Marching backward on gay marriage? Don’t be on the wrong side of history
OPINION - In August, we celebrate the 50th year of the March on Washington. I vote for us to march forward, not backward on marriage equality and all related issues that provide personal freedom...
Perceived Homophobia in the African-American Community Hurts — Us:
Not all African-Americans are homophobic, which is a myth that has tainted perceptions of the black community. The perception of African-Americans as anti-gay is damning, especially from a community that is descended from slaves… and don’t think there weren’t same-sex relationships during the Antebellum South. But since President Barack Obama’s personal endorsement of same-sex marriage, African-Americans are supporting marriage equality at higher numbers than before. In November 2012, Edison Research, after a national voter exit poll, reported 51 percent of African-Americans support same-sex marriage for their state. Much of the credit goes to President Obama, but the LGBT community has always been an essential part of the African-American cultural experience — we are your family members, your friends, part of history and, most definitely in the church. And any failure to continue to expand that understanding will hurt us more than anyone else.
Homophobia is ruining lives. Homophobia is helping to increase the preventable HIV/AIDS rates in the black community, stamping further stigma on the disease, because it leads to less conversation about prevention and intervention. In order for the black community to progress, there must be unity with LGBT brothers and sisters to stop this plague.
Furthermore, federal same-sex marriage is a validation. If your son or daughter is legally married — their husband or wife will legally be a member of your family. Sure, parents can still reject their children, but when your son’s husband has rights related to death arrangements, finances, and other privileges of marriage, you are forced to acknowledge their love as being something with origins above the groin. Being gay or lesbian is not about the sex; it’s the emotional connection. By denying these bonds we are hurting the black family even further, which many already would agree is in growing disarray. Whether you are hurting a gay-partnered family, or relations between such families and their extended families, African-Americans can’t afford to be further torn apart.
Which side are you on?
America is in the middle of a heated cultural war. Blood is being drawn on both sides. Rights, traditions and and the selective memory of history are up for debate. Unlike any time in the U.S., almost every group believes its right to exist is at risk, and some think denying others’ rights is key to preserving their own. African-Americans’ lives are threatened by laws like Stop-and-Frisk and Stand Your Ground. Brown people are asked to “show their papers” or be deported. Muslims are public enemy number one. Women’s bodies are in danger of the government attempting to rule their uteruses.
Within this wide context, the LGBT community is demanding equal rights and must beg the Supreme Court for approval of their loving unions.
You can make the choice to march forward or march backward regarding any or all of these issues.
March backward like Helen Kendrick Johnson who opposed women’s suffrage in the early 1900s. March backward like George Wallace who fought against integration in the 1960s. March backward like Senator Jesse Helms who believed those infected with HIV/AIDS didn’t deserve humane healthcare.
Or you can march forward.
In August, we celebrate the 50th year of the March on Washington. I vote for us to march forward, not backward on marriage equality and all related issues that ensure personal freedom.
Which will you choose? Do you want to be on the wrong side of history?
Follow Clay Cane on Twitter at @claycane.
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