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Interview with new NBJC Board Member Michelle Brown
Michelle E. Brown is an author and activist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. She is on the board of Michigan Equality and the National Black Justice Coalition, is the co-chair of the Michigan Women in AIDS Committee and is a published author and poet. Her work is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city. Drawing upon the city’s rich history and her own personal travels locally and nationally for inspiration, she has written essays for several mainstream and alternative newspapers, is a monthly columnist in “Between the Lines” Michigan’s only LGBT Newspaper, and has published poetry, short stories and authored two books. When not writing she works as a consultant to small businesses and non-profit organization providing organizational development assistance.
The full interview is here.
Bishop Flunder on Donnie McClurkin
Beloved,
I watched a clip of Pastor Donnie McClurkin at the COGIC Convocation where he used the words perversion and vampirism in reference to feminine young men and ‘evil’ butch young ladies. He suggested that the church had failed them and not been active enough in helping these young people find deliverance. He ranted against gospel artist and pastor Tonex’ with regard to Tonex’ recent affirmation of his own same gender orientation.
The full text of Bishop Flunder's commentary is here.
Entertainer Karen Williams and Author Michelle Brown Join NBJC Board
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is pleased to announce the addition of author and performer Karen Williams and author / activist Michelle Brown to its Board of Directors.
 An internationally acclaimed and nationally-known comedienne and humorist, Ms. Williams background includes over twenty years of theatrical training, improvisational comedy, dance and movement, psychodrama, active parenting, metaphysical studies, and Buddhist practice. She is also the creator and facilitator of the Humor-at-Large Workshop Series, founder of the National Women's Comedy Conference, past president of the Association of Women's Music and Culture, and former Board Member of AIDS, Medicine and Miracles. Williams graduated summa cum laude from Cleveland State University with a personally designed major in "Humor and Healing," and earned a Master of Education degree from CSU's Adult Learning & Development program.
 Michelle E. Brown is an author and activist born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. Her work is strongly influenced by the socio-economic, political and human rights history of the city. Drawing upon the city’s rich history and her own personal travels locally and nationally for inspiration, she has written essays for several mainstream and alternative newspapers, is a monthly columnist in “Between the Lines” Michigan’s only LGBT Newspaper, and has published poetry, short stories and authored two books. When not writing she works as a consultant to small businesses and non-profit organization providing organizational development assistance.
The full press release is here.
Landmark Federal Hate Crimes Bill
Signed Into Law
Obama signs bill into law Wednesday October 28th
 The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) hails today’s signing of the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act into federal law. The act makes it a federal crime to assault an individual because of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. NBJC Executive Director Sharon J. Lettman has been invited to attend the Presidential reception at the White House later this evening commemorating this historic event.
“By signing this act into law, this administration sends a clear message that the civil rights of every American are worth protecting and defending,” said Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC Executive Director. “No one should have to live their life in fear of violence simply for living their life openly.”
Full article and more on African American LGBT hate crimes is here.
NBJC Applauds Obama Administration
Inclusion of LGBT in HUD Programs
Steps include first-ever national study of discrimination
against members of the LGBT community
in the renting and sale of housing
The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) applauds today’s announcement of proposals designed to ensure that U.S. Housing And Urban Development (HUD) housing programs are open to all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
These initiatives are among the strongest steps yet taken by the Obama Administration to ensure full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) individuals in all aspects of society. Included is a proposed rule to explicitly include LGBT individuals in eligibility requirements, as well as specifying that sexual orientation or gender identity not be considered as factors in qualifying for any FHA-insured mortgage.
“This is a very positive development, and we are confident that it is one step among many that the LGBT community can look forward to from this President,” said Sharon J. Lettman, NBJC Executive Director. “It is vital that we recognize all the compositions of African American families, from single mom-led households to grandparents raising their grandchildren; families of color also include LGBT households and family members.”
Full news release is here.
 The National Black Justice Coalition Board of Directors recently announced that they have chosen Sharon J. Lettman as the organization's new Executive Director. Headquartered in Washington, DC, The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ending racism and homophobia.
Many civil rights and social justice leaders have hailed Lettman's appointment as Executive Director (see sidebar), as well as commentary from prominent blogs including Pam's House Blend, Rod 2.0 and publications including Metro Weekly.
Click here for comments from several leaders and more on Lettman.
NBJC announces new executive director, Sharon Lettman
WASHINGTON, OCTOBER 5, 2009—The National Black Justice Coalition Board of Directors today announced that they have chosen Sharon J. Lettman as the organization's new Executive Director. Headquartered in Washington, DC, The National Black Justice Coalition is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and ending racism and homophobia.
"We must bring our families together," Lettman said. "Gay and transgender people are our children, our brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, parents, co-workers and friends. They are a vital part of the black community, and it is time for everyone to recognize the real issues we all face when our brothers and sisters are denied full participation in the life of our community.
"What has always drawn me to this work, and to the people I've been proud to stand alongside, is the knowledge that we must work together to create the better future we seek," Lettman continued. "In my new role at NBJC, that means lifting the voices of our community, building bridges so that all who experience discrimination can understand the common ground we share, and walking across those bridges together in greater and greater numbers toward equal rights for all."
Lettman’s efforts to advance the conversation of race, religion, and sexual orientation have shown remarkable progress through the African American Religious Affairs Program she led at People For the American Way Foundation that addressed Homophobia in the Black Church. In addition, The Gill Foundation highlighted Lettman in its 2008 annual report as a “key ally” for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality movement. She is also on the board of directors for National Stonewall Democrats.
The full press release is here.
