Stop LIFEbeat's Anti-Gay Concert

Kenneth Winfrey
July 10 2006, 1:16PM

I also wrote a brief note to Mr. Canelli via email. I got no response at all (except for the delivery receipt indicating that he did get my message).

I do appreciate his position on attempting to reach a specific population and assurances that there would be no "offensive lyrics at that venue."

...but what does that mean? Did he specifically indicate whose offense he would avoid? Hip-hop performers routinely use all kinds of lyrics that can be considered offensive to someone.

If the goal is to save lives, then save the lives of countless young men and women who might be affirmed by the homophobic nature of their music in general.

COnsider this: If a member of the KKK came to visit me and promised during the visit not to be "offensive," I would still not feel at ease.

meme
July 10 2006, 1:51PM

So What! If they can save lives with their message good. What is more, some gay people do not even like themselves or other gay so why should others respect us. We always want to be excepted by people who do not honor us, it is high time we stop casting our pearls to swines.

Vince Sgambati
July 10 2006, 1:54PM

My email to Mr.Canelli

I understand that the July 8th, NYC concert will feature Beenie Man and TOK. I applaud your work around HIV/AIDS. However, as a gay parent, I'm concerned about the message you're giving my daughter and all children of LGBT parents. Come learn about HIV/AIDS prevention. And while you're here make sure you heed the advice of performers who advocate brutally murdering your parents.

Even though our kids turn a deaf ear to the lyrics of such performers, they are victimized by the millions of kids who buy into such hate.

Sincerely,
Vince Sgambati

Den
July 10 2006, 2:01PM

I dont see the point in stopping a CONCERT.

LIFEBeat has an agenda, it is to promote AIDS awareness. They are going after a segment of the population that listens to these artists, people who might listen more clearly if these people say something as opposed to someone else. And maybe I didnt read thoroughly enough, but I thought LIFEBeat was an Anti-AIDS organization? Not a specifically homosexual anti-AIDS organization.

Stopping this concert does nothing, the same bill will be back in a few months at a bigger show and everyone who would have attended the Lifebeat show will attend that one. Its pointless! To stop a concert. Don't support it, dont go, dont support Lifebeat.

But dont fight a fight against someone whose heart is in the right place, they want to warn youths about AIDS, youths who just happen to listen to TOK and Beenie Man.

-G-
July 10 2006, 2:09PM

If Mr. Canelli is a straight white man, why in the hell should he care....just answer that question for me, somebody please!

GentlySerious
July 10 2006, 2:20PM

Keith: I more than agree that LIFEBeat's agenda has divided purposes. Sometimes she was wrong, but in this instance, Audre Lorde's much debated expression (paraphrased) You can't fight the master with the master's tools is right on. How can you teach AIDS prevention by advocating homophobia? How can you ethically claim to preach to a certain population as an AIDS organization by programming anti-gay artists? It's like programming white supremacists to confront racism...

But, I fear that there are so many, many things that we will not be able to change in our worlds. I mean, look at "meme's" comment in this thread. His words magnify what we are truly up against: ignorance, self-loathing, and institutional ignorance masquerading as prevention.

Sadly, I think the best way to combat an ED who truly believes his wrong approach is right is to step up our own efforts at prevention and awareness. We can change ourselves (but we can't change them).

T
July 10 2006, 2:21PM

I'm not sure what the above comment means. I respect other people and expect the same in return because that is basic human decency.

Back to the matter under discussion. As an AIDS activist myself I feel very strongly that the only way to teach people is to engage them in a discussion. I don't think cancelling the concert is the answer because then you are taking away an important forum for discussion.

Homophobia is a very serious problem in the Caribbean community, which is part of the reason that HIV/AIDS is becoming such a serious problem there. We need to fight the twin prejudices of homophobia and ignorance if we are going to make any headway in reaching this segment of the population.

Rockinrob
July 10 2006, 3:13PM

I placed a call to Mr. Cannelli to express my dissatisfaction with his decision. It's like they're talking out of both sides of their mouth.

