Question Homophobia

Why do the oppressive majority only recognize February as Black History Month? Worse yet, Why is it that we (people of African descent) only permit them to recognize that month as the only month where our contributions are to be highlighted? Don't we then in turn do ourselves a dis-service by perpetuating the racist notions of the oppressors when we don't claim and celebrate the contributions of African descendants each month? Similarly, we create and/or perpetuate injustices when we do not fully celebrate or embrace the contributions which of all African Americans have added to the American mosaic. Has BET ever aired one of its Black History commercials honoring Langston Hughes, Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, "Moms" Mabley, Mabel Hampton, Alberta Hunter, Gladys Bentley, Contee Cullen, or James Balwin? The answer is "no" Why? Could it be that the folks at BET have never heard of these individuals? Or is it that these folks were not African American enough for our friends at BET. While I don't have the answer to BET's rationale, I do know that all these persons were as Black as I am and endured much more oppression, racism, bigotry, sexism, and classism then most of us will ever endure in our lifetime. Somehow we African Americans have learned to do the very thing to one another as the oppressors have done to us. I am reminded of a text, I read in one of Keith Boykins books (One more river to Cross) paraphrasing. "One of the consequences of oppression is that it teaches us to dislike ourselves and dislike those who are like us". These words ring true to me as I make every attempt to understand how we (the oppressed) have become oppressors ourselves and how we have turned around to do the same thing to one another. We do this so well that it does not even seem problematic or noticeable. As white people have virtually denied our history, we too have turned around and further denied or deleted our history by not paying homage to the legacies of the African American brothers and sisters who are Gay or Lesbian. When BET elects not to mention these individuals, justice is not served. When you or I do not demand that the contributions of these individuals be included in celebrating African American history we ourselves create an injustice to our history. The history of GLBT brothers and sisters is part of the history of African Americans, because in fact these individuals are of the same skin color and experience the same if not more injustices aimed at them just for being homo or bisexual. This month as Black History Month is being celebrated, let me challenge you to demand that this history include the existence of Black GLBT persons. Challenge homophobia, demand inclusively! As them them: what would Black History be without Sojourner Truth, Harriett Tubman, Georgia Washington Carver, or Bayard Rustin.

The Contendor

Today Sen. John Edwards has announced that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for United States President for the 2008 election. His official announcement was made in New Orleans 9th ward which was devastated by hurricane Katrina. I have several questions for the Senator, I know that he may not read this blog, but many of his supporters and probably some people on his staff visit us. Therefore we would like to know these answers:

• During the last presidential election the Senator, debating Vice President Dick Chenney, could not articulate an answer posed by Gwen Ifel, who asked about the impact of HIV in the African American community in America. What is the Senators position on combating HIV in the African American community? How would the Senator work with the CDC to encourage the better prevention strategies other than the current D.E.B.I. theory?

• What is the Senators positiong on Presidential pardons, should we continue to allow this or should we allow the courts to establish social justice?
• What is the Senators position relating to the legalization of marijuana?
• Many Americans are burden with debt. In many instances these Americans struggle with finding adequate housing, purchase homes, getting jobs all because of their credit scores are not at "adequate levels" to permit these things to happen, if President, would the Senator consider legislation that prevents credit reporting companies from reporting negative entries into individual reports for no more than 3 years?
• What is the Senators position on Gay adaption?
• Would the Senator consider running as Baraka Obamas running mate?

