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Monday, October 22, 2007
More Updates :10/24 The pressure on Barack Obama's campaign to sever all ties with homophobic gospel singer Donnie McClurkin has been elevated today from a statement issued by The Human Rights Campaign. HRC is calling for Obama to immediately cancel the event or risk losing support from the LGBT community. HRC is incredibly influential in progressive political circles and could dramatically affect Obama's chance at securing the Democratic nomination. Obama's campaign is scheduled to have a conference call with members of the LGBT community at noon today in an attempt to fix this mess.
The National Black Justice Coalition has also requested to meet with Barack Obama to address the concerns of the black gay community over his decision.
A lot of people in and out of the community don't understand why gay activists are so outraged over Donnie McClurkin's message and his presence on this tour. So let's revisit the infamous quotes from Donnie over the years courtesy of columnist Wayne Besen.
** "Homosexuality has really ravished our children. It started in my generation. I was touched by it and I struggled with it and all that for years and there was nobody to deal with it. I started dealing with it in my sermons and even when we do our concerts." (An interview with www.FamilyChristian.com)
** "Everybody is going to the same hell. The religious hypocrite will go to the same hell as the murderer and homosexual. My job is to say that sin is wrong and kill the sin, not the sinner." (The Voice, 16 July 2001)
** Commenting on New York City's Harvey Milk School, which caters to gay students, he said, "The gloves are off. And if there's going to be a war, there's going to be a war. But it will be a war with a purpose." (CBN, 700 Club Sept. 23, 2003)
...And for your amusement Donnie's recent statement that he's been misquoted many, many, many, times here courtesy of goodasyou.org .
Update: Barack Obama released the following statement on the Donnie McClurkin controversy on his website. Activist Jasmyne Cannick observes the statement is posted in the LGBT section of his site and not under his general newsroom where all of his statements and press releases are usually found.
"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. 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." -Barack Obama
Journalist and blogger Rod McCollum follows the Obama/McClurkin controversy on his site and points out how this story is being completely ignored by the black mainstream media, Christian websites, and gospel music stations.
Presidential nominee hopeful Barack Obama's campaign recently announced their plan for a gospel concert across South Carolina in an effort to gain some ground on front runner Hillary Clinton who is leading in the polls by 24 percent. The "Embrace The Change" tour is expected to land in three cities in South Carolina and feature performances by ex-gay Donnie McClurkin and anti-gay singers Mary Mary, Byron Cage, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, and Hezekiah Walker, a minister who has repeatedly had to deal with rumors regarding his own sexuality for years.
I first heard about this story on Rod 2.0 and later noticed that it was picking up steam across the blogosphere and that many LGBT Obama supporters were not happy about his decision. Obviously this is another example of a politician pandering for votes from the right and from the more conservative voters in his base. I think Barack Obama has made it very clear where he stands on issues that are important to the LGBT community and while I don't have Obama fever I'm not in the least surprised at his actions, and that could be due to the fact that he has yet to impress me. It's not enough for me to vote for a candidate because his skin is the same color as mine and so far to me this seems to be his mantra.
“This is another example of how Barack Obama is defying conventional wisdom about how politics is done and giving new meaning to meeting people at the grassroots level,” Joshua DuBois, the campaign’s religious affairs director, said in a release. “This concert tour is going to bring new people into the political process and engage people of faith in an unprecedented way.”
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.
Once the election is over this poor decision made by Barack Obama and his camp will be long forgotten(if he loses) but the homophobic messages by McClurkin and other gospel singers is apart of their appeal and will live on. I long for the day when black gays and lesbians stop supporting their music and find the courage to walk out of churches that turn a house of prayer into a house of pain.
Read other posts on Donnie McClurkin:
A Letter to Donnie McClurkin
Donnie McClurkin Profile
A Letter To Mom
Earl Ofari Hutchinson On Obama & McClurkin
15 Comments:
Obama CANNOT be president.
October 23, 2007 1:08 AM
McClurkin said in a phone interview that he doesn't believe homosexuality is God's intention. However, he said he does not believe in discriminating against homosexuals.
http://www.wandtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=7249786
October 23, 2007 1:15 AM
I personally was never on the Obama bandwagon. I applaud his step as a black man running for President, but is he truly ready for such a job and is America truly at a point to accept a black president? I think Obama should have ignored the hype like Colin Powell did and followed his instincts of making moves behind the scenes. I'm supporting Hillary. She's the only one (Dem or Repub) that seems to have some since of governance.
But in all reality, politicians are about getting votes and obtaining power. A lot of campaign promises will be broken by whomever takes office in Jan 2009.
October 23, 2007 8:43 AM
It has been a very long time since Ive left any comments on this or any other blog. But I am forced to comment on this because I take issue with the following statement and the spirit of this post in general.
"It's not enough for me to vote for a candidate because his skin is the same color as mine and so far to me this seems to be his mantra."
