A Response to Raynard Jackson

Raynard Jackson wrote an OPED, Why Tom Joyner is GLAAD 

I typically don't respond to these kinds of post, but I felt like I had to.  Here is my response:

 

I respect your opinion, but I want to point out a couple of things that I hope you consider: I am a black lesbian, so I have to combat prejudices that involve my sexual orientation as well as my color, and let's not forget that I am also a woman, which comes with its own set of prejudices. 

This commentary often bounced around in the black community that the "gays" are trying to push "their" agenda on the masses is a little misguided at the very least.  My sexual orientation is no more important than my ethnicity or cultural background--I don't play favorites.

We live in a world with other humans and we need to start acting like our differences are differences and not invisible boxes of self imposed hierarchy, where we feel as if our personal plights are more important and better deserved than other people.  It is painful to be discriminated against, and as black people we should understand this more than any group in this world.  It always amazes me how elitist we become when the rights of other human beings are compromised, and because it is something we can't understand or identify with,  we dismiss and demonize it.

I understand if religion plays a role in one's acceptance of another person's philosophies, practices and sexual orientation.  If people choose to understand God as being intolerant of homosexuality, that is fine, but to be so zealously opposing to the point or ridicule, violence, desertion, and prejudice, is to misconstrue the great purpose of what God's love is and what it means for humanity.

Another point I want to mention about Roland Martin and Tom Joyner:  Your observation of Joyner's comments is the first I am hearing of such a thing, but it is a flimsy comparison at best.  The reason why GLAAD was probably silent about Joyner is because, like me, they probably didn't hear anything about it.  I believe if they had heard Joyner, I don't think the implication that two men may be lovers can be filed under the same umbrella as kicking the ass of two men who are lovers--very different.  Furthermore, Joyner is not a part of a major new network reporting the news, having access to an international audience.  And although I don't think Roland should be fired, there are responsibilities and a level of visibility that Joyner does not have as a radio personality.

Again, I respect your commentary, but I had to speak up.