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99 Problems, But Gay Marriage Ain't One: Jay-Z, Hip-Hop, Homophobia

PHOTO: AP

Our latest for EBONY.com: "99 Problems, But Gay Marriage Ain't One: Will Jay-Z's Latest Endorsement Turn the Tide for Hip-Hop's Homophobia?"

Just like President Obama’s statement has had a “halo” effect among some Black voters,  Jay-Z has had a similar effect in hip-hop. The rapper’s endorsement has sparked a major conversation about gay rights and homophobia in the American hip-hop music scene—and the conversation has jumped from the barbershops to talk radio, Twitter and Facebook.

Hova’s comments were rapidly followed by similar endorsements from actor Will Smith—who began his career in rap—as well as legendary rap icon Chuck D of Public Enemy. Entertainment, rap icon and fashion mogul Russell Simmons—a longtime gay ally—tweeted his support to his 1.6 million followers: “Extremely proud of Jay-Z for this.” Boxer Floyd Mayweather--who has a history of gay-baiting and homophobia--came out for marriage equality. So did dancehall artist Beenie Man, who has a troubling history of violent anti-gay lyrics.

This week’s narrative was a breath of fresh air in an industry better known for its homophobic lyrics and hostility toward gays—such Busta Rhymes violent remarks about gay men and Ja Rule’s whack comments about gays “ruining” society. And this is despite the fact that many younger Black gay men and women are die-hard hip-hop lovers.

Read the full article HERE.

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VIDEO: Jay-Z Supports Obama on Equal Marriage

REPORT, PHOTOS: LGBT Strategy Session at Netroots Nation 2011

PHOTO: Rod McCullom

Building on the success of the path to "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" repeal, finding more effective strategies to pass the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and including transgender individuals in ENDA and immigration reform were among the strategies discussed at the 2011 Netroots Nation Strategy Session.

The LGBT caucus and strategy session had over 80 attendees, says Mike Rogers, the director of the Netroots Nation LGBT Netroots Connect program. Rogers has brought more than 50 attendees to Netroots Nation 2011 as part of a LGBT pre-conference and scholarship program.

Dr. Jillian T. Weiss facilitated the 90-minute conference. Weiss is a professor of law at Ramapo College of New Jersey, and a management consultant on transgender diversity. Weiss is also well known across the LGBT movement and virtual community as a contributor at Bilerico.com and for her work pushing ENDA.

The goal of the strategy session was to "capitalize upon what worked and didn't work" in pushing for DADT and DOMA repeal, as well as "synthesizing momentum" around the introduction of ENDA and the United American Families Act, said Dr. Weiss.

The session was divided into two groups: Those who worked with policy and on the "inside" track and those who worked in media, blogging and the "outside" track.  Chief among the frustrations: Finding an "optimum" narrative to win passage of ENDA.

"I can say what worked best on 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell'," said Freedom to Marry's New Media Director Michael Crawford, who co-facilitated one of the breakout sessions. "That was the personal narrative. I can say how we will win marriage, state by state, or a court strategy or even a DOMA repeal in Congress." But the movement "has yet to develop" a winning "narrative" on ENDA.

"And that's a shame because ENDA would effect 150 million people," added Weiss.

It's also important to keep ensure that our "media representatives are diverse" when buillding a narrative, added Pam's House Blend Editor Pam Spaulding.

Another chief concern: Transgender inclusion. "We obviously didn't have that in DADT because it was an 'LGB' issue but some of the organizations" were fearful around using trans case studies and spokespersons to push for ENDA, said Jos Truitt, the transgender activist and blogger at Feministing. Truitt and others said the need for trans inclusion was more imperative around ENDA, the United American Families Act and immigration reform.

Some images from the LGBT Strategy Session are HERE:

PHOTO: Live from the Daily Kos Lounge at Netroots Nation 2011

PHOTO: Rod McCullom

Power strips and lunch buffets? I'm soooo there.

The Daily Kos Lounge in the lower level of the Minneapolis Convention Center has become the gay e-telligentsia's de facto mobile office at Netroots Nation 2011. To the right are Scott Wooledge (aka @Clarknt67 from Daily Kos and Pam's House Blend), Joe Jervis and Jeremy Hooper. That's my laptop and BlackBerry on the table.

Still haven't figured out the inflatable kiddie pool.

WATCH LIVE: Marriage Equality Panel at Netroots Nation

Right now at Netroots Nation 2011: Free Speech TV is live streaming "The Plan to Advance Marriage Equality, Inside and Outside of the 112th Congress." 

