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| African American Men wearing "Gay is the new Black" T-Shirt |
If I decide to come out like radio host Rickey Smiley as "heterosexual." Will that make the news or be written off as mere comedy? When one decides to "come out" such as former pro athlete Michael Sam it truly is their decision, and everyone doesn't need to know. It's the individual's business and responsibility to be comfortable with the skin their in--not mine, or anyone else's. I am not an advocate of homophobia, and anyone who chooses to harbor ill feelings against those in the LGBTQ community must stand down. Constructive honest dialog is the order of the day, and this is the approach I choose to take.
Theologically speaking, transgression is transgression, and the human family shares a common bond when it comes to wrong doing. The question was raised in my theology class last night: Is being gay the sin or is the sexual act the sin? There are strong arguments on both sides. I don't believe being gay in "name" or "title" is a sin because gay, lesbian, etc. is one's sexual preference or orientation--not the sexual act. According to the standard that the scriptures set biblically and quranically--the "sex act" is the sin. Therefore, one cannot judge or condemn the LGBTQ community based on a "title." Many hear the name or title, and automatically think sin. At the end of the day, we all will have to present ourselves before God as one approved, and give account of our record.
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| Former Pro Football Player Michael Sam |
Do those in the LGBTQ community deserve the universal and inalienable human rights given to others? Absolutely! But, to normalize the obstacles the community endures as having something in common to the plight of the Black struggle is far from the crux of the matter. Gay, being deemed as the new Black has become the new slogan... But, that is very offensive, misleading, and problematic on many levels, as being gay is not a badge of racial pride, especially when one thoroughly examines what it means to be Black and gay. In fact, in many cases Black folk who are a part of the LGBTQ community have been alienated and marginalized because of their race, and not their sexuality. *Originally written Feb 2014, Updated Feb 2016.
Further reading to consider:
‘No Blacks’ Is Not a Sexual Preference. It’s Racism http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/09/09/no-blacks-is-not-a-sexual-preference-it-s-racism.html
The People’s District: 5 Reasons Gay is Not the New Black
Are Gay Men More Racist Than Straight Men?
RACISM IN THE GAY COMMUNITY AND HOMOPHOBIA IN THE BLACK
COMMUNITY: NEGOTIATING THE GAY BLACK MALE EXPERIENCE
‘You’re Really Nice, but I Don’t Date Black Guys’: Racism or Preference? (VIDEO)
