www.bilerico.com/2007/10/o...his_si.php


Obama the vote-whore with 'ex-gay' at his side
Filed by: Rev Irene Monroe
October 23, 2007 3:45 PM



It was intended to be an unprecedented example of how Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama's grassroots political campaign could win over just as many religious conservatives as Republicans can. Instead, it has run afoul with lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer supporters, as well as others, who bought into Obama's rhetoric as a healer and consensus builder.

At the Values Voter Summit in Washington last weekend, Obama's campaign announced that they, too, could help conservative voters have a voice in the presidential campaign. They then announced they would be hosting the "Embrace the Change! Gospel Series." It's a gospel fest to run in three South Carolina cities - Charleston, Greenwood and Columbia – this coming weekend with gospel mega-star Pastor Donnie McClurkin as part of the concert line-up.

It appeared to be an innocuous announcement showcasing some of gospel music's most successful artists that would mark the final days of Obama's "40 Days of Faith and Family" campaign in South Carolina. But it's actually outing some of the black gospel chitlin' circuit's closeted gays ministers and biggest opponents of queer civil rights.

A reporter at the New York Daily News wrote me in an e-mail asking, "I'm writing a piece … about Sen. Obama's gospel tour and the fact that one of the performers, Donnie McClurkin, has suggested that gay tendencies can be 'cured' or resisted. ... I'm wondering how you feel specifically about McClurkin acting as an ambassador for Obama to the African-American Southern Christian community."

Well, let me tell you. McClurkin is the poster boy for African-American ex-gay ministries. "There's a group that says, 'God made us this way,' but then there's another group that knows God didn't make them that way," McClurkin has told the media. "Love is pulling you one way and lust is pulling you another, and your relationship with Jesus is tearing you."

In the highly competitive race for black evangelical votes in South Carolina, McClurkin just might give Obama the needed edge. However, that edge will come at a cost far greater than having McClurkin at his side. It comes at revealing how Obama is not only a vote-whore, but a race-card user as well.

The Obama/McClurkin alliance introduces Obama to McClurkin's black and white Southern evangelical base, which thinks Obama is neither Christian nor black enough.

And many observers are starting to realize just how much of a vote-whore Obama is. For example, MSNBC talk-show host Tucker Carlson suggested Obama's faith is "suddenly conspicuous," saying that Obama has only recently begun addressing his religious background as part of "a very calculated plan on the part of the Democratic Party to win" religious voters in the 2008 presidential race.

And though religion came to Obama late in life, and he was reared in a non-religious household, he came to understand "the power of the African-American religious tradition to spur social change." And how much Obama really covets the power of the black church for his own political aggrandizement, rather than for its religion, has raised questions in the minds of many.

When he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2004, Obama campaigned at the Salem Baptist Church on Chicago's South Side. It's the 22,000-member black mega-church of Rev. James Meeks, who has called homosexuality an evil sickness. Outside of the hallowed walls of church the Rev. James Meeks is State Senator James Meeks.

Obama knew to pander to his base.

Obama will continue to speak and write about the special relationship he has with his pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright of Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, as long as it doesn't run afoul of his ambitions. When news got out about Wright's Afrocentric theology and Sunday sermons that disparagingly speak ill of whites and Israel, Obama immediately distanced himself. Yet these same sermons were not a problem for Obama when they were spiritually nurturing him into becoming a public figure. And when news got out that Wright was to deliver the invocation when Obama formally announced his candidacy in February, Obama canceled his appearance.

Many African Americans also suspect Obama of using the "race card" to win their votes, but his emotional detachment with issues blacks care about is a big turnoff. African-American journalist and CNN contributor Roland Martin stated, "You can't find one major moment where black voters have embraced him and showered him with love. I was highly critical of his performance at the June debate at Howard University because that was his crowd. But he failed to ignite the room. One huge Obama supporter told me that his daughter went to the event backing him, and came out loving [Hillary] Clinton."

According to a recent CNN poll, Clinton leads Obama among black registered Democrats, 57 percent to 33 percent. African-American women overwhelmingly support Clinton 68 percent to 25 percent, whereas African-American men favor Obama 46 percent to 42 percent for Clinton. But it is African-American women who hit the polls in much greater numbers than African-American men.

