Thoughts and Prayers are In New Orleans

The events that have occurred in the New Orleans area over the past few days have been reported almost constantly through every media outlet, and the devastation is very evident. I would ask that everyone really focus their thoughts on New Orleans and consider supporting the effort of your choice in an attempt to restore this great city. I am not personally advocating the red cross or any other specific agency, but I am sure there will be plenty to choose from. Please, simply ensure that it is a legitimate organization before contributing. New Orleans should be especially considered because of its rich heritage and connection with people of color. The city has been the home to several black mayors and other leaders. Of course it is also very likely that those who were living in the lowest lying areas with the most damages were minorities, based on the obvious economic realities of America. Do what you can, and if nothing else, pray. Pray that the looting, shooting, and other non-productive acts being carried out there cease. CNN Coverage

Should I come out in the local paper?

I received an e-mail yesterday from a writer at the Patriot-News (The local paper here in PA's capital city). She is interested in doing an article on local bloggers, and invited me to participate. I must say, I was very pleased to get the invitation, but as I started thinking about it I realized something...I have never officially had my "coming out". Now, I am sure some of you might be rolling on the floor at this point, because obviously I have my picture posted on this blog, as well as in my profile (hopefully you wont find it online anywhere else), and those of you who know me personally may be saying...it's no secret, but seriously I have never officially "come out". I have been living in a middle ground of sorts...I don't tell, and no one asks. I would imagine that some of the most shocked folks might be my colleagues at the 9-5, then again they might not be shocked at all. I really think I should do it, because black gay men have to stop being a stereotype, or even worse, this silent segment of society. While we are hiding, we have no voice. Who knows...if and when the story makes it to print I will let you guys know...if I don't chicken out!

What Should I Read Next? Lazarus!

I usually am ready a couple of thinks at any given moment in time, and I must say that this summer has been pretty busy as far as gay literature is concerned. I have read about 6 new fiction books this summer, some were better than others of course, but I will only mention the ones that I was really feeling here of course. The latest hit in my summer reading program is Lazarus by Rashid Darden. I had Rashid's book for about a month before I started it, only because I was backlogged reading other books, but when I got to it, I found that it was well worth the wait. This book will be especially interesting to anyone who, like I were exploring their sexuality during their college years, also any folks out there involved in or interested in black greek organizations this book will hit dat spot for you too. Really, the book is all around well written, it will definitely keep you flipping the pages. You can find out more about the book and order it at Rashid's website www.oldgoldsoul.com. Keep up the good work Rashid!

Europe is Ahead Again

The United States prides itself on being on the forefront of almost everything especially any issue concerning Human Rights. We send our troops around the world to "protect" human rights of others all across the globe. We do this while here at home many of our own citizens are denied their rights. We have talked about gays in the military on the site before, and obviously it is not a new topic, but as I read an article about a gay pride parade that took place in Manchester, England yesterday I just had to mention it again. Some may be aware that England has allowed open gays and lesbians to serve in her armed forces since 2000, but I did not quite realize just how open they were to it. In the Manchester parade uniformed troopers and members of the Royal Air Force marched in the parade. The Royal Air Force even had a float, and by the way, these were all official entries on behalf of Britain's Armed Forces. The purpose of their presence: to recruit...it appears that the military leaders in England are interested in recruiting gays and lesbians...to fight alongside our troops in Iraq and elsewhere...I think the Pentagon should be alarmed, some of these gay British soldiers may infiltrate our units! LOL

Farrakhan invites us all to the Millions More Movement Rally

Well folks, it now appears that Minister Louis Farrakhan has decided to extend an invitation to black gays and lesbians everywhere to take part in the Millions More Movement on October 15th in Washington, DC. This invitation was extended by his inclusion of the National Black Justice Coalition as a co-convener, which allows that organization to be involved in the planning processes. This invitation is in stark contrast to the tone set by Rev. Willie Wilson, who is the Executive Director of the event. As you might recall we wrote about Rev. Wilson a few weeks ago and his blazing anti-lesbian sermon delivered from his pulpit. While this invitation to join the event is rather late, and some may question the ministers motives it really does not matter much, because whether anyone knows it or not there where already tens of thousands of black same gender loving males already planning to be in attendance. What this action does is provides a public presentation of our presence. Also, the NBJC has requested that the organizers allow a gay male and a lesbian to speak at the event. At this point I do not believe that particular request has been granted. The NBJC and other black gay organizations are still planning to have our own rally at 8:00 AM in DC's Freedom Plaza on the day of Millions More. I hope to see lots of you guys there!

It's My Birthday

Well people it is my day! I turned 27 today...and I am not sure exactly how I feel about it. I have never been one to make a big deal out of birthdays, however this year I do feel a very great deal of gratitude just for being alive and well. I think that is what birthdays really are all about, a type of personal thanksgiving...its also a time for all of your friends and family to celebrate with you and to be thankful for your life, and you being thankful of having them in yours. So to all the other Virgos out there Happy Birthday.

Nearly Half of Us May Already Be Infected. Who Gives a Damn?

The Black AIDS Institute issued an open letter yesterday to all bi-sexual and gay black men. The letter addresses the grave findings of a recent CDC report which revealed that some 46% of black gay or bi me in the 5 major cities involved in the study were HIV positive. Two-thirds of them were not aware of their status, you may recall the findings were discussed in a previous article on July 1, 2005. The open letter is a call to action...as well as a chastisement to the black community for not reacting to these profound findings. The black community should be declaring a state of emergency, but it appears that many in our community have been mum on the findings. Take time to read the letter and then take action wherever you are. You can find the letter here at the Black AIDS Institute website.

Gay Mexican Man Granted Asylum in U.S.

