Source: ‘The New Black’ Documentary

From BlackVoices 

While nearly three-quarters of Americans believe that legal recognition of gay marriage is inevitable and an increasing number of states are proving their belief to be true, a new documentary is telling a different story about support for same-sex marriage in the U.S.

Produced by award-winning filmmaker and journalist Yoruba Richen, ”The New Black” takes viewers into the pews and onto the streets and provides a seat at the kitchen table as it tells the story of the historic fight to win marriage equality in Maryland and charts the evolution of this divisive issue within the black community, the film’s website explains.

According to Richen, the documentary, a follow-up to previous works that includes “Promised Land” and “Take It From Me,” is fraught with politics and personal stories on both sides of the same-sex marriage campaign. And at the core of it, the black church’s homophobic tendencies, she says.

“The reality is that the African-American community and the black church is diverse and opinions on this issue have reflected that,” Richen told POLITICO. “There were some black public figures who took stances very early on in support of gay rights — look at Jesse Jackson’s rainbow coalition in the 80’s — while others spoke out against it. Also in terms of polling, African-American support (like other groups) has varied depending how you phrase the question and the religiosity of the respondents.”

In one such poll, conducted by the Pew Research Center earlier this month, 66 percent of African Americans said that they believe being gay is a choice, a lifestyle that gay men and women decide to lead.

The poll also revealed that fewer Americans would be upset if their son or daughter were gay or lesbian, and that more people favor gay and lesbian couples raising children, findings that Pew attributes to the fact that most Americans now say that they know someone who is gay or lesbian. As Pew noted, “even holding demographic factors constant, those who have many gay acquaintances, or close gay friends and family members, are more likely to favor same-sex marriage than those who do not.”

Read and see more at BlackVoices.com 

Source: YouTube

Hopefully, when you see love, you’re able to recognize it quickly. And there’s nothing but love that emanates from Gail Marquis and Audrey Smaltz. The couple who appear to be opposites clearly compliment each other upon further observation. They finish each others’ sentences and profess the devotion they have for each other and laugh at the way the met, even though they’ve been together for nearly 14 years.

Marquis and Smaltz were one of the few same-sex couples who were able to solidify the commitment they have for each other by marrying in a quaint ceremony in Central Park. Be sure to peep Audrey, the former model’s, sunglasses during her wedding ceremony. The woman is still fabulous at all of 76 years old. Gail Marquis, a former Olympic ball player is 58 years old.

Audrey Smaltz, who had never dated a woman and had been married for 14 1/2 years before she met Gail, sat down with FreedomToMarry to talk about their love.

Check out this adorable video of these wives and let us know what was your favorite moment from their precious story.

Source: WENN

Last night Beyoncé Knowles-Carter voiced her stance on the gay marriage debate when she posted a photograph of one of her infamous handwritten notes to her Instagram page. The note read:

“If you like it you should be able to put a ring on it. We will #unite4marriageequality. B,”

Source: Instagram

In addition to the note, she posted a photo of the Human Rights Campaign’s red equal logo.

Source: Instagram

She captioned the photo with a message that read:

“It’s about time #equality #prop8 #marriageislove ❤❤ show your support!!”

Bey reiterating her stance on the marriage equality debate is significant as both messages were posted in very close proximity of two major pending gay marriage cases being brought before the Supreme Court. Yesterday’s case addressed California’s Proposition 8, which prohibits same-sex marriage in the “golden state.” Today, the courts will address whether or not the Defense of Marriage Act, which is an act that defines marriage as being between a man and a woman, is constitutional.

Last spring, Jay-Z also revealed that he was in support of gay marriage.

“I’ve always thought it as something that was still holding the country back. What people do in their own homes is their business and you can choose to love whoever you love. That’s their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination, plain and simple,” he told CNN.

Happy birthday to Chris Rock who turns 48 today. In honor of one of the funniest, most thought-provoking comedians of our generation, we take a look back at some of Rock’s most memorable and hilarious quotes.

WENN.com

In 2005, Rock snagged the job as host of the Academy Awards ceremony. During the opening monologue and throughout the show, Rock poked fun at many of the famous movie stars that were in attendance and Nicole Kidman wasn’t safe from Rock’s wrath:

“The only acting you ever see at the Oscars is when people act like they’re not mad they lost. Nicole Kidman was smiling so wide, she should have won an Emmy at the Oscars for her great performance. I was like, ‘If you’d done that in the movie, you’d have won an Oscar, girl.’”