The discussion from 1:30-2:45PM CT features New York Democratic Rep. Jerry Nadler, the sponsor of legislation to repeal DOMA; Courage Campaign founder Rick Jacobs;Pam's House Blend Editor Pam Spaulding; AMERICAblog Deputy Editor Joe Sudbay; and Lambda Legal Marriage Project Director Camilla Taylor.

PHOTOS: Finally! Netroots Nation 2011 Media Credentials, Tote Swag

I'm no longer anonymous! Last night, the Netroots Nation registration desk printer "went back online" and a staffer texted me to pick up my badge. As usual, the spelling is wrong, but no worries. I'm happy to be here.

The stylish Netroots Nation 2011 tote bag is filled with progressive swag from condoms to t-shirts, magazines and wristbands. Check it out WHEN YOU JUMP ...

LISTEN: Activist Viktor Kerney on LGBT Leadership and Diversity

Viktor Kerney is a Los Anegles-based collegiate student affairs administrator. He is also the blogger and activist behind the Black Weblog Award-nominated Southern4Life. Viktor is known across the Twitterverse as @Wondermann5—and has been critical on the lack of the diversity in LGBT media and organizations.

"I'm hoping Netroots Nation will change that," Kerney tells R20. "[LGBT media] will go to a few voices but there are many others as well. They need to challenge themselves and see what other people are writing,"

"I'm happy [some of us] are here," Kerney tells R20. "But [the relative few]  shows that we have to encourage our own to attend these events. I would like to see more Black LGBT leadership on the boards of major organizations. And more outreach towards finding more LGBT leaders of color."

This is Viktor's first Netroots Nation. He is one of about 40 bloggers and activists recruited on a scholarship program developed by the fabulous Mike Rogers and Netroots Nation. Listen:

VICTOR KERNEY

LISTEN: Alvin McEwen on Social Media to Discredit Religious Bigotry

Alvin McEwen is the blogger behind Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters. The Columbia, South Carolina-based activist has become a thorn in the side of the National Organization for Marriage, using his blog to expose the "junk science" and "discredited theories" behind their anti-gay activism.

"I'm also concerned about the right-wing's inroads into Black churches and [hope] we can address this at Netroots Nation," he tells R20. "I'm hoping the Netroots Nation can give African-American gays and lesbians the tools to fight this. I'm also hoping to find [social media] tools to encourage African-American gays and lesbians to leave oppressive [church] environments."

This is Alvin McEwen's first Netroots Nation. Alvin is one of about 40 bloggers and activists recruited on a scholarship program developed by the fabulous Mike Rogers and Netroots Nation. Listen:

ALVIN MCEWEN

Minneapolis Morning: Rainbow Taxi

Can you imagine an announcer's voice: "When in Minneapolis, travel in gay comfort with the Rainbow Taxi Service!"

My chariot awaits but I'm walking this morning. At a $5 minimum and a $2.50 flag drop per mile, umm, it ain't a cheap ride. Luckily downtown Minnie is compact, beautiful and very easy to walk around.

Netroots Nation Media Credentials

I'm a blank slate at Netroots Nation!

"There was a problem with the printer," the registration desk staffer says. "We're working on it but in the meantime ...."

LISTEN: DADT Activist on the Lack of HIV/AIDS Netroots Programming

Ian Finkenbinder arrived to activism out of "necessity." The former U.S. Army Arab Linguist was discharged from the U.S. Army under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and has become active online, on Twitter and through Get Equal on DADT repeal. The Oregon activist was also one 13 former servicemembers—including Lt. Dan Choi—who was arrested in November 2010 for chaining themselves to the White House fence.

Finkenbinder learned that he was HIV positive three years ago and also has become active around HIV/AIDS issues. The veteran says that he is "disappointed by the lack" of HIV/AIDS programming at Netroots Nation and the LGBT Netroots Connect. "Why aren't there any panels or discussions?" he asked.

"There is not one session at Netroots Nation, nothing about fundraising or awareness," he tells R20. "Why not? Fighting HIV/AIDS is a progressive cause. That's why I brought it up at the LGBT [Netroots Connect]."

This is Ian Finkenbinder's first Netroots Nation. He is one of about 40 bloggers and activists recruited on a scholarship program developed by the fabulous Mike Rogers and Netroots Nation. Follow @OneAngryQueer and listen:

IAN FINKENBINDER2