A gay Mexican man with HIV was recently granted asylum in the United States after a judge found that he would be in danger if he were returned to his home country because of his sexuality. The judge also cited the fact that the man's ability to access proper treatment would be limited. Now, I am very glad that this particular judge is compassionate to the plight of HIV positive individuals, however this action has caused me to wonder about the direction of domestic "policy" here in America. Many gay men and women need to seek asylum from the very communities that they live in. We have seen a consistent string of violent acts against gays right here in this country, and many states and local jurisdictions are very reluctant to providing protection to those at risk. We also have HIV ravaging our communities, especially in the South at unprecedented rates. All of this is going on without any substantial additional attention by our government. When will we begin to show the same consideration to our own that we seek to extend throughout the world to others in need?

Liberty for All?

Over the past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Philadelphia with a friend. This being my friends first trip to the city we decided to visit some of the cities historical sites and take in a bit of Americana. Of course, Philadelphia is a city that is very symbolic of freedom in general. Of course the signing of the Declaration of Independence is probably most prominent, the Liberty Bell really caused thoughts to begin stirring in my mind. As some of you may know the Liberty Bell was used very often as a symbol of freedom by Abolitionists seeking to eradicate slavery, some of the images on display at the liberty bell pavilion really helped to associate the bell as a symbol of the freedom movements, both the slavery abolition and the civil rights movements. However as I thought about the proposition of Black American's being free and enjoying liberty many images quickly came to mind of people who are not free at all. Many within our communities are very much captive, some are grappling with drug addiction, some are dealing with confusion over sexuality, and some are struggling with oppressive religious forces, but of all these the most prominent barrier between Black Americans and true freedom are the shackles of the mind. Of course my thoughts are not new, I thought it was time to address the issue here. When I talk to many of our people I quickly realize that many of us are limited by our minds, and a pattern of thinking that has been passed through the generations. Of course the million dollar question is how do we break this cycle? The answer is not simple, but the way to start is to take an individualistic approach. All of us who have seen the light and are no longer trapped within the madness of our own minds have to reach out and talk to our brothers and sisters. We have to share enlightenment with them, even though many of them may not want to hear it initially, we have to keep talking and sharing. Repetition works! Hearing our proclamations of prosperity and success for our people can cause a shift in thinking, but we have to step out and talk about the issues. No longer can we stand by and ignore our brothers and sisters that need our help.

Pioneer John H. Johnson Dies at 87

Over the years the name John H. Johnson has been synonymous with pride, success, wealth, achievement, and blackness. Johnson, a man from humble beginnings was able to cultivate pure drive and determination into a business and a fortune that was long unmatched in the black community. The publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines not only built personal wealth for himself, he literally broke down the racial barriers that existed in the communications industry and made room for the Black Enterprise, Oprah, BET, and TV One of today. Through his efforts, the black economy was quantified. He proved to America, that black people all over the world had money to spend, and that money equates to economic power. Many people have had varied opinions of Johnson's publications over the years, however no one can dispute their permanent place in the hearts and minds of the black community. If anyone is interested in learning more about Johnson and his life's struggle and success I would suggest reading his autobiography: Succeeding Againts the Odds. This book (one of my favorites) is available directly from Johnson Publishing Company as most bookstores will not have it because it is out of print. Most online booksellers such as Amazon.com do have used copies available.

President Bush 'Playing' Black America

This is not a new question...it is one that has resonated in some circles since the second President Bush took office, however because of some recent events in the last week, I thought it might be worth bringing it up again. For those of you who do not know, the President once again declined an invitation to speak at the NAACP national convention which was held last week. Now, there are many camps on the NAACP even within the black community, but we all can admit that the NAACP is the dominant civil rights and anti-discriminatory organization in the country. The interesting thing here is not that the president snubbed the NAACP for a second time, but that while snubbing them, he re-arranged his schedule 3 times to accommodate the Boy Scouts of America's annual Jamboree, which is their annual national gathering. Of course the Boy Scouts have made it very clear that they are a discriminatory organization that refuses to allow homosexuals within their ranks, and the courts have determined that they have the right to do so. However, it is very interesting to me that the President of the United States, who is supposed to be representing the interests of all citizens would go to such lengths to accommodate the Boy Scouts, while seemingly making every effort not to attend the NAACP convention.

In addition to his snubs towards the NAACP, the president has also raised some concern by holding meetings with carefully selected "Black Leaders", and not including members of the Congressional Black Caucus. He is known for not being very accessible to the members of congress who are the best representatives of our interests. A few weeks ago, I wrote about Mexican President Vincente Fox and his highly inappropriate comments concerning blacks...but I am concerned that our very own president , although in a more politically correct manor, continually sends the message that our interests are not important. When will we stop allowing the President of this country to play us?

Gay Blood is not Good Enough

A Tasmanian man is suing the Red Cross because his was denied the opportunity to give blood because he is an active gay man. The Australian Red Cross policy states that any man involved in male to male sexual contact within the preceding 12 months cannot give blood. The Tazmanian man is engaging his country's Human Rights Campaign to protest this highly discriminatory practice. This recent news item caused me to question the American Red Cross' stance on this very sensitive issue, and our national organization actually goes a step further by prohibiting donations from any man who has had sex with another man since 1977. This ban applies even if you have only had sex with a man one time since 1977. Now, the question I really have regarding this policy is: "Does the Red Cross actually think people answer the question truthfully". I wonder because I have answered the question falsely myself in the past, then I finally realized that if my blood was not good enough then I would simply not donate any longer. With testing readily available to detect HIV antibodies, and all of this testing already being performed on every single donation that is processed anyway, such policies are simply discriminatory against our community. I realize that there are some serious implications associated with maintaining the integrity of our nation's and the world's blood supply, but a discriminatory screening process that cannot possibly work properly in practice, and has already been outmoded by blood testing processes really is sending the wrong message.