McClurkin is not the only singer on the gospel tour who has publicly spewed vitriolic statements against LGBTQ people. But he is the biggest one Obama can use to try to win over black evangelical voters.
So once again, Obama is proving that his campaign marketed as "The Audacity of Hope" is really based on the audacity of hypocrisy.
mcclurkin.jpg
Tell The Obama Campaign To Cancel McClurkin
Obama Pride - Alex Okrent
Aokrent@barackobama.com
(Donnie McClurkin, left)
Truth Wins Out responded today to a statement released by Sen. Barack Obama's campaign, which condemned "homophobia", but made no mention of cutting ties with homophobic "ex-gay" singer Donnie McClurkin, who is scheduled to appear in a South Carolina gospel tour promoting Obama's campaign. Truth Wins Out contacted the Obama campaign for further comment, but they have yet to respond. Last night, the Obama campaign placed the following statement on its website:
"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.
I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
While Truth Wins Out is grateful that Obama reiterated his support for equal rights, the group believes that Obama should have reinforced his talking points by canceling the appearance of McClurkin. Offering a platform to a man who refers to homosexuality as a "curse" sends the wrong message and is inconsistent with the inclusive theme of the Obama campaign.
"Obama's statement was inadequate and we are disappointed that he failed to sever ties with Donnie McClurkin. We strongly encourage Obama to do the right thing and demonstrate real leadership on this issue," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "Obama is missing a real opportunity to educate Americans and send a strong message that anti-gay rhetoric is repulsive and unacceptable."
Barack Obama and the Gay Issue
By Keith Boykin, in politics
Tuesday, October 23 2007, 10:29AM
There has been a lot of discussion in and out of the community recently about Sen. Barack Obama's upcoming gospel tour in South Carolina. In an apparent effort to win black votes in that crucial primary state, the Obama campaign solicited the help of controversial gospel recording artist Donnie McClurkin and not so controversial gospel duo Mary Mary, among others.
The problem is that Obama supports the gay community but McClurkin, who considers himself an ex-gay, has gone on record repeatedly condemning homosexuality. In addition, the members of Mary Mary have also said publicly that they " don't agree with the [gay] lifestyle." So what's a presidential candidate to do?
Reporters, colleagues and friends have called me in the past few days to get my opinion on this, and I have purposefully declined to comment for fear of fanning the flames before it caught fire. But now that the New York Times has written a story about it today, I realize the story is not going away that easily, so it's time to say something.
First, let me say from the outset that I like Barack Obama. Ever since I first met him in law school, I have always been a fan of his. Over the years, I've followed his career and watched with awe as he has risen to the top of his game in politics. So even when I disagree with him on an issue, it's difficult for me to take a public position against him. If I didn't know him it might be easier.
Having said that, I think it's important to say from the outset that I don't think Barack Obama is prejudiced against gays and lesbians. I believe he supports the community and he's smart enough to know that gays and lesbians contribute to the rich diversity of America. I disagree with him on the marriage issue, but I also disagree with all the candidates on this issue, except for Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel.
Now to the South Carolina event. The tour itself is a great idea, and I don't agree with those who suggest the candidate should cancel the entire event. Blacks in South Carolina make up a major part of the voting constituency in the Democratic primary, and if Obama can win enough black votes he might be able to beat Clinton and Edwards in this make-or-break state.
However, I think the Obama campaign made a big mistake in inviting Donnie McClurkin to the gospel tour. I don't think the campaign staff had any clue to the controversy that would be created by inviting McClurkin, and I think if they had known they would have invited someone else. I also doubt that Obama himself knew anything about the controversy around McClurkin. Having worked on 6 campaigns over the years, I know that many of these scheduling decisions are made without the direct involvement of the candidate.
When pressed by reporters, the Obama campaign released a statement from the candidate yesterday: "I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country."
The statement continues: "I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."
But now that the event has become a national news story, Obama's campaign is stuck in a hard position. If they disinvite McClurkin, they run the risk of offending black voters who are inspired by McClurkin's message and don't know or don't care about the gay controversy. If they go ahead with McClurkin, they run the risk of alienating gay voters who have supported and contributed to their campaign since the beginning.
So what's a presidential candidate to do? As I see it, these are the six main options.
Options On The Table
First, Donnie McClurkin decides to pull out of the tour because of a "scheduling conflict." The gays get rid of McClurkin, the blacks aren't pissed, and McClurkin saves face. The downside is that some people won't believe the "scheduling conflict" line.
Second, the campaign disinvites McClurkin. The gays get what they want and Obama gets the heat off of him, but the conservative black voters in South Carolina may not be happy.
Third, cancel the tour but replace it with a specific concert that McClurkin conveniently can't attend. This is similar to the "scheduling conflict" option at the beginning of the list, but it might be a tad bit more believable because it's just one day that the singer can't perform as opposed to an entire tour.
Fourth, Obama goes ahead with the event but also schedules a meeting with leaders in the black LGBT community. If he's going to go ahead and do the tour anyway, Obama may need to make amends, and meeting with black LGBT figures might be a helpful way of answering both sides. One option is to meet with black LGBT folk in South Carolina. Another option is to allow the National Black Justice Coalition to convene a meeting somewhere else. (In the interest of disclosure, I should say that I am a founder of NBJC but I am not directly involved in the organization anymore, and I would not agree to participate in such a meeting if it happened.)
Fifth, cancel the whole event. The Obama campaign gets rid of the controversy and the gays get rid of the event. But I think this is actually the second worst possible solution. Obama loses the opportunity to reach the gospel fans, the black gospel fans get pissed, and the gays become the scapegoat for all their problems. End result: nobody wins.
Sixth, do the tour with no change and no concessions. This is by far the worst possible solution. The gay community feels stiffed, Obama gets a bad rap, and blacks in South Carolina come out looking like homophobes. End result: nobody wins, except McClurkin.
And I'm not sure McClurkin's perspective is all that important anyway. After all, he's a guy who sang at the Republican National Convention. That's something that good Democrats just don't do.
So whatever option the campaign decides to take, it's going to make for an interesting story. And we still haven't figured out what to do about Mary Mary.
Comments (16) reveal
Comments conceal
bellah
October 23 2007, 10:39AM
So how about he Get the good Minister Michael Eric Dyson to go on tour with him. Brother Dyson will do some schooling on a whole lot of issues
Anonymous
October 23 2007, 11:00AM
Look, these options are all a big shell game, and under each shell is the exact same problem: Barack and his campaign went out of their way to invite homophobes on a mini-Southern tour.
A campaign staff is paid to problem-solve these very same things.
There are a huge number of non-homophobic black gospel singers who have never said a mumbling negative word about gays. Why this ex-gay CHURCH QUEEN and the most nice-nasty sisters in gopsel music? The fact of Barack's selection of hate-bearing sidekicks is not solved by any of those options.
