Free Isaiah Washington

Terrence Says, on calls for ABC to fire the brotha from "Grey's Anatomy" for calling actor T.R. Knight a 'faggot'. The black, gay moderate Democrat writes:

"Allegations of double-standards and racism stem from white-run gay organizations ignoring complaints by the Black gay community regarding Charles Knipp, a 'black face' minstrel known as Shirley Q. Liquor, who perpetuates stereotypes of Black women and mocks Black culture such as Kwanzaa. I happen to agree with Ms. Cannick that there is a serious appearance of double-standards by organizations - including GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) - the lead organization pursuing action against Washington. These same white-run gay organizations have not attacked Knipp - despite the fact concern has been consistently expressed by Black gays and Black gay activists, like Cannick- with the same vigor as they have Washington.....Although some people see the Washington and Knipp controversies as separate issues, the lingering question pertaining to double-standards, apathy and possible racism by white-run gay advocacy organizations is not, in my opinion. While Washington has apologized and is supposed to meet with GLAAD to atone for his misguided slur, meanwhile, Charles Knipp has continuously rationalized his black face Jim Crow-era antics with absolutely no remorse. GLAAD is nowhere to be found....Washington ultimately reaps what he sows, and from my perspective as a Black gay man, he made a bad decision to use the word. Since then, however, he has apologized, and now it is time to move on. He should not lose his job because some bitter, hypocritical gays can't let it go.


My Reply

First Isiah Thomas is an idiot for using that word it is hurtful and he should no better.
On the other hand this blogger Terrence makes some great points I also have my own
opinions about this issue.

I have often been amazed that gay white institutions receives so much money and grants from the government yet this money never makes it to the thousands of gay black men who are homeless with out a family. This group of who many are making up the largest growing number of new HIV cases. About three years ago I volunteered at a DC outreach called Us Helping Us this group was doing great work but surviving on pennies to keep afloat. I saw so many of the men we were working with on drugs or homeless.

The gay community like many communities needs to have a real talk about race.I recall while volunteering seeing Gay publications that were notorious for putting gay black men on the HIV ads but attractive white males on there latest model sections. I often wondered how this could affect the self esteem of young black men who saw these publications. It gave the impression that if you are black you're future is HIV if you are white and gay you re future is Will and Grace. I also believe that is these and other things perpetuate the false image that gay=white in the black community.

Richie

Check out the blog that started the petition Jasmine Cannick a lesbian blogger is blasting the gay whote community for what she perceives as a double standard.

http://jasmynecannick.typepad.com/jasmynecannickcom/2007/01/the_hypocrisy_o.html