Black and Gay and Defending the GOP?

Cool
July 15 2005, 2:05PM

Keith, Keith, Keith,

Alas, we finally disagree.

Dude's got the right to be a republican even if he is black and gay.

So what?

Any of us, all of us, live with the incongruities in behavior of others everyday. Human beings simply don’t make sense.

Rev. Keith Butler (viciously anti-homosexual) is a black republican running for US Senate in Michigan. He's got gay dudes sitting up in his church pretending not to hear his biblical inconsistencies.

I know of many prosperous black gay homosexual Republicans living in New York, in Harlem no less, who hang out at your social events.

Can we say Aubrey H?

Money, financial security, the ducketts take precedence over all concerns social and political for a lot of people.

Good, let them generate the capital that keeps us in designer wear and able to go on nice vacations.

God bless ‘em.

I, for one, vote democratic. Republicans just get it wrong on so many issues.

But them suckas know how to seize power. You gotta give them that.

Bernie
July 15 2005, 4:06PM

It's not about Traynham being a Black, gay, Republican. It's about him a) living in the closet, while b) working for a Senator who so actively proposes legislation that negatively impacts the lives of gays and lesbians, and c) supporting that Senator's actions.

How self-loathing can one person be?

Nyah
July 15 2005, 7:13PM

I am so enraged at these self hating black and gay people out here. This black man and others like him as gotten so wrapped up in his status, that he totally has lost step with the reality of his being black and gay.

But the funny thing about Trayham is that as he is not thinking of himself as a black man and how he is grudingly acknowledging his sexuality, society around him doesnt do so. Society still think of him as a nigger and a fag.

ReganDuCasse
July 15 2005, 7:23PM

Perhaps Traynham doesn't see himself PERSONALLY affected by Santorum's policies.
But Santorum's agenda is to hurt plenty of gay people.
Santorum keeps Traynham around just to show that he's the one in control, not Traynham.
It's a calculated affront and a show of who is running the club and who can be kept out of it.
It's undignified.
It's tokenism of the worst kind.

There was a time when the slave owner kept his favorite around and closeby as a valet to attend to every whim.
This just brings a whole new level and meaning to that kind of relationship.
Owner of the rights and the protection of the status quo and the one without them.

cmoney
July 15 2005, 7:57PM

Raaagghh---excuse me, I just vomited after reading this story. Now getting back to this black, gay , Republica---Raaaaghh. I'm sorry, I can't say it without vomiting! This guy makse me sick!
Anyway, you can't judge a book by its cover. Clarence Thomas, Ward Connelly and Janice Rogers-Brown are living testament to that. Complete Uncle Tom's!! What would be a good name for a sellout in the gay community that would carry all of the stigma of an Uncle Tom in the Black community? How about Robert Traynham?!!

anthony davis
July 15 2005, 8:20PM

Cool is right in saying that Robert Traynham has the right to be a black,gay,Republican but there is so much more there than the fact that this man is a black,gay,Republican.What we're looking at with this man is something called internalized self hatred.How could you possibly defend or support someone who basically wants to deny your rights to exist as a same gender loving person? This is absolutely sick but most of all it is sad.It is definately true that he is free to be whatever he wants to be and also support whoever he wants but I really don't see how any right thinking person can't see the twisted logic behind this but then again the only logic that I could see that would support this is that it's based on internalized self hatred.Going beyond the issue of sexuality,look at the fact that he actually defended the confederate flag.That speaks volumes and says a great deal about what he must think of himself as blackman.Then again I forgot,he is someone who don't see himself as a blackman.Brothers( do I even dare call him that)like this are like a plague and a cancer that I try to stay away from at all costs.

Bklynbro
July 16 2005, 12:08AM

I've known about this guy for quite some time and him working for Santorum has always boggled my mind. A true sellout.

soultatoo
July 16 2005, 2:19AM

Let that man be and do what he wants, and stop with the hateful feelings. So if someone hates us we going to hate them back? I guess that attitude is really going to help us gay folks move forward!

Kenneth Winfrey
July 16 2005, 3:01AM

While Robert Traynham has all the right in world to live a contradiction, so do the rest of us have the right to say so, as a matter of opinion. However, regardless of "opinion," it is an empirical fact that Robert Traynham is making a living aiding and abetting a man that has worked against equality in this country. Let me also add that I think it is important that we point such contradictions out, discuss them, and magnify them. Otherwise, someone else might find themselves in the same situation.