My suggestions:
Place calls of dissatisfaction. Don't go to the concert. Ask your friends to also place calls, send e-mails, and don't go to the concert. Action speaks louder than just words.

bradlee
July 10 2006, 3:39PM

Ok as a young man who enjoys and loves to dance to dancehall & reggae I have always enjoyed the beat and unfortunatly the lyrics also make up the style of the music. So i find myself in a fix because im the target of these Lyrics. I know from my brother and cousin who listen to Dancehall as well that they say, sometimes they feel as if they are being encouraged to hate gays because of the lyrics but they think of me and realise how bad it actually is. Both of them have refused to support the two musicians above any longer.

So those people who are being targeted by Lifebeat for aids messages and by the artists, are supposed to hear one word about HIV/AIDS and at the same time hear about killing gays! Now COME ON PEOPLE so are we saying that we are trying to stop one group of people from dying from HIV/AIDS but at the same time its ok for people to be told its ok for Gays to be killed? Does that make sense? We should be at this point in life targeting everyone with love and positive words!

Bernie
July 10 2006, 3:42PM

LIFEBeat has no idea the amount of shit that is about to land on them for this misstep.

Mark Norris
July 10 2006, 3:44PM

Thanks for this Keith. As soon as I get to work today I am going to contact and send emails, snail mail to the above parties.

Your right, it is time to stop being patient and it's time to act up. How many other innocent gay men and women, who might be fans of these artists' are not even aware of the lyrical content of some songs.

Thanks for getting the fire under my but turned up to high.

Mark

Andre Lancaster
July 10 2006, 4:30PM

My full letter can be viewed on my blog:

As an HIV+ Black Gay man, I'm appalled that your organization is moving forward with Beenie Man and TOK's scheduled performances. You know that these music artists espouse violent homophobic lyrics. You know that there is an international movement against these artists and their extremely hateful music. But what you apparently do not get is the connection between homophobic violence and HIV.

Your organization's response that it was a "tough decision" to make is irresponsible and uninspiring. How about this for toughness: growing up taunted, verbally besieged as a "faggot," beaten up, having every media outlet and government entity telling you that you are not moral that you don't deserve rights, THEN being told that though we told you your life is worthless (Beenie Man) though we tell you to strap on a condom (LIFEbeat), we want an end to the HIV/AIDS pandemic that has raged your community for over twenty years...

Terrance
July 10 2006, 7:17PM

Some of the comments here are astounding. No one's criticizing LIFEbeat for trying to reach a particular demographic, but are these the only artists capable of helping them do that? Are there no other artists they could have featured?

Did LIFEbeat not realize their concert is taking place in a city where there have several incidents of violence, including murders, against black LGBT people?

Mr. Canelli says it's his job to save lives. Whose lives? Are the lives of black LGBT victims of anti-gay violence -- like Kevin Aviance, Rashawn Brazell, Dwan Price, Walter Page, and Sakia Gunn, just to name a few -- less important than the the lives he claims he's trying to save?

Are the lives of black LGBT people who will be victimized by the kinds of violence these artists advocate less important? Are those lives not worth saving too?

Mr. Canelli seems to think so. Sadly, some of the commenters here seem to agree.

Doug Cooper-Spencer
July 10 2006, 7:18PM

Okay, I just emailed National Public Radio and asked them to do a story on this on 'Morning Edition' and 'All Things Considered'.

Now for the letter writing campaign.

Thanks for the heads up, Keith.

Chris
July 10 2006, 7:37PM

I think several of the commenters offer salient points. The issue is not clearcut probably because life itself is rather complex. I would like to have the concert go forward because I'm all for raising money for AIDS prevention, education, and treatment. I would like the concert to go forward without the participation of these artists because I think they are espousing hate. Perhaps more than anything else, I'd like to see a sustained dialogue in our communities on these types of issues.