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NBJC Culture Blog:
by Christopher Beckwith
As America mourned the passing of Patrick Swayze, I noticed that recognition of his ground-breaking role as Vida Boheme in ‘To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar’ was noticeably absent. I was surprised and a little saddened because the move made a big impression on my life and is still one of my favorites.
‘To Wong Foo’ was a light-hearted feel good movie with a subliminal message of tolerance. Patrick  Swayze played Vida Boheme, the matriarch of an unlikely trio of drag queens that travel from New York City to Hollywood to participate in the ‘Drag Queen of America’ contest. It was a landmark role and arguably Patrick Swayze’s most demanding.
Full article is here. |
The September Religious Affairs newsletter is out now!
Articles and links follow below - if you aren't already a subscriber, take a moment now to subscribe!
Religious Affairs September 2009 Newsletter
Anti-Heterosexism Conference Coming Soon: Join us for an amazing conference challenging reparative therapy and the “ex-gay” movement in Palm Beach Florida, November 20-22, 2009 at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Keynote Speakers are Rev. Deborah L. Johnson, Psychiatrist Jack Drescher and Sylvia Rhue. This is a groundbreaking conference with experts from around the nation. All information is below.
Next, we feature a powerful message from a true American hero and champion of justice Julian Bond who says:
“I do not believe the battle for LGBT rights will ever be won until we can diminish the homophobia in black communities and until more in the black LGBT community join the battle openly.”
Julian Bond is a brilliant treasure who has never wavered and never hesitated to put his word and reputation on the line for LGBT rights.
We are pleased to announce that there will be a workshop/panel discussion on homophobia and the Black community at the NAACP/CA Annual Conference in Manhattan Beach, CA on Saturday, October 24. This workshop is conducted by NBJC and PFAW. We encourage you to attend.
Next, we feature details about the beautiful wedding ceremony conducted by Rev. Irene Monroe for Cambridge, MA Mayor Denise Simmons and Mattie Hayes. History in the making. Then MCC gives us information about anti-gay violence in Jamaica and what we can do about it. Then, American United and other groups challenge Bush Era faith based funding.
The Washington Blade article on the Episcopal Church is linked for your edification and Rev. Deborah Johnson sends us a brilliant article on racism and spiritual ways to look at what is happening in America today.
Finally, please pray for Caster Semenya as she is on suicide watch after the world was informed of her status as an intersex person. She has done nothing wrong and she has been humiliated with her athletic career in question. We need to work more on understanding the range of human expressions that should not be subject to ridicule but honored as part of natures plan for life.
Sylvia Rhue, Ph.D.
Director of Religious Affairs
National Black Justice Coalition
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NBJC Culture Blog:
by Christopher Beckwith
Community protests continue over the raid at Midtown Atlanta gay leather bar The Eagle. The club is a long-standing Midtown fixture with a 23 year history in Atlanta.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the raid was a result of a tip  sent to Mayor Shirley Franklin’s office alleging ‘illicit sex’ at The Eagle. Ironically, Mayor Franklin’s election and re-election campaigns were headquartered in space adjoining The Eagle. This is a total contradiction to earlier claims of ‘several complaints’, which itself is suspect since there were no arrests for sex or selling of drugs which were the initial reasons for the raid. No drugs were found during the raid.
Full article is here. |
NBJC and NCLR Hail Introduction Of Congressional DOMA Repeal
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(Washington, DC, September 15, 2009) — The National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR) applauds lawmakers for introducing legislation to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA), a law THAT discriminates against lawfully married same-sex couples. Through DOMA, the federal government selectively denies same-sex couples more than 1,100 federal protections and responsibilities, including Social Security and immigration benefits, that apply to ALL OTHER married couples.
“DOMA is an egregious piece of legislation as it codifies discrimination into federal law. As African Americans, we know all too well the injustices that laws such as this impose on our communities and our families. We encourage the Congressional Black Caucus to join us in calling for its repeal,” said Jason Bartlett, Deputy Director of the National Black Justice Coalition. “As African Americans, we are sensitive to the federal government trying to define our families. Let us consign the mistakes of the past to history and move forward together. We call on Congress to pass the Respect to Marriage Act as we continue to fight for our civil rights."
Full press release here.
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NBJC Culture Blog:
by Christopher Beckwith
MTV has always been known for shock value but I don’t think even they were ready for the events of this year’s VMA awards.
The show began with Madonna’s emotional tribute to Michael Jackson. Her heart-warming sentiments were followed by a montage of Michael’s dance moves in a gravity-defying number that ended with a precise recant by Janet Jackson of the landmark video ‘Scream’. Scream still holds the record for most expensive music video ever at $7 million. It’s also my all-time favorite music video so they definitely had my attention.
That’s when the show went sour. After a few more unmemorable moments in the show, Kanye sprang into action.
Full article and video remix here. |
Minorities Constitute Nearly Half FY2008 Discharges under ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell'
New Data Contradict Claims that Policy is "Working"
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/10/2009
 WASHINGTON, DC - Servicemembers United, the nation's largest organization of gay and lesbian troops and veterans and their straight allies, today released new data showing that racial and ethnic minorities constituted an unusually large percentage of discharges under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (DADT) law in Fiscal Year (FY) 2008. These new data were obtained by Servicemembers United directly from the Department of Defense (DOD) through a Freedom of Information Act request.
"We have always known that the ‘Don't Ask, Don't Tell' law has a disproportionate impact on women and minorities in the military," said Alexander Nicholson, a former U.S. Army interrogator and the executive director of Servicemembers United. "These new numbers, however, show that the problem is getting worse and that this policy has ultimately failed. Lawmakers have a responsibility to address this problem immediately, and the President should hasten the appointment of a new Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness who is qualified and willing to deal with this issue."
Full press release is here.
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