While we don't have to hate Mr. Traynham to love ourselves, we can use him as a perfect exmaple of how not to hate ourselves. No one has said that Mr. Traynham doesn't have a right to be he who he is, or to make a living. Nevertheless, I, like many others apparently, simply feel that he is not only playing a role in the perpetuation of oppression for Blacks and homosexuals, but that, ironically, he is also perpetuating the oppression of himself--as both Black and homosexual.

People actually have both the right to live in contradiction and to hate. What we must avoid is giving one group of people the right to act on that hatred in ways that inhibit the rights of others, which is what Rick Santorum seems to be trying to do.

I am also overwhelmed with the idea of the possibilty that Traynham and Santorum may be having an affair. All to often, such as the case of Mayor James E. West of Spokane, WA, those who fight the hardest to suppress gays (and Blacks) are actually fighting hard to repress something of the same within themselves.

All the money in the world can't explain why someone would help pull the trigger of a gun aimed at themselves. This has nothing to do with logic, it has to do with an internalized self-hatred so deep, that it begs self-preservation--which, unfortunately, is nothing new to Blacks or gays.

Mel Smith
July 16 2005, 5:49AM

Some of you need to read the whole article. Keith already stated that Traynham has a right to be whomever in America. I agree with Kenneth and Anthony. I think Traynham suffers from self-hatred. Prejudice might defeat us because of our skin color and sexual orientation. But, I think our greatest obstacle is our ignorance and lack of respect we have for one another. Those are the greatest obstacles that affect the black and gay community. Some of us hate ourselves and we take it our on folks who are like us(especially gay black males and others as well).

Cool
July 16 2005, 10:37AM

Kenneth, glad to see you're doing fine, by brother.

I miss the message board.

But, again I say, we live with the contradictions of others, and our selves, every single day.

We send loving birthday gifts to parents who, while loving us, hate homosexuals and would gladly vote to deny us rights. We work for companies that would fire us if they knew our real beliefs and identities. We hang out with friends who smirk at all things gay. We run with gays whose agendas are far more aggressive than we're comfortable with.

This Robert Tray guy has a "good job" that few black men today would turn down. Period. That's important. Not many of you, any of us, are so principled that we would turn down an excellent career opportunity because of the gay cause.

Keith has, and I wholeheartedly respect that. To him being gay is more than living secretly, it's his life cause.

I can' say I would do the same. I haven't. Justice is more my mantle.

Maybe Robert is just simply trying to pay his bills. And like crabs in a gay barrel, look at the gays attacking him.

Let the dude be. Peace to him.

I know this ain't going to be received well because for some reason we like devouring ourselves. If he didn't have this job, not one thing in the political scene for gays would change. Somebody else would be getting that paycheck.

Jazzi
July 16 2005, 10:47AM

I think it's important to reflect diversity in our community, particularly in politics. We don't all think alike. We don't all share the same values or have the same veiws. That said, I'm at a loss as to what to think about Traynham. It's easy to make quick judgements about the guy based on some of his more controversial statements. On the surface it would seem this guy is full of self loathing. If this the case, then he doesn't represent me even if he is Black & gay.

Bklynbro
July 16 2005, 11:00AM

Keith, didn't you work in the White House with Bill Clinton? The same Pres. Bill Clinton that signed the Defense of Marriage Act (while getting head from an intern)and is responsible for the Don't Ask Don't Tell policy of the military. Tsk, tsk.

I see Robert Traynham as being no different than all the Black gay folk that support religious institutions that condemn them.

I see him as no different than all the Black gays who party to, buy and support hip hop, rap and reggae that is homophobic.

Cool
July 16 2005, 11:28AM

Brklynbro:

My pointed exactly!

You hit the nail on the head.

I'm amazed at the number of people who say this guy is a "self-loather." Most people like him absolutely love who they are. They just hate some aspects of homosexuality as culture here in America.

I don't subscribe to 'group think.' No one person has a patent on how to live a life. I'm sure dude sleeps well at night. While many 'out' gays lament life itself.