Source: WENN

Poor Fanny. Lord knows I root for her but this past week it’s become increasingly difficult to stand by and watch her sink deeper and deeper into that hole she’s hellbent on digging for herself. In case you missed it, in her original rant, she whined explained the unfairness (?) in the fact that people were judging her life when gay marriage and marijuana are legal in some places in the U.S.

Fantasia was further outraged when she noticed that the media ran with and misinterpreted her words. She released another error-laden message about how her words were incorrectly being used against her. I’m not exactly sure how those words could not be interpreted as homophobic; but Fantasia justified them by playing the same cliche card a whole lot of bigoted people play: “I have gay friends.”  In Fantasia’s case it was gay fans and a predominately gay management team.

Sigh.

What can we say that we haven’t already?

What we do know is that this has not been Fantasia’s week. While, I would bet she doesn’t have a problem with homosexuality as a practice, she maybe, probably definitely has a problem with them being able to legally marry…and smoke that ooo-wee.

I would bet that she’s probably pissed off a few of those gay fans she was claiming.

I’m not sure if Kid Fury was ever a fan of Fantasia but he definitely had a few choice words for the songstress. Though I won’t endorse his particular word choice, I will say that the sentiment behind his words is something I can agree with and it is certainly enough reason for Fantasia Barrino to be having the worst week ever.

We’re hoping she pulls it together by Sunday.

I know Fantasia is just another celebrity who can’t wait for a fresh start in 2013, because after her recent comments, she’s caught some heat. Via her Instagram, Fantasia decided to go on a rant about people unfairly judging her for what she does in her private life, but condoning and doing many things ourselves that the bible says is wrong. While I can understand her wanting to get some things off of her chest about people consistently coming at her head about her decisions, the talented singer and former American Idol winner probably went about it the wrong way. She had this to say, with a picture of herself in a “graceful” ballerina pose, which has now been taken down:

“I Rise ABOVE IT ALL!!! THE WORLD IS GONE MAD. KIDS, THE GOVERNMENT, THE church House… Everybody Trying!!!!!!! Its a lot that going on that the Bible speaks about we should Not be doing. Weed legal in some places, Gay Marriage Legal BUT YET IM JUDGED!! Im not doing Nothing for you… My Life!!!!”

Clearly these comments weren’t given the “AMEN!” she was looking for, because as I stated, she deleted the comment. But on top of that, word spread about her comments, giving the impression to some that maybe she’s against gays, so her manager, Brian Dickens, put out a statement to clear the air about her actual support of the LGBT community:

Comments made by Ms. Barrino through her Intragram account were recently taken far out of context, and the purpose of this release is to set the record straight. Ms. Barrino is not now, nor has she ever been an opponent of the LGBT community. She has supported and performed at numerous events that are sponsored by the LGBT community. Whether it’s through a live performance or placement on social media, Ms. Barrino uses every opportunity to reach out and connect with her fans, all of her fans.

And in an effort to clear her own name from those coming at her head about her comments, Fantasia saw fit to take to Instagram one mo’ gin to set the record straight about what she really meant:

“It has been brought to my attention that something I said was taken out of context,” she wrote. “I Fantasia Monique Barrino don’t judge anyone because I don’t want to be judged. The gay community is one of my largest supporters. I support the gay community as well as they support me. Bloggers please stop misrepresenting the facts.”

I don’t think Fantaisa really meant any harm in her comments, but in the future, seeing as how she just can’t win with those who just don’t approve of her, she should just stop talking about her private life to “give people the facts.” Seriously. It’s not helping whatsoever, and you would think she would have learned that it doesn’t help to try and explain why you do what you do with your life to strangers. Just ask Alicia Keys and Gabrielle Union. As someone who exposed a majority of her life on TV, there’s really no going back from what people saw and decided to take judgment with when it comes to Fantasia.  Just continue to make music, take care of your family and live your life, Fanny. And oh yeah, next time, just stick to posting pictures on Instagram, because these long rant-ish captions just get you in trouble it seems…

Source: youtube.com

A YouTube video of the wedding of Robert Brown and Nathanael Gay, yes two men, have been making the rounds on the black blogosphere and all the reaction hasn’t been kind.

No I’m not talking about the reaction from YouTube posters, who historically have always leaned towards douchebaggery, but the reaction from commentarists, who while not having a problem with a gay wedding, seem to only focus on whatever negative reaction the video has spurred.

