Bernie Sanders, Black Lives Matter and the Liberal Audacity

As most of you know, I attended Netroots Nation in Phoenix, Arizona. On Saturday, there was a town hall meeting that involved presidential candidates, Martin O'Malley and Bernie Sanders.

During the event, the Black Lives Matter movement stage a protest. O'Malley try to address the issue, but in the middle of his answer he said White Lives Matter which upset the crowd. After he left, Bernie Sanders came out to the stage, now when he appeared I assumed he would be ready to address the issue. I mean, this was his chance to put to rest the notion that he's unaware of the issues of the communities of color.

However, when he appeared on stage, he seemed agitated and not prepared to address the issue. Yes, there was a lot going on at that moment, but Bernie had plenty of time to change his speech to fit the subject. Instead of doing that, he stuck to his talking points which did not win over the BLM crowd. Bernie failed to address the matter appropriately, thus making the group pissed and unsatisfied. As the day went on we noticed something very interesting, the Bernie Sanders supporters seem to be highly upset with us. They were calling us divisive, hateful and vile. In fact, the Bernie supporters, tried to tell the Black attendees how to be 'polite' and how we should act. Sorry folks, we don't need your instructions.

What we did was exactly what Netroots is all about. We were shouting because we are tired of being silent. We are tired of dying. We have lost too many lives due the police. We have seen how they lie and murder us without a second thought. We had to speak out because if we didn't, would anyone care?

Since the event, the story has spread like wildfire. If you're my FB friend, you can watch the videos. I'm proud to have participated in that moment. I'm proud to speak out for my fellow brother and sisters, and I'm proud that we made these so-called liberals uncomfortable.

If Bernie or Martin can't handle us, what do you think the GOP will do?

I'm heading to Netroots Nation

For the 5th year, I'm heading to Netroots Nation tomorrow. It's in Phoenix, Arizona, so I'm going back to old stomping grounds. Old racist, conservative stomping grounds.

So, posting will be light again.

To Netroots and Beyond

I traveled to Detroit for Netroots Nation. This was my fourth one and it was very engaging and inspiring. During this conference, I realized a few things about myself and what I should do to make some type change in the world.

Right now, I am trying to figure out next steps in my life. I could get more involved in LGBT issues, or actually take lead of an organization. Blogging has been a great outlet for my creative voice, perhaps I should do more in that area as well.

In all, I need to do something.

So, I asked to be on the LGBT Connect committee. I think it's time for me to give back to the attendees and to Netroots. I mean, I've been going for free for the last four years, it is the least I can do. Also, I want to create a panel that address the issues that beset gay Black men. There's a panel for Black women and it's always engaging. Why not do the same for Black gay men, right? I believe it could be very informative to the audience and possibly therapeutic for the panelists.

Also, I need to write more. I finally have the time and I need to hone this crazy craft of mine. So, I will start publishing more articles on Bilerico Project and Mused. I got to get my work out there, got to do something to make a difference.

Funny... These last 5 days have snapped me back to work per se. I just have to stick to it.

Hold me accountable, y'all.

My Highlights of Netroots Nation

I spent 5 days with a bunch of progressives at Netroots Nation. It was truly a good time and I loved hanging out, educating folks and being refreshed in the activist game.

I'll share some highlights:

• The LGBT connect was very strong this year. A lot of new people and new discussions. However, there were a lack of people of color present. That has to change.
• With marriage possibly moving aside, the focus is on ENDA. The plan to achieve this will be tough.
• Theme of the conference was 'No Heckling'
• Actually talked to GetEQUAL members and expressed my concerns. And guess what, they listened.
• The economy, immigration, and women's rights were a huge part of the conference.
• During the Black Caucus, we struggled to agree on a Black Agenda or a need for one.
• During the LGBT Caucus we met Barney Frank.
• It was noted that LGBT activists need to develop cohesive and long-term strategies.
• I asked for real conversations about Race and the LGBT community.
• The sessions were very informative and productive.
• I learned in the tech world, more and more techies of color are on the rise.
• Howard Dean is short.
• Hecklers are usually two steps away from madness.
• Some of the aggressive messaging we use for LGBT equality falls on deaf ears.
• I suggested that we step out of the bubble to bring more folks in.
• As progressives, we can party anywhere... Like baseball fields.
• I've made some good friends from Netroots.
• I'm not really a social drinker.
• LGBT activists struggle with fashion.
• The student loan debt is really out of hand.
• Black progressive are the future.
• Blerds
• Coalition building is highly important and paramount to our movement.

I'm heading to Netroots Nation

I'm heading out to San Jose for Netroots Nation. I'm always happy to attend, especially when the flight and room is covered.

No really, I love going to Netroots Nation. Meeting fellow bloggers and other like-minded politicos is great. I will be reporting from the sessions, so look out for the lastest in LGBT politics.