It's not about appeasing gays or appeasing blacks in the South. It's about saying and doing the right thing from the get-go and Barack has missteped like a slew-footed dancer this time: bad, bad boogie.
Barack was going the way of the dodo bird (extinct, campaign-wise) long before this (and like the dodo bird, he's spoken about glowingly even in death). But this latest flap nails it: he'll never get to play president like Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) in The Man.
Blue
October 23 2007, 11:08AM
Nobody can say they don't know about Donnie McClurkin's backstory - he's built his whole fucking career around it ... if he says that he's a damn lie. This man is showing his true colors, just like I thought he would as his campaign progressed. It's a backdoor way of telling ignorant closed-minded black folks he's in agreement with them, at least to some degree. I am not surprised by this.
J
October 23 2007, 11:32AM
You know, I don't know if it's fair to call someone who "disagrees with the homosexual lifestyle" a phobe.
We're not talking about people who beat gays to death.
It is the definition of dumb however when someone in the church or a gospel artist says something of that nature.
I understand they want to remove the "suspect" tag so they can hit up the clubs and buy boys or poke the choir chicks with no heat, but the fact is every church is 89% real fruit. The music scene is pink as
If you have a problem with gays, go live in Tivoli Gardens.
Cocoa Rican
October 23 2007, 11:42 AM
Can McClurkin! The man is a homophobic homosexual and his amazing talent is overshadowed by his insensitive stand toward a community he was once a part of - no one says he can't feel changed, but it doesn't mean you don't remember being the brow-beaten fag at the other end of the hatred. Obama needs to recognize that it's easier to get rid of McClurkin (liked his statement on McClurkin BTW) and replace him with a more diversity-friendly gospel artist. As for Mary-Mary, I'd never support them and their across the line anti-gay antics either. We need to consistently remember that our dollars and support CAN NEVER be leveraged to individuals who do not support our cause - and that includes folks who can't seem to pick a side of the fence.
ccw
October 23 2007, 11:52AM
Obama couldn't do a Gospel concert without having some major gospel artist who has anti-gay beliefs. Yes, Donnie has been very vocal about his, but it's no secret that most of these artists, and the denominations they come from, aren't gay friendly. I'm pretty sure Mary Mary wrote a song that was anti-gay. I've heard other artists put songs on their albums saying things like "come out of homosexuality." To my knowledge, there are no mainstream Gospel artist who are publicly pro-gay. Ideally, Obama's campaign shouldn't have invited Donnie in the first place because of his vocal anti-gay stance. But now that we are here, whatever he decides to do is going to offend someone.
MidwestGuy
October 23 2007, 11:56AM
Is McClurkin preaching on this tour?
Doing lectures?
Having "pray the gay out of you" concerts?
Will there even be a message?
Truthfully, I haven't been a fan of McClurkin since his '04 tour w/Bush.
But, I do not think he should be kicked off the tour. Other than a statement of his beliefs and intentions, I do not think Obama should calm gays nerves by meeting with them.
If he's simply singing god's praises and not delivering a morally/politically charged message, I do not have a problem with that.
I do hope that we are not THAT sensitive.
Myra
October 23 2007, 12:13PM
Obama claims he "supports" the gay community, Obama is saying what the crowds he appears before want to hear, and, now he is going for the "church folk" and the touring groups speak volumes about how he really feels. Mind you, I love me some Mighty Clouds of Joy, but, wouldn't see them in this line up for all the tea in China.
People have a choice when dealing with the gay rights issue,and, sometimes I don't care for how they feel, but, that's thier choice and right as long as they don't bash like so many of these so called church folks do, but, don't profess to be fair and open minded, and then spin around and start hanging with anti-gay or ex gays to pander for votes.
No choice at all for this election on gay or black issues. May as well just appoint Jeb Bush and keep the dynasty going.
Anonymous
October 23 2007, 12:14PM
Barack Obama issued the following statement on 10/22/07:
"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists [and] confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.
I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance [...]."
So if he believes all that then why invite the "Reverent" McClurkin in the first damn place; and if he disagrees with the CHURCH QUEEN then why not kick his bathhouse rammed butt off his tour?!
Yes: I've seen Donnie trolling in the baths! Ex-gay my old ass!
VERB
October 23 2007, 12:26PM
@ Midwest Guy...
I don't think it's so much a matter of being sensitive, but more who Obama has chosen to align himself with in this endeavor. Personally, I don't care who Obama's staff has chosen as he's already publicly stated (time and time again) what his views are in regard to LGBT rights. I think (I may be wrong) that most folks that aren't big on independent thought, may just think that because McClurkin & Mary, Mary are present, then that means "he don't like gays." I think most ppl are stupid and will completely ignore Obama's public statements and assume the worst. (I know I sound cynical, but I read the comments posted here all the time and it's obvious that critical thinking isn't popular in this country. That's My word.)
But TRUST, I hear you loud and clear.
Derrick from Philly
October 23 2007, 12:35PM
This decision by Barack's staff was incredibly stupid. Keith's 4th suggestion is the only one that may relieve some of the damage done to his campaign--only it's not just black gays he should meet with, but white ones also. Remember, it's not just white gays who are angry, it's the liberal friends of white gays, and of course, many BLACK GAYS ALSO! How desperate Barack's staff must've been. You would risk loosing California to make a showing in the South Carolina Primary. Where the hell is ultra conservative South Carolina going to go in the general election? And where the hell has Donnie McClurkin been for the last two general elections? What the hell is he doing coming near any Democrat?
And what the f___k is a Mary Mary? Do you make it with Vodka or Gin?
Regan DuCasse
October 23 2007, 12:48PM
I have to question why McClurkin? I can think of OTHER well known singers who AREN'T homophobic. And bellah makes a great point, there is Rev. Dyson to look to for advisement, Cornel West, media men like Eugene Robinson or Leonard Pitts to show him how to articulate black/gay common concerns, instead of seeing them at odds with each other.
Gay men and women are just as concerned about jobs, educational opportunities and military services as blacks were in another era.
But the more immediate ones ARE the war, gang violence and recruitment, drugs, HIV/AIDS and children born out of wedlock and job loss.
Nobody gets to agree OR disagree with being gay, not even gay folks.
I'm sick of the fence straddling and double talk coming from the candidates.
I always say,
fence straddling cuts off circulation to your balls.
Darian
October 23 2007, 12:51 PM
Let's get real for a moment. There is one thing that people in the red states identify with collectively and that's homophobia and the gospel acts lined up will without a doubt deliver. Donnie McClurkin has been spreading his dangerous message of "change" for years and Mary Mary compares homosexuals to murderers and prostitutes.
Republican politicians have used the LGBT community to divide this country and energize their base by gay bashing and promoting fear for decades and with this tour Barack Obama stoops to the same pathetic political level. There is nothing God-fearing black folks accept more than a good fire and brimstone sermon condeming "the gays" or better yet a powerful testimony from an ex-gay who is 48 years old and unmarried. At $10 a ticket this tour will sell out in South Carolina and everyone involved will benefit at the expense of gays and lesbians all over this country. I long for the day when black gays and lesbians stop supporting their music and walk out of these homophobic churches.

