Farrakhan Meets With Black Gay Leaders
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Wednesday, September 7 2005, 5:20PM
In an unprecedented move, Nation of Islam leader Minister Louis Farrakhan met with black gay and lesbian leaders Wednesday for a 50-minute conversation about black gays and lesbians and the Millions More Movement. The wide-ranging meeting, held by conference call with participants in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., marked the first time ever that Farrakhan had met with openly gay or lesbian leaders.
Farrakhan began the call by introducing himself and thanking those on the call, saying he was "honored to have the opportunity" to speak to the participants personally. Launching right into a defense of his plan for the Millions More Movement march to be held in October, Farrakhan said, "I am a Muslim but will not proselytize my faith at that gathering even though I am the convener as such." In response, he asked the group to hold back on its own. "As I am not pushing my own personal agenda, I would appreciate it if on that day we would address the overall concern in the agenda of the suffering of my people," he said. "Since I am the one who is claimed to be homophobic, I promise my brothers and sisters that I will address homophobia…but I cannot address the issues that are purely gay and lesbian issues," he said.
Group Presents Three Demands
The gay and lesbian participants on the call expressed dissatisfaction with Farrakhan's remarks and continued to insist that he include openly gay and lesbian speakers at the march, arguing that Farrakhan himself could not speak for the LGBT community. National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director Alexander Robinson presented the group's three demands: first, including openly gay and lesbian speakers at the October march; second, including NBJC as a full participant at the national level and the DC Coalition of Black Lesbians and Gays at the local level as organizers of the event, and third, holding a face-to-face meeting with black gay and lesbian leaders.
Farrakhan said he would welcome a face-to-face meeting with black gays and lesbians before the October 15 march, but he would not make a commitment to include gay and lesbian speakers at the event, a matter he said he would refer to his executive committee for consideration.
Washington, DC activist Phil Pannell told Farrakhan that he found it "interesting" that the Nation of Islam leader would take the issue back to a committee where gays and lesbians are not included. "How can we come to the table when we are nowhere in the building?" he asked, saying he was "insulted" by the contradiction. Pannell also noted that when he asked Minister Farrakhan about gay participation in January at a Martin Luther King celebration at Union Temple Church, Farrakhan said the program had not been set. Pannell told the minister today that the contradiction "somewhat borders on intellectual dishonesty."
"I don't think you know what it means to be gay in terms of feeling the stings of homophobia. We do." Pannell said. "Brother, if you are a co-convener, if you will sit down to plan the…development of our people, you are at the table," Farrakhan shot back. "As a black person, what you suffer as a gay or lesbian person, we as a people have suffered..I don't know what it's like to be gay, but I certainly know what it's like to be black in white America."
Farrakhan Says Agenda Not Set
Farrakhan insisted that the program for the October march "has not been set yet" and claimed that "we know generally what the program will look like" and urged the black LGBT community not to walk away from the invitation simply because they were not at the table where they wanted to be. Other participants were also unhappy by the decision to refer the matter to the executive committee. "You are the only one who can make the decision whether we have a speaker," said DC activist Carlene Cheatam. She said many of the black LGBT community's allies were unwilling to speak up for fear that they will be removed from the planning process. "Even though you say we are included," she said, "those who are on the fence on this issue will stay on the fence if you don't speak out, sir."
NBJC President Keith Boykin reminded Farrakhan that he had met the minister in February when they were both panelists at Tavis Smiley's "State of the Black Union" event. At the time, Farrakhan said gays and lesbians would be welcome at the Millions More march. Farrakhan remembered the meeting and said he recalled whispering in Boykin's ear, "There's no one who has the right to judge you." Boykin told Farrakhan that he attended the original Million Man March 10 years ago and did not feel embraced. "Ten years later, I would like to think that we have made some progress," he said. "As a black gay man, I believe it is extremely important to have openly gay and lesbian speakers at the Millions More Movement march," he added. Boykin expressed concern about recent comments from march organizer Rev. Willie Wilson that lesbianism is taking over the black community, and he reminded Farrakhan that black gay men and lesbians are victims of hate crimes in their own communities. He also noted a recent CDC study that found 46 percent of black gay and bisexual men in five cities were HIV positive.
