Raven-Symone addresses Critics over her "Not African-American" Statement

On Sunday, Raven Symone talked with Oprah about everything, but what stuck out was this statement here:



Well, a lot of folks didn't take that statement well at all. My Twitter feed was burning up with posts over Raven's label speech. After a few days, Raven responded on her infamous statement:

“I never said I wasn’t black… I want to make that very clear. I said, I am not African-American. I never expected my personal beliefs and comments to spark such emotion in people. I think it is only positive when we can openly discuss race and being labeled in America.”

To her credit, she didn't say she wasn't Black. And when I watched the special, I understood where she was coming from, but I knew it would be misinterpreted.

But, I'm glad she cleared that up.

source

New Poll: 59% of African-Americans oppose Redefining Marriage in Maryland

This is not cute. In the Gonzales poll, the Black community highly opposed gay marriage.

Here are the poll results:

Same-Sex Marriage
Among Maryland voters today, 48% would favor (38% “strongly” favor and 10% “somewhat” favor) a law in Maryland allowing same-sex couples to marry, “giving them the same legal rights as heterosexual married couples in areas such as tax exemptions, inheritance and pension coverage,” while 49% would oppose (39% “strongly” oppose and 10% “somewhat” oppose) such a law, and 3% offered no opinion.
The results by party and race:
                                               FAVOR   OPPOSE
Democrats                                  64%      32%
Republicans                               20%      79%
Independents                              47%      51%
White                                         51%      46%
African-American                     41%       59%

I am glad to see 41% in favor of gay marriage. But more work needs to be done to change my community from opposing marriage equality.




To see the poll results, go here

a wink to Mad Professah /Ron Buckmire for the info.

New Web Series - 'Osiris'

A new creative web series is here and it's kind a cool. It's called 'Osiris':

“Osiris” is a new 10-episode indie scifi/thriller web series featuring gritty crime fiction, espionage and the supernatural. Much of its inspiration comes from classic network shows such as Lost, True Blood and 24.


The series follows the title character Osiris, a man with an eternally extended warranty on life. He can never die. If he’s shot, he comes back. If he’s stabbed, comes back. Even if he’s blown up, he comes back…in exactly 37 minutes, every time, in excruciating pain. This has been happening for over 300 years.


He’s become a cocky, tough-as-nails, suave womanizer that treats people like dirt because everyone he’s known eventually dies. All except for one person, his great great granddaughter, Paula. She’s one of the few people that know of his unique gift of immortality. She’s also one of the only people that can keep him in check.

Please go here and check out the website

New Report: Black Trans People Suffer the Worst Discrimination

This past February, "Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey" revealed a lot of information about the struggles of our Trans family.

Well, some updated info states that Black transgender people gets the worst discrimination of all LGBT groups:

Black transgender people had an extremely high unemployment rate at 26%, two times the rate of the overall transgender sample and four times the rate of the general population.

"A startling 41% of black respondents said they had experienced homelessness at some point in their lives, more than five times the rate of the general U.S. population.

"Black transgender people lived in extreme poverty with 34% reporting a household income of less than $10,000 per year. This is more than twice the rate for transgender people of all races (15%), four times the general black population rate (9%), and eight times the general U.S. population rate (4%).

"Black transgender people were affected by HIV in devastating numbers. More than one-fifth of respondents were living with HIV (20.23%), compared to a rate of 2.64% for transgender respondents of all races, 2.4% for the general Black population, and 0.60% of the general U.S. population."

source

Family Research Council's Ads Target African-American Lawmakers in the Gay Marriage Debate

Rep. Earline Parmon

The FRC uses race baiting ads in their latest attempt to stop gay marriage:

The Family Research Council, a conservative political action group from Washington, DC, is running ads on local radio targeting seven African-American Democrat lawmakers as they consider whether to vote for a constitutional amendment banning same sex marriage.