Shabaka
October 23 2007, 1:00 PM
I was wondering when you were going to post something about this issue...So here we are.
Well in my opinion, he shouldn't align himself with Donnie...AT ALL. But if he's going to then he should go with option # 4 since it's the only one that offers a "win-win" situation. Southern black folks are happy and LGTBs feel included as well.
cward [TypeKey Profile Page]
October 23 2007, 1:02PM
The harsh reality is that Obama does not know how to connect with the Black community without the addition of the church. He is outside of his element in the Black community and I am more surprised that his wife (Michelle) is not taking the lead in this area. Obama is more of a figure for the liberal white Americans to feel comfortable to vote for a Black president.
We as black gay people are not welcome by many churches; so that it hard to accept anyone would align themselves with these churches, especially one who is running for President.
Final thought: black gays (men and women) are not his target audience. When Democratic candidates speak about gay issues they are all "light weights" because we would not vote Republican. We are guaranteed votes!
Be sure to check out my blog, thanks!
Billy
October 23 2007, 1:08PM
I believe that he was familiar with McClurkin but his idea was just to have him sing-not preach. I think he made these choices because they are artists who have spoken out against gays and maybe by inviting themn some of the conservative voters who purchase their music could possibly be persuaded-an attempt to bridge the gaps. However I think at this point-option 3 looks like the best remedy.