Farrakhan told a story of a close family friend who he believed was gay and said the man had been welcome in his family for years. "He sits at my table and eats with my family but I never ask him," he said. "If he said to us that he was openly gay, it would not make any difference," said Farrakhan.
Not A "Lifestyle"
He also said no one should discriminate against gays and lesbians because they "chose" a particular "lifestyle." In response, Pannell corrected the minister. "I was born this way, Minister Farrakhan." The Nation of Islam leader said he was new to the terminology because he had not spoken to gays and lesbians who were open about their sexual orientation. "I said something that you might correct me on and educate me on," he acknowledged, adding "I am anxious to know your mind, your heart, your spirit."
Sterling Washington, co-founder of the Howard University gay and lesbian student group, BLAGOSAH, cited the demonization of black gay men around HIV and AIDS as another reason why Farrakhan and others should be more sensitive to LGBT issues. He argued that the community had used these issues to "scapegoat gays and lesbians" and said such actions "do a disservice not just to gay people but to all people."
The call took place from 3:13 to 4:03 p.m. today, and the participants included National Black Justice Coalition President Keith Boykin, DC Coalition founder Carlene Cheatam, Minister Louis Farrakhan, DC Coalition founder Phil Pannell, National Black Justice Coalition Vice President Donna Payne, National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director H. Alexander Robinson and District of Columbia official John Wallace.
The black gay and lesbian participants met privately after the conference call to plan their next steps.
Comments conceal
Anthony Galloway
September 7 2005, 5:05PM
Thank you for being such great advocates in our community. Hopefully, Mr. Farrakhan will think rationally and take our points in consideration when rendering a decision.
Joseph
September 7 2005, 5:47PM
Thank You this isn't a victory but it's a mall step out of defeat keep pushing Brother
Kenneth Winfrey
September 7 2005, 7:40PM
Relatively speaking, given the past statements of the NOI, and the way gay people have been treated among them, this is actaully tremendous progress, even if more work needs to be done. I can remember a time when I wouldn't have hardly expected the Minister to participate in such a dialog. Nor would I have expected what I found on page 18 of the July Ebony. In that issue, there is a photo of Min. Farrakhan, Jesse Jackson, and two others. The caption reads:
"IN WASHINGTON, D.C...., the Rev. Jesse Jackson...greets Nation of Islam leader...at the National Press Club to announce the Millions More Movement, set to take place in Washington, D. C., on October 14, 15 and 16 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March...which is expected to include women and gays."
I don't know who inspired that caption, but it felt really good to read it.
I had previously described Min. Farrakhan's responses to Black gay leadership as "lukewarm." I should say that the temperature is rising. However, I actually thought we would get this kind of dialog from Christians before we got it from the NOI. Both statements from Rev. Willie Wilson and Farrakhan have surprised me...and I am pleasantly surprised by Farrakhan. It's not time to rest yet, but at least there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel.
Black people should be ahead of the general population when it comes to gay rights anyway. That's because Black people, with signficant contributions by Bayard Rustin, a Black gay man, "invented" American Civil Rights. This provides hope (albeit a glimmer) that we will take the leadership role in human rights we should have always had.
Bklynbro
September 7 2005, 8:16PM
If there were to be a gay speaker invited, whom would it be and would it be a gay man or lesbian? The candidates please. The question on man or woman should be considered very wisely. Both have dangers. Will gay marriage be spoken of, Keith?
