Donnie McClurkin isn't the only homophobe on the bill with Obama

by: Pam Spaulding

Tue Oct 23, 2007 at 17:00:00 PM EDT

Clay: I’m not sure if you are aware of this, but you have an extremely large gay following -- how do you feel about homosexuality and having a massive gay following?

Erica: We are aware. Ummm... how do I feel about homosexuality? I feel how God feels about it, but I still love them. I don’t agree with the lifestyle, but I love them. They can come to the concert; I’m going to hug them just like I hug everybody else. They have issues and need someone to encourage them like everybody else -- just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute -- everybody needs God. What your struggle is may not be what my struggle is, but we all need Him. So, that's what our music is about giving and God, not to condone the lifestyle or to say, Oh it's okay, but not to bash -- but just to give them God. I mean, I’m appreciative of all of our supporters and fans. Hopefully what their hearing in our music is my love for God.

Tina: You know, I think the fact that our music is very upbeat and works well in clubs -- you know, I think that's something that makes more people gravitate to it. Like Erica said, we don’t necessarily agree with the lifestyle, but we don’t pride ourselves on bashing. Everyone has things in their life that they need to correct, everybody has struggles, everybody has things that, maybe I should’ve done it this way, maybe I should’ve made this choice, you know, or whatever. Even though that's the way we feel, we don’t bash, we don’t do that kind of thing and we embrace everybody who enjoys our music. Hopefully our music is impacting them in a way that if they see there's some things in their life that's not quite right and doesn’t align themselves with what the Bible says -- hopefully our music impacts them in a way that makes them want to change it.

Firstly, I applaud them for giving an honest answer – regardless of how hateful, hypocritical, foolish and an unwise business decision it might seem – at least they are honest. Secondly, what they probably don’t realize is in a sense they are “bashing” by saying, "Hopefully our music inspires people to change." What many of the straights don’t realize (as I’ve said several times) homophobia in the black church is a massive reason why HIV/AIDS rates have skyrocketed in the black community as the “peanut congregation” sits idly. They feel the way God feels? Murderers? Prostitutes? They are basically minstering conversion -- I can only imagine the young LGBT people who are grappling with sexuality that Mary Mary will damage as they give them a "hate the sin love the sinner" hug.

The political cost of crapping on the LGBT community, they must have weighed, is small, and less likely to rise to a significant level of controversy in the MSM. And they have been right so far -- it's been fairly contained to the blogosphere and the Obama camp wants it to stay that way.

The National Black Justice Coalition has called for a meeting with Barack Obama. Read the letter from Alexander Robinson after the jump.

October 22, 2007

Senator Barack Obama
United State Senate
713 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510-1305

Dear Senator Obama:

 On behalf of the National Black Justice Coalition, I am writing to request a face-to-face meeting to discuss an urgent matter regarding your recent decision to continue to promote the Embrace The Courage Tour which headlines three of gospel music’s most openly homophobic artists; the most volatile of which is the Rev. Donnie McClurkin.   While we appreciate your recent statement reassuring the public that “…Gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens,” we must also remind you that actions speak much louder than words.

Your willingness to share a stage with Rev Donnie McClurkin is alarming and frankly deeply disappointing.   Rev McClurkin has consistently disparaged gay men and lesbians, spread half truths and unproven theories about our lives and has shown a willingness to work with those who would use the rights of gay Americans as a wedge issue to divide black families for their own cynical political objectives. The fact that Rev. McClurkin uses his religious beliefs to justify bigotry and discrimination is so damaging that it cannot be addressed with a simple media statement no matter how heartfelt or sincere.   As representatives of thousands of black LGBT families, hundreds of open and affirming congregations and parents, friends and neighbors we feel it is imperative that we meet with you directly as soon as possible to address the way forward to realizing a truly inclusive America.   We look forward to hearing from you.  

Sincerely,

H. Alexander Robinson
Chief Executive Officer

c: Kylar Broadus, Chairman
NBJC Board of Directors 

For another perspective (one of a declared Obama supporter), see Jasmyne Cannick's "Obama: Blacks, Gays, and Homophobic Gospel Singers."