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Murdered Seaman August Provost Laid to Rest, Racist and Homophobic Comments in News Coverage

U.S. Navy Seaman August Provost III, the black gay sailor found brutally murdered at Camp Pendleton ten days ago, was laid to rest with full military honors in Houston,

Although the family maintains the 29-year-old Provost was the victim of a hate crime—and the Navy says it was a "random act" of violence— Seaman Provost's mother, Melonie Collins, set that question aside at the funeral, reports the Houston Chronicle.

"At one point, she left her seat at his funeral to stand beside another sailor, who broke down singing a song he had written about Provost. Her presence seemed to give the sailor, Jack Hunter, strength to finish. "We loved your smile. You made every day worthwhile. Oh, how we miss you. And we wish you were here," sang Hunter.

Friends and family praised Provost for his “powerful love” of all people, never caring about sexual orientation or race. Only one longtime family friend, Allie Harrison, alluded to concern over whether the gay sailor's death was a hate crime. "I believe with all my heart the truth will be revealed and any lies uncovered," she said from the pulpit.

Provost was shot three times, apparently gagged and bound, and his body burned. The seaman told his family he was harassed and ostracized at Pendleton for at least a year because he was gay and black. Provost's commander at Camp Pendleton, Capt. Ed Harrington, attended the service and said "he was unaware of any such complaints" being made. Harrington tells KHOU-TV (video): "I don't think it was [a hate crime] but no one is ruling that out yet .... because the invesgtigators want to be absolutely thorough. But the evidence does not point to that."

Under the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, if  August Provost reported the harassment, that would have been considered "telling" and lead to immediate discharge, notes San Diego City Commissioner Stampp Corbin, who also is black and gay. "August Provost, and others like him, are often harassed because of the perception they are gay or lesbian ... That is the quandary gay and lesbian military personnel face in these situations."

Perhaps not-so-ironically, as the Houston Chronicle reports on the funeral services for this distinguished seaman who quite likely was killed because he was black and gay, many of the readers' comments are homophobic and at least one is racist. Several readers quite Biblical passages against homosexuality. Reader Argon96 writes: "The mi8llitary is full of weirdos today,straight and gay...I doubt he was targeted for being gay,but who knows." Another comment by ULoveHuessein, apparently deleted by the newspaper, said there were "many fags" in the Marines and a reference to "jungle fruit." Provost was a U.S. Navy Seaman serving at a Marine Corps base, which is standard procedure.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, who represents Houston, says she will demand a congressional inquiry into the death of Navy Seaman August Provost III. The Secretary of the Navy has also dispatched 20 investigators to Camp Pendleton.

2 Arrested in Brutal Attack on New York City Transgender Woman

Two men are behind bars after the brutal attack on a 22-year-old transgender female walking down the street in St. Albans, Queens. Carmella Etienne, who has lived in the neighborhood for years, says the attack happened on the corner of 116th Avenue and 199th Street. Police and prosecutors say thugs attacked with rocks, beer bottles and even threatened to sodomize her with a baseball bat ... all while a crowd watched and did nothing.

Nathaniel Mims, 25, and Rasheed Thomas, 22, allegedly screamed anti-gay slurs and threatened to cut the woman's throat Wednesday night in St. Albans. They face charges of assault as a hate crime, menacing and harassment. "I didn't know you could get locked up for calling somebody names," Thomas said after his arrest, according to prosecutors. "I called her a bunch of names. I called her a [expletive deleted], but she didn't see me throw anything."

Etienne, hit in the leg, told cops she saw the men throwing things at her."They were yelling homophobic slurs at me. They threatened to kill me. Chunky rocks and empty beer bottles they were throwing at me," she said. "Don't ever walk that block anymore or we will slash your throat," one of the defendants said, according to cops.

The aspiring fashion designer.moved to Queens from Haiti six years ago and soon after began her transition. Etienne, who has medically and legally transitioned to female, was treated for a deep gash to her leg and has been released from hospital. She tells the Daily News: "The law will hopefully put them to justice. I love being myself."

For bonus points watch the video at NY1. The young woman interviewed never says she lifted a finger to help Carmella Etienne and complains that police arrested the "wrong" thug.

