourself. You know nothing of my life or my experiences. You are a bitter Queen that takes dick up you lose asshole.
Afro Boricua
Brain, you need to get out of that wheelchair and get a fucking life. You have more comments on this blog, than anyone else. I do have a life and I don’t have to spend time going back and forth on a blog with losers like you. You sound like a fat old racist CRACKER. I dislike white gay crackers like you. You are so bitter, a black man would stick his cock inside you.
CHYKOLAETHAI
@Afro Boricua: I feel where ur cumming from homie, any one who’s a gay minority should, well unless dere “washed in the spirit of the witeness”… And don’t let these “pasty trolls” get to you and they wonder why a large majority of gay minorities don’t want to be assoicated with the gay community
ewe
@Brian Shackelford: I don’t “get” them. That is what you need to do.