One of those ads is aimed at Rep. Earline Parmon, a Democrat who voted in support of the 2008 Marriage Amendment. She said on Friday she plans to vote against the current proposed amendment, a shift in position she attributes to the political climate.“Alert. Marriage is at risk in our state. Our laws defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman could be overturned. Call Earline Parmon ask them to vote yes to the marriage amendment," the ad says.

Parmon said Republicans are using the issue of gay marriage to get conservative voters to turn out for the 2012 presidential election. She said she still believes marriage should be between a man and a woman.

The Family Research Council didn't explain how it chose what lawmakers to target in the ads, but Wake Forest University political scientist John Dinan said he isn’t surprised the group has focused on black legislators. 

Hopefully, the equality groups can stop this from getting worse.

source

10 Ways African-Americans can be more accepting of the LGBT community

Black folks are seriously behind the times when it comes to LGBT acceptance and understanding. Many within the community still struggle with gay people and still believe
demons are the reason why we are gay.

Well, I'm hear to say, Wake Up and get over it! It is what it is. Blacks folks are LGBT people too!

It is time for Black folks to finally get on the bandwagon and here's how:

1. Stop saying that LGBT issues are White issues. It's an everybody's issue.
2. Education yourself. Stop relying on rumors and lies about the LGBT community.
3. Remember our struggle. We don't have to compare it, but remember the struggle and how it took a lot of love and support to get through.
4. Challenge the church. You should not allow false preachers to carelessly speak for you or put stupid thoughts in your head. 
5. Actually read the Bible see how wrong you have been all these years.
6. Remember, these 'Gay' people are your family. Gays are not some new race. They are your cousins, sons, daughters uncles and aunts. They are a part of you and your family. Always keep that in mind.
7. Realizing gay marriage will not destroy the family unit. That is the dumbest thing I have ever heard. You know what hurts the family? Ignorance and foolishness.
8. Stop forcing stereotypical gender roles in our community. I think men truly struggle with their sexual identities due to the myths we have adapted as acceptable roles.
9. Denounce homophobia in our community. Stop promoting hate!
10. Understand that civil rights applies to all.
    

It's All Part of My Black Fantasy: My Favorite Black Characters in Sci-Fi/Horror/Fantasy

Since this is Black History Month, I wanted take this time to celebrate my favorite African-American roles in Sci-Fi/Fantasy/Horror films.

Seth from the Beastmaster John (James Evans) Amos played this role. He was a hot daddy.


Thulsa doom from Conan the Barbarian - James Earl Jones rocked this role


Kendra the Vampire Slayer from Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Gone too Soon


Shepherd Derrial Book - Firefly


Selena from 28 Days Later - Diva


Spider from Return of the Living Dead - he was my hero

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard is the 1st African American Lesbian College President

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard has made history as the 1st Black lesbian college president in the U.S.! She will be running Montgomery College in Maryland.

Here's more info:

Dr. DeRionne P. Pollard has been named as the next president of Montgomery College, a community college located in Montgomery County, Maryland. The College’s Board of Trustees made the announcement on May 18 in a communication to students, faculty, and staff.

Dr. Pollard brings 15 years of community college teaching and leadership experience to Montgomery College. She currently serves as the president of Las Positas College in Livermore, California.

“The Board of Trustees looks forward to the leadership that Dr. Pollard will bring to one of the country’s best community colleges,” said Dr. Michael Lin, chair of the Montgomery College Board of Trustees. “Throughout the search process, Dr. Pollard impressed both the board and the search advisory committee by her passion and devotion to the advancement of the community college mission and the students we serve. Montgomery College students have long benefited from the dedication of faculty and staff, and the support from alumni, elected officials, business leaders, and the community. Dr. Pollard has the perfect combination of experience and leadership skills to help Montgomery College build on our long history of success and move confidently into the future.”

And...

Dr. Pollard frequently speaks on subjects such as leadership development, institutional advancement, and equity issues in higher education. She has a deep-rooted commitment to teaching and learning, championing equity and access, professional development, and community partnerships.

Dr. Pollard received her Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies in higher education from Loyola University Chicago, and both her M.A. and B.A. in English from Iowa State University.