Overall the reaction to the video, which shows a slideshow of Brown and Gay, donned in red and white celebrating their nuptials, has been the same reaction that you would except from a wedding; some hate and jealousy but most congratulatory.  However among bloggers the comments like, “Beautiful LOVE is LOVE and people need to realize that. I wish Robert and Nathaniel the best, CONGRATS!!!!!” from YouTube user Va2ga have been overshadowed by reaction to comments like this:

“To each his own, love who you want to love. HOWEVER, this is really a punch in the gut to show Kappa Alpha Psi in a position that , majority, would not appreciate. As a whole we stand for brotherhood but not for gay individuals to infiltrate our fraternity and feel that it’s ok. Once again, love who you want but it would be wise for you not to wear any items showing that you’re a Kappa.”

Coincidentally, this YouTube user is named Smartazzit, which is probably more of an indictment on the user than the content of the actual video.  However this hasn’t stopped some writers from addressing full on the negative comments like, Jenee Desmond-Harris for The Root, who wrote:

“Without going into all of those, we’d like to gently suggest that anyone who’s outraged rather than touched by the video (watch it below) should consider pledging Hater Phi Homophobe.”

And then there was Britini Danielle from Clutch Magazine who wrote: “It’s clear when it comes to sexuality (and race, and sexism, and several other hot-button issues) people conveniently forget the adage, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep it to yourself.” But in this case, I wish they would. Not only are they taking shots at a couple’s special day, but they’re also slandering a 101-year-old institution in the process.”

There is not overtly wrong with either of the ladies thoughts on the matter. However by focusing solely on the negative reaction to the video, they have inadvertently creating a false dichotomy that the only response was negative, when in fact, the video received over two thousand likes, which is by far more of an indication of response than the 110 or so dislikes.  So in essence, even though these writers might be well meaning in their attempt to show that a gay wedding is not a big deal, by focusing solely on the negative reactions, they have ultimately ended up making it into a big deal.

This is what I like to call the Gabby Douglas effect, where a few negative comments via one social networking site spurred a month long (and it is still going on in some circles on the web) discussion about the “controversy” over Gabby Douglas’s hair. After much debate and in some cases bitter divisive attacks, the mainstream media caught wind of it, picked up the story and soon Douglas’ hair became an official national black issue.  Then, in an effect to disassociate ourselves from this new “black issue” we had a new round of commentary, which had writer after writer, expounding on why Douglas’ hair doesn’t matter. Well if her hair didn’t matter, how the hell did we end up talking about it in the first place?

The funny thing was, I hadn’t an opinion on her hair until the topic started to show up ad nasuem in blog posts, columns, news articles and on television news program. I was too busy looking at her medals. And apparently, so was Douglas, who responded, “I’m like, ‘I just made history and people are focused on my hair?’ My point exactly.

As a writer and a commentarist, I have come to learn the difficulty in towing thin line between addressing a controversy and actually creating one. And quite frankly, even I don’t always get it right. Heck, in some ways this post might be  as guilty of over-emphasizing the negative.  But I would hate for this couple’s beautiful nuptials to be overshadowed with a slew of false outrage, which I am sure is soon to come. If we are as progressive as we say we are and  it doesn’t matter that two gay men get married than let’s just make it not matter. And if the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc hasn’t issued a statement condemning the wedding, which I hope not, and a band of bigoted homophobes didn’t crash their wedding with picket signs and pitch forks, than who cares about a few negative comments over the internet?  Let’s just wish them well.

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Source: thegrio.com

From The Grio

Rev. Jesse Jackson would perform a same sex marriage if he was asked to. During last week’s Democratic National Convention, Jackson told conservative outlet Human Events that he sees “no problem” with gay marriage.

“Beginning with the Voting Rights Act of 1965, to the inclusion of blacks, Hispanics, 18-year-olds, and women, opportunities are now unlimited,” Jackson said.

When asked if he would perform a marriage ceremony between two people of the same gender, without hesitation he replied, “If  was asked to.”

This spring, Jackson called for federal protections for gay marriage,s just as  civil rights are protected by the federal government.

Read more at The Grio

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Source: starpulse.com

From BlackVoices

Dear Chick-Fil-A,

You and I sure have had our share of good times. I fondly recall the first moment I ever met you: it was at the Atlanta airport. I’d always heard about you, and was a little nervous to approach. You were everything everyone said you were and more. It was truly love at first bite. I told you I’d come back, and I did — time and time again. We met in various cities all over the country, each time better than the last, as if we’d never been apart. Isn’t that what true love is, where it picks up right it left off?