I don't mean to come off as (insert adjective of choice here) but I do think all of us want this situation to come out in as positive a way as possible. The fact that we disagree with how that "way" will look is okay. I'm all the more convinced that Keith's website serves a vital importance for its allowing this issue to be discussed. I still haven't made up my mind about "the best way" to approach this situation but I do know this: We can't learn from each other if we don't listen to each other.

Den
July 10 2006, 8:04PM

I can't actually think of a suitable alternative of artists to Beenie Man and TOK. Nearly all of the top dancehall acts have performed homophobic songs. I believe Sean Paul changed his stance, however, the group which makes up his listenership is much different from those that listen to Beenie Man and TOK.

There are female artists here who shun that type of song, namely Ce'cile (although she released a song just last year poking at men who dressed like women) and Tanya Stephens who has softened on her stance.

Thats why I say, do more than try and cancel just a show, its much larger than that.

nahtan serious
July 10 2006, 8:29PM

Cancel the show ...get it cancelled.

Life beat is raising money for AIDS... great but why sell your sould to do so.
And it is raising AIDS awareness...I guess the message is remember to wear a condom and avoid or better yet KILL homosexuals.

This is so ridiculous.

Imagine the NAACP inviting the Kukluklan marching band to give a concerT...there is no difference!

As a caribbean native I know that these artists do not have to sing/chant homophobic lyrics to sell records or to stage well attended concerts.

I am so disappointed with Life beat!

Chris
July 10 2006, 9:08PM

This issue is being reported in other sources, namely Windows Media which publishes the Washington Blade amongst other well-known publications. Perhaps this indicates momentum?

http://www.sovo.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=8020

Jeff Smith
July 10 2006, 9:16PM

July 10, 2006

John Canelli
Executive Director
Lifebeat
630 Ninth Ava. Suite 1010
New York, NY 10036

Dear Mr. Canelli,

Please uninvite Beenie Man and TOK as performer for your benefits. Their participation in an AIDS related charity sends the wrong message and possibly would help perpetuate the AIDS virus.

Gay men in Jamaica are constantly brutally harassed and often murdered just for being known as gay men. This hostility encourages a lot of them to engage in indiscreet sexual encounters, which may lead to spreading the virus throughout the very community you are trying to reach. Recently several men in Jamaica were accused and arrested for being gay. One of them offered the fact that he had several baby mammas to defend his heterosexuality. This clearly demonstrates he is practicing unprotected sex. If that is a method for proving one's sexuality then quite possibly there are many men who are having sexual encounters without the thought of protection. Possibly hoping they will be rewa

Brian Jones
July 10 2006, 10:33PM

I understand and agree that Beenee Man and TOK are closed and small minded individuals. Homophobia is a burden that we face in our society. However, just as we in the gay community are fighting to win the right to stand up and be free, we must remember not to take away that right from others. These artists right to express themselves is protected under the 1st amendment of the constitution. If we disagree, we vote with our feet and don't support them. We encourage others not to support them, but we do not muzzle them.

AIDS is not just a Gay issue, in Africa and the carribean it is spreading like wildfire through the str8 community. Perhaps they will make a difference among their listeners. These artist have their opinion, which differs from ours, but that does not mean that they must suffer the penalty of censorship. Afterall did we not fight this battle with 2 Live Crew and others at the beginning of the rap era? Don't get me wrong, I am not definding these artist, just the priciple of freedom.

Steve
July 10 2006, 10:50PM

Keith: You are absolutely right. It's an affront to humanity that these two performers are on stage anywhere, let alone for an AIDS awareness event. Even though AIDS is not specifically a gay disease, it is true that the gay community has been, and continues to be, hard hit.

My letter was simple and to the point: I’m more than a little shocked that you would sponsor an AIDS benefit using homophobic artists. You should be ashamed.

Mel Smith
July 10 2006, 11:21PM

Everyone remember the man who killed his 3-year-old son because he thought the boy was gay. Now, if someone will kill their own baby because of their hatred for homosexuality, what the hell you think they will do to me or you? Lets stop arguing amongst each other. Yes I respect freedom of speech but those guys are killing OUR PEOPLE everyday. Our youth are engaging in risky behavior because of those guys and an AIDS organization would invite them to perform?