Netroots Nation: LGBT Caucus

Me, Michael Crawford and Mike Rogers in the back

The LGBT Caucus met yesterday during Netroots Nation. Most of us were here during the week for the Pre-Conference, but this meeting gave us an opportunity to meet with the local LGBT community and other attendees.

We also got to hear Sen. Ben Cardin talk about LGBT rights and next steps. Here are some highlights:

• We spent more than enough time getting to know each other. While that was nice, we didn't spend enough time on the issues.
• We talked about how to be more effective in our endeavors as activists.
• The sad issue was the lack of understanding about ENDA. 8 out of 10 people didn't know a lot about it.
• Sen. Cardin talked about how discrimination hurts everyone in our country.
• It was also mentioned how the Blood ban of gays from the American Red Cross must be lifted.
• It was noted that many groups praised the LGBT community for their activism.
• It was good to see Tony from Spewing Truth in the Face of Lies there.
• Mike Rogers informed us about new initiatives to get more LGBT of color to Netroots Nation, as well as, other conferences.
• We developed a list of issues to discuss for next year, my group had the largest list.
• He also talked about a mentor program for younger LGBT activists.
• It was discussed how to engage more LGBT youth in activism.
• There were a lot enthusiasm for the election and the progress we have achieved over the year.

 It was a good meeting, wish we had more time, but it was good overall.

I'm heading out to Netroots Nation

Hi All,

I'm heading out to Providence, Rhode Island for Netroots Nation today. I will be apart of the LGBT Connect Pre-Conference and then the rest of conference for the week.

Netroots Nation is one of the biggest political events of the year. The LGBT Connect Pre-Conference brings together some of the top LGBT bloggers, journalists, and activists to discuss major issues in our community.

I am very honored to be included in this group and this should be a great week of events. I will be covering each day and keeping it real with y'all.

LGBT Netroots Nation: It Gets Better

During Netroots Nation, Ian from One Angry Queer decided that we should make an IGB video. So he organized most of the LGBT writers and bloggers to participate in the project.

It was a great experience and I'm so proud of Ian and Carlos for putting this all together. So enjoy


Names and Twitter accounts, in order of appearance:

• Markos Moulitsas @markos – straight ally
• Pam Spaulding @pam_spaulding
• Scott Wooledge @Clarknt67
• Tom Torres @_floatingworld
• Evan Haliburton @evanhaliburton
• Viktor Kerney @wondermann5
• Mark Snyder @ColageNational
• Jason Haas @jasonlhaas
• Zack Ford @zackford
• Andy Szekeres @AndySzekeres
• Cynthia Wright @cynisright
• Noah Baron @noahbbaron
• Joe Sudbay @JoeSudbay
• Phil Reese @ReallyPhilReese
• Christopher Edwards @xtopher1974
• Daniel Villarreal @hispanicpanic79
• Alvin McEwen @holybullies
• Carlos A. Quiroz @CarlosQC
• Jake Weinraub @jakeweinraub
• Mel England @melengland
• Scottie Thomaston @indiemcemopants
• John Aravosis @aravosis
• Michael Rogers @MichaelRogersDC
• Ian Finkenbinder @OneAngryQueer

David Axelrod speaks on President Obama's views on Marriage Equality

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

P.S. the beginning piece does not reflect the overall views of the attendants of Netroots Nation

Pics from Netroots Nation

I know you are probably tired of me talking about Netroots Nation, but I wanted to showcase the pics I took.

Please enjoy

Netroots Nation Wrap-Up

Mike Rogers and me

In the final day, I attended an interesting session about the Post Gay movement and Queer Media. This session focused on the idea that new generation will not need to identify with certain pieces of the LGBT construct. In fact, it would move beyond the 'stereotypical trappings' of being gay. The new gay community will shape their own images and concepts.

However when it came to people of color issues, it felt that regardless of the new movement; the process to include people of color in the media will still face the same issues (lack of diversity in ads space or stories). Some of us in the audience challenged that notion and challenged the panelists. But it seemed to be an useless effort. Only one of the four panelists seem to know what they were talking about. And he (Zack) was willing to stay afterward to answer any questions we had.

Later, we listened to Van Jones (swoon) speak about the state of things today. I have to say this man is sooo handsome. There's really no words to describe him. And when he speaks... Just see for yourself


Also near the end of the day, we gathered up to make a It Gets Better Video as LGBT bloggers. It was put together by Ian at One Angry Queer. He is so fun and passionate. I was glad to meet him.

Then, Netroots Nation ended. Most of us hung out, partied and talked more about the issues discussed at the conference. It was a true mind blowing experience for a lot of us. For me, it was a game changer. I realized how much more I can do and where my voice truly lies in all of this. And without y'all (readers and friends), I'm nothing. If it wasn't for y'all coming back, commenting and staying by my side I wouldn't have this amazing opportunity. So I thank you for everything.