This is flat out false and conjured up by the main stream media. I am appalled and offended that you would even make such a statement. Obama has never pandered to the black community. He has communicated his message and let people decide for themselves. Now that Hilary is leading in the polls among blacks, he has to do something to gather black people and get his message out. If people are going to make their decisions based on "sound bite politics," that has no substance and his done to force people into emotional decisions, we will end up with another George W Bush in office. Get real. If you are going to support or not support a candidate, back it up with substance. Talk about policy issues not useless rhetoric.
We all know where the black church stands as a whole on gay issues. We also know in politics you have to speak a language that people hear and understand. In South Carolina the musical offerings of Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, and Hezekiah Walker (who happens to be my pastor and I am very proud of it) is something that will gather people and give Obama a chance to voice his message.
I guess what I am saying is this... Calm the heck down and stop crying over nothing. There are way more pressing issues to talk about than a Gospel Concert to attract a crowd so a political candidate can articulate his message. That's what politics is all about. If you really want to know Obama's stance of gay issues you may want to start by looking at what he has said and what he has done legislatively, not a concert. We all know who comes out to Gospel concerts!
I will finish by saying this...
You talk very often about self hate in the gay community. But there seems to be even greater self-hate in the black community. Too many of the people who are saying they are not supporting Barack Obama have not bothered to take a real look at his voting record and his stance on the issues. WWW.Barackobama.com gives a great overview of where he stands on this country's pressing issues. Educate yourself and then make a decision.
Albert
October 23, 2007 1:00 PM
Albert,
Because you are a close friend and I love you I should probably just give you a call to discuss this post but you're obviously fired up about it so I'll give you a minute to calm down.
At the present moment I haven't decided who to vote for and I stand by every word of my post. Whether you want to admit it or not a lot of people (not all) are more focused on Barack making history by becoming the first black president and could care less about his stance on important issues.
I'm not anti-Obama but I do believe he made a huge mistake by inviting Donnie McClurkin to participate on this tour and I'm not alone in that regard. Just pick up any major newspaper today or log onto their website and read for yourself.
"We all know where the black church stands as a whole on gay issues. We also know in politics you have to speak a language that people hear and understand. In South Carolina the musical offerings of Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary, and Hezekiah Walker (who happens to be my pastor and I am very proud of it) is something that will gather people and give Obama a chance to voice his message."
My point exactly. And the message Obama is sending right now is that he's aware black folks are deeply religious and deeply homophobic and what better way to reach them and secure votes by giving another opportunity for ex-gay Donnie McClurkin to get folks are riled up with his false message of "falling down from homosexuality and getting back up".
You know how I feel about Donnie and his message and my feelings will never change.
October 23, 2007 1:14 PM
Your analysis is not based in fact and totally over reaches. If people were solely interested in voting for Barack Obama to make him the first black president he would not have the funds raised that he does or have more individuals donating than any other campaign. I think we are confusing Obama's candidacy with Jesse Jackson's back in 1984. It has been said that there are also many black people who view his candidacy negatively because he is a black man and they don't think white people will vote for him and that he is in danger if he gets too far in the process.
Here is were I feel like your analysis of the event over reaches This event is not at all about gay issues. In truth, I would venture to say that if a conversation ensued about gay issues with the artists in question and the candidate there would be a lot of disagreement. Obama has said nothing at any time that links him ideologically with these artist's conservative views. America is a big country with a huge variety of people. If we can't get together with people will disagree with for the good of the country then we are doomed.
I have not pledged my support to a candidate either. But I will say this, Barack Obama offers a fresh face, a thoughtful political discourse and an enlightening perspective on the issues. For that reason alone his candidacy deserves consideration by all americans.
Again,
check out the websites and the policy platforms and then judge. These are the candidates I am considering
www.barackobama.com
www.hillaryclinton.com
www.johnedwards.com
www.dennis4president.com
October 23, 2007 1:36 PM
Wow Darian. This post is something else and too many things all rolled up into one big WTH sandwich. I haven't been to your blog in a while, but just reading through a lot of the last couple of months posts, what exactly is your platform.
Granted, no one is perfect and the world is full of hypocrites, manipulators, deceivers and those that think the world revolves around only them. It is true that everyone should have freedom of speech and thought, but true wisdom comes from knowing when, where, how and why to use it.
Saying all of that, how did you equate Obama having a concert with Gospel artists who support him in his run for the Presidency turn into a post aout anti-gay sermons and quotes? the concert haven't happened yet and what makes you think that these artists will actually speak or preach?
After reading a few of your other posts over the last few months, you have taken on a tone of hostility over those who do not agree with homosexuality and turned your blog into a very biased platform that is not that much different from those whoare anti-gay and speak a lot of non-sense with a one sided view. Yours just comes across anti-hetero as you shout from the roof tops that you are gay and SGL and love it. It's cool to feel that way, but just because someone may not have spoken up about their views regarding homosexuality or even bashed it to the high heavens blaming homosexuality as the reason behind the ills of this world, does not mean that you have to be on the offensive all of the time.