She and her partner of over 20 years, Robyn A. Jones, are the proud parents of a three-year-old son, Myles Julian Pollard-Jones.

Congrats Sr. Pollard, congrats!

A wink at Mad Professah for the info

Florida Atlantic University will host “The Harlem Renaissance: As Gay as it was Black”

Florida Atlantic University will showcase a new exhibition called “The Harlem Renaissance: As Gay as it was Black”.

This exhibition will address the gay world within the Harlem Renaissance. For years, folks didn't want to mix the two, but now the truth will be told. I'm actually excited about this.

The Harlem Renaissance, which occurred in Harlem during the 1920s and 1930s, shaped black culture for generations and influenced American society. The movement was “surely as gay as it was black, not that it was exclusively either of these,” according to historian Henry Louis Gates, whose research the exhibition’s title is extracted from.

“I think most people like to draw neat little identity lines around people,” said Jack Rutland, executive director of the Stonewall Library Museum Archive in Fort Lauderdale, which organized the exhibition. “With this exhibition, we hope to blur those lines to show that when people come together in a place at a time, amazing things can happen when identity ceases to matter quite so much.”

Few of the artists and writers profiled in the exhibition can be considered “out” or “gay” in any modern sense of the terms. The Harlem Renaissance was moved along by men and women who led double lives. Many imbued their work with coded references to their sexuality.

Profiled are such famous people as writer Richard Bruce Nugent, whose “Smoke, Lillies and Jade” is praised as the first published black gay short story. Langston Hughes, who is considered one of the foremost writers of the Harlem Renaissance and author of “The Weary Blues,” also is featured. Zora Neale Hurston, a writer and folklorist whose best known work “Their Eyes Were Watching God” was set in Central and South Florida in 1937, is another leading figure profiled. Poet and novelist James Weldon Johnson, a Jacksonville native who with his brother John Rosamond composed “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” the song now known as the Negro National Anthem, is another artist the exhibition pays tribute to.

The exhibition also features a section acknowledging that not all contributors of the Harlem Renaissance were homosexual. Historian W.E.B. Du Bois; actor Paul Robeson; artist Aaron Douglas; dancer Bill “Bojangles” Robinson; songwriter Eubie Blake; bandleaders Duke Ellington and Cab Calloway; and musicians Louis Armstrong and Fats Waller are among those noted.

The Harlem Renaissance ended with the outbreak of World War II. In the ensuing post-war decades, the sexuality of many of its leading figures has been overlooked.

“It was a subject that none of us at Stonewall had seen addressed very fully in any of the existing literature on the Harlem Renaissance,” said Rutland. “We also discovered it was a wonderfully unusual gay/lesbian history story. Usually the history of a minority in America ended up being a tale of repression and rebellion. This was a tale of creativity, cooperation and coming together.”

source

Interesting Quote: Taylor Harris

"To be clear, (Julian) Bond has used this line several times, and when he says "equality," he isn't talking about the right to vote, the right to eat at a public restaurant, the right to attend an integrated school or the right to a fair trial. He is talking about the right to change the definition of marriage to include same-sex couples."

I disagree with some parts of this article, however, both groups could do better in reaching out and understanding each other's pain.

It's an interesting article to read.

Revolt!

Bush just showed us how he cares about us. By making us bail out greedy ass business men. Why are we saving them, we need to be bailed out! But I'm not the only one upset:

"Companies, like individuals, should be held responsible for their decisions," wrote Jorge from El Paso, Texas. "This buyout does not address the other problems in the pipeline such as personal credit default and market slowdowns in most industries. No new jobs will be created."

"It is time for the financial institutions of this country to be called to the mat. We should be expecting and demanding responsible and ethical business practice, not rewarding it at the expense of taxpayers."

"I'm tired of rewarding institutions and people for the bad decisions they have made," said Dean from Madison, Wis.

