HAYYYYY!! OK …….. When I'm not surfing the web for the latest on Michael's will, I usually end reading my favorite political / social commentary blogs [Joe.My.God; AmericaBlog, and The Bilerico Project]. In the past few weeks, all three blogs have touched upon three growing concerns within the LGBT community:
1. The continuing disappointment that many gay men and women [especially white] have toward President Obama, and what they perceive as his lack of commitment to gay causes such as the Defense of Marriage Act [DOMA], Don't Ask Don't Tell [DADT], and Marriage Equality. For these disappointed and angry individuals, Obama appears to have fallen behind on his campaign promises.
2. There was a recent cover article in the Advocate, which stated that "Gay Is The New Black." Needless to say, such a proclamation incensed and upset many within the African American community, who see no association between their struggle and the gay civil rights movement. From what I've read, a large number within the African American community, still do not fully accept gay men and women, and view "gay rights" as a wealthy white concern. One writer stated that the community is very protective of Obama, and hold a low opinion of gay individuals or groups that attack a man whot has been in office for less than a year.
3. Although, I do not know all the details, plans have been put into effect for a gay march on Washington in October. Why?? I'm not exactly sure. You have one part of the gay community that states "now" is the time, when issues such as DOMA and DADT are in the forefront. Then you have others who do not think enough planning and thought have gone into the event, and that there needs to be more grassroots / local action.
All three concerns that I mentioned are valid, and have human faces and feelings behind them. BUT PEOPLE, WAKE UP!!!!!!!
Do you not notice that there is a growing tide of anger from the conservative / religious right? It first begins with mouthpieces like Rep. Sally Kern, which leads to the career comeback of Ralph Reed. Are you not noticing the growing hate crimes and political strength that is coming from the fundamental slavic / croatian groups which currently live up and down the west coast? These are immigrants who are slowly achieving political power through sheer numbers. And although I hope that Obama is able to make some changes, if he loses in 2012, we could be experiencing Reagan Part Two [and remember his track record on gay rights and the AIDS epidemic].
I write all this with a sense of frustration. As if I could yell, "LGBT community! Focus! While you are worrying about what kind of fundraiser to hold on Marriage Equality, those that would like to erase your existence, are creating real harm, right under your nose."
We need to go back to the communities, we need to find and elect local and state officials who are answerable to our concerns. I believe that DOMA and DADT need to be addressed in the current year. But I also believe that laws protecting employment and gay adoption should also be at the forefront. These are local and state issues that need immediate attention. And for all the disappointed Obama fans .. remember that he can only do so much.
One last thing .. I will never know what life is like as an African American man [as Miss Ross maybe, but that is a different post]. Why do I need to attach my cause and concerns onto his? LGBT Community! Be proud of your own identity.
I recently heard an incredible interview [on Jonny McGovern's podcast] with Richard Berkowitz, one of the original creators of Safe Sex. In the interview he made a statement that I am now trying to follow:
"Be Yourself! Happiness comes from being who you are. And if you are an outcast, learn to love yourself. And **** what everybody else says! You've got to celebrate your own uniqueness."
Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ……..