Mel Smith
July 16 2005, 1:25PM

I would never work for anyone who publicly bashes women, blacks, gays, Jews, or whomever. There are just some things I won't do for a paycheck and selling out is one of those things.

Jeff
July 16 2005, 1:30PM

Yes but defending the confederate flag? Come on now. You would have to be oblivious to the history of our ancestors to honor such a symbol of hatred. Democrats aren't agressively pursuing an amendment that takes away the rights of sgl people. I'm not saying that the Democrats have it all together but they're nowhere near as bad as these self-righteous Republicans.

cmoney
July 16 2005, 2:51PM

In South Africa during the reign of apartheid, sellout negroes such as Robert Traynham would have been "necklaced"--that is lynched with a burning tire around their necks. While I don't advocate violence, I can see their point. People like these literally sold out their own kind for a bit of favor from their white oppressors. Somehow, we as black gays are supposed to tolerate fools like this in our midst while we suffer from discrimination, neglect from our government and hostility from the religious types. I applaud Keith for pointing out the hypocrisy of this guy and the fact that he not only works against his own self interest, he works against ours. Yeah, he has a right to be stupid. But he has NO RIGHT to expect acceptance, tolerance or support from the people he works to oppress. So no, we should not just let him be and allow him to live in peace. He doesn't deserve it and he should always be looking over his shoulder so long as he advocates discrimination against my people.

Kenneth Winfrey
July 16 2005, 3:05PM

Come now: let us not loose sight of justice in the name of so-called freedom. We talk about "freedom" so much in this country, but it's actually a profound paradox of relativity...

Thinking about hurting someone doesn't hurt them. You, and anyone else in this world are free to THINK about whatever they want. I've never seen any laws that prohibit the THOUGHTS of murder, extortion, or even the self-destruction described above.

However, taking a job working as part of a political structure that ACTS on such thoughts of hatred by creating laws that discriminate against, and allow crimes to be committed upon, any group of people is BEYOND the right an individual has to FEEL the way they feel. Why can't we see the difference between THINKING and DOING here?

After years of working for people who would fire me because I'm gay, working for corporations that I knew were peppered with right-wing red necks, and even being in the position to process payments to political causes that I knew didn't represent me, I took steps to create a job for myself as an entreprenuer. Sure, I worked for them to learn, as well as to put food on my table, but only for as long as I HAD to.

Nevertheless, [as I've stated so many times before in this place] as long as we continue to fail to find economic self-sufficiency as Black people, or as gay people, we'll never be able to stand up against the very institutions that will continue to oppress us. On the other hand, while it must be recognized that some of us may not be in the position to beceome entreprenuers and, that most of us will not even be able to find jobs working for someone with whom we agree on every issue--after all, Clinton did sign DOMA--we can't "sincerely" compare Rick Santorum to BIll Clinton, now can we?

Again, I don't think anyone is saying that Mr. Trayham (or Mr. Santorum) doesn't have the right to FEEL whatever he wants to FEEL, or to even make a living. What I claim is the right (and FREEDOM) to FEEL what I FEEL about it--and the right to say so out loud (or in print). The difference between him and I is that I am not DOING anything that would actually harm him. I don't work for anyone that would do things that would inhibit his right to live peacefully, but Mr. Traynham is quantifiably hurting me by playing a crical role in activities that make my life more difficult, to say the least!

Mr. Traynham is arguably an accomplice to all the murders, assaults, and acts of discrimination against gay people in America. I am simply an opinionated blogger. Who is closer to criminal?

Marlon
July 16 2005, 9:59PM

SANTORUM: "I have no problem with homosexuality. I have a problem with homosexual acts. As I would with acts of other, what I would consider to be, acts outside of traditional heterosexual relationships. And that includes a variety of different acts, not just homosexual. I have nothing, absolutely nothing against anyone who's homosexual. If that's their orientation, then I accept that. And I have no problem with someone who has other orientations. The question is, do you act upon those orientations? So it's not the person, it's the person's actions. And you have to separate the person from their actions."

Honestly, Robert, I wish you a speedy journey to self awarness of your black, sgl existence. Hell, it's not an easy journey for most; however, the intrapersonal rewards are bountiful. And today is a very go day to begin!

cool
July 16 2005, 10:27PM

"Who is closer to criminal?"

Kenneth, ain't nobody committed no crime. Cool down the rhetoric.