Author and activist Nathan James lives only one block from where this happened and tells Rod 2.0: "I am so upset by this, because it once again reminds me that I cannot be out, proud, and safe walking the streets of my own neighborhood. God forbid I am being beaten by my neighbors—or their children—for being gay, and people will stand around and watch it happen."

The suspects are being held on $5000 bail. They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted

Jackson Lee, NBJC, NAACP, Cong. Black Caucus Demand Investigation into Murder of August Provost

In an historic and perhaps unprecedented show of solidarity, the nation's leading black civil rights organizations join with Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX) to demand a congressional investigation into the death of Navy Seaman August Provost III, the black gay sailor found brutally murdered at Camp Pendleton

The 29-year-old sailor from Houston—who was represented by Jackson Lee in Congress—was found brutally murdered on June 30 in a guard shack on base. Provost was shot three times, apparently gagged and bound, and his body burned. The seaman told his family he was harassed and ostracized at Pendleton for at least a year because he was gay and black. The Navy maintains there is "no evidence" to suggest this was a hate crime and insists it was "random act" of violence. Jackson-Lee—who has a 100% rating from the Human Rights Campaign—made the initial calls on Tuesday. Now the congresswoman, other members and organizations are demanding a full investigation by the Department of Defense and the Secretary of the Navy

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), the national black LGBT advocacy organization, coordinated with the Black Leadership Forum, an alliance of over thirty national black civil rights and social service organizations, to denounce the incident. The member organizations include the NAACP—which has recently came out against California's Proposition 8—the Congressional Black Caucus, National Urban League, 100 Black Men,  and other leading groups. In denouncing the Provost murder and the slow response by Pentagon brass,  the groups said they "are joining forces to stand for equality and against discrimination and hatred toward ALL African-Americans."

The statement reads in part: "We are deeply troubled by the continuing pattern of incidents across the country—hate crimes, police misconduct, and racial intimidation—that are all-too-often tolerated and ignored by law enforcement officials and courts. Moreover, despite significant progress in the treatment of LGBT people, the targeting of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals remain a persistent and widespread problem in the US." The entire statement can be read here. 

The joint statement and call to action comes on the same day sources tell Rod 2.0 the Secretary of the Navy has dispatched 20 investigators to Pendleton. One "person of interest" remains in custody at nearby Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Two others are being sought. No formal charges are filed yet, and, there are unconfirmed reports the military is investigating a white supremacist angle.

Thanks JASPER, JASON BARTLETT and R

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Report: Secy of Navy Investigating Murder of Seaman August Provost

There are new developments in the investigation into the death of Navy Seaman August Provost III, the black gay sailor from Houston brutally murdered at Camp Pendleton near San Diego. Sources close to the investigation report the Secretary of the Navy has dispatched an investigative team to Pendleton. Also, extremely disturbing  and graphic details have emerged of the so-called "random" act of violence.

The official request for an investigation of the August Provost murder was made by San Diego's Democratic Congresswoman Susan Davis, the Chair of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Military Personnel. The source says Secretary of the Navy Raymond Mabus "has sent 20 investigators to Camp Pendleton."

The 29-year-old sailor was found brutally murdered in a guard shack at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton on June 30. Provost was shot three times and the structure was burned. Although the Navy has denied specific reports made to Rod 2.0 in a recent article at TIME.com, and claimed Seaman Provost was not tortured, relatives say they were told Provost's "hands and feet were tied, he was gagged, shot three times and his body had been set on fire."

Rose Roy, Provost's aunt who lives outside Houston, said "Provost spoke with her about being harassed and ostracized at Camp Pendleton because he was gay and black." The Navy maintains there is "no evidence" to suggest that this was a hate crime and insists it was "random act" of violence.

Rep. Bob Filner (D) of suburban Chula Vista, chairman of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, says his panel will investigate, too, and asked the Defense Department and Marine Corps to determine whether the killing was a hate crime. Filner added: "There's some disturbing elements to this. He was harassed in the days leading up to this."

One "person of interest" remains in custody. Two others are being sought. No formal charges are filed yet.