www.queerty.com/news/barac...s-20071022/

weblogs.baltimoresun.com/news/...a.html

www.americanthinker.com/blog/2...ed.html

thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007...tour/

www.dailykos.com/story/200.../123237/35

Monday, October 22, 2007
Jasmyne Cannick jasmynecannick.com/
Photo


Obama: Blacks, Gays, and Homophobic Gospel Singers

Presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama recently announced his plans to go on an "Embrace the Change! Gospel Concert Series" tour through South Carolina this week with gospel singers Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary in order to drum up support for his campaign.
I am not surprised by his campaign's decision to pair up with McClurkin and Mary Mary. Let's face it, whether you like them or not, they are two of America's most popular gospel singers.
However, I am surprised that given the number of high profile openly gay men and women working on Obama's campaign, that neither one of those choices set off a red flag for any of them. Perhaps that's because most, if not all of the gays working on the Obama campaign are predominantly white, followed by Asians and Latinos. Pair that up with a set of campaign advisors that probably never heard of Donnie McClurkin or Mary Mary until recently, and you can easily see how the stage could be set for something like this.
So what's the deal with Donnie McClurkin and Mary Mary?
Well, it's no secret among Black same-gender loving people that Donnie McClurkin went from being a gay man, to being a heterosexual gay bashing gospel singer and preacher. And sister's Mary Mary made it crystal clear earlier this yeat in an interview with Vibe Magazine how they felt about gays. When asked how they felt about homosexuality and having a gay following they likened gays to prostitutes and murderers.

"I feel how God feels about it, um… but I still love them. You know what I mean? I don't agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They can come to the concert; I'm going to hug them just like I hug everybody else. They have issues and need somebody to encourage them like everybody else - just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute, everybody needs God. What your struggle is may not be what my struggle is, but we all need Him. So, that's what our music is about: giving and God. Not to condone the lifestyle or to say, Oh it's okay, but not to bash - but just to give them God. I mean, I'm appreciative of all of our supporters and fans. Hopefully what their hearing and saying in our music is my love for God ."---Mary Mary's Erica Campbell, VIBE Magazine, March 2007.