"Sure, it will hurt tax payers if/when some of these institutions fail, but perhaps we need to let that happen. We do not need more big government involved in our lives. Enough is enough."

"It's our money! Let these companies die," added Claudio from Plainville, Conn.

And the kicker for me, is the payout the CEOs are getting. This is the most illogical thing I've ever seen. I get that we are trying to save our economy, but we didn't break it, greed did, these CEOs did. If you ask me, they are the true terrorists in our country.

Source

My Patriotism

To be an American, means we should be free. Free to believe, free to dream, free to be. Being a patriot is supporting that freedom. But recently that freedom has become a four letter word. Patriotism has been reduced to flags, pledges, and pins. But it is more than moral values and supporting the troops. It's deeper than that.

For me, being a patriot is being free. I can speak my mind and support others to do the same thing. I should question the leaders of this country and stand firm in my convictions. Holding our leaders accountable for their mistakes and mishandlings is patriotic. Being real, is patriotic. Calling America out is patriotic, admitting our Prez is a douche is patriotic, and not standing for the National Anthem is patriotic.

Why, because patriotism is supporting the ideals of this country. Our ideals are based on being free. We should remember that and challenge those who hold on the hallow versions of patriotism. A flag pin shows nothing, a open heart and integrity shows a lot more. There are many views of a patriot, however this one works for me. Yes, I'm in the land of the free (as they say) and I will honor that freedom, by keeping it real. If I can't be real, then I'm no longer a free person.

Tell me something I don't know, Dean!

Let the madness begin.

What is the appeal about the "DL brothers"? And why are we still talking about them? We know there are men who are in the closet while partaking in the gay culture, or gay sex. And we already know why some Black people are lost when it comes to sexuality and LBGT issues. However, the Black Gay guru, Terrance Dean is coming at us with more rehashed info, that if you read a book or a few articles, you already know the answers and reasons. Today, as I was surfing the net, I found this piece in Gawker.com.

Terrance Dean has a follow-up documentary to his Hip Hop-Gay megadrama novel. It's called X'pos'D meaning "exposed" for all you non-hipsters. According to Gawker.com and Dean, it will explore "why the black community is afraid to address the taboo of homosexuality."

Really, Dean? Are you sure this documentary will focus on this, or something else like Dean's secret musical talent or artistic views? Since the book was misleading, I feel the documentary may follow suit.

Plus, we already know why! We've heard this crap already! We've been talking about this within the past 5 years!

But to save time and brain cells, I'm going to tell everyone the reasons why Black people have problems about homosexuality.

• religion
• ignorance
• lack of social experiences
• lack of global education
• stern beliefs in gender roles
• religion...oh did I say that already? Oh, I did, but it's so strong in our community, it's almost scary (I'm agnostic, btw)

To be honest, these reasons are almost the same reasons as other groups. In the youtube clip, you will see some of those points expressed. However, I can hope there's more info in this mess Dean's shooting at us. But if you want other views or perspectives, here are some credible sources to check out.

• Any book written by Keith Boykin
• Hip Hop Homos, Jumpin' the Broom: The New Covenant, and Pic Up the Mic, documentaries from LOGO
• Why I hate Abercrombie & Fitch: Essays on Race and Sexualty by Dwight McBride.

I hope these sources are helpful and inspiring. We need something to clear the air of this pollution.

Calling America out one issue at a time

Coming out next week is a interesting new documentary. It's called, Bigger, Stronger, Faster, and it's a look at America's love affair with steroids. The film kicks off with a montage of the mego stars of the 1980s, like Hulk Hogan, Arnold Schwarzenegger and others.

According to EW, Christopher Bell, the director of Bigger, Stronger, Faster, lets us know how much they meant to him as a kid. Of course, two of them have since admitted to using anabolic steroids — i.e., synthetic testosterone. This should interesting, given the issues with our sport stars. I wonder if this will kick off more docs that look closely at our culture. It's time to start owning up to the madness we call the land of free, home the brave.

Gay in Hip Hop? So what?

