January 28, 2011

NBJC News

January 28, 2011

NBJC E-Digest

Have something to share? Email info@nbjc.org to submit ideas for the NBJC E-Digest.

NBJC Media Hits

NBJC Board Member, Michelle Brown, Profiled in Curve Magazine

Highlights of the Week

Statement by the President on the Killing of David Kato and LGBT Murder in Honduras

An In-depth Look at David Kato's Life, Work and the Rise in Anti-LGBT Violence in Uganda

Obama Administration Moves to Ban LGBT Discrimination in Federal Housing Programs

Incoming DC Mayor Names African American as Liaison to Gay Community

Shocker! No Same-Sex Marriage Nod in SOTU from Obama

Congressman Jim Jordan Will Push for D.C. Gay Marriage Ban

Prop 8 Opponents Ask California High Court to Reject Federal Court's Request for Ruling

MLK's Daughter Turns Down Leadership of SCLC

LGBT Activists in MD, NY and RI Optimistic About Marriage Equality

Discharging gays cost Pentagon $200 million

Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment Advances In Iowa

Hawaii: Civil Unions Pass First Hurdle

25 Years of LGBT Issues on Oprah

Is Marriage Equality the Right Battle for Gay Families?

Dear Annie: Gay Son’s Actions at College Trouble Parents

The African American Community Needs More Honesty and Fewer Apostles, Bishop, and Prophets

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Mission Statement

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) is a civil rights organization dedicated to empowering Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. NBJC's mission is to eradicate racism and homophobia

Dear Friend,

NBJC joins LGBT people and our allies around the world in mourning the death of David Kato, an LGBT activist who was murdered in Uganda. We join with President Obama in calling for those responsible for this hateful act of violence to be brought to justice and for an end to anti-LGBT violence everywhere.

This week’s E-Digest contains many stories documenting each side of the marriage equality debate prepping for the next round of battles. The articles discuss the strategies being readied by legislators, attorneys, and activists at the federal, state, and local levels.

As these events unfold, NBJC’s role in the upcoming battles is clear. We are dedicated to providing leadership at the intersection of mainstream civil rights groups and mainstream LGBT organizations, advocating for the unique challenges and needs of the African American LGBT community that are often relegated to the sidelines. “Building Stronger Black Families” is one of NBJC’s primary goals, and we understand that without authentic, meaningful representation and active participation from the African American LGBT community, LGBT equality cannot be positioned effectively within the broader civil rights context.

Some believe that the struggle for marriage equality is being fueled by the affluent, white members of the LGBT community who are largely interested in securing access to tax breaks and simplified estate planning. However, a new analysis of 2010 Census data shows that, in the absence of marriage equality, Black LGBT couples experience greater financial hardships and lack essential health care coverage, which unnecessarily exposes their children to greater health risks.

Marriage equality will benefit the larger LGBT movement, but it will specifically help Black LGBT families gain access to the necessary tools needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world and begin to chip away at the disparities that impact our families.

The situation described is the “intersection” at which NBJC’s role as a bridge builder becomes critical. NBJC has accepted the charge to lead a Black LGBT agenda to strengthen the bonds and bridge the gaps within African American communities and within LGBT communities to improve the quality of life for Black LGBT people. The E-Digest is our way of keeping you up-to-date about the important news and issues affecting Black LGBT people and our families, but you can also follow our day-to-day progress on nbjc.org, Facebook, and Twitter.

Onward and upward,

Sharon J. Lettman-Hicks

Executive Director

NBJC Board Member, Michelle Brown, Profiled in Curve Magazine

oct29-edigest-Michelle-Brown Michelle E. Brown is fearless. Born and raised in Detroit, she has always looked for an audience in the most unlikely places, often finding herself the only African American lesbian in a room full of Republicans while giving a lecture on the value of equal rights.

Statement by the President on the Killing of David Kato and LGBT Murder in Honduras – The White House

[object Object] I am deeply saddened to learn of the murder of David Kato. In Uganda, David showed tremendous courage in speaking out against hate. He was a powerful advocate for fairness and freedom. The United States mourns his murder, and we recommit ourselves to David's work.

At home and around the world, LGBT persons continue to be subjected to unconscionable bullying, discrimination, and hate. In the weeks preceding David Kato's murder in Uganda, five members of the LGBT community in Honduras were also murdered. It is essential that the Governments of Uganda and Honduras investigate these killings and hold the perpetrators accountable.

LGBT rights are not special rights; they are human rights. My Administration will continue to strongly support human rights and assistance work on behalf of LGBT persons abroad. We do this because we recognize the threat faced by leaders like David Kato, and we share their commitment to advancing freedom, fairness, and equality for all.

An In-depth Look at David Kato's Life, Work and the Rise in Anti-LGBT Violence in Uganda – Huffington Post

[object Object] This resourceful and compelling column was written by Joseph Ward III, who is with Intersections International. It discusses David Kato's work and the causes for the increase in anti-LGBT violence in Uganda

Obama Administration Discrimination Ban – Washington Post

[object Object] Under the leadership of President Obama, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has initiated a process that will ban discrimination against LGBT people in federal housing programs. Once in place, the rule will include language that specifically prohibits discrimination based on gender identity. This is another important step toward full equality for LGBT people.

Incoming DC Mayor Names African American as Liaison to Gay Community – Metro Weekly

Incoming DC Mayor, Vincent Gray, is expected to appoint Jeffrey Richardson, an African American and LGBT activist, as the head of the Office of LGBT Affairs.