Darius
July 11 2006, 12:03AM

Hey Keith, I think you need to make a correction. I am an American citizen living in Jamaica. I am in the US Peace Corps and I agree that Beenie Man is a homophobic artist that preaches Hate. Trust me I have been to a bunch of those concerts living here in Jamaica. And being a black gay man fromth e South trust me I understand the need to not give those kind of artist a platform for their negative messages.

But the Correction is that TOK is not a homophobic group. They are like the Boyz2Men of Jamaica. I have never even heard them say gay, battyman or sissy on any of their songs I heard them often. So Beenie Man does need to sit his ass down but TOK is actually a good and positive group.

Chris
July 11 2006, 12:10AM

Feel free to correct me if I'm mistaken -- Keith you're a law school graduate! -- but free speech doesn't apply in this instance. Indeed, it's my understanding that the constitutional amendement protecting free speech stresses that _the government_ shall make my law abridging this right. This isn't to say that individuals or organizations (as in this case) cannot and do not. Remember the maxim holding individuals accountable for shouting "Fire!" in a crowded movie theatre? Arguably, it holds true here in that the artists are endangering others by virtue of their discourse.

Emmanuel
July 11 2006, 1:17AM

As a 17 year old black kid. I have to disagree with Keith Boykin. I think if this is going to raise awareness on HIV/AIDS then by all means go ahead with the concert. To be quite honest I didn't know those lyrics the guys sung were homophobic until I came across a recent posting on this site. I think most teens dont know what the heck they're saying. Homophobia is homophobia. I just dont like the fact that Keith wants everyone to be on his side everytime he think he's right or has an opinion on everything. And believe me so Keith I'm one of your biggest fans. But this is something I have to disagree with you on.

Marlon
July 11 2006, 2:24AM

Every black gay and lesbian should be outraged and ready for war against Lifebeat and all sponsors of this event. BET and Vibe too!

Black gay folk – it’s time to act up and act out. Too many of us bitch about frivolous shit. Now is the time to demonstrate that bitchy attitude through action. Send an email, phone, fax, etc.

Beenie and TOK lyrics, and possible actions, are likely the cause of too many deaths, suicides, and or bashings of people we know.

For those not considering challenging these punks (Beenie & Lifebeat) maybe Beenie Man is right – kill all you Fags.

Steve
July 11 2006, 8:05AM

Emmanuel: That is like saying, oh, please hit me again!
We have a responsibility to stand up and say we won't take this shit. If the kids don't know what they are saying, it don't change shit. They are atill saying it.
These groups preach hate. We have to stop it.

Massa, whip me again. NOT.

unconquerablesoul
July 11 2006, 11:38AM

LifeBeat's excuse is unacceptable. I attempted to get throught to john today and left a message. I hope the two openly gay directors do something about stopping this concert. Please let us know how we can help with this effort.

Clemmont
July 11 2006, 11:44AM

I must agree with Darius, TOK has only released one homophobic song in their whole career, and that was very early in their career. I have heard them interviewed about it several times, and i have since changed my opinion about them. They have expressed in interviews that they do not wish violence on our community (eventhough their lyrics at that time seemed to state otherwise). I would rather applaud them for making a step in the right direction, and use it as an opportunity to educate them and their fan base about the negative affects of homophobia in society. Don't we all know someone affected by this horrible disease in our community? Why not let these artists lend their time and support to help, it is not easy for us to accept them, just like it is not easy for them to accept us. lets build a bridge with this event instead of tearing it down...

Travis Montez
July 11 2006, 12:15PM

I wrote a letter as well which you can read at www.travismontez.com/blog if you like.

Though I understand points that have been made regarding the use of these artists to bring awareness to HIV/AIDS to young people and the fact that many kids who are exposed to these lyrics don't know what they mean, I feel that really misses the point. There are popular reggae artists who could be used for the same purpose who do not advocate the MURDER of our people.

