Listening to the debate between Human Rights Campaign’s, Joe Solmonese and Bishop Harry Jackson on the Diane Rehm show today was troubling in its concept for me. Hear it for yourself: http://wamu.org/programs/dr/09/06/18.php#25908
First, while I know who Joe Solmonese represents in terms of his organization, why is this W/white man having a discussion with a B/black preacher about civil rights? Could they not find anyone from the National Black Justice Coalition to discuss this with? At least that way, Jackson couldn’t have throw that tired line about “immutable characteristics” that differentiate between civil rights for B/blacks and gays and may have actually answered some direct questions instead of dancing around like he did with Solmonese. (To Solmonese’s credit, I appreciated the move of Human Rights Campaign to be involved with the Jena 6 issue in Louisiana a couple of years ago. Many gays were pissed off, but I felt it was a smart political move.)
Second, while we’re looking for that B/black person to debate with this preacher, why not find someone who is also a Christian (if you’ve got to go the Christian route as NPR is want to do these days). There are far too many B/black people of Christian faith that support marriage equality that could have been in Joe’s seat. Instead the only B/black person in the discussion further drives the stereotype that B/black people could be more homophobic than others. Please!
I’ve written on this blog many times how I’ve grown weary of seeking the approval of the B/black Church for our lives as LGBT people. These same preachers aren’t down at the radio and television stations picketing and starting letter writing campaigns about the way popular music and their videos degrade B/black women and men, yet they find time to preach against the “sissies” that have always served in their congregations—believing they can do and say any thing to the LGBT community in the name of God. I, for one, am tired of it!
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