Roy says it was about a year ago when her nephew told her and his superiors he was being harassed because he was black and gay. San Diego City Commissioner Stampp Corbin, who also is black and gay, has been closely following the investigation and says Provost's lack of recourse is a direct result of the military's failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Commissioner Corbin tells Rod 2.0: "August Provost, and others like him, are often harassed because of the perception they are gay or lesbian, not because of homosexual conduct. If August reported the harassment, would that have been "telling" and therefore lead to a discharge? That is the quandary gay and lesbian military personnel face in these situations."

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, who represents Houston, says she will demand a congressional inquiry into the death of Navy Seaman August Provost III. Provost will be buried tomorrow at Veterans Memorial Cemetery. A candlelight vigil will also take place on Friday at 7:30 pm outside Camp Pendelton.

23 Year Sentence for Murder of Young, Black Gay Brooklyn Man

Fifteen-years-to-life with at least 23-years behind bars. That's the sentence 19-year Omar Willock was handed down for calling a young black gay Brooklyn man a "faggot" and stabbing him to death.

Willock and 20-year-old Roberto Duncanson encountered each other on the street in Crown Heights, Brooklyn early in the morning of May 12, 2007. Willock claimed Duncanson looked at him suggestively and flirted with him, so he called him a "faggot." Duncanson yelled back at him and continued walking. Willock followed for several blocks, yelled anti-gay and homophobic epithets and fatally stabbed him. Willock was convicted of second degree murder in May 2009.

Gay City News reports the killer lacked remorse at Monday's sentencing: "In asking for 25-to-life, the maximum sentence, Howard Jackson, the prosecutor in the case, noted that Willock had pursued Duncanson. 'The victim in this case walked away,” Jackson said. 'Apparently, that wasn’t good enough for this defendant." With his hands cuffed behind him, Willock stood stoically throughout the proceeding. Asked if he would like to speak, Willock made brief, mostly inaudible comments. He motioned toward Duncanson’s mother and said, 'I feel sorry for the people.' "

Roberto Duncanson, nicknamed "Pancho", was out to coworkers and close friends but not his mother or family. In an interview shortly after he was killed, his mother said he was a loving son with "the heart of a lion."

Willock had been charged with murder as a hate crime which would have meant and automatic life sentence. The hate crime charges were dropped in March 2009 because the prosecution’s main witness, Belinda Toon, who saw the entire altercation and called police, "gave testimony that was less detailed than what she told a grand jury.... [Prosecutors] say Toon has been 'the subject of constant threats, harassment, and taunting about being a snitch,' Jackson said.""

Gay Man's Murder5 Gets at Least 23 Years [GCN]

Some Background ...
Guilty Verdict in Murder of Black Gay Brooklyn Man [R20]
Brooklyn Murder Trial Goes to Jury [R20]
Trial Begins in Brooklyn Gay Hate Crime Murder [R20]

Black Gay Sailor Killed at Camp Pendleton, Hate Crime Suspected

Very disturbing news from California: A 29-year-old sailor is found dead at Camp Pendleton and a "person of interest", a fellow servicemen, is being held in the homicide of the black gay man, the San Diego Union Tribune reports:

The body of August Provost of Houston was discovered in a guard shack on the western edge of the base sometime during the predawn hours, said Doug Sayers, a spokesman for Navy Region Southwest. An autopsy was scheduled for Wednesday to determine the cause of death. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, which is looking into the death, has taken a 'person of interest' into custody in connection with the case. Charges have not been filed, Sayers said.

Provost enlisted in the Navy in March 2008, and was a boatswain mate seaman who worked on hovercrafts. Provost's Facebook page confirms he is 29-years-old and interested in "men and women." On his MySpace page, Provost referenced dating men and identified another Houston man as "the love of my life."

The suspect is being held at the nearby Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. At least two reports suggest the deceased was involved in a relationship with a man. San Diego gay activists report having "credible" information Provost had previous run-ins with fellow sailors and want NCIS to investigate this as a possible hate crime, NBC 6 reports.

The homicide of August Provost III came on the same day Defense Secretary Robert Gates claimed the Pentagon hoped to make "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" investigations—and attitudes toward gay and lesbian servicemembers—more "humane."

Thanks STAMPP CORBIN!