You can imagine my excitement when I heard you were moving west to my city, Los Angeles. I’d be able to see you as much as I wanted, with no shame or recriminations. Our love would no longer have to be in secret. We could love out loud, for the entire world to see. I was in bliss, and for a time I was truly truly happy.

But baby, lately you’ve been doing me dirty. You’ve been speaking with a forked tongue, spewing hate instead of frying love. Who would have thought that a chicken sandwich would become a symbol for both free speech and intolerance at the same time? It brings a whole new meaning to the question, “Do you it want light or dark?”

I don’t understand why you’re jeopardizing what we have. You’re forcing me to choose between my heart and my stomach. Your president has said that you believe that a marriage is only between a man and a woman. But if anyone keeps eating at your establishment, the only relationship that’ll matter is between a man and his cardiologist. It’s not like anyone, gay or straight, is getting married in your restaurant — nor will any gay couple ever be serving fried food at their nuptials.

You say that gay marriage is a sin, like in Leviticus 19:22. But a preceding verse, Leviticus 17:14, says, “You must not eat the blood of any creature, because the life of every creature is its blood; anyone who eats it must be cut off.” You don’t cook your chicken in a kosher way. On what grounds are you picking and choosing which edicts to follow?

Read the rest of D. L.’s letter on BlackVoices.com.

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Source: complexmedia.com

By Justin Ray

Following Frank Ocean’s announcement of a tryst with another man, rapper Murs has released a new video to accompany his single “Animal Style” that has the internet buzzing.

Although many celebrities commended Ocean for his strength, Murs has taken his support for same-sex equality to a level not many would have the courage. The music video tells a story about two gay youths in high school struggling to maintain a relationship while living in a less than supportive environment. Murs plays Roderick who is in the closet while dating another student, Jonathan. The video depicts the heterosexual rapper upping the same-sex support ante by kissing his male actor counterpart.

Murs’ character Jonathan finds being in a gay relationship too risky and pummels his boyfriend into the ground to avoid being outed in front of his friends. At the end of the story, the two teenage lovers meet again but Roderick pulls out a gun and shoots his boyfriend as well as himself.

The rapper has made a profound statement with the video, calling out all those who oppose gays.
It is a courageous gesture considering that the rap game isn’t exactly the most supportive towards gay people. The music video also features interspersed shots of the rapper rocking a “Legalize Gay” shirt, making his stance abundantly clear.

Sadly, Murs’ is getting more attention for the kiss; but truth be told, the most daring feature of the song is the lyrics. Murs describes his character’s inner conflict with religion: “So he lived in fear of God’s wrath/ The preacher said that God loves us all except fags.” His inner conflict with religion leads him into a downslide of self loathing and eventually the murder/suicide. Of course there can be a lengthy dialogue about whether the message is about organized religion or religion with a capital R; regardless, the fact that he outlined how religion can make gays unjustly hate themselves is more courageous than any kiss could be.

Murs explained his intentions with the song on Youtube: “The first was to be an advocate for people close to me who are out, and those who have yet to come out. It’s also a love song, which is nothing new for me. But with this one I wanted to challenge the listener to ask themselves: Is the love shared by two people of the same gender, really that different than the love I have for my partner of the opposite sex?”
The future of rap may take a new course with more musicians showing support and going against the grain of the history of rap. Last year Lil B released an album entitled “I’m Gay (I’m Happy)” and later revealed he received death threats. Although his support for same-sex rights is more obtuse, he did make a statement about the climate of homophobia in hip hop and his apathy towards it.

Hip hop is meeting a tipping point. Universally respected hip hop artists–Jay Z, Kanye, Eminem, Russell Simmons–are releasing statements in support of gay people. Even the future pioneers of rap have shown support. A$AP Rocky once said about homosexuality that you lose too many friends being homophobic and that hating gays is like being sexually racist.

Murs, along with other rappers who champion the cause, use their influence to show future generations that being gay isn’t a crime. The US government suggests that gay people are not equal citizens by not federalizing gay marriage nor any form of legislation that would at least give gay people some legal recognition to be honored by each state. However, public figures who have influence can show others that supporting gay people shows more strength than rejecting them. Hell, it can even be lucrative.

Either way, the tides suggest that homophobia in the rap community will one day be a state of mind to be laughed at in the future, and Murs has helped that become a possibility.

Check out his groundbreaking song and the video below.

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