A Darker Shade of Pink (signs of gay friendliness among African Americans)

[kweerwolf]

(From The Village Voice)

Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam—a leader with a history of anti-gay rhetoric dating back to the 1980s—has invited a gay and lesbian advocacy group to help convene the 10-year commemoration of the Million Man March. Last week, Farrakhan sent a letter to the National Black Justice Coalition, the Washington, D.C.–based advocacy group, opening the door for its members to share in sponsoring the Millions More Movement slated for October 15. Even as the African American community debates the issue of gay rights, Farrakhan has taken a step that might be surprising to his longtime observers. In response to months of heartfelt letters, he wrote: "You are absolutely correct. The Millions More Movement is for all of us. . . . Please be assured that any member of our community that has gifts, skills, and talents to plan for the redemption of our people will be welcomed at the table."

Farrakhan's invitation comes even as other African American leaders, from Reverend Al Sharpton to hip-hop superstar Kanye West, call for greater acceptance of gay people. "This could signal a turning point in our community," says Keith Boykin, who heads the Justice Coalition. "We are seeing an unprecedented discussion about sexuality in the black community. I'm confident that 20 to 30 years from now we will look at homophobia in the same light that we now look at racism."

As evidence of the conversation reaching a crossroads, Boykin also points to the chatter in the blogosphere over remarks by the Grammy Award–winning West, who last Thursday told an MTV audience that "everybody in hip-hop discriminates against gay people," and that he just wants to "come on TV and just tell my rappers, just tell my friends, 'Yo, stop it, fam.' "

Bit by bit, the closet appears to be opening. "This is in the shadows," says Anslem Samuel, editor in chief of The Ave, a hip-hop quarterly. "This is something we don't usually speak about openly—at least not in a positive light. Kanye says a lot of 'crazy' things, but this isn't crazy. It's quite brave, actually."

http://www.villagevoice.com/news/0535,hunter,67312,6.html

[xultar]

1. It's about fuckin time. Christian African Americans aka Black Folk

have bought that crap of being conservative and hating diversity.

I don't understand. Seems as though you'd wanna help folks who are in the same struggle.

I was proud to hear Farrakhan's words. VERY PROUD!

[kweerwolf]

3. I've never understood the animosity between some blacks and gays.

Someone once told me that it's a holdover from the time of slavery when white masters could force themselves of slaves of either sex, but I've never quite bought that argument.

I think it has more to do with poor blacks seeing the movement for gay rights as a movement by privileged white males and feel resentful that white males are cloaking their struggle in the terminology of civil rights. Given that so many of our national organizations are headed by white males, I can understand why blacks would see it in racial terms. We need to do a better job of incorporating the diversity of our community into our leadership.

[xultar]

4. FEAR...straight up FEAR and I don't know why or what they fear.

But it is FEAR.

[TlalocW]

2. To signify his new outlook

Farrakhan sang a Calypso song about a transvestite that he recorded in the late 1950s/early 1960s when he was trying to break into the music biz (true).

I'm glad Louis is doing this, but I'd still advise keeping one's eyes open around him for ulterior motives.

TlalocW

[swimmernsecretsea]

5. I'm glad you said that...

Mistrust isn't something to ignore. In his particular instance, I would definitely keep watch on him, even though his public attitude seems to have changed. If indeed it has, we are all going to benefit.