Stanley Bailey III
September 7 2005, 8:28PM
come on Keith, if you attended the Million Man March 10 years ago and did not feel "embraced," what is going to make you feel "embraced" now? I agreed with Phil Pannell..."how can we come to the table when we are nowhere in the building." Being invited to the table is one thing, but being invited to the table and being served poisonous food is just downright "intellectual dishonesty." Am I the only one who's "not feeling" this Million More March? Yes I attended the Million Men March and nothing , not even a reunion, can captured what happened 10 years ago. Why can't we just return the invitation back "will not attend."And tried to convince others, gays and straight, to do the same? There is strength in numbers!
jazzi
September 7 2005, 10:20PM
I agree with you, Kenneth. It's a very small step but one in the right direction. Homophobia in our community isn't going to go away overnight. Would to God that people & attitudes changed that fast but we know they do not.
What I think is important is that we always be in a position to combat the ignorance of homophobia with knowledge. We cannot take a back seat & be quiet on this one. At the same time we should be willing to express patience. I not saying we should be passive & afraid to state our case. We need to stand strong & be vocal. But if someone is willing to sit down & talk with us, we should be willing to do so, like your group did, Keith. People are going to have to be educated & let's face it, a lot of folks prefer ignorance to knowledge.
Do you ever get sick & tired of begging someone else for inclusion? If it's not inclusion in clubs & bars it's inclusion in gay media & politics. We will create something for us by us? If at the end of the day we get what we want from this millions thing, fuck 'em, fuck 'em, fuck 'em! If you have to march, then let's march for ourselves, for our own concerns & issues.
maurice
September 7 2005, 10:47PM
I would urge the NJC and other progressive organizations to move forward with the plans for our own rally.
There is nothing worse than having our intelligence insulted by such a tawdry tactic at this so-called "outreach" by Farrakhan.
Don't be fooled!!!
Jeff Smith
September 7 2005, 10:50PM
I am happy to hear that there is discussion between the Black LGBT community and Mr. Farrakhan. This is a good thing that could possibly lead to a greater understanding of Black LGBT issues for all. However I have reservations about attending an anniversary celebration of the Million Man March. I'm not sure what was accomplished from the first march. I participated and felt just great during the event. It was definitely a momentous occasion for me to see so many Black Men bonding for the greater good, at least for that day. Also I must mention the great time I had at the gay clubs. The clubs were jumping the entire weekend. It was too hot!!! (I must digress.) However I never saw any major initiatives that can be directly attributed to the first march. Please let me know if you are aware any.
cmoney
September 8 2005, 12:06AM
Gays asking to be included in anything sponsored by Farrakhan is worse than begging for crumbs from a cockroach! I don't want his acceptance and I'll be damned if I'll beg for it. Fuck him and his stupid, bigoted march. We really need to get up off of our knees and stop thinking that a bunch of fools who don't even see the women that birthed them as their equals will ever accept us as their equals. Why do we care what they think?They have no power and are morally bankrupt. We need better allies than this if we expect any sort of change in our status.
Tyler
September 8 2005, 10:13AM
See, this is what I was talking about in an earlier post I made. This "discussion" was political, Keith. No doubt about it. Farrakhan has no intention of allowing a black GLBT perspective. We are just supposed to rubberstamp his and his executive committee's agenda.
That being said, you pressed him but I would argue that this be made public. A press conference that calls Farrakhan on his political wrangling is a moral move, not a political one. Since he plans to engender good will by "including" us, it behooves us to be honest about the degree to which that inclusion is exclusionary.
Another conversation is ill-advised. Black leaders now are paternalistic, they don't believe in real change, so they spout silly rhetoric and try to maintain their status. Farrakhan wants to make inroads with black GLBT Americans and this "conversation" from the outside looking in is a bold move on his part.
Substantively, it holds no real weight for our community. It is imperative that we have a voice at the march. It is imperative that this march not be just another love-fest with no grassroots initiative, strategic lobbying plan, etc to make serious change in the lives of Black Americans. Jeff Smith is right, nothing at all substantive came out of the first March. The exclusion of women alone mitigates any real "progress" made 10 years ago.
