Seanmichael Rodgers and Damien Ramsey Profiled at BlackVoices

You may recall the beautiful photo of New York City Seanmichael Rodgers and Damien Ramsey (aka singer-songwriter Dy'Ari) at the National Equality March in October. The couple are engaged to marry in March. Atlanta-based blogger Darian Aaron has featured the couple in his popular "Coupled Up" series and has now published a profile of the fab couple at AOL BlackVoices. This may be the first same-sex couple profiled at the black news and lifestyle portal.

There is a segment of the black population whose love is rarely acknowledged within the broader community, but it exists nonetheless. Seanmichael Rodgers and Damien Ramsey, a couple residing in New York City and engaged to be married this spring, is an example of the love that challenges "traditional" models. Seanmichael and Damien have been in a committed relationship for three years. Their commitment will ultimately lead them down the aisle in March. Over the past three years, there have been several Valentine's Day memories with each one competing to top the last. "It's like falling in love again every week," says Damien, "sometimes for the same reasons and sometimes for new ones."

The profile concludes:

It's been said that black men loving each other is a revolutionary act, given the pervasive homophobia that exists in American culture and the black community . The fear of losing the support of family and friends, a vital element to the success of black unions can become a major hindrance for a black same-gender loving couple. But even with support of family and friends, there's still no guarantee of a successful relationship when both partners are of the same sex.

It's to BlackVoices credit that they are trying to feature some of the diversity in our community. Kudos to BV. On the other hand, the dozens of hateful comments, spewing fundamentalist, Bible-based bigotry and even wishing AIDS, death and stoning on this beautiful couple ... not so much. And given the skyrocketing HIV rates in black heterosexual communities, sad and ironic that many black so-called Christians continue to associate HIV/AIDS with being gay. Their loss.

Darian's BlackVoices profile of Seanmichael and Damien  is here. Congrats.

Comments

[Faison]

A beautiful couple!
And I just ignored the rampant homophobia and bible beating. Typical black folks...rush to condemn gays and ignore black on black crime, unwed mothers, gang violence and so many brothas locked up in prison.

[FREELEO]

May the universe continue to bless this union..

[Moore]

LOVE this couple!

[Chitown Kev]

Kudos to Black Voices for being open minded in publishing this but...I can't even say what I want to say about those ignorant a*s Bible beating commenters. At least not here at Rod's.

[Derrick from Philly]

"Typical black folks...rush to condemn gays and ignore black on black crime, unwed mothers, gang violence and so many brothas locked up in prison."

You're absolutely right, FAISON. It's a disease as bad as Sickle Cell Anemia. It's called Cotton on the Brain. The only possible cure is education; without that the disease can last for 200 years...and get worse the further along one gets from the initial exposure.

[Diva1961]

Congrats to the couple. It is always good to see black folks in love:-) I can't add anything about the hate spewed by the foolishness that is uneducated negroes. I always assume they are just jealous that they can't find love and the beauty associated with it. May the couple enjoy a lifetime of love and understanding.

[James M]

Congrats on this couple! Unfortunately the comments on the bottom of page of "Black Voices" is just embarrassing...

[Mike_88]

I'm mad I even bothered to look at the comments (I didn't even read this whole entry because I was very curious about this couple).I don't really use BV but I went there last summer and it didn't seem that bad when I came to gay issues, but they've (the members) really nosedived. The boards are quite ghastly too. You really need a thick skin. But it was nice to see a loving couple.

[Mark Williams]

Here is a response to the homophobic Dr. Laura that I am waiting on the "real" christians to answer.....

Dear Dr. Laura,
Thank you for doing so much to educate people regarding God's law. I have learned a great deal from you, and I try to share that knowledge with as many people as I can. When someone tries to defend homosexuality, for example, I will simply remind him or her that Leviticus 18:22 clearly states it to be an abomination. End of debate.
I do need some advice from you, however, regarding some of the other laws in Leviticus and Exodus and how to best follow them.

1.When I burn a bull on the altar as a sacrifice, I know it creates a pleasing odor for the Lord (Leviticus 1:9). The problem is my neighbors. They claim the odor is not pleasing to them. How should I deal with this?
2.I would like to sell my daughter into slavery, as stated in Exodus 21:7. In this day and age, what do you think would be a fair price for her?
3.I know that I am allowed no contact with a woman while she is in her period of menstrual uncleanliness (Leviticus 15:19-24). The problem is, how can I tell? I have tried asking, but most women take offense.
4.Leviticus 25:44 states that I may buy slaves from the nations that are around us. A friend of mine claims that this applies to Mexicans, but not Canadians. Can you clarify?
5.I have a neighbor who insists on working on the Sabbath. Exodus 35:2 clearly states he should be put to death. Am I morally obligated to kill him myself?
6.A friend of mine says that even though eating shellfish is an abomination (Leviticus 10:10), it is a lesser abomination than homosexuality. I don't agree. Can you settle this?
7.Leviticus 20:20 states that I may not approach the altar of God if I have a defect in my sight. I have to admit that I wear reading glasses. Does my vision have to be 20/20, or is there some wiggle room here?
I know you have studied these things extensively, so I am confident you can help. Thank you again for reminding us that God's Word is eternal and unchanging.