Comments on: Diversity & Inclusion Includes Gays & Lesbians: Is Black Church Getting the Message?

By: Paul Wright

Paul Wright — Thu, 17 May 2012 20:08:18 +0000

I’m a little disappointed the statement – “I can’t change that I’m black, but they don’t have to be gay” – was even included in your article.
I understand you were quoting someone else, but his statement is inaccurate, and including it may reinforce the misbelief that its true.

There is overwhelming scientific evidence that human sexual orientation is determined prenatally.

By: Eric Peterson

Eric Peterson — Thu, 17 May 2012 19:38:48 +0000

So many African-Americans are in favor of LGBT rights, many of them from the church. In DC, where I live, a group called Clergy United for Marriage Equality (or something to that effect) were instrumental in gaining same-sex marriage rights for gay couples, and the vast majority were African-American leaders. This notion that black folks are vastly more homophobic that whites is a canard, and it’s disappointing to see DiversityInc falling into a trap that pits the two communities against each other. Are there virulent black homophobes? Sure. But I challenge you to find one that has said anything more reprehensible about the LGBT community that isn’t matched in tone and content by any number of virulent white homophobes.

By: elizondo

elizondo — Thu, 17 May 2012 14:13:36 +0000

I am so sick and tired of the same old argument that marriage for same-sex couples is not a civil rights issue. As a Latina, I have experienced discrimination. As a lesbian, I have experienced discrimination.

Both have made me fearful sometimes, both have made me a target simply for the color of my skin or because who I hold hands with, both have made me less than a person in some people’s eyes.

Discrimination is discrimination.

I am angry, I am sad, I am fragile. I am hard. I am a lesbian. I am a believer. I am employed. I am volunteer. I am Latina. I recycle. I vote. I protest. I am happy. I am loved. I am an American. I am just like you.