Shocker, No Same Sex Marriage Nod in SOTU from Obama – Washington Post

The headline on this Jonathan Capehart column is full of irony. He says that he wasn't surprised at all, and he wraps up his column with a strategy he believes will convince President Obama to support marriage equality in time for the 2012 elections.

Congressman Jim Jordan Will Push for D.C. Gay Marriage Ban – Care2.com

[object Object] Representative Jim Jordan (R-Ohio), Chairman of the Republican Study Committee, is not pleased with the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to dismiss the Bishop Harry Jackson's lawsuit to overturn marriage equality in Washington DC. He says that he is 100% in support of introducing legislation to eliminate same-sex marriage in DC. Even if the measure where to gain support in the House, it's not likely that it would be brought up in the Senate.

Prop 8 Opponent – L.A. Times

[object Object] Lawyers trying to overturn California's Prop 8 have asked the State Supreme Court to reject a request by the Ninth Circuit to provide clarification on the issue of standing. The state of California has refused to defend Prop 8, so groups funded by right-wing organizations stepped in to champion the ban in court proceedings. If the courts find that the Prop 8 supporters do not have a legal right to continue, the case will be dismissed. If that happens, Judge Vaughn Walker's initial decision that Prop 8 is violation of the U.S. Constitution and that same-sex couples must be allowed to marry would stand.

MLK's Daughter Turns Down Leadership of SCLC – Thegrio.com

[object Object] Rev. Bernice King is stepping down from the leadership of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). The Rev. King says she wants to leave to further the legacy of her mother. NBJC welcomes her decision because in 2004 the venerable Coretta Scott King said, "Gay and lesbian people have families, and their families should have legal protection, whether by marriage or civil union. A constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages is a form of gay bashing, and it would do nothing at all to protect traditional marriages."

LGBT Activists in MD, NY and RI Optimistic About Marriage Equality – Advocate.com

A handful of U.S. states are poised to take up the issue of gay marriage, due largely to incoming lawmakers who may tip the balance in favor of implementing marriage equality. In Maryland, New York and Rhode Island in particular, the legalization of same-sex marriages is moving ahead, organizers and supporters say.

Discharging Gays Costs $200 Million – Huffington Post

A report recently issued by the Government Accountability Office says that discharging gay service members cost the Pentagon nearly $200 million from 2004 to 2009 (an average of $52,800 per discharge). The money went mainly to recruit and train replacements. Congressional investigators say that of the 3,664 service members dismissed for being gay, more than 1,400 held critical jobs or spoke an important foreign language.

Anti-Marriage Equality Amendment Advances in Iowa – Lezgetreal.com

Iowa's Republican controlled House has taken its first step to overturn the state Supreme Court's decision recognizing marriage equality. They have introduced a Constitutional amendment that, "would not only prohibit same-sex marriages but also would deny state recognition to arrangements such as civil unions and domestic partnerships, including hospital visitations and a role in making decisions about medical care, businesses and property." Fortunately, the LGBT community has an ally in the Democratically-controlled state Senate. Majority Leader Mike Gronstal has vowed to block any vote on the amendment.

Hawaii: Civil Unions Pass Firsst Hurdle – Miami New Times

[object Object] Democratic lawmakers in Hawaii said they want to address the civil unions bill early in the term, to allow them time to concentrate on looming economic problems and creating jobs. Gov. Neil Abercrombie has said that he would sign the civil union bills if it reached his desk. The legislation is identical to the bill that then-governor Linda Lingle vetoed last July.

25 Years of LGBT Issues on Oprah – Advocate.com

On January 25th, Oprah looked back at 25 years of covering LGBT issues on her talk show. In the early years, Oprah surprised audiences when she said she felt that gay people were like "finding a 4 leaf clover" – an unusual bit of luck. Oprah played Ellen's therapist in the groundbreaking "coming out" episode, which she said generated the most hate mail she has ever received. Kudos to Oprah Winfrey for her commitment to furthering LGBT rights.

Is Marriage Equality the Right Battle for Gay Families – Theroot.org

Freelance writer David Kaufman poses this questions based on the recent Census data showing that more LGBT couples live in the South, struggle with finances, and that Black or Hispanic couples are more likely to be raising children. He expresses genuine concern for the hardships these families face because they are not allowed to get married, but his recommendation to settle for civil unions and domestic partnerships misses the mark.

Dear Annie: Gay Son's Actions at College Trouble Parents – Advocate.com

In this letter to Dear Annie, parents write in to ask for advice because they are concerned about their college-aged son who's just come out of the closet. He's been in trouble with the law and is engaged in behavior they describe as "promiscuous." They attribute their son's behavior to the fact he's gay. However, Dear Annie tells them that their 19-year-old son is behaving like many other impulsive college freshmen who are getting their first taste of freedom and independence. Annie makes the point that there are heterosexual kids doing the same things and advises them against attributing his actions to his homosexuality. Annie recommends that they accept their son and gives them the link to the PFLAG website.

The image accompanying this article belongs to Black/African-American PFLAG Portland.

The African American Community Needs More Honesty and Fewer Apostles, Bishop, and Prophets – Pamshouseblend.com

Alvin McEwen writes there are too many self-anointed apostles, bishops and prophets in African American communities preaching anti-LGBT messages. He says, "Like so many others, some African-Americans need to be educated on the fact that lgbts of color exist[,] and we are just as normal and beneficial to the community as heterosexual African-Americans."