On Thursday, we mentioned Noah's Arc director Patrik Ian Polk was rasing awareness on gay rights via Twitter and Facebook. Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and LGBT ally Jody Watley sent her strong support for marriage equality in this poignant Facebook message:
"In 1995 I wrote a song called 'Affection'. "Doesn't matter if you're young or old, doesn't matter if you're straight or gay, everybody needs to feel loved..." My support of gay rights is pretty well documented. I even performed at the massive reception for same sex couples back in 2004 arranged by Mayor Newsom. So, yes, I support same sex marriages. I don't know why people are against love and personal choice. As someone who was married - I'm not a fan personally, I believe in commitment, and I hope my next man will be more of that :-) I voted No on 8, and I think I even wrote a blog on the subject some time ago, disappointed that it had become a racial issue. That said, respectfully, I do think that people should be free to keep their political beliefs private...in the event that it is asked and you don't get a reply. No judgment or assumption should be made against that person. There you have it—JW style."
In the summer of 2006, Watley made headlines when she appeared on Chicago's V-103 radio and was prevented from discussing her upcoming concert at the Gay Games.
Watley's ninth studio album The Makeover: International, will be released in the United Kingdom on Oct. 5. The early buzz is terrific and a review is here. Watley's Facebook fan page is here.
That's nice of her. I appericate it a lot.
Way better than many Straight Black women who think LGBT of color as being good to be their sassy sidekicks, picking out their nails, dresses (and weaves), complimenting them, including being their scapegoat when relationships go down drain or when they find their man is on the DL. I like how the girl is sincere. Many Black women sometimes claim they love the gheyz! That is until we complain about inequality and mistreatment then the bible-thumping begins for not knowing our place!
Don't forget the tolken gay friends as well!
Posted by: Kevin Perez | 18 September 2009 at 17:34
@ Kevin:
You ain't never lied about black straight women liking gay sidekicks and hair stylists but will never fight for our rights (see: Nene Leakes).Thank you Jody, I ,love you and have been a fan for years and will stay a fan. I will buy several copies of your new CD! Thank you Patrik for doing this and thank you Rod!
Posted by: Former COGIC | 18 September 2009 at 17:51
I do remeber JW's Affection song. I think it was the first time I ever heard a song that mentioned gay in the lyrics. She is ahead of her time and her songs are timeless like her beauty.
Off topic a bit, but I find Wendy William's (who I believe is not pro gay) "how you doin" gimmick on her show so gay agressive like it is straight womens duty to make every guy under suspicion for being gay.
Posted by: Lang B | 18 September 2009 at 19:05
I loves me some Jody Watley. Like Former COGIC said, I have been a fan for years and always will be. A true sister of the cause.
Posted by: soulbrotha | 18 September 2009 at 20:06
i adore her too!
always have
go jw!
Posted by: alicia banks | 18 September 2009 at 22:46
Man, La Watley is LUV. I respect her so much as an artist, a woman, and a human being. It is great to see someone supportive of us and it reflects in her art. I already have my copy of "The Makeover" when it dropped Stateside in 2006, but I may cop another copy due to the fierce cover. Great piece Rod.-QH
Posted by: QH | 19 September 2009 at 08:25