"Politics make strange bed fellows."

Damn, I oughta coin that one.

(Oops, my bad. Somebody already did)

There are so many conservative anti-gay agenda, closeted black, brown and white men out there it's ridiculous.

What we gonna do, stone them? Lynch them? Try the for treason?

Hardly.

News flash, my brothas. Every SGL person out there don't buy into the gay as subculture mentality. Every dude who takes it up the butt ain't down with the gay agenda. It's called democracy.

Why don't y'all criticize policies and ideas instead of people and their personal choices which, truthfully, is far less a danger to your life and limb than that next piece you bring home, or the last one.

Peace

Nyah Molineaux
July 17 2005, 1:05AM

I agree with CMoney, why should we let these guys live in peace? Guys everyday like Trayham only care about status and power and is willing to do everything to maintain and increase it. This guy defends the confederate flag, anti-gay policies, and would probably even sleep with Dick Cheney if it means that he will get a better spot within the Republican party.

It is time that we as black and gay people take action against these judases. I wish I had that bastard phone number, or e-mail. I would flood his e-mail and his phone with my indignation.

NLM
July 17 2005, 1:10AM

Here is the Bastard's information if you want to contact him, or if you feel it is worth it to contact him.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Robert Traynham
2135-12th Place, NW
Washington, DC 20009
Phone: (202) 249-9954
Email: rtraynha@gmu.edu

jaymillion
July 17 2005, 5:05AM

What the hell is the difference between the Confederate Flag and the American Flag. The slave ships that brought our asses over here had stars and stripes and was referenced as OLD GLORY.

Cool
July 17 2005, 2:17PM

It is bigotry. Plain and simple playa hate'n.

Will somebody please post for me the rules on how to be gay. I didn't get the memo. What career I gotta have, fashions to wear, words to use, church to attend, how to vote and causes to champion.

Those who have attacked this man act as if homosexuals have the market cornered when it comes to virtue, honesty, courage, principles, justice and goodwill.

Give me a break! We all know better.

But I'm glad you posted his contact info. Dude is cute. Maybe I can get a date.

Mel Smith
July 17 2005, 4:18PM

Cool, Kenneth was giving an example of how someone could have fired him because of his sexual orientation. Dog, that may not have happended to me or you, but it could have happended to that brother or anyone else. Therefore it's a form of psychological murder for something like that to happen to anyone. I also criticize self-hating blacks too(like a few on my job). I will criticize anyone who sellout for anything. I'm allowed to criticize and those folks are allowed to sellout(knowing it goes against people who fought for our rights).

Guess Who
July 17 2005, 4:31PM

I have to say this is not an issue. I do not see where Mr. Traynham done any wrong by working with the republican party. What is wrong with supporting your political organization? Just because he is black and gay does not mean he has to support ONLY the democratic party to promote so called "equal" rights of black homosexuals or gay marriage.

anthony davis
July 18 2005, 12:49PM

You know I find some of these brothers comments to be very interesting.Although it's true that we live in a democracy and with that comes freedom of speech as well as the right to express your own opinion.However I think that some of you brothers really don't see the picture.I don't fully support the gay agenda either but it's not about the support of a gay agenda that's the issue for me here.Cool argues his point about who established the rules of being gay,well once again it's not so much about being gay as what it is about being a conscious,self-respecting,black man.Some of the comments that he has made as well as the positions that he has taken in defense of certain things clearly suggests that this isn't the case with him.For you brothers who choose to take Keith to task because he called this brother out for his behavior is something that I just can't agree with.It's not so much about the gay agenda that some of you try to suggest or an adherance to a certain set of rules or code of gay conduct that Cool trivilizes the issue as being but it's about having a level of consciousness as a blackman concerning race issues in America that many of you who are on here defending Mr. Traynham fell to see.

Rick
July 18 2005, 6:12PM

http://hiphoprepublican.blogspot.com/

It must be hard to be gay black and Republican!

The average lib gets a brain freeze when he meets such blatant contradiction's.

Robert Traynham, Director of Communications for United States Senator Rick Santorum (R-PA) has said he is an out gay man who completely supports the Senator.

Robert Traynham was"outed" even though he was already out, but the Mike Rogers
hate fest over at blogACTIVE.com. He gets a call out of know where,
demmanding he repond to a blogger!