So, I wrote about this book/mess before.
Hiding in Hip Hop:On the Down Low in the Entertainment Industry--from Music to Hollywood is coming out tomorrow (I think) and all the Black secretly gay men should hide under their beds. But guess what, they may not have to.

I was informed that it's not completely a tell-all book. It starts off with Dean's life story—poverty, molestation, a heroin-addicted prostitute mother. He goes to college and moves to Los Angeles to break into the entertainment business. He mixes with a wide range of people from movies, television, and the random parts of the LA celebrity-industrial complex, as well as people from the music industry. And his sexual experiences are noted in the book, but the catch is: There are no names mentioned!

Yep, I knew it. This is a tabloid book of sorts. Just a bio with true or false experiences with DL men. Now, I knew it would be something like this. As a writer, I would want to get my book published too. However, I would not sell out others for my claim to stardom. This book was marketed to out the stars in Hip Hop and movie fame. Terrance Dean was suppose to...well, I don't know what he was planning to do with this book. What are his intentions? Does he think he's helping anyone?

Child Cheese, he selling us out! He's willing to hurt others for his gain. As a black gay man, I find this book to be destructive to everything we have done to leave the DL curse behind. What is the point of this book? If it was a fictional story, then I could understand. But it's not.

I feel that this book is counterproductive to SGL, gay men of color, and the overall gay community. Maybe I'm taking it too far, but I'm bothered by this. I feel this book could send a horrible message to men who are struggling with their sexuality. If anything we should help them, not put them out there on front street. Most of us know the pain of being closeted, if a guy decided to out me when I wasn't ready, for no apparent reason, I would be mortified. If I was writing a bio, I would try to help someone, or reach out to say that, I've been there and if you like, I can help. I feel that's the a good way to strengthen the LGBT community.

TV for the college kids

Recently BET has been playing A Different World daily, and I for one is truly happy about it. That show was my live action blueprint for college life. Every Thursday, my friends and I would plop down on the couch and watch this great series.

Now, I as look at the old shows, I realized a few things. There's not many shows about college or about black students. There are so few sitcoms and Debbie Allen should direct more TV.

Seriously, there's not a lot of shows focusing on the college years or early 20 year olds. You can say Real World and College Hill does, and I would say "poppycock". Those shows reminds us of the times we might not want to remember.

But what about the shows like A Different World? Are they even relevant these days? I like to think they are. As a teenager, I found myself learning a lot about how to be responsible, goal driven, and complexed watching Denise, Dwayne Wayne, and Whitley. I also had a good idea about college, what I should be doing, and what I shouldn't do (but I did it anyway).

It was also nice to see people of color on a regular basis discussing things like careers, classes, the future, relationships, and major issues like drugs and AIDS. Now these same age people are talking about who's the daddy, how many times you cheated on me, Apple-jeans, baby mamas and list keeps going. Today's youth are influenced by Rock of Love, Flavor of Love, Gossip Girl, The Real World, and Tila Tequlia. Where's the balance? Sure, the TV shouldn't be the teacher or parent, but it still can educate and motivate. I just wish there was more educated, but fun TV shows. I don't need every show to be sexy or thrilling. Just witty and cute, with a bit color every now and then.

The Bad Boys Club

Since I'm on this Greek trip, I thought I would address this issue about the MIAKA's or Men Interested in Alpha Kappa Alpha.

What are MIAKA's? Well basically, they're gay black men who pledge and follow some of the rituals of the historic black sorority. It's like a their own greek system that gives them the opportunity to hang out and meet others like them.

Recently there were several articles about this guys pledging and posting pictures online. While some people were indifferent, a lot of folks were outraged. I found some of these articles and I want to share some of the pieces.