Lastly, the question of who the speaker or speakers is is a valid one. Will it be a black man or a black woman? Assuming it should be a black gay man could just reinscribe notions of male primacy that this march is "supposedly" trying to break down. It is worth considering that black gay men and black lesbians should have a separate voice. The politic of gender is far more important than we give credit in the black community.
Again, Keith. I wouldn't look at this as a defeat, but a challenge. Don't handle this behind closed doors. Expose Farrakhan for the manipulative man he is. Morally speaking, it is the only choice.
Rev John Garlington
September 8 2005, 11:15AM
Well, as far as I’m concern I believe that the call from Farrakhan IS a success!
It’s difficult but we’ve got to learn to accept people where they’re at, including our people. It’s a far cry from our Christian brothers and sisters; or moneychangers I should say.
How does a straight man revisit the context of his homophobia? There’s a lot to grapple with and his public demonstration should be commended, instead of shot down. But like in scripture, “your gift will make room for you.” Make sure that what needs to be spoken in the larger context as LGBT has been seasoned with humility and honesty, not with our own egos!!!
When I see Farrakhan, I believe he truly loves Black people and for me, that’s common ground as far as I’m concern. Let’s be more contemplative as we move forward and loving trying to accept folks where they’re at. It’s not anyone’s agenda here. It’s our plight as Black people!!!
Rev John Garlington
September 8 2005, 11:17AM
Well, as far as I’m concern I believe that the call from Farrakhan IS a success!
It’s difficult but we’ve got to learn to accept people where they’re at, including our people. It’s a far cry from our Christian brothers and sisters; or moneychangers I should say.
How does a straight man revisit the context of his homophobia? There’s a lot to grapple with and his public demonstration should be commended, instead of shot down. But like in scripture, “your gift will make room for you.” Make sure that what needs to be spoken in the larger context as LGBT has been seasoned with humility and honesty, not with our own egos!!!
When I see Farrakhan, I believe he truly loves Black people and for me, that’s common ground as far as I’m concern. Let’s be more contemplative as we move forward and loving trying to accept folks where they’re at. It’s not anyone’s agenda here. It’s our plight as Black people!!!
henry
September 8 2005, 11:53AM
OK Keith -
I think you have to continue to be proactive here. Next steps: you and your colleagues should seek gay-friendly leaders, viz. Julian Bond, Ambassador Andrew Young, Archbishop Desmond Tutu (perhaps Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, too) to speak out for us and, in so doing, bring their weight to bear on Farrakhan to include us as speakers at the rally.
Second: Now, no matter what anybody has to say (and no matter how innately homphobic he is and may always be) Farrakhan IS a black leader of considerable clout and a celebrity. Therefore, you should BLAST this widely in the media -- the fact that he participated in a conference call with Black Gay leaders centred on the topic of their inclusion as speakers at the Millions More March -- because THIS IS NEWS.
Spread the NEWS on the Tavis Smiley Show, News and Notes with Ed Gordon (perhaps Tom Joyner, too) and any and everywhere else you can get it on, because it might HURT Farrakhan's overall agenda if he doesn't deliver and display open-mindedness and include us as speakers ... the same talk might rear its head again about him hating jews, degrading the place of women in life, etc. This is an opportunity for Minister Farrakhan to show the world that he is, in fact, open-minded. The whole world will be eagerly waiting to know what his answer would be now -- TO INCLUDE OR *NOT* TO INCLUDE gays as speakers at the Rally. He would be a fool to take the latter road.
Things have past the stage now of the gay-bashing, fag-hating acts of a Rev Willie Wilson, who in fact is puny now and not important any more. Keep on keeping on Keith toward the destination of equality among gays and straights alike. We got your back. We TOO shall be free some day and before too long!! By God's and Allah's Grace!!!
Henry
Tyler
September 8 2005, 12:33PM
I'm all for meeting people where they are, but that doesn't mean accepting such behavior and not allowing for people to change. Farrakhan made a bold move, no doubt. But if it was made purely to boost his public image, then it has no real weight. It undermines any attempt at solidarity.
