THIS is what happens when lgbts of color have visibility

The Proposition 8 vote is a perfect example of what happens when lgbts of color are not acknowleged as a crucial part of the lgbt struggle for equality.

I don't see a need to go into detail about it because unfortunately the speculation and opinions have done nothing as far as I am concerned.

It's a lot of talk but no action.

So instead, how about a demonstration of what happens when lgbts of color ARE in fact acknowledged:

According to an article in the American Prospect, lgbts of color are leading the fight for equality in Washington, D.C.

In doing so, they are not only getting things done but are serving as a huge roadblock against black pastor (and religious right flunky) Harry Jackson being designated as the "face of the anti-gay marriage movement:"

The anti-gay-rights movement has long sought to use the relative religiosity of the black community to marshal its support. Anti-marriage-equality leaders often cite the results of Proposition 8 in California, which was supported by a majority of African American voters in the state, as proof that the black community as a whole is against gay marriage.

In Washington, D.C., the anti-gay-rights movement attempted to put recognition of same-sex marriages performed in other states to a citywide referendum (it was rejected by the Board of Elections and Ethics) hoping that the city's mostly black population would come out against it. This dynamic may explain why Bishop Harry Jackson, an African American religious leader, has been put forth as the face of the anti-gay-marriage movement.

There's only one problem: The face of LGBT leadership in D.C. is often black. Nationally, anti-gay-rights activists have had a great deal of success in encouraging black voters to oppose gay rights, partially because LGBT rights are seen -- incorrectly -- as a "white issue." But in Washington, D.C., the diverse composition of the marriage-equality movement means that marriage-equality activists don't have to "reach out" to the black community, because they're already part of it.

This should be a cover story of The Advocate instead of that ridiculously ludicrous monstrosity of Is Gay The New Black.

(My stomach hurts every time I think of that stupid, stupid, stupid headline.)

This article is a must read for all lgbt organizations, activists and wannabe lgbt activists from Michelangelo Signorile to Dan Savage to everyone else.

The link is here.


Hat tip to Box Turtle Bulletin for alerting me about this article.