THE NAPOLEAN COMPLEX

Imagine my surprise, when a reader posted a personal nasty attack against me. Well, I don't normally indulge silliness, but on this one occasion I will, for his sake. I encourage all to do their homework prior to posting any comments about anyone or anything on this blog. The reader personalized and defended what is being alleged almost as if, he or she, has had first hand knowledge and is denying the allegations with fury and passion. One has to wonder why even take the time to deny these things if the facts speak for themselves. (Girl, I would have paid it and moved on. Especially since it made no mention of you or your organization) But if somehow the post hit a nerve, then I would respond with the pain of an attack. Personal responsibility is important to me. Imagine my surprise when the individual suggested that I check my facts first, was he referring to the mold, mildew, dust to not be a fact? Or was he referring to the fact that is no public oversight of the organization? Or is he referring the lease automobile? I wish that he were more clear. In either case, let me make it clear to him as you all are already aware, facts are truths that have are verifiable. In this case prior to the posting, a committee of persons met and discussed pictures, newspaper articles, personal testimonials concerning the unnamed place. While I do not speak for any of the persons in this group, it was the consensus that all organization utilizing public dollars should have greater oversight, and public accountability measures. Rather then the reader supporting the movement to require more accountability, he seems to want to shy away from it and attack me. WHY? COULD THIS BE A NAPOLEAN COMPLEX? What is he afraid of, if facts don't lie. Rather then the reader understanding that accountability is crucial to the survival of his use-to-be grassroots organization, he prefers to launch personal attacks against me that only support the “mad man” theory. Rather than recognizing that accountability will work to his advantage, he sees it working against his vision (I suppose). I thank the writer for his participation in our dialogue on accountability in the black gay community. I welcome a public forum where we can discuss my supporting documentation versus his documents. If mine prove to be wrong, then I will apologize publicly and if he can furnish documents that discount my earlier statements the he should apologize (not to me) but to the community who he is continues to misrepresent. This blog is not intended to be an attack on anyone, it is simply an editorial. As much as you wish it were, it is not your pulpit to spew baseless rebuttals. To show you that I, unlike you, have no personal grudges, here is a kiss from me to you. Peace be with you brother.

Where have you been?

This is not me, but i wish it was.

If one more person asks me "where have you been?" I will scream. I am so sorry, just started this new a gig and getting use to the hours and all that stuff. I'm in between meetings rite now and just wanted to share this cute little pic with you all. So here is the run down Honestly, I have taken on this new craft. (No, it has nothing to do wiht credit cards). Someone is teaching to crochet. Yes, it is gay, but it is something that I have wanted to do for such a long time. I use to watch the women do and was always fascinated with the way there hands moved in and out to weave such nice designs. Well, anyway it is taking me sometime to learn how to hold the needle, but i am getting there. My first project was to create a scarf, it is a hot mess. I mean every word with that, but since it is my first project I am so proud of it. I plan to rock it regardless of what it looks like, its mine and i made it. Can I urge all my fans to call their local congressional black caucus member to insist that there be oversight of non-profit organizations, especially the ones hare are receiveing money to conduct AIDS services. I am thinking of one particular organization in Atlanta that is a complete mess that keeps getting funded just because it is the only organization that "serves minority communities". To hell with them. Their Executive Director is making 6 figures and runs his organization like the Amistad. Any service provider in town will tell you that they are a problematic organization that is mishandling public dollars. One good current example is that the organization leases a luxury car for the purposes of getting an Executive staff member around town. Now, folks lets think about this, people are dying of AIDS day and night and here we have the charity organization leasing luxury european cars to get an Executive around. This is absolutely absurd. If these persons are commited to the cause as they would have us beleive, they could use their own vehicles just like the rest of us. We are calling for a congressional investigation for this organization. Interviews with current and past staff sound like the environement in there is torturous. One staff person has provide us with picturse of mold, mildew, and dust lurking all about the organization. So what does this have to do with this picture, the public is getting fucked by a mad man. I urge you to call the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to insist that this organization who is suppose to provide education and services to minorities be investigated. I will keep you posted. Let me get back to my crochet. I have made my calls have you. PS Ask to speak to Dr. Kevin Fenton or Julie Guerbedine.

Review of Click Awards

We have posted my personal comments on the Click awards for all to read, now here is another perspective from my judi. John is extremely accurate in his descrpition. Here is what John writes:

As you all know I attended the Clik Honors Elite 25 Awards Show on Saturday. I would have written my Revue sooner, however I thought it more prudent that I allowed a few days to release some of the ecstasy that I had stored up from the event in order to give a more accurate account of what really happened! My verdict? It was THE MOST inspiring event that I have attended in YEARS!!!Was it without fault? Of course not! But given its intent and execution, I was able to overlook the very few minor details that I'm sure will be corrected with time.Management of MEN OF ATL were front and center at the event, basking in the richness of the legacy it honored, and the one it inspired and created. Make no mistake the kids came in flocks with freshly pressed frocks and locks. Some made the mistake of wearing Fur coats in 70 degree weather, and others misunderstood a Boxing Robe and shorts for "Dress To Impress" attire. However, if anyone can deny that there were some BEAUTIFUL GUYS and GALS in the house, surely they were at another Affair.I was disappointed at the fact that many of Atlanta's Leaders were noticably absent. And yes I know that gay politics played alot into their abscence. However, I wonder just how important it was for them to miss out, because "they" were not being honored, nor asked to serve on any "official" capacity? It is just as bad as those that paid or brown-kissed their way to an award. This is NO reflection on those that were not able to make it for "legitimate" reasons.