So now there's an uproar, mostly within the Black LGBT community over Obama's willingness to campaign with gospel singers that are homophobic through the South. And because Obama has continuously dodged the issue of gay marriage and hasn't sought the gay vote in the manner that his competition has, it's leaving a bitter taste in the mouths of some.
But before I use this incident to bash on Obama and further help his opposition, I would ask that he take the time to meet with African-American gays and lesbians to hear our concerns about why although we may want to support him, staging events with Black homophobic gospel singers is a definite put off. Let's call this a teachable moment.
It's no secret that his competition Sen. Clinton has been successfully courting and wooing gays from day one. She can do that. She's a white female with a lot less to lose. Obama on the other hand has probably been advised that he must tread lightly to avoid angering African-Americans, especially those religious ones that are evenly split between their affinity for him and Clinton. An issue such as gay marriage might send them packing right over Clinton's camp.
But I say that Obama's got to get with it and he better get with it fast. He watches the news just like I do, and I know he's seen the polls and reports of him trailing far behind Clinton.
The bottom line is that Obama can't afford to alienate the gay community, but can even lesser afford to alienate the Black gay community.
For many Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans race trumps sexual orientation everyday of the week. However, when it comes to homophobia, especially within our own communities, our sexual orientation wins out over any race related alliances we may have. The reason for that is that many Black gays have experienced racism from whites, similar to that of heterosexual Blacks, but when it comes to homophobia, well that is often a Black on Black crime if you know what I mean.
What Obama doesn't need is for those same Black gays who want to support him because he's a brother and believes he can do the job, to turn to one of one of his competitors because he's perceived to be supporting and campaigning with homophobic people.
Obama has an ace in his had and he doesn't even know it. Unlike Sen. Clinton and the other presidential candidates, Obama is in the unique position to use his race to speak directly to African-American gays and lesbians in a way that none of the other candidate's can or will. When Hillary markets to gays, 9 times out of 10, it's to predominantly white gay and lesbians. Obama has made it a point at times to reach out directly to African-Americans for support and should take an extra step to reach out to Black gays in particular. Now that would be an example embracing the change and showing audacity!
Obama and his camp might be surprised to find that the issues most relevant to Black gays aren't marriage, but access to jobs with living wages and affordable healthcare. For those more affluent gays, which more often tend to be white, marriage might be the number one issue because many of them already enjoy large salaries that provide health benefits, live in safe clean neighborhoods, and have access to resources to provide for a comfortable life. But for many Black gays who live in traditional Black communities around the country and whose struggles more closely mirror the common issues facing African-Americans, marriage is often second to myriad of more basic needs like being able to keep food on the table, a roof over their family's heads, and access to affordable healthcare. Which is not to say that Black lesbian and gay couples don't benefit from marriage, but if you weigh marriage verses having food to eat and a roof over your head, what do you think is going win? Bottom line, the gay community is not monolithic.
At the end of the day, a vote is a vote, and Obama can't afford to lose a single one nor can he afford to be labeled as homophobic at this stage of the game.
Besides if gays can forgive Patti LaBelle for participating in homophobic Black mega church pastor Bishop Eddie Long's Easter Service, we should be able to work through this issue together with Obama.
Obama, have your people call my people, and let's make this happen.

Obama's LGBT Platform



www.huffingtonpost.com/earl-o...44.html


Earl Ofari Hutchinson
Earl Ofari Hutchinson| BIO |

Obama Should Repudiate and Cancel His Gay Bash Tour, and Do It Now
Posted October 20, 2007 | 08:10 PM (EST)
Read More: black evangelicals, black homophobia, Black Vote, bush, Donnie McClurkin, gay bashing, gays, Hillary Clinton, homophobia, obama, Obama Donnie McClurkin, Obama gay bash tour, Obama South Carolina , south carolina democratic primary, Breaking Politics News

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Democratic Presidential candidate Barack Obama ripped a page straight from the Bush campaign playbook with his announced upcoming three date barnstorm tour through South Carolina with notorious gay basher, gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. The Grammy winning black gospel singer's last effort on the political scene was his song and shill for Bush's reelection at the Republican National Convention in 2004. Obama has hitched his string to McClurkin's high flying gay bash kite in part out of religious belief (he purports to be somewhat of an evangelical), in bigger part because he's falling further and further behind Hillary Clinton with the black vote in South Carolina and everywhere else, and in the biggest part of all because he hopes that what worked for Bush's reelection will work for him.
# HuffIt --
Enter McClurkin. He's black, he's popular, and gospel plays big with blacks in South Carolina, especially black evangelicals, and many of them openly and even more of them quietly loathe gays.
Bush masterfully tapped that homophobic sentiment in 2000 in part with McClurkin and even more masterfully in 2004 again with McClurkin and the top gun mega black preachers in Ohio and Florida. He tapped it so masterfully that Bush's naked pander to gay bashing with the GOP spawned anti-gay marriage initiative in Ohio did much to win over a big chunk of black evangelical leaning voter to Bush.
In fact, the great untold story of the 2004 presidential elections was the black evangelical vote.
Although black evangelicals still voted overwhelmingly for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, they gave Bush the cushion he needed to bag Ohio and win the White House. There were early warning signs that might happen. The same polls that showed black's prime concern was with bread and butter issues -- and that Kerry was seen as the candidate who could deliver on those issues -- also revealed that a sizeable number of blacks ranked abortion, gay marriage and school prayer as priority issues. Their concern for these issues didn't come anywhere close to that of white evangelicals, but it was still higher than that of the general voting public.
A Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies poll in 2004 found that blacks by a far larger margin than the overall population opposed gay marriage. That raised a few eyebrows among some political pundits, but there were much earlier signs of blacks' relentless hostility to gays and gay rights. A survey that measured black attitudes toward gays published in Jet magazine in 1994 found that a sizable number of blacks were suspicious and scornful of them. Many blacks also were put off by Kerry's perceived support of abortion. In polls, Kerry got 20 percent less support from black conservative evangelicals than Democratic presidential contender Al Gore received in 2000.
In Florida and Wisconsin, Republicans aggressively courted and wooed key black religious leaders. They dumped big bucks from Bush's Faith-Based Initiative program into church-run education and youth programs. Black church leaders not only endorsed Bush but in some cases they actively worked for his re-election, and encouraged members of their congregations to do the same.
This lesson isn't lost on Obama. Desperate to snatch back some of the political ground with black voters that are slipping away from him and to Hillary; Bush's black evangelical card seems like the perfect play. Obama wouldn't dare go down the knock gay path, and risk drawing the inevitable heat for it, if he didn't think as Bush that anti-gay sentiment is still wide and deep among many blacks.
And that's what makes Obama's ala Bush pander to anti-gay mania even more shameless and reprehensible. From the moment that he tossed his hat in the presidential ring, Obama has done everything he could to sell himself to voters, as the Man on the White Horse, a fresh new face on the scene, with new ideas, and the candidate that's not afraid to boldly challenge Bush and the GOP on everything from the Iraq war to health care.
He's also sold himself as a healer and consensus builder. Legions have bought his pitch, and have shelled out millions to bankroll his campaign. But healing and consensus building does not mean sucking up to someone that publicly boasts that he's in "a war" against gays, and that the aim of his war is to "cure" them. That's what McClurkin has said. Polls show that more Americans than ever say that they support civil rights for gays, and a torrent of gay themed TV shows present non-stereotypical depictions of gays. But this increased tolerance has not dissipated the hostility that far too many blacks, especially hard core Bible thumping blacks, feel toward gays.
Obama has spent months telling everyone that he's everything that Bush isn't. He can proof it by saying a resounding no to McClurkin and to gay bashing. He can cancel and repudiate the South Carolina "gospel" tour, and do it now.
Obama won't back down from SC concert with homobigot ex-gay Donnie McClurkin
by: pam pamshouseblend.com/showDiary.do
Mon Oct 22, 2007 at 20:30:00 PM EDT
The Obama campaign had a chance to comment on why he decided to sign on for a gospel concert tour in South Carolina this weekend featuring recloseted anti-gay homosexual Donnie McClurkin (my earlier post is here).

