THE
CHOIR NEEDS A NEW SONG
FemmeNoir
A Web Portal For Lesbians Of Color
THE
CHOIR NEEDS A NEW SONG By Jasmyne Cannick
Los Angeles, California - Oct. 7, 2004
When traveling around the country speaking to same gender loving (SGL) and LGBT
communities of African decent about our issues and strategies, I often remind
myself that I am preaching to the choir. I mean, these people get it. Right?
Well, in light of the recent support for President Bush from prominent Black
ministers, maybe it's time we learn a new song because I think we need to do
better.
The Black SGL/LGBT community historically tends to be motivated
by the same issues that galvanize and motivate the larger Black voting
electorate. Marriage equality does not seem to rank at the top of our list of
issues when we have so much to deal with in our daily lives. At the end of the
day, we are more concerned with issues around HIV/AIDS, healthcare, employment,
social security, education and terrorism than gay marriage. Okay, I can
understand that. However, I think we need to learn to sing a new song to our
families and friends before we find ourselves with President Bush in the White
House for another four years.
The GOP has done an excellent job of communicating to the Black community that
Bush is opposed to gay marriage. However, it's important to note that Senator
Kerry, while he opposed the proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, does not
support gay marriage either and I don't think that message has made it to the
greater Black community. Once again, we as members of the SGL/LGBT community
need to really rethink our strategy and message around this marriage issue.
It's of the utmost importance that we start telling everyone we know, from the
pulpit to the kitchen table that President Bush is using the gay marriage issue
as a distraction to divide the Black vote. And while in my mind, Senator Kerry's
position on gay marriage is neither commendable nor acceptable, if we're going
to win this election, the issue of marriage equality does not need to be the
single issue we allow the Black community to focus on. We need to drive home to
our straight parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers, sisters and friends
that if you were voting for President Bush because of where he stands on gay
marriage, you may want to recant that vote and give it to Senator Kerry who will
devote attention and resources to the larger issues that affect Blacks.
Strategically, I think it's the best move we can make with the time we have
left.
I am reminded of civil rights leader Bayard Rustin and the many Black lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender people who marched and participated in the Civil
Rights Movement of the 60's when there were very few voices for their own causes
willing to stand up. They had to put aside gay rights issues for the cause of
the greater movement, the Black Rights Movement.
Using gospel recording artist Donnie McClurkin front stage during the GOP's
convention was a very strategic move designed to play on the emotions of our
loved ones who are torn between their love of God, His "interpreted" word and
their love of you. I am not asking the Black SGL/LGBT community to abandon the
marriage issue because it's a right that we deserve. I am just asking that we
step back to re-examine our strategy and position for the upcoming election. The
white gay community cannot effectively communicate to the Black community on gay
issues, that's a responsibility that belongs to us as Black SGL/LGBT persons.
For the sake of winning the election we need to discuss what's most important to
the overall Black agenda with our families, education, HIV/AIDS, affirmative
action, employment, healthcare, social security and terrorism, not gay marriage.
The Black vote is very powerful and will guarantee the presidency to whoever can
get the majority of it. It is our responsibility as Black gays to make sure that
the issue of gay marriage is not used to divide the Black vote by any means
necessary. I know it's a new song to learn in a short amount of time but I have
a feeling the choir is up to it. After November 2 when Kerry is in office, we
can go back to singing our old song of marriage equality. Until then, let's
ensure Senator Kerry gets into office and President Bush is thrown out. In the
end, we stand a better chance of achieving marriage equality for gay and lesbian
couples with Kerry in office.
About Jasmyne Cannick
Jasmyne Cannick is the Communications Director for the Black AIDS Institute, a
member of the National Association of Black Journalists, a board member of the
National Black Justice Coalition and At the Beach Los Angeles Black Pride and
co-producer of Noah's Arc, America's First Black Gay Series. She lives in Los
Angeles and can be reached via
www.jasmynecannick.com.
Bio:
http://jasmynecannick.com/biography.htm
Jasmyne Cannick
email:
phone: (213) 249-0739