Letters to the Editor
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dataguy...
I have already posted updates on the rapidly changing developments over at my pad. Snippet:
Last night I posted that Barack Obama's team has selected Rev. Andy Sidden of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ in Columbia, SC to speak at the “Embrace the Change” concerts that feature recloseted anti-gay Grammy winning gospel singer Donnie McClurkin this weekend. The openly gay pastor will be interviewed by Mike Signorile on his show today, broadcast on SIRIUS OutQ 109.
The interview is at 4:30.
I think discussion of the National Black Justice Coalition's role in this is critical, because a some Obama supporters (or, generally, critics of my earlier post post) have tried to couch any criticism of the candidate as white gays attacking Obama ostensibly to hide their opposition to him based on race, or somehow saying gay discrimination somehow trumps racial discrimination. It's not a zero sum game.
The fact that the NBJC was right on the McClurkin issue -- and in contact with the campaign regarding the addition of Sidden -- highlights the marginalization and invisibility of black LGBTs and how the McClurkin matter affects this subgroup in this story.
I look forward to hearing about how Sidden feels about being openly gay pastor in the South; for instance, what are the challenges he faces, and how open does he feel he can be in Columbia, SC with his partner?
It would also be good to know whether he interacts with other pastors from less progressive churches to effect change regarding homophobia in the religious black community.