You are right Rev. This is not about agendas. But by excluding black GLBT Americans, a perspective on black life is lost and we all loose. I would be infuriated if a black lesbian or black gay man got up and spoke about our lives as separate from blackness. It would be uncouth to turn a unifying rally into a one-sided call for straight folks or for gay folks. There are many issues that affect black people that have a gay slant, from AIDS, to sexuality, to gender roles. All of this is important in the context of black life.
Willie Wilson's comments are indicative of the intersection between sexuality, gender and race. As such, a uniquely "queer" perspective on race and gender could illuminate a point of view that straight black folks have never heard and might be willing to embrace.
You never know people's capacity to grow as progressive individuals. We owe it to our people to break down the silence surrounding sexuality and gender and stand together in support of black self-determination.
If Farrakhan can speak from an Islamic perspective, then black GLBTs can speak from a "queer" one. Both owe it to us all to make the entire march a unifying event, not a hodgepodge of "special interests". This is why black GLBTs need to be at the table planning the event, not just behind Farrakhan at the podium in October.
Mel Smith
September 8 2005, 12:56PM
Louis Farrakhan is a smart man and I truly respect him. Although I have not always agreed with everything he said. Hell I don't always agree with my parents. People are starting to respect us homosexuals because more of us are refusing to let oppression bully us. We have to let the oppressors know that they can't bully us anymore. From a biblical viewpoint, many authors have contributed to the Bible. I am only concerned with what Jesus said about homosexuality. Jesus said that people are born homosexual. Again, I don't care about what the other bible authors said about homosexuality. I follow the teachings of Jesus Christ before anyone else.
Mel Smith
September 8 2005, 1:14PM
Also, we must remember that bullies would not mind coming into our bedrooms and arresting us. Therefore gay marriage is a sub problem. Don't forget that people don't have problems discriminating against us in every sector. Bullies like to hurt folks in every way they can. That's why I use the words: "they want to put us in check." By the way, I read everyone statements and they were very interesting.
jazzi
September 8 2005, 5:27PM
Ten years after the first march & were are we? What the hell are we celebrating? Are we blind to the way things are in our communities? Do we not see the gangs, the guns, the drugs, the young men drifting, no education, motivation, or hope? Are we not worse today than we were ten years ago? And yet another march march. Another fruitless spectacle. Is that the best we can do? I'm sure the organizers mean well, their hearts are in the right place. But it's time to turn the page. What worked then won't work now. We don't need more firey speeches, we need ACTION!
Clay Cane
September 8 2005, 7:45PM
this is very interesting -- i would like to no more about what was said and exchanged .. i will never be a Farrakhan fan, but this is something different.
Roger
September 8 2005, 9:39PM
Keith,
Dont walk, ruuuuuuuuun away!
I smell a rat, and its wearing a bowtie.
earnest hite
September 9 2005, 12:49AM
if we are honest and acknowledge what is resident within our communities (Black Communities) we are left with the truth that the change we seek is in our own lives and hands.
Isolation is not a path we should easily travel down as SGL/LGBT folk. I would submit that it is strategic for us to build bridges to those in our community who see us as 'wayward children' it is important to challenge perception and continue if not increase our conversation with those who are joining inthe battle for civil and human rights.
The old saying action is louder than words still rings true. However what are saying and what is really the truth about our lives as SGL/GLBT folk.
stumpy
September 26 2005, 12:48PM
I almost gave up when I read the first couple of comments... thank God intelligence eventually reigned!
Reading Brother Farrakhan's comments, I immediately wondered what Malcom X would have said on the same issues.
jay diaz
September 30 2005, 12:04AM
awesome! farrakhan meets with black gay leaders and all is well on million man march for everybody alright brothers & sisters unite gay pride in spirit & trust always-blessed be!