william jackson
LGBT and Women of Color Speak Out
The comments of Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll have
created a political firestorm of dialogue and
controversy in the LGBT community and for
Women of Color.
As accusations arise about her alleged “inappropriate
sexual activity”, the truth may or may not be discovered.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/
jennifer-caroll-lesbian-twitter-reactions_n_1679707.html
The truth of the matter is the comment(s) of
Lt. Gov. Carroll should never have been thought
or verbalized in such a derogatory manner towards
Women of Color and the LGBT community
”couldn't have engaged in homosexual acts because
she doesn't look like a lesbian” Huffington Post.
07/17/2012
Women of Color have been victimized, scrutinized
and demonized by the media, it does Women of Color
and those of the LGBT community a personal and cultural
damning to their character and an objectionable
disrespect to their womanhood and lifestyle choices.
Professional Women of Color are already treated
unfairly and LGBT must fight for their rights to have
to fight to have a seat at corporate tables, earn the
respect of their peers and the men (both Black and
White) they work with. Lt. Gov. Carroll made a serious
mistake in her comments and should be held accountable.
A simple and inefficient apology is not always acceptable
when the mentality was cognitively present and is still
evidently being propagated at this level of government.
I was taught government is for THE PEOPLE not just
for a select few. At one time women were not allowed
political participation, now they are welcomed and
encouraged. This is responsibility that should be taken
seriously and not taken for granted.
Being a Black man, raised by a Black mother and
grandmother I was taught that I should respect all women,
especially Women of Color and even those in the LGBT
community because we are all God’s children. My mother
was a teacher of over 30 years, she loved children no matter
their sexual, cultural, ethnic and religious ideology, I share
her passion for all children and their rights. The struggles,
the sacrifices, the tears, and the prayers of Women of Color
are a testimony to the true meaning of being a woman.
Nikki Giovanni from her recent visit to Edward Waters
College during my interview stated that Black women
are so powerful and important that if they were not here
they would have to be created.
http://myquesttoteach.wordpress.com/2012/03/23/
nikki-giovanni-at-edward-waters-college/
I feel this can be applied to all Women of Color because of
their historic contributions and sacrifices. This is a testament
to the Anointing of Women of Color and even their
Caucasian, Muslim, European, Asian, Hispanic, Haitian
and other cultural/ethnic women.
The discrimination of Gays and Lesbians is a serious
discussion that ranges from politics, religion, education,
Human Rights, Constitutional Rights and Civil Rights.
This struggle has been equated to the Civil Rights
movement of the 50’s to current discussion and
dialogue. It will continue to be a contentious and
serious topic, but the foundations are the rights of
Human Beings. As a Man of Color (Black) I can only
object to the inappropriate comments by a Women of Color
against her professional peers, cultural sisters and
marginzing the importance that it does not matter if a
women is Gay, Lesbian or whatever designation or
title society places on her that she is of great value.
Women of Color should always be respected, revered,
acknowledged for their successes and accomplishments.
Equally to the LGBT community as citizens, tax payers,
parents, professionals, educators and human beings they
should be respected equally as well.
Accusations of sexual relationships with aides in the
political realm is not new; http://thinkprogress.org/
but the use of demeaning words directed at a particular
group goes to show that the mentality and moral statue
of our political figures should be scrutinized and they,
being role models have to be accountable. If our law
enforcement system, educational system, religious
entities and legal system is held accountable, for
their actions and words so should our political
representatives.
I do not know Lt. Gov. Carroll’s personal opinions about
the LGBT community, but wonder what her role was in
enticing the LGBT community to vote for the current
Governor during the election process. How many hands
did she shake from professional women that are proudly
LGBT, how many did she hug, hold hands in political
solidarity to obtain votes? What does her sorority think
about her opinions and is this also their thinking?
This goes to show all People of Color and in the LGBT
community that we need to be careful even of our own
who we elect. Who we send to local, state, and federal
government to represent our interests.
It will be interesting the response from our religious leaders,
elected political representatives and those who claim to be
impartial or support Women of Color and the LGBT
community. The discussion and dialogue is too
important to silence by political meandering and
distraction.
Resources:
Huffington Post
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/17/jennifer-caroll-lesbian-twitter-reactions_n_1679707.html
Apology Demanded
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/07/18/jennifer-carroll-lesbian-black-women-comments-apology-demand_n_1683910.html
Black Women Who Look Like Me
http://thinkprogress.org/lgbt/2012/07/16/520661/florida-lieutenant-governor-black-women-who-look-like-me-dont-have-lesbian-relationships/?mobile=nc
