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Discrimination Never an Excuse for Disrespect and Hatred

In the last two days, I have read two very disturbing reports about the Los Angeles (West Hollywood) protests against the passage of Proposition 8 . . . and those perceived as "responsible" for creating the majority of votes for the measure.<o:p></o:p>

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Today, I read the story posted in this group about "white powder" sent to the Mormon Temple in West Hollywood that caused evacuation of the facility. The prevailing thought is that it was the doing of someone angered by Mormon support for Proposition 8. That belief, correct or incorrect as it may ultimately be proven to be, also points an accusatory finger at the LGBT community.<o:p></o:p>

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More disturbing and more clearly documented is the report (see article below) that some West Hollywood protestors called fellow protestors who were both gay and Black, "nigger" and threatened them with harm.<o:p></o:p>

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That behavior is absolutely disgusting, absolutely unacceptable and absolutely inexcusable.<o:p></o:p>

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That behavior makes me angry . . . so angry I have visions of wanting to slap the sh*t out of the "ignorant queen" who would dare to utter those words . . . and, in so doing, cross the line back into hatred and disrespect that I, as a young White man, fought to end at least a generation ago and have continued to eliminate for over 40 years. While I am not proud of my gut reaction would never act upon it, I share it as a graphic illustration of just how strongly I am offended by such overt hatred . . . hatred that is far worse than the offensive Prop 8 vote.<o:p></o:p>

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Such behavior illustrates an attitude and a lack of understanding that may be the real source of the failure to defeat Proposition 8. The LGBT community in California has admitted it failed to conduct an active effort to educate, persuade and seek support from Blacks and the churches which lie at the core of social action in the African American community. LGBT leaders have said they did not think support was possible and that they were reluctant (scared?) to venue into unfamiliar political territory. Such comments reinforce ongoing descriptions of the California LGBT community as one with de facto segregation.<o:p></o:p>

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The fact that even one White gay man would yell "nigger" in any public setting without strong fear of repercussions illustrates a pervasive attitude consistent with complaints about a major gap between White gays and non-White gays in California. <o:p></o:p>

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Perhaps it is time for the California LGBT community to take a good look inward . . . to examine itself with brutal honesty . . . and see where it needs improvement in basic human relations and human respect. If LGBT people didn't look to Black folks, Latinos and Asians �?both straight and gay �?only when it "wants something" but instead built lasting two-way bridges, the understanding of and support for LGBT citizens would already exist when a challenge arises. <o:p></o:p>

If LGBT people want to be part of the community, they need to get out and work with the community on issues beyond their relatively narrow list of LGBT concerns. The time when any "special interest group" can focus on only its agenda has passed. Broad coalitions are essential . . . The Obama victory proves that beyond question.<o:p></o:p>

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The end of discrimination in all forms depends on shared respect, mutual understanding and collective action!

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LA Prop 8 Protesters Target Blacks

Unfortunately, you had to know this was coming.

Angered by the news that black voters were a major factor in the success of Prop 8, California's gay marriage ban, some segments of yesterday's anti-Prop 8 protests in LA soon devolved into hateful pits of racism:

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Geoffrey, a student at UCLA and regular Rod 2.0 reader, joined the massive protest outside the Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Westwood. Geoffrey was called the n-word at least twice.

It was like being at a klan rally except the klansmen were wearing Abercrombie polos and Birkenstocks. YOU NIGGER, one man shouted at men. If your people want to call me a FAGGOT, I will call you a nigger. Someone else said same thing to me on the next block near the temple…me and my friend were walking, he is also gay but Korean, and a young WeHo clone said after last night the niggers better not come to West Hollywood if they knew what was BEST for them.

Los Angeles resident and Rod 2.0 reader A. Ronald says he and his boyfriend, who are both black, were carrying NO ON PROP 8 signs and still subjected to racial abuse.

Three older men accosted my friend and shouted, "Black people did this, I hope you people are happy!" A young lesbian couple with mohawks and Obama buttons joined the shouting and said there were "very disappointed with black people" and "how could we" after the Obama victory. This was stupid for them to single us out because we were carrying those blue NO ON PROP 8 signs! I pointed that out and the one of the older men said it didn't matter because "most black people hated gays" and he was "wrong" to think we had compassion. That was the most insulting thing I had ever heard. I guess he never thought we were gay.

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Gun owners and people who attend church weekly also overwhelmingly supported Prop 8, but protesters failed to single them out the way they did blacks. Perhaps that's because a gun owner isn't as easily spotted as a black person, or perhaps that's because gays, rightly, are especially angry that so many black Americans refuse to sympathize with their struggle. Regardless, it's likely that yesterday's incident was just the beginning of this insanity

I hope the inexcusable actions of a few do not hinder the efforts of the many that have devoted their time and effort to appealing proposition 8 effectively and without harm to others.

I do believe that the majority in opposition to Prop 8 are level headed, passionate, and hopefully pragmatic.

As a native Californian I know my brothers and sister in California are taking part in the opposition to the Prop 8 decision constructively. Their hard work doesn't seem to make the headlines the same way the few that act like idiots.

Furthermore, after talking with my mother, I have learned that there are many on the central California coast who are organizing against the decision,,,,who are not even gay. They are straight, married, have several children and are simply sick and tired of the bias and bigotry! You can include my own family in that protest. Their effort is not violent, nor is it offensive. It is strategic. It is a bombardment of letters sent to congressmen, and senators. Forget the Governator; simply a waste of time. It is a bombardment of petition. Though I do not know, but I would imagine the next step would be appropriate funding once the appropriate organizations are sought that would heighten the voice of the people. Something that perhaps we can ponder

A blatant slap to the fringe (whether individual or poorly constructed organizations) that are looking everyone look bad is definately in order. A round of applause to those that are working strategically and hard (gay or straight) is also definately in order.

Fortunately (again not really mentioned in the news) the sexual minority is not alone. The liberal minded community as a whole is just as "BENT" as the minority affected.

So finally, I am proud to say that my parents, their neighbors, their friends, and the majority of the San Luis Obispo population (I'm sure most of the central coast) is organizing strategically to attempt to reverse Prop 8, not by violent protest or bad behavior but devoting time and energy to strategy. I know gay and straight people in San Diego are doing the same.

It is too bad the actions of a few always make the spotlight and some "how" make the whole regional community look bad. It is definately sad, does not speak for the majority, and segregational in and of itself.

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