Anthony Woods in WaPo: Speaks Out Against DADT, Prop 8 Racism

The latest on Anthony Woods, the West Point graduate who earned the Bronze Star serving two tours in Iraq and was discharged under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Woods is running in a special election to replace the outgoing Rep. Ellen Tauscher in CA-10 and is profiled in the Washington Post where he says DADT is the least of President Obama's problems.

Woods tells WaPo: "Of all the huge problems that he's confronting, I actually think this one is the easiest. Look, we're a country at war fighting in two different places and trying to combat terrorism all around the world. We need every able-bodied American who wants to serve their country to be allowed."

Woods also shared his frustration on the ongoing race-baiting in the aftermath of Proposition 8a—such as these comments earlier in a post on Lt. Dan Choi, also discharged under DADT. "It's going to be defeated in the future when we build a coalition of African Americans and Hispanics and folks from every swath of life in California. ... It's not at all helpful for the LGBT community, right or wrong, to scapegoat the African American community. That's the exact group of people who you need to speak to immediately and get them on board. What I hope I can do in the future is be a bridge for that. I'm a member of both of those communities and that's how we're going to be able to start speaking to each other in a language we both understand."

Last night was the end of the fundraising quarter for congressional candidates. There's going to be considerable focus on Woods' numbers, so, if you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign or his ACTBlue page.

If you have never heard Anthony Woods speak, he is incredible. AFTER THE JUMP, Woods talks to AMERICAblog's Joe Sudbay. If you can, please donate to Anthony Woods' campaign.

 

Chicago Tribune Goes "Beyond Boystown" and Looks at Black LGBTs on the South Side

Three weeks ago Rod 2.0 reported a fascinating digital history of black LGBTs on Chicago's South Side. On Friday, the cover of Chicago Tribune's Red Eye supplement updated this and ventured "beyond Boystown" to the city's predominately black South Side and discovered a "vibrant" black LGBT community. Jeffery Pub, seen above via Google Earth, is described as "possibly the oldest gay bar in Chicago" and serves as a meeting place for many black gay South Siders.

Nestled between a bank parking lot and a beauty salon, the Jeffrey Pub, a gay bar since 1965, beckons with two rainbow-striped martini glasses on its marquee. Once buzzed inside, visitors find rainbow flags hanging from the walls, carnival masks dangling from the ceiling, a disco ball above the dance floor and, beside the shot glasses, a glass bowl filled with free condoms.In the window, an illuminated sign glows "Pride."

The Jeffrey Pub plans to trumpet its pride louder than ever on Sunday, when it will send a 30-foot float down Lakeview's streets for the 40th annual Pride Parade--the first time the bar has had a float in the parade. "We just want to let people know that the South Side is here and it's vibrant," said Roberaiste Warden, director of health and public relations for the Jeffrey Pub and a patron of the bar for 34 years.

The Jeffrey Pub isn't alone in hoping to boost the visibility of the South Side gay community. Though Chicago's gay scene has long been concentrated on the North Side, particularly the stretches of Lakeview with the rainbow pylons officially designating Boystown, the South Side has a stable gay population that seeks the resources to stay and thrive within its own culture and neighborhoods.

The Youth Pride Center (MySpace), a nonprofit that organizes activities for LGBT youth of color, recently opened a satellite location in the nearby Hyde Park neighborhood. YPC "saw its membership triple, to 291 kids", according to staffer Francisco Walker, who explains the black LGBT youth say their biggest issue is family acceptance and many have been kicked out of their homes. "Some also have faced harassment on the streets. Walker said that since February, eight kids from YPC have told him they were harassed near the Red Line stop at 95th Street and the Dan Ryan, apparently because of their sexual orientation."

In recent years there has been a revitalization of LGBT activities on the city's South Side, from the Black Pride events next weekend (more on that later this week) to black LGBT-specific cultural events. Otis Richardson, the Chicago-based activist and creator of the black LGBT-themed Lavenderpop Greeting Cards, tells Rod 2.0: "My friend photographer Richard Gray recently held a Stonewall 40th Anniversary event at the Carter G. Woodson Library on 95th and Halsted. There is definitely a push among grass roots oriented black LGBTs to be visible on the South Side. Our challenge is to create and support those resources. I have nothing against the Boystown community, but I want to spend money supporting groups and businesses run by people who look like me."

