'I am gay' billboards igniting controversy

[davidinalameda]

The colorful attention-grabbing billboards of gay black men in a church and on the basketball court are creating a firestorm of controversy on an issue that continues to drive a wedge in segments of the African-American community.

City Councilman Joseph Allen said Friday that he came in for both scorn and support after publicly expressing his displeasure this week that the billboards send the wrong message to impressionable youngsters, particularly those being raised by single mothers who may not have positive male role models.

"This kind of billboard is putting the stamp of approval on a gay lifestyle," said Allen, who is black and insists he is not homophobic.

He said he has talked with the city lawyer about taking down the billboards in Schenectady but was told the advertisements are protected under First Amendment rights.

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/default/article/I-am-gay-billboards-igniting-controversy-957981.php#ixzz1B89MLkJp

[Faygo Kid]

1. Ah yes, the "gay lifestyle."

As soon as I hear anyone using that phrase, I need ask no further as to where they are coming from.

[MindandSoul]

2. Good! Personally I find some billboards offensive too. . .like the fundamental Christian ones,

and the Rush Limbaugh ones, and even Palin ones!

We all have easily influenced youngsters. . .and there are worse "influences" than a healthy picture of gay men!

[RKP5637]

13. +1000 +++ n/t

[proud2BlibKansan]

3. Yes, Councilman Allen, you are homophobic

Time to come to grips with that.

[DCKit]

4. They hate us for our lifestyles. nt

[Hissyspit]

5. "I'm not a homophobe!"

"I just play one in real life."

[Exultant Democracy]

6. What a fool. Keeping things on the "down low" is deleterious on the community

The black side of my family is very socially conservative and it upsets me almost as much as the politically Conservative part of the white side of our family.

I blame the church which baring a few revolutionaries has never really fought for the best interest of the black community. The majority of black religious leaders did not join the SCLC despite what they would want you to believe. No while children were marching they were standing at their pews telling their flocks not to push the white people to far and that they would be rewarded in heaven for being meek.

[Smarmie Doofus]

7. There's a bluntness to this approach that I find appealing.

I don't see why... as a tactic... it should be limited to the AA community, and to religious dialogue only.

The article says the campaign's based on similar plans in NYC and elsewhere... but I never saw anything like that here (NYC) , unfortunately.

I think the downside of billboarding is that the owner of the billboard space might then be legally obligated to rent space to "I'm Not Gay"-type groups.

[davidinalameda]

14. they wouldn't

it's a private company I believe and if so, they're free to rent to whomever they choose

[Iggo]

8. There is no gay lifestyle. There are only gay people.

Why does that seem so difficult for some peope to wrap their brains around?

[RetiredTrotskyite]

12. Because...

a) their sky pixie supports that view and b)they think that only they have lives.

[EC]

9. What's with the youngsters being raised by single mothers

bit? There are gays that have both parents...did he have a head injury while on duty? He is a tea party guy - so he could just be really stupid..

[Bluenorthwest]

10. Ignorant bigoted hypocrite.

How very 1986 of him.

[pgodbold]

11. K&R