One gay activist involved with the Obama campaign said the situation puts the candidate in a bind, since he risks offending evangelicals in South Carolina if he cancels McClurkin's appearance but could alienate gay supporters if the performance proceeds as planned.

"This story is quickly turning into a disaster for Barack," said the supporter who is active on gay and lesbian issues. "He's screwed if he goes through with the trip with Donnie McClurkin….But he's also screwed in South Carolina if he dumps McClurkin. I hope that the staffer who set this up has already been fired."

There wasn't any response one way or another until now, and the Illinois senator and White House hopeful has made it clear what it comes down to when it means placating the homophobic religious black vote versus gay and lesbian voters (including gay people of color, who are the ones on the front line of discrimination in their religious communities).

About 6:40 pm today, the Obama campaign issued a written statement from the candidate saying that he "strongly disagree(s)" with McClurkin's views. Still, a spokesman said McClurkin would remain part of the concert line-up.

"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country," Obama said in the written statement.

"I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division," the statement added.

This is a sorry response, a feeble attempt to have it both ways. Overcoming homophobia does not include sharing the stage with a man who compares gays and lesbians to liars.

McClurkin explains, "There are certain things like, you know, anybody who has a lying problem; they get to the point where they hate being so, having such a lack of character that they make a change."

That said, this is a much larger problem than Barack Obama and the decision of his campaign to kowtow to the religious black vote versus his LGBT allies.
More below the fold.
Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters' Alvin McEwan must have been reading my mind:

Remember, the African-American community has no out lgbt leaders gracing the covers of Ebony, Jet, or Essence. The African-American media does not necessarily take it upon itself to present issues indigenious to the lgbt of color experience.

And for the most part, neither does the mainstream lgbt community.

So McClurkin can easily portray himself as a victim and the lgbt community as religious oppressors in these avenues.

And this could lead to another possible distraction to divide the mainstream lgbt and the heterosexual African-American community.

...The fact of the matter is that McClurkin has extreme popularity in the African-American community. And the lack of lgbts of color to give our side of the issue only makes the entire community look not only anti-religious but racist.

A few of us are out here talking about the complexities of tackling homophobia in the black community, but no, we're not discussed or known in the black MSM -- you're not going to read about the National Black Justice Coalition in the above-mentioned magazines. It's a blackout of sorts, no pun intended.

Earl Ofari Hutchison made it clear in his Huff Post piece, "Obama Should Repudiate and Cancel His Gay Bash Tour, and Do It Now ," that Obama is well aware of the math and the equation of making the decision he made today.

A Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies poll in 2004 found that blacks by a far larger margin than the overall population opposed gay marriage. That raised a few eyebrows among some political pundits, but there were much earlier signs of blacks' relentless hostility to gays and gay rights. A survey that measured black attitudes toward gays published in Jet magazine in 1994 found that a sizable number of blacks were suspicious and scornful of them. Many blacks also were put off by Kerry's perceived support of abortion. In polls, Kerry got 20 percent less support from black conservative evangelicals than Democratic presidential contender Al Gore received in 2000.

In Florida and Wisconsin, Republicans aggressively courted and wooed key black religious leaders. They dumped big bucks from Bush's Faith-Based Initiative program into church-run education and youth programs. Black church leaders not only endorsed Bush but in some cases they actively worked for his re-election, and encouraged members of their congregations to do the same.

This lesson isn't lost on Obama. Desperate to snatch back some of the political ground with black voters that are slipping away from him and to Hillary; Bush's black evangelical card seems like the perfect play. Obama wouldn't dare go down the knock gay path, and risk drawing the inevitable heat for it, if he didn't think as Bush that anti-gay sentiment is still wide and deep among many blacks.

For Obama to have to take on the entire mantle of addressing the anti-gay rhetoric promoted by the likes of Donnie McClurkin and his supporters is a lot to ask, but there are going to be precious few voices in the black community who are going to be willing to call out McClurkin on his bigotry and ex-gay misinformation and do something about it. We now know what the "something" is.

Obama Connected To Homophobic Singer
by The Associated Press post on 365gay.com
Posted: October 22, 2007 - 7:00 pm ET
(Washington) A gay rights group on Monday urged Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama to cut ties with a gospel singer who they say spreads false information about gays and lesbians.
Donnie McClurkin is among several gospel singers scheduled to raise money for the Illinois senator at a concert in South Carolina this weekend.
McClurkin has drawn attention from gay rights activists for his views on homosexuality.
"I don't believe that it is the intention of God," McClurkin said Monday in a telephone interview.
McClurkin said he does not believe in discriminating against homosexuals. "What people do in their bedrooms and who they are as human beings are two different things," he said.
Obama's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
"We strongly urge Obama to part ways with this divisive preacher who is clearly singing a different tune than the stated message of the campaign," Wayne Besen, executive director of Truth Wins Out, said in a statement. Besen also writes a weekly opinion column for 365Gay.com.
At a forum on gay issues in August, Obama argued that civil unions for same-sex couples wouldn't be a "lesser thing" than marriage. Obama belongs to the United Church of Christ, which supports gay marriage, but Obama has yet to go that far.
In a telephone interview Monday, Besen said he admired Obama, but wasn't ready to endorse him, especially considering McClurkin taking part in the campaign's "Embrace the Change" concert tour.
"I think he'd be a great president. But I think it's going to drive away support from people who are on the fence such as myself," Besen said.
McClurkin, a Grammy Award winner, performed at the Republican National Convention in 2004.

Monday, October 22, 2007
Truth Wins Out Calls On Barack Obama To Immediately Cut Ties With 'Ex-Gay' Preacher Who Rails Against Homosexuality
posted by Wayne Besen # 1:20 PM
--

Singer Donnie McClurkin's Divisive Rhetoric Defies Obama's Pledge To Bring Americans Together, says TWO

NEW YORK - Truth Wins Out called on Sen. Barack Obama to immediately distance his campaign from "ex-gay" preacher and gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. Obama is scheduled to tour South Carolina with the controversial singer, even though McClurkin's mean-spirited rhetoric runs counter to the senator's conciliatory efforts, says Truth Wins Out.

"We strongly urge Obama to part ways with this divisive preacher who is clearly singing a different tune than the stated message of the campaign," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "We can only hope that Obama is unaware of McClurkin's anti-gay history and will swiftly condemn such intolerance. Real leadership includes standing up to those who drive wedges between the American people."

McClurkin says he once suffered from "the curse of homosexuality" and has used his platform as a well-known gospel singer to spread untruths about gay and lesbian people.

"There are countless numbers of people who are not happy in this lifestyle and want to be freed from it," said McClurkin. "They were thrust into homosexuality by neglect, abuse and molestation, and want desperately to live normal lives and one day have a happy home and family."

"McClurkin's explanations for homosexuality are patently absurd, unscientific and have no basis in fact," said Besen. "He is a sad figure who is using his celebrity to demean and diminish the lives of healthy gay people who have chosen to live openly and honestly. I can't imagine why the Obama campaign would choose to associate with a man who is so closely identified with hatred and discrimination."

Truth Wins OUT is a non-profit organization that counters right wing propaganda, exposes the "ex-gay" myth and educates America about gay life. For more information, visit www.TruthWinsOut.org.