CNN's Anderson Cooper talks to Pam Spaulding, Richard Socarides and Cleve Jones about the Congress and President Obama's record on gay rights and the reasons for this weekend's National Equality March. Spaulding says: "There's a long list of progressive issues that need to be acted upon and it's almost as if we were put back into the closet and told to wait."
Pam also explains the behind-the-scenes comedy that led up to the interview.
Kudos to Pam. She's done great work and it's about time we saw her on AC360.
JUMP to watch the interview.
I am torn about this matter. I think it is wonderful that gays are marching for their rights. We should! But there is such a lack of inclusiveness and unity WITHIN the gay "community" that just never seems to get addressed. The Prop 8 debacle brought to light just how deeply divided we are by race. It's what tempers my enthusiasm. Anyone else feel "in the middle?"
Posted by: soulbrotha | 09 October 2009 at 11:59
Soulbrotha, I understand completely where you are coming from. I agree and I don't agree and used to feel like you.
First of all, black LGBTs are in this too. There's Pam right there on TV. We're also affected by the lack of hate crimes legislations and employment laws at state levels ... many black LGBTs live in red states. We should be fighting for these.
Black and latino gay men and lesbians also tend to have children more so than white LGBTs ... and we are in the military more. That means that we should fight for things like repealing DOMA and DADT. But we don't and say these "white issues." How? If I have a boyfriend and he has a child and I want them on my insurance, DOMA won't let me do that. I;m not white.
I think white gays tend to be more activist. Black LGBTs are more closeted are selectively out...One reason i appreciate this blog Rod 2.0 is that it shows me how this issues apply to me and my community.
I totally agree with you about gay community and race. All black LGBTs know this. But if we don't show up at meetings, if we don't press for our rights, if we don't try to move forward ... then that's our fault.
You have to be in it to win it.
Posted by: Carter G | 09 October 2009 at 12:23
Thanks Carter. I agree with you 100%. It's not that I don't want to be in it. It's just a bummer and more than ironic when you have to fight for "equality" separately. Kinda gives new meaning to the term "separate but equal."
Posted by: soulbrotha | 09 October 2009 at 13:42
@ Soulbrotha and Carter:
Both of you make some excellent points.
"Kinda gives new meaning to the term "separate but equal." How true, my friend. But maybe if you feel better at the black gay blogs, with black LGBT groups etc, that is okay. You are still pushing for equality and doing more than most. -RM
Posted by: Rod Mc | 09 October 2009 at 14:01
But maybe if you feel better at the black gay blogs, with black LGBT groups etc, that is okay. You are still pushing for equality and doing more than most. -RM
OK now you just trying to make me cry. You stop that right now! :')
Thanks.
Posted by: soulbrotha | 09 October 2009 at 15:15