"Are you gay? Do you know Santorum is a homophobe?
On and on and on! Finaly Robert hung up the damn phone!

I would have done the same, who the hell is Mike Rogers?

This psycho blog became famous for outing Republicans,and I stress Republicans only!

The blog says they will only out, those "opposed to gay rights"!

What ever that means?

I guess all the Democrats are gay freindly and already out in Mike Rogers mind!

The truth is this is a campaign of intimidation, and hate. And
no spin of words can change that!

The truth is that even if Santorum was hateful, he would not hang around
this man.
He obvuoulsy may differ greatly on the gay marriage issue, and he may not know
many gay people.

But that does not mean hateful!

If gay marriage is the litmus test for hate, then 80 percent
of black people are hateful, and most o fthe planet! That would also inlcude my Granmother!

In such a case having known a face who is gay is very positive,
not negative!

I wish Robert Traynham much sucess, in his life.

Ignore the nay sayers and maybe one day Robert will be a Senator! He already gets my vote!

I could have only imagined the first black congressional staffers, after the civil rights movement!

They did alot for black rights just by showing up on time and showing there face's!

You do not have to agree with youre boss, but at least he puts a face to any law he advocate's.

Stop, hating, and bitchin and grouw up!

Bklynbro
July 18 2005, 6:41PM

I see Robert Traynham as being no different than all the Black gay folk that support religious institutions that condemn them.

I see him as no different than all the Black gays who party to, buy and support hip hop, rap and reggae that is homophobic.

DB
July 18 2005, 8:34PM

Wow. This is sad. How does he sleep at night?

Aaron Coleman
July 18 2005, 11:51PM

All I can say is, based on the present Republican administration, with all the deceit, lies and arrogance, I don't know of one Republican I hold in high regard. They and their mindset disgust me....and Santorum is one of the worst. Where is the integrity, where is the moral high ground? Some people will do anything for fortune or fame...I'm glad to say, I won't.
The only good Republican is....., well, you know the rest. Aaron

luddite
July 19 2005, 10:50AM

Do we know how Mr. Traynham feels about the "man on dog sex" that Senator Santorum states will become legal if gay marriage is legal? Just curious if Traynham has weighed in yet on this issue.

Mike Rogers
July 19 2005, 11:42AM

Keith,

As always insightful and thought provoking. Thank you for the props and your incredible leadership in our community. You've been a hero of mine for quite a while!

Charles Ward
July 19 2005, 11:47AM

Thank you Blkynbro...because as you write it is the EXACT same thing...what I deeply feel that Blacks are not dealing with is the following:

1- There is now a class structure within the black community...whereas money and other factors have lessened the concerns of certain groups in the eyes of another...particularly the black gay community…we can no longer depend upon our skin color to unite us those days are long gone…in addition the leadership that was once present has been weakened to a large degree that can not be denied at any levels…

2- The black community harshly determines what it means to be "black" and any deviation from it is harshly attacked or ridiculed. I have watched as a school teacher of 16 years as black males have been influenced that the only careers that allows them to be "black" are sport careers, rappers, or pimps...I can not get my 14 boys to vocally tell me an alternative career for themselves...to be honest the first 2 are heavily sited. Education is not championed as I have spoken to many black males as to why they are not completing homework and achieving good grades, they the following as some of their reasons: "my friends will make fun of me is I get good grades", "my family members and friends will call me, white"...my family only cares about sports...I as a teacher can not get many black parents up for OPEN HOUSE...the parents and students give an array of excuses...now I go to a sporting event at night and they are ALL there..so I take with me progress reports and pass them out in the stands...

3- Now I admit that the following is a generalization: Many Blacks fear God, and I have always stated to many people, where did that secular religion come from...Slaves in the early 18th and 19th century were given that religion in order to show them that slavery and ones place in life was a part of the Bible, God’s master plan as a part of a good and just life. I have never prescribed to such as the missionaries of the past and today throughout Africa and South America have taken it upon themselves to introduce and inflict their propaganda to the masses...look at the rise of Catholicism in Africa, that’s right Catholics in Africa…with South America conquered it was time to move on to this place of AIDS and poor infrastructure...”I will trade you good drinking water and AIDS medication for your soul, that is exactly what is going on...