People are looking at Obama in so many different lights that no one is trying to hear what his platform is. Some think he isnt black enough. Some think he is dry. Others are mad because he has not addressed some issues while others are mad at the people who are rallying to support him. And you know what the sad thing is, the majority of the ones who are doing all of the talking are black. That's the shame of it all. I pray for the day when we could get it together as black people and suport one another as a united front for a cause to uplift our race. There is even so much black on black animosity within the SGL community.
I said all of that to say this, Life is about balance and going too far left or too far right is not healthy. The real work starts within as an individual. If people would stop trying to find others who have just as much as an identity crisis as themselves and look at life, think, appreciate, understand and respect each others differences, th e world can be a slightly better place. I just wish people would stop identifying themselves and having all of their self worth tied up into who they sleep with, their title, their degrees, who they know and seek the real essence of why they were created.
Darian, just be careful that you use your platform to motivate, encourage and bring enlightenment by looking at all sides before blasting a post. Too whom much is given, much is required . God always exposes those who bastardizes His Word, His name and His character. he does not need any of our help.
Much love,
-kc-
PS-Also, quit trying to put Donnie McClurkin on blast every chance you get. It makes you come across as a bitter ex or something. If he is about BS, God will bring the truth to the light without any of our help.
October 23, 2007 2:26 PM
*Tip toe out the back door*
October 23, 2007 2:44 PM
Wow I see I'm being tagged team today kc. Believe me I'm taking it all in stride. I think my platform has been extremely clear from the moment I started this blog. I'm all about empowering SGL people to walk in their truth and to be unashamed of who they are in a world that is quick to deliver judgement and persecution.
Of course my blog may come off as one sided and biased, these are the views of one person...mine.
The discourse takes place here in the comment section and hopefully in the community once my thoughts have been published.
I don't apologize for being on the "offensive" as you say, but can you really blame me when I watch the lives of LGBT people being diminished everyday and blamed for all that ills society?
I refuse to be silent. The problem is that we've been silent for too long. So you may not like my tone or the fact that I've put Donnie McClurkin on blast and will continue to do so I have no control over your feelings. But I do have a choice in this "war" (his word not mine)Donnie has started with the gay community. Either allow myself to become paralyzed by his spiritual attacks or fight back.
Since the first has been so popular for years I've chosen the latter.
Much love,
Darian
October 23, 2007 2:54 PM
I have to agree with you, Darian. The people who say we should "be more moderate" when it comes to being bashed from the pulpits and the legislative floors for being Gay, who say we are overreacting, have clearly never been the victims of such bashing. For Obama to have anything to do with McClurkin or those others shows me that he's more interested in compromise in the hope of getting votes then he is in standing up for honor. There comes a point where you must take a HARD STAND, and if it means you'll be unpopular with the conservatives in the voting bloc, well too bad. At least you'll be consistent and honest. But then, as much as I liked him, Obama lost me when he advocated putting up a wall along the U.S./Mexico border. They did the same thing in Berlin a few decades back, and look how that turned out!
October 23, 2007 3:24 PM
I also have to say that, having seen the anti-Gay discrimination and hate I've been witness to (and victim of) I think it's time we Gays do what the Black Panthers did years ago: go Klingon on the asses of ANYONE who feels they can dump their hate on us in America. I firmly believe in "The Chicago Way". Remember the line?
"He pulls a knife; you pull a gun. He sends one of your boys to the hospital; you send one of his to the morgue."
The only way we Gays will get the respect we deserve is if the bigots out there fear that they will be pounded into the ground if they even so much as THINK of looking sideways at us, not to mention passing legislation against us. That's one of the reasons I am always armed. Being civilized has gotten us nothing but a waste of time in America.
But then again, I do think of myself as part-Klingon...
October 23, 2007 3:32 PM
I would like to take a brief pause to make sure that every notices that THE CAPTAIN has left via the proper exit (i.e. "the back door".) We need to talk like this more often. Who knew it was so easy to get rid of him.
LOL.
We haven't chatted in a while Captain. I pray all is well.
October 23, 2007 3:36 PM
*Captain blushes and say "Hi..Albert"* LOL
October 23, 2007 9:03 PM
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
October 24, 2007 8:33 PM
Thie entire issue, is a non-issue. McClurkin can believe whatever he wants. so what? just because a person believes homosexuality is morally wrong, does not automatically make them "homophobic". grow up.
i love how black folks love white folks. If we held white politicians to the same standards, none would ever get our vote.
Please, Hillary? yeah, right. experience? what experience? as first lady?
Black folks talking about Obama's experience is such a joke, and pathetic. At least come up with better excuses for your unseemly love affair with the Clintons.
October 28, 2007 7:52 AM
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