UPDATE: On the story's photos (or lack of) at Facebook. While you're there, add me to your Facebook and Twitter (@rodmccullom).

You May Enjoy ...
Fascinating Virtual Archive of Black LGBTs on Chicago's South Side [R20]
NYC Pride Event on Black Gays and New Media [R20]

Black Connecticut Church Focus of Gay Teen "Exorcism" Video

A charismatic black Connecticut church is under investigation by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families after posting a controversial video on YouTube which shows members performing an exorcism of a gay teen's "homosexual demons.

The disturbing video shows leaders of the Bridgeport-based, non-denominational Manifested Glory Ministries in a violent scene reminiscent of The Exorcist. "Prophet" Patricia McKinney is seen screaming at a 16-year-old boy and demanding "homosexual demons" to leave. The video—since taken down on YouTube by the church—"continues for 20 minutes with the boy in a near seizure, even vomiting." The so-called "prophet" yells at the teen: "Right now in the name of Jesus, I call the homosexuality, right now in the name of Jesus."

FOX 61 reported on the video last night. "Prophet Patricia McKinney and her husband, church overseer Kelvin McKinney have a weekly radio show. She wasn't much interested in talking, telling Fox 61's Laurie Perez, 'Don't be following, I'm telling you no.' The only hint of a comment was her saying the ritual shown in the video is just one part of their ministry."

The Associated Press confirms the teen is 16 years old.

AFTER THE JUMP, via Rod 2.0 reader Jared (Twitter: @Jardoism), watch the disturbing FOX 61 report of where a gay teen, who is more than three times likely to attempt suicide than his straight peers, is subjected to a medieval ritual. Oh and please ask "Prophet" McKinney to cite the exact scripture where Jesus exorcised homosexual "demons" from children. <<crickets>>

"Greet the Press", NYC Pride Event on Black Gays and New Media

Pride week kicks off in New York City with "Greet the Press", a panel discussion on the lack of black gay, traditional media outlets—and how many new media and social networking platforms are filling the void. The event was produced by Dwight O'Neal, Cornelius Jones and Nathan Scott (right), who also hosted, the New York City-based promoter and co-host of The AND Show, the popular black LGBT YouTube channel.

Panelists included: Derrick L Briggs, co-star of the new independent film Finding Me and host of ADTV on YouTube (bottom photo, black shirt); Sheldon DeSouza of the Black Gay Network; GBMNews.com's Antonie Craigwell; Dex Star G, photographer and blogger; blogger Maurice Runea; and DJ Baker, host of the popular Da Doo-Dirty Show podcast.

Baker, seen above with the microphone, tells Rod 2.0 that last night's event was "great" opportunity to network "but we needed more youth in the building, some new faces." Baker adds: "Our community has yet to [determine] how to gauge youths' needs. We know they are out there working on [media] projects. We need to stop talking about working together and start doing."

Author and activist Nathan James also attended the event. James tells Rod 2.0: "The exploration of new forms of media communication and its relationship to the LGBT community of color is crucial to an understanding of who we are. Kudos to 'Greet The Press' for raising our awareness."

One of the standout discussions was lead by Sheldon DeSouza, above, who calls attention to a disturbing exchange on Wendy Williams' radio show. A 23-year-old black gay man called last month and asked radio personality Wendy Williams for "advice" on how to deal with a male love interest who is HIV positive. DeSouza explains: "Wendy said, 'You're 23, you don't need to be dealing with that. If I were 23 years old ... you have your whole future ahead of you. You don't want to deal with that." DeSouza says Williams laughed and conducted a random poll of her staff and asked if they would ever date someone HIV positive. DeSouza called into the show and was reprimanded on-air for challenging the radio personality's "advice." Listen to that "advice" here.

AFTER THE JUMP, video of Sheldon DeSouza describing the outrageous "advice" on HIV and relationships given by Wendy Williams, nominated by LOGO for their NewNowNext Awards. Why so many black gay men idolize this hateful woman escapes me.

Top Two Photos: "Greet the Press" on Facebook
Last Two Photos: Dex Star G