Atlanta is so Gay

Folks, It has been a minute since we communicated so here is a run down of the events you should know about. My first week at the new job was terrific. The place is so different from the previous experience. Have you ever taken a paycut for peace of mind? I did and I am proud that I did. Hoping that you are having a good time with your job as I am having with mine. In other news:

This past weekend, I was privileged to attend the first annual Click awards here in Atlanta. The event recognized current LGBT persons who are doing amazing work in our community. All the who's who were there. I want to thank the organizers for the opportunity to witness and be part of History. (Note: Please be a little more organized the next time, our heroes and sheroes deserved a little more than that. ) Back to my point.

Harmonica Sunbeam a living legend hosted the show and turned the kids out as she always does. Thank you Ms. Sunbeam for the laughter.

Trust me when i say, the kids came dressed to the nines. Some Gurls brought out limos and things; while other gurls pranced the room with the furs. This gurl went to Dillards and got a cute little outfit, i was looking so cute! This was my first so called social event in Atlanta and it was completely worth the wait. Atlanta is doing big thangs.

Did you know

Atlanta was recently named third among the top three cities with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered persons. Yes, Atlanta beat New York, DC, and Dallas. Take that... Ms. Atlanta is hot honey! The gurls are flocking to her by the bus loads. The question is, if there are so may homosexuals in the City, why don't we have a Gay community. Yes, I see the gurls on Marta, I see the gurls at Moorehouse, and i see the gurls come into the clinic each and every day, but where is the sense of Gay community in Atlanta. Well, when i walk down tenth street, I kinda get the feel for a gay community that the White children have built, but we Brothas and Sistahs have yet to place a stake in the ground and created something of our own why is that? Something to think about. I don't plan on asking the question to others without asking it to myself, as a result I am praying that it be in God will that I help to establish a Black Gay community beyond the clubs, bars, clinic visits or sex parties in the great Metropolis. Starting with blog and going beyond that, I am discussing the plans to create something fresh for this City and community. Anyone with an interest that is similar, please hit me up so that we can begin the project. If you have breath in your lungs than there will be something you can do. The time for sitting back has expired. No longer will i subsidize my oppression through complacency. Join me, if you dare.

There is more to be thankful for

Congratulations are in order

Yesterday, on my way home from work, I got a call from my brother Richard. Mine you, when Richard calls i usually pick up the telephone because he does not call often, so when he does call I quickly pick up. See, Richard is really my only connection to my so-called Family back up North. He tends to stay in touch with them more than me. Or is it that they stay in touch with him? I don't know. In whatever the case maybe, Richard called and said, I have something to tell you. My heart stoped right away, because it not like him to want to tell me anything. "I Got into NYU Grad schooll, I just got the letter", he said. Congratulations, Richard you deserve that and all that is to come. I had every bit of faith in your ability to get into NYU Business school, you just did not think you were gonna get in, but the GOD i serve had this planned out for you a long time ago.

ANNNNNNDDDDD:

• I am also thankful for the privilage of being at a new job. Yall just don't kn.ow what life has been like working for a Tyrant. I want to write about this so bad, but it hurts to even begin to compose those thoughts. I feel like i need some therapy just for that experience
• I met and worked with some great people along the way like Tashya, and John M, and Whittaker, and Billy who are still stuck back there. A good TV anology would be like if someone were to be successful at getting off the island on Lost, that is how i fell like being at this new place.

And lastly for now:

Are the Democrats out of their minds?

This past weekend New York Congressman Charles Rangel stated that America should consider reinstating the draft. I have always said that the Democrats are each others worst enemies. Thanks Congressman for making me right once again. Or is good ole Charlie, have a reason other than wanting the draft? Hmmmmm....Could it be that he wants to speed up the debate about troops in Iraq so he drops the issue on the draft. Of course with so many Americans opposing the war, most will obviously oppose a draft and demand that the troops come home now. Is it possible that Charlie is saying these things because the people in his district have kept him in power all these years and he does not fear taking whatever position on politics he wants knowing that in the end he will get re-elected regardless? hmmmmm.....