Also I would like to thank Mike Rogers for making this happen. His hard work and dedication to the LGBT movement is greatly appreciated.

VIDEO: Michele Bachmann Glitter Bombed by Get Equal

Get Equal glitter bombed Miss Bachmann while she's here for the Anti-Netroots Nation.

Here's there press release on the matter

Following a speech in her home state, pro-LGBT activists added Michele Bachmann to the list of Republican presidential candidates who have been “glittered” to draw attention to their grave and hurtful anti-gay rhetoric.


Shortly after a speech at the RightOnline conference, pro-LGBT activist Rachel E. B. Lang approached Bachmann, threw glitter in the air, and said, “You can run, but you cannot hide! Keep your hate out of our Constitution!” — a reference to the “You Can Run But You Cannot Hide” ministry for which Bachmann has helped raise money [1] and to a proposed ban on same-sex marriage in Minnesota. The ministry, a brainchild of rabidly anti-gay Bradley Dean, charges thousands of dollars to speak at public school assemblies and evangelize young people based on a shocking and offensive anti-gay program.


Bradlee Dean, the ministry’s founder and chief evangelist, was invited to give the opening prayer during the recent Minnesota legislative session that considered putting an anti-gay marriage amendment on the 2012 ballot. The prayer was so offensive that it was denounced by both Republicans and Democrats, and the house chaplain was asked to give another prayer immediately afterward. The ministry often charges thousands of dollars to speak at public school assemblies, which have routinely drawn criticism for its over-the-top evangelism and have even caused school principals to call follow-up assemblies to apologize to students. [2]


Bachmann has a long history of anti-gay rhetoric [3] and mainstream media outlets are starting to pick up on her extremist viewpoints. [4]


“My response to Michele Bachmann’s hateful and anti-gay rhetoric was light-hearted, but these issues are very serious,” said Minnesota resident Rachel E. B. Lang, today’s glitterer. “Bachmann’s support of groups like You Can Run But You Cannot Hide show exactly how extremist she is — she in no way represents the values of Minnesota and certainly does not represent the values of America.”

WATCH


via Good As You

WATCH: Lawrence O'Donnell talks to Dan Choi & Adam Green (Progressive Change Campaign Committee) about Obama and the Progressive Movement

Netroots Nation Rundown: Breitbart Kicked Out, a Fake Obama? and Bullying

Big news rolled out as White House Communications Director Dan Pfeiffer claimed the famous "Obama Supported Gay Marriage' questionnaire was actually filled out by someone else... Not Obama.

This caused a mini frenzy for a cold minute. Some folks shrugged and others were outraged. So far, it seems that the White House is mum on this issues.

Then, Conservative blogger, liar, bootlegger and jerk Andrew Breitbart tried to crash Netroots Nation. I was trying to get there but he was already put out like a buck-tooth ho. Anywho, Andrew busted into the Convention Center, but he had a warm welcoming team ready for him.

And...


I attended a session that focused on bullying and how organizations and groups are addressing the problem. I learned that a national campaign called “See a Bully, Stop a Bully: Make a Difference” is making waves in schools and kids lives. Check out this video:

We also heard from Scott Zumwalt, who is the tech mastermind of the It Gets Better Project. We learned that the project is bigger than Dan Savage and it makes the average person a role model to millions. The Google Chrome video brought many people to tears. It was a strong reminder of the work we have to do to keep our children safe in schools.

More to come

What I'm learning so far at Netroots Nation

I have to say I am having a great time here at Netroots Nation. I'm learning so much about the progressive movement. In fact, it is challenging my views about where I stand on several issues.

My LGBT stance is mostly the same, but I am seeing where the government can be pushed harder to send a message. Sometimes in order to make things happen, you need to make it happen. I think as a 'Worker for the people' you need to set examples. The Right Wing has no problems doing that; the Left has to do the same.

My blind stance on Obama is actually changing. I'm still a Ride Or Die chick for him, but I will start questioning where are we heading on our road trip.

I also realized my voice is valuable within the Black community as well. I will make more of a commitment to reach out the overall community about LGBT issues. Some think Black and LGBT communities won't ever mix well. I can't accept that and if I can do something to change it, well dammit I will. So, I've been thinking about some ideas for my organization, the Jordan Rustin Coalition.

I have one more day of the conference and I'm sure, it's going to be a blast.

Meeting of the Minds: The Black Caucus session at Netroots Nation

The Black/African-American caucus met yesterday to discuss the major issues. I felt really good to address the LGBT relations with Black community. I thought it needed to be said among the African-Americans leaders in room.

