Homosexuality has become the latest target of religious zealots, bigots and homophobes. This has prompted both some firestorms and some serious debate that raised issues affecting lesbians, gays, bi-sexual and transgendered persons (LGBT). However, we’ve only scratched the surface.
Statements made by the Rev. Willie Wilson of Union Temple Church in Washington, D.C. exploded with national fallout. Wilson stated that lesbians were “about to take over our community.” He further asserted that women are becoming lesbians because they make “more money than brothers.” That’s a giant step – from changing your economic status to becoming a lesbian.
Right about the same time, a local minister claimed that homosexuality was “causing a counterfeit worship service experience” in churches. Like the Rev. Wilson, Minister Allen Wicks is influential, including hosting a gospel radio show. Although there was some condemnation of Wicks’ remarks, the Rev. Wilson received a national response from the black gay community, black progressive clergy and activists.
Wilson’s damaging remarks were right to receive such a backlash. He currently serves as executive director of the Millions More Movement which is being organized to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March. His remarks have dampened the spirit of purpose and unity for the October march.
One of the aspects of this homophobic reaction that is especially sickening for me is that black clergy seem to be following the lead of the white, racist, fundamentalist, religious right. They thump the Bible as the source of their rationale. This is the same group that used the same Bible to justify slavery and women’s oppression. What happened to the concept of “all God’s children”?
If one starts with the premise that you are sub-human, then there’s no mandate to respect your existence or protect your human rights. For what Africans in America have endured and what we continue to go through to assert our civil and human rights, we cannot afford to play games with human rights. Oppression is oppression, and the oppressor can come in different races, religions and cultures. Black folks and others who have been oppressed should be leading the charge against further social and political marginalization of any of our people. It is an essential part of our liberation and cannot be left in a closet.
Author Earl Ofari Hutchinson noted that black men are especially guilty of homophobia and gay bashing because they have accepted society’s definition of manhood. He called on black men to confront their own biases in order to become true allies in the fight against homophobic discrimination and repression.
There are some local happenings that people can check out for more on this issue. The Organization for Black Struggle is sponsoring a community forum “Homosexuality, Blackness and Oppression” on Sunday, August 14 from 4-6 p.m. at the Rowan Community Center. St. Louis Black Pride is holding its annual activities on August 19-21. You can visit the websites of both these groups to get more information.
We must confront the hate, the fears and the misinformation if we are to promote a sense of healthy community for all black people.