• We can only blame ourselves, Black Men. We got to take more responsibility and ownership of the lives of our youth, no matter if its our relatives or the kid next door. This Epidemic Plaguing Or Young Black Men Has Got To STOP!
• The media portrayed the group as a rogue “new” faction of gay men, dead set on infiltrating AKA, the nearly century-old sorority. AKA National stressed MIAKAs had “no official or unofficial standing with the sorority.” MIAKAs claimed foul play. Both parties threatened lawsuits.As the debate raged, one thing became clear: The controversy was less about the sanctity of AKA and more about homophobia. A self-proclaimed Omega Psi Phi member posted, “I can care less about being politically correct. Homosexuality is wrong and it is tolerated too much, especially on our Black campuses.” One AKA proclaimed, “God is not pleased with this.” Others called it “sick.”

Okay, so people were mad, but I don't it's that serious. Yes they copied the AKAs but was anyone hurt? And were the levees broken? No, but homophobia showed it ugly ass in this situation. After reading the articles I was appalled with notion that this is an "epidemic" and how black men has failed little black boys. Now on that note, I think black men has failed by not providing diversity in their roles. Thinking that black men should be this one type of male is ridiculous. Hell, you fail yourself for being so close minded.

And if this is an epidemic then put it all over me. I rather be gay than a thug, in jail, or angry for no apparent reason. An epidemic, child please, being gay is a miracle.

These guys are doing nothing dangerous. They are just having fun. But, I think they shouldn't copy AKAs. They should form their own group, and this group should empower them and keep everyone aware of their presence. I think it is great that they have a support network, a home, a family to turn to. Did anyone stop to think that the idea of MIAKAs is not only harmless, but encouraging to the young black gay males who are teased and hated on.

I guess they didn't, they can only think about the hellfire and brimstone song and dance. The MIAKA group is a step in good direction. Maybe these guys can move on to something else and inspire younger gay kids to get together, stay in school, and lead others.

Oh BTW, I used to be Emerald Knight, something very similar to the MIAKA group.

I thought we were DONE with this subject

There's a new book coming out soon about Gays in Hip Hop. Here's the plug

Everyone wants to know the truth about their favorite celebrities’ heart’s desire. Within the masculine culture of Hip Hop and Hollywood, there is a well-known gay subculture that industry insiders are keenly aware of but choose to hide. Terrance Dean worked his way up for more than ten years in the entertainment industry from intern to executive, and has lived the life of glitz and bling along with Hollywood and Hip Hop’s most glamorous. With a family full of secrets and working in an industry founded on maleness — where one’s job, friendships, and reputation all depend on remaining on the down low and in hiding — Dean writes a revealing account of the journey of coming out from hiding.

Full of startling anecdotes and incredible true stories, Hiding in Hip Hop is not a traditional tell-all. A personal and poignant memoir, it is also one of the most provocative and honest looks at stardom and sexuality.

Ok, I haven't read the book, so I really making a huge assumption. However I see some issues with this book that can do more harm than good.

My views (even though I haven't read book)

1. Books like these are nothing but tabloids. They are exposing people's private lives without their consent and possibly hurting friends, family, and others. To do a book like this means that you are out to make money at all cost. If you want to help someone discover their sexuality, then present positive role models to show them that it's ok to be gay. But to put them on front street only reinforce the fear and negativity besetting gay issues and gay people.
2. If this is a memoir, then focus on you, not people that may not have anything to do with you.
3. Don't market this as a Tell All, it's tacky and trashy. And why do you need to tell other people's business if it's not your own. That's how you get slapped!
4. Superhead wrote a tell all book and it made her a stain as a black woman. Please be aware of the outcomes. This could make you a target for mess and foolishness.
5. Please have something in there, that inspires black closeted males to come out, not go back in.
6. JL King...think about it.
   
7. I could care less about who's closeted, I care about who's leading us forward.
8. And if they're closeted, lets move on. We're out, now what are we going to do. Write about that.

I hope this book don't cause a big stink. This may push us back and dress our community as spiteful, greedy, and silly gays. I hope this brother thought about that before he wrote this book. I don't think it will solve anything that's important to us. It will be another gossip rag to talk about at the salon. And to be honest, I rather hear about hairdresser's wedding plans than who suck cock with a 40 in one hand and sweaty balls in the other.