4- The Black church is a meeting place for many and it is a place for much ill behavior from those at the pulpit and in the pews…I remember growing up in the projects of Chicago Robert Taylor Homes, the largest housing projects in the world…going to church with my family, my mother would place here meager money from Public Aid in the basket and pray for a better life as the minister and his wife drove a fancy car and NEVER ever once offered a food drive, GED classes, money management seminars or anything to enrich the community…the church was only open on Sunday and sat during the week unless there was a paid event…at 10 years old I announced that I would not be attending church because I felt that it was not helping our poor and desperate community…How many black churches out there offer these things to its membership? I sincerely hope that it has changed for the better…

5-As I have written before the black community as with any community is its worst enemy. We are no longer all down trodden with poverty and lack education therefore it is possible and somewhat permissible to walk over those who are. We do not look back at others with compassion and understanding. We tend to be more materialistic than most other ethnic groups; these petty ways can destroy a greater sense of self that needs to be examined in order to operate in this world…

CAM
July 19 2005, 4:32PM

I do find some of Mr. Traynham's comments inflammatory...but I also find some of Keith's comments inflammatory as well...I have been called a Republican Fascist on numerous occasions by my friends and I am completely aware that my political mindset is that of a minority (not racial or sexual minority...but ideologic minority)...I see nothing wrong with believing the Republican party if it best supports your interests...however, I do not believe in blind allegiance...group thought is wreckless to any community and the outrage against Traynham is a perfect example..this can also be applied to religion in the greatest sense...black churches are prime examples of the pitfalls of blind faith and support (look at Rev Willie Wilson's comments here in DC)...Santorum should want people who question him and keep him on his toes working for him...that is the mark of a good leader and communicator...not a yes man like Traynham...that is my issue with him...instead of hanging up the phone when your beliefs or opinions are called into question, stand your ground and defend them in an intelligent manner...and there is no way he should be able to justify Santorum's comparisons of gays to dogs...nor should he act like those comments never occurred...Even if he could care less about the community as a whole, he should still care enough about himself to question his boss' misinformed, ignorant, destructive statements because no matter how far he rises in the Republican ranks, the man who signs his paychecks (Santorum) still views him as a dog...

I don't align myself as a Democrat, nor do I see me as a Republican...but I do see me as a human being who deserves to be treated with respect...unfortunately, Traynham is a bit deluded in his thought process and his actions reflect that...but his thoughts and actions are not independent or isolated occurrences....we all support those who most benefit us in some way...however, it is dangerous in this world, no matter your personal wealth, education, or professional position, to walk around on a daily basis and not think once about your blackness because the American public (black, white, and now Mexican with that new stamp and Cruz's statements) damn sure won't hesitate to remind you...Traynham should believe as he feels, but he might want to not be so passive in doing so...

Robert
July 19 2005, 9:33PM

"People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself into a monster."

-The esteemed Mr. James Baldwin

bush burner
July 21 2005, 5:02AM

Listen,

I find it quite interesting that anyone would defend what this Traynham guy has had coming for a long time. He is a hypocrite plain and simple. There is something inconsistent with being gay and supporting idiots like Sen. Dog-Sex. That's just the plain truth. There is no way to justify it, but then again he doesn't have to do so. This story and the criticisms of this guy should have its run, but quite frankly he's not the sellout about whom I worry. I worry about the rank and file, "keepin' it real bra'" simpletons who populate the black community. These are people who are too immature to be considered adults. The are people who will hurt or kill someone else for stepping on their shoes or looking at someone the wrong way. These are the people who will get pregnant and do nothing...absolutely nothing to ensure that their children have a better existence than they did (the chief goal of any good parent). These are the people who will claim racism is keeping them down, but who continually bring chaos and destruction to their communities by treating women and objects and small children as drug dealers. Let us not forgot our wonderful religious leaders. Whether they be the hypocritical "Christian" preachers aiding and abetting hatred of gays and other peoples or the kooky black muslim leaders who have never really made any sense, it seems that the lionshare of our community is poised for self destruction. As a gay , black man, I can honestly say that I am not welcomed in the black community. So I, like many other well-educated black people, will abandon this place (Detroit) and look for somewhere where I am not feminized or culturally ostracized for my intellectualism and sensitivity.