On the one year anniversary that same-sex couples began marrying in California, Equality California and the Jordan/Rustin Coalition (JRC), the black LGBT advocacy group headed by Ron Buckmire, begin a marriage equality and visibility campaign targeting black communities in Los Angeles and across the state.
A powerful new television commercial released today features a black gay Los Angeles couple seen in previous PSAs. Xavier and Michael Boykin-Haggood, who were married last year before Proposition 8, are seen with three of their five children. The spot is scheduled to air statewide starting the week of June 22nd. Michael tells the camera: "At its core level it's just totally unfair to actually take away anyone's rights. And so I have no doubt that this will inevitably be turned back the right way."
A commercial featuring the black gay couple and their family was at the center of controversy during the inaugural coverage of President Barack Obama. Several television stations broadcast the 30-second spot showing the couple and their five children at dinner with the tag. KABC-TV refused to broadcast the spot and only did so later after a national outcry.
AFTER THE JUMP, via Mad Professah, watch "Michael and Xavier."
Some Background...
KABC-TV Airs Rejected Commercial [R20]
KABC-TV Refuses to Broadcast Commercial Featuring Black Gay Family During Inauguration [R20]
I love, love, love these images of black gay married couples. There are not nearly enough of us seen. We love too and want the exact same things anyone else does!
Posted by: Rahsaan | 16 June 2009 at 20:45
I KNOW THEM. MICHAEL IS A GREAT FRIEND OF MINE! YIPPEE! THIS IS SO AMAZING! I AM GOING TO LINK THIS COMMERCIAL EVERYWHERE!
WHEN PEOPLE MEET PEOPLE AND NOT JUST AN IDEAL OR A STEREOTYPE, PEOPLE'S HEARTS CAN BE MOVED!
Posted by: TheRevKev | 16 June 2009 at 22:42
I'm just cheesin' and so smiley faced right now ! ! ! Thank you, brothas, for representin'. Oooo, I'd like to do something like this with my baby!
Posted by: Corey | 16 June 2009 at 23:07
thanks rod!
your stellar blog is my window to the real world when i am exiled in ar
much love
ab
Posted by: alicia banks | 17 June 2009 at 12:47