The religion issue.

The religion issue.

By: David

     As Co-wrote in Declaration of culture war. I’m terribly dissapointed in the african american turn-out for prop 8 in california. Saddened doesn’t begin to decrible hearing that 70% of a communuty that is a part of my ethnic make-up (Black/Latino on my mothers side and yes i’m dissapointed in the latino turn out too), came out in-favor of prop 8. now their are caveats. the mormon church and the knights of columbus put out ad’s directed to the african american community with Obamas voice. Half that said obama is again the ban on gay marriage in california (which is true) and then said vote yes on 8. Another that had obama from a debate saying that he’s against gay marriage (also true).  And in general alot of people across a broad spectrum thought that voting yes on 8 meant you were in favor of equal marriage. That said! I’m still dissapointed. but we (the L.G.B.T community) are to blame to some extent for that 70% vote. Our out-reach to the African Amercan community was minimal.

I can understand why that is. I grew up going to many different churches. jewish temple, catholic church and Black churches. Listening to how we’re talked about in black churches is horrifying. scary! Pop culture hasn’t helped much either. Except for Chris Rock how often do we see black men take our side on an issue. But I feel we’re still to  blame for the 70% number. Because we didn’t talk to the African american community. Speaking as someone that has attended black churches let me say that while it’s not a place that can be called gay friendly. I promise you 2 things. 1: you can ask to come in and talk to the congregation and 2: if you do address an african american american congregation you will not end up burried under Jimmy Hoffa or leave with one less limb. African American churches are unique in that they are also a forum for community discussion. As long as you don’t bust in and go Ross Perot on them, they will let you speak. But what you must do is come prepared.