We had an deep discussion about Tracy Morgan, religion and how we need to take a more proactive stance in promoting LGBT matters in our community. It was also noted that the Black community could learn a lot from the LGBT community about advocacy.

Black leaders mentioned that some issues receive different types of responses than others. For example, we did not respond strongly to Donald Trump when he attacked President Obama's credentials. We could have sent a powerful, direct message to Donald, as well to the media for covering him so much.

We also talked about 2012 and what needs to be done to re-elect Obama. While some leaders had their issues with Obama, they all agreed they will support him. Others felt that Obama lost a good chunk of the Black vote, I totally disagree. I feel that Obama has the majority of Black vote, regardless of the bad economy. What he needs to do is to solidify the LGBT vote and Latino vote, but that's another story for another time.

We also realized we need a watchdog organization like GLAAD to address racist or discriminatory matters. And we should be better at controlling our imaging and messaging. We can make sure the right images and messages are out there about our people.

In all, an hour did not suffice. We wasn't able to get into the juicy issues, but the post meeting conversations were priceless. I hope we continue our conversation and help move our community forward.

WATCH: Dan Choi Rips an Obama for America Flyer and throws it in the Volunteer's Face

This is Dan Choi being Dan Choi

Think Progress has the transcript

NICK TSCHIDA (Obama volunteer): I can’t say I’m for marriage equality, but as a bisexual man, I would take a bullet for both of you.


CHOI: You say you’re not for marriage equality?


TSCHIDA: I can’t, no as a….


[RIPPING SOUND]


CHOI: Did you not understand? Here! I believe that I’m an equal citizen.


TSCHIDA: I understand that, but Obama hasn’t gone officially on record for it…


CHOI: Then, don’t tell me that I’m a bad person, go tell him that he should believe in my full equality and then report back.


TSCHIDA: Civil unions?

OOOkay, it was unnecessary and foolish for Dan to do that. In fact, several folks were talking about how rude he was on Twitter. I actually missed this one, but we knew when we saw Dan this morning, he was going to do or say something to draw attention to himself.

Later, Dan had this to say to Washington Blade

“Sometimes love comes in harsh forms. I love my detractors enough to let them know when they are misguided and I only regret that we are both suffering under a second-class citizenship imposed by politicians who smile pleasantly while denying our fight for justice. The harshest treatment would be our acquiescence to the view that we do not deserve equality.”

Good Grief

WATCH: Stories from Undocumented LGBT Youth

At the LGBT Pre-Conference during Netroots Nation, this discussion open my eyes to their struggles and importance of the DREAM Act.

Rundown: LGBT Pre-Conference for Netroots Nation

Yesterday, we gathered in one room to discuss important LGBT issues. As you can see from the clip over a 100 us were ready, willing and able to get down to business.


So I'm going to give y'all a bullet point rundown of the first day events. Mind you this is just a sampling of what went down.

• In the first hour, we talked about topics and issues we should be discussing. 
• Queerty's Daniel Villarreal brought up the lack of people of color in the media. Also mentioned that when see Black gays on LOGO they are either on RuPaul Drag Race or on a HIV ad.
• Transgender issues were brought up a lot, which was a good thing.
• LGBT Orgs and bloggers have issues around trust and resources.
• The number of people of color participants increased this year.
• From the 5 questions (I posted them earlier), we came up with many answers and ideas to solve some of our issues.
• I met Rod McCullom and Joe Jervis, great guys.

• We listened to the stories of undocumented LGBT immigrants. It was heartbreaking, but inspiring.
• Their stories made the DREAM Act very real to me. This must be passed into law.
• Marriage Equality is not the priority for some in our community.
• Some states like Tennessee and South Carolina felt that they don't have the support from LGBT orgs or activists to achieve marriage equality.
• It was stated that no state should feel like a throw away state. Marriage is for all.
• I reminded the group to bring EVERYBODY to the table when it comes to marriage equality. And don't blame any ethnic group for the failure of a gay marriage vote.

That's it... For now

Question of the Day: Netroots Nation 2011 Edition

What do you think are major issues in our community (LGBT)?  I mean, I can think of many and I'm sure you can too.

In one of our sessions, we were asked to discuss the five questions that beset in our community.

1.   What are 5 key gaps in our movement?
2. How can we engage more effectively across race/ethnicity?
3. How can we engage more effectively across generations?
4. How can we engage more effectively across faith/non-faith lines?
5. How can we ensure the LGBT blogosphere is strong and well-funded?

We came up with tons of view points and answers. Here are a few of mine:

• Some gaps are- social economic status, race issues, access to resources
• Effective mentorship opportunities between elders and youngsters 
• Better resources for LGBT seniors 
• Stronger political awareness and understanding
• Supporting LGBT writers and activists

But I would like to hear from you, because I want to engage y'all in this convo.

Let me know what you think.