Actor Billy Porter has voiced his support for #BlackLivesMatter protesters following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Porter–a man known for speaking his mind in no uncertain terms–took to Instagram to deliver his message. He began by chastising caucasian Americans who continue to deny systemic racism in the United States, and recalled incidents where he’d had the police called on him simply for being a black man in an affluent neighborhood.
Porter then focused on the African-American community, calling out violence committed by black men against LGBTQs, especially transgender women.
“My basic human rights have been up for legislation every single day that I have had breath in my body from all sides,” he said, “and by that I mean that the black community’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community is appalling at best and eerily similar to that of white supremacists versus black folk. Hear me, black people, and hear me well. I’m calling you out right here and right now. You cannot expect our demands of equality to be met with any real legislative policy and change when y’all turn around and inflict the same kind of hate and oppression on us. The tragic reality here is that black trans, as well as gender non-conforming, women and men are being killed in the United States by cis black men to such a degree that it is nearly the worst emergency for trans women on the planet.”
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Related: Conservative media selects its next targets: Billy Porter & ‘Sesame Street’
“The murders of black trans women by black men since 2016 have helped drive the most violent period for LGBTQ+ people on record,” he continued. “Just this past week, during the riots, during the peaceful protests, Iyonna Dior was brutally beaten by a gang of black men while trying to peacefully protests for our rights. LGBTQ+ black folks are black people, too! Our lives matter, too! So this is my response to those of y’all who don’t understand that: F*ck you! And, yes, I am cussing. It’s time for cussing.”
“To all my homophobic and transphobic brothers and sisters, get your f*cking houses in order,” Porter seethed.
Porter’s remarks refer to a transwoman, Iyonna Dior, who was beaten by a group of more than 20 men by a group of onlookers. She managed to escape, though not before sustaining heavy bruising and swelling.
“With 40 million people on unemployment,” Porter concluded, “with 100,000 people dead from a plague and civil unrest in the streets of America that has reached the tipping point, I ask you this one simple question: are you better off than you were before? Y’all remember that question from the Reagan years? Are you better off than you were before?”
“We have two clear choices in November: vote this motherf*cker and all his cronies out of office, reset, and begin the American experiment again at zero, or not,” he went on. “In November, this election is the most important that we’ve ever seen in our lifetime. Democracy is on the ballot. White supremacy is on the ballot. Homophobia, women’s rights, trans rights, Muslim rights, all human rights all on the ballot this November, and I ask you America: will we be better than this? I guess we’ll know the answer come November. It’s time for change, and this time, change for good. Vote, vote, vote. God bless you all, and God bless the United States of America.”
Mister P
He is right. He nailed it.
Cam
Loved Porter since “Broken Hearts Club”.
jmg619
Thank you for this Billy!! I’ve never got the concept of still black on black crime. Whether it be against straight blacks or gay blacks. Why can’t there be this kind of uproar when something like this happens? The racist white folks are hoping you guys kill each other off first! Less of you to waste bullets on. Why is there still gangbanging? The cops don’t need to step in when the gangs will just kill off each other. Billy is right about all this crime against each other.
Black Pegasus
Thank you Billy!
Gary Q VV
Thank you Billy!
This is an excerpt from The Lesbian, Gay, Transgender Center of NYC’s newlsletter which I believe is worth sharing.
QUOTE:
Racial Violence
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” Those words, written over 30 years ago by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, remind us that indifference can never bridge the divide of hate. And, today, they should serve as a call to action to all of us, and to the Movement for LGBTQ equality.
This spring has been a stark and stinging reminder that racism, and its strategic objective, white supremacy, is as defining a characteristic of the American experience as those ideals upon which we claim to hold our democracy — justice, equality, liberty.
END QUOTE
Those of you fellow LGBTQ+ people, regardless of your skin color, might feel some comradery with others within our community. Remember, ya gotta, “Fight The Power!”. And, for those of who are familiar with my posts, you know what I mean.
Inspector 57
I already had a crush on Billy. Now I’m IN LOVE with him.
Bulovaboy
There is a very simple resolve for “ALL” Ethnic backgrounds from all over the world. However, all have to be willing if they are really serious about change.
First off, WE HAVE TO LET GO OF THE PAST AND STOP TEACHING OUR FUTURE GENERATIONS ABOUT HATE. You will live, you will fight, you will cry , you will die. Where in that sentence did you see “My Life was a happy one”? Stop blaming society.
Second, Drop all the Gangster Talk & the indecent offensive outfits that may instill fear into people. Most people who wear such are insecure about themselves. Whatever the reason is they try to prove to others that they are strong in fight and not wanted to be rejected. While you may in fact be strong physically and/or mentally, you really don’t need to display yourself as a slob, gangster or provocative clothing no matter where you come from.
Third, Learn to say Thank You, and You’re Welcome. If you open a door for someone and they don’t say thank you, Stop them if you can, ask them a simple question in a serious tone” Do you want change in this country?” If they say yes then simply say: it starts with a ” Thank You. If they are not sincere and tell you to go F–K yourself. Just tell them I did that this morning and walk away.
“If you learn to say Thank You and You’re Welcome you will be respected” Not the classiest way I agree. And by no degree should this act of teaching be reprimanded as any kind of assault of a person.
If people are sincere about change, they will admit their wrongdoings and hopefully correct it. If not then they really weren’t sincere about the world being treated equally and just looking for attention, therefore indirectly admitting they have a problem.
Looting is just one of the examples that they are a farce. People who want to be respected regardless of the circumstances would never in their right minds commit such cruel and harmful acts causing more pain to people they have never even met. Have you not learned that’s what the Judicial Systems are for? Yes protests are welcome but “VIOLENCE IS NEVER WELCOME.” Even the judicial system has its flaws, that’s what Proceeding and Trials are for. Don’t try to take matters in your own hands, you will suffer the consequences one way or the other.
There are other countries that don’t have judicial systems. There is only One Leader and they will shoot you point blank on the spot with no questions asked if a crime is committed. Is it right? No! Is that what you want? So think again before you go looting and shooting someone or committing crimes that hurt people directly or indirectly. I am not leaving out the Police forces, Military any other forces when I speak of all this. They need to learn control as well and know when to proceed and when to stop.
Forth and final. Stop the Cussing and all the unnecessary tough guy/girl hand gestures. You can be strong but don’t be a fool for the world to view. You want to be treated with respect and equality, then you have to give respect and equality. Leave all that other Sh-t for Hollywood Movies. Yes we want to express our individuality but do it in a manner that is respectful to yourself. People who do’t respect themselves show it in an unhealthy manner.
People don’t have to forget their pasts but you have to move on and truly want to change the future for all.
I would like to see a National Holiday where everyone who is sincere about change and wear a shirt that says” I Truly Don’t See Color, I See Souls” and mean it!
Peace & Love for All. Now make it happen.
Cam
You think you’re slick don’t you?
Basically you’re saying people are racist because other people dress scary and speak differently.
Nice try