One of the strongest speeches in support of the hate crimes bill that just passed the House was delivered by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA). Lee spoke out on the horrific Michael Sandy case and the many often-ignored hate crime attacks against black gay men and transgender women.
Calling these attacks "shameful" the congresswoman said: "Sadly too many of the recent hate crime attacks based on sexual orientation have been against gay black men. Like Michael Sandy who was beaten and robbed. He lay in a coma for four days because his attackers thought gay men were easy prey. Luckily New York has hate crimes laws."
Lee also referenced the murder of transgender Gwen Araujo in California.
AFTER THE JUMP, watch Lee's incredible testimony.
Baby, don't sleep on Barbara Lee. This is a Shirley Chisholm four our times. Speak sistah! Speak!
Posted by: Raymond | 29 April 2009 at 17:11
Love her. Love her with a capital "L"
Lee's district is very lucky to have her.
Posted by: Shane Moseley | 29 April 2009 at 17:16
Although she's not my representative since I live 40 miles outside of Oakland, I have always admired her loyalty to her convictions. She doesn't just say things because they are politically expedient. She says them because she truly believes in what she says. More power to her.
Posted by: Ravenback | 29 April 2009 at 17:59
Go on now Miss Lee, tell it like it is! Black gay men and transgendered folks get bashed, beat, maimed and killed and seldom do they get justice or even a police report if they call the police. If not for black bloggers like Rod, most of us would never even hear of the violence and hate, since few of the so called main stream gay blogs bother to report it or care since black gay men seem to not count to anyone.
Posted by: Luther | 29 April 2009 at 18:45
This is great to see. I think it's important to recognizes our issues as well
Posted by: Viktor | 29 April 2009 at 19:47
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS WOMAN!
YOU ARE WITNESSING ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL VOICES FOR JUSTICE...EVER!
THIS, GENTLEMEN AND LADIES, THAT WOMAN, THE CONGRESSWOMAN, WHO STOOD UP AND WAS THE SOLE VOICE TO NOT VOTE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S WAR ON IRAQ! SHE IS THE ONE WHO SAID NO!
THIS, BROTHERS AND SISTERS, IS AGAIN THE WOMEN WHO SAYS NO TO HATE IN THIS COUNTRY AGAINST ANYONE....HATE IS NOT NEGOTIABLE!
I AM IN LOVE WITH THIS MASTERFUL SOLDIER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!!!!!!
THANK YOU ROD 2.0! THIS IS IT! THIS IS THE DAY THAT WE HAVE SEEN A FRIEND TO THIS COMMUNITY STAND, AS SHE HAS STOOD BEFORE! WE ALWAYS CALL TO SCREAM AND SHOUT! WE NEED TO FLOOD HER OFFICE WITH OUR THANKS, OUR DEEPEST GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 29 April 2009 at 21:16
I wonder if the "queens" over at the other gay blogs who will remain nameless will talk about Ms. Barbera Lee and her stand for gay rights. Probably not since most of those snow queens believe all blacks hate gays and are "evil" people. Anyway congrats to B. Lee for telling it like is about the suffering of Black gays and lesbians. PREACH!!!
Posted by: xavier | 29 April 2009 at 21:28
it is about time that the plight of the gay man is looked @...
Posted by: thegaytekeeper | 29 April 2009 at 23:35
This woman has a soul that is on fire. Do you hear me? FIYAH!
She wants to do right by everybody, she means what she says and says what she means. I wish we could clone B. Lee and sprinkle her throughout Washington. That would be CHANGE!
And you better preach Rev Kev!
Posted by: Talarico | 30 April 2009 at 01:22
The whole of Congress couldn't have more than thirty honorable people.
Fox News told us that Barbara Lee committed treason when she cast the lone vote against giving George W. Bush carte blanche after September 11. That sounds like a pretty honorable credential right there.
Posted by: Jim | 30 April 2009 at 01:58
As always, my state reps and senators voted against it. A shame.
Posted by: J Matt | 30 April 2009 at 03:26
Does anyone know if John Lewis has opened his mouth and said ANYTHING on that bullying case?
I think this was a courageous thing she did. Enough is enough. At least someone out there understands we are in a new millenium and gays do exist (with some quite prosperous) in the black community.
Posted by: gurlene | 30 April 2009 at 06:16
ditto
thanks rod!
i love her too...
she is one of the many reasons
that oakland is my fav city in america...
peace
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 30 April 2009 at 09:00
Thank you Rep. Lee for standing up and tellin' it like it T-I-is.
Posted by: Chitown Kev | 30 April 2009 at 09:12
Im so happy to hear a black legislative woman standing up for tragedies that have happened in the LGBT community. Equally important is that she referenced Michael Sandy's fatal assault which I know alot of people don't know about. I commend her forreal.
Posted by: Jamar Herrod | 30 April 2009 at 10:47
I am glad Barbara Lee is my representative. I agree with the previous poster that she is the Shirley Chisholm of our times.
She says it how it is and I am proud to vote for her.
Posted by: Steve Danielson | 08 May 2009 at 01:42