The fact that kids sing songs without knowing what they mean doesn't change the meaning of the songs or the impact that this music is having on the lives of many gays and lesbians around the world.

We have to communicate that singing a song about the burning of homosexuals, singing a song about executing homosexuals, and singing a song about putting bullets in our heads because of our sexual orientation is not okay.

Gary Paul
July 11 2006, 4:14PM

Mr. Canelli's comments remind me of the excuses the US government gave when trying to explain the Tuskeegee Experiment. It didn't matter that the lives of Black men were jeopardized, as long as it was for the "better good" of all Americans. What a load of bull-dookie!

I have a suggestion for Mr. Canelli and those "first amendment" crybabies: Why not invite KEVIN AVIANCE to be the MC for the Lifebeat event? I'm sure he'd be glad to share his recent violent attack by homophobes with such enlightened masses.

kelvin
July 11 2006, 4:28PM

I sent Canelli a message stating I supported him having Homophobic artists perform at a HIV/AIDS prevention concert. I explained that maybe after the concert (for thanks and appreciation) maybe my friends and I will follow these great artists advice and do some gay bashing of our own - I mean why not?? There on stage telling us to use protection, so all their teachings must be wise.

Liquid Fonts
July 11 2006, 6:40PM

I sent a couple emails over there to the people at LifeBeat and while visiting the site I noticed they want us to believe that they are recieving soooo many emails about this subject but I strongly suspect that its just a ruse to get people to feel as if enough has already been done and there is no need to submit anymore communication...lol

Hamadi Walls
July 11 2006, 9:41PM

I can't believe some of the comments I am reading. I am glad people are expressing their opionion because it highlights, for me, the depth of loathing in the black gay community regardless of how some of us try to mask it. My disappointment in our lack of unity around this issue is felt in the depths of my soul.

There is no justification for this invitation. Wake up ya'll. These artist have called for the murder of gay people, can you hear me. No one says they should stop the concert but that they should disinvite the artists or require them to make a public statement disavowing their homophobia.

Some of the comments remind me of the state of black consiousness in general. We seem to have a hard time figuring out what is really in our best interest and end up letting other people decide for us. Our present mental state and our consiousness, it seems to me is about finding every excuse in the world to compromise our dignity and our basic humanity. This is just another example and and is sad.

Patrick O
July 11 2006, 11:58PM

We need to find out who is funding Lifebeat and suggest they are wasting their money.

The idea that you can fight HIV and the "stigma" that surrounds it by promoting gay-bashing singers simply boggles the mind - if nothing else the management of Lifebeat is totally incompetent.

It's obvious they aren't listening, either.

The only way it to pull the plug on their funding - I'll bet their director is pulling in a hefty salary.

E. Higgins
July 21 2006, 10:40PM

Why should Gay people now be upset about Lifebeat letting homophobic artist perform at a concert? when are you Gay people going to realise that Hip Hop is homophobic and get out of denial? They really don't want, don't like and nearly damn near hate Gays. Quit trying to gain acceptance. Especially young Gay men who think they are loved but you are hated. Wake the hell up and smell the coffee. You dance and try to emulate a culture that really if it was totally legal would be the first to espouse your destruction. You dummies who think hip hop loves you are a bunch of fool as jack asses.

keisha
July 29 2006, 11:45AM

this is a big surprise to me.the concert should not be cancelled because of dissatisfaction with a persons sexuality.we all know that jamaica is homophobic.the idea of the concert is to educate people on HIV/AIDS that should be the issue.that should be the topic.i dont believe that anyone should be hating anyone because of their sexual preferances.we dont have the power to judge people.i also know now that beenie man and tok are paying for what is conveyed in their lyrics because they are losing money each time they get canceled from a show.we must remember that not everyone is willing to accept gays.i know that from experience.

Stevie Withers
July 30 2006, 2:08PM

You talk like If HIV/AIDS its only gay people who have catched it before. HIV can be caught by any sexuality and any race of people. There is more AIDS in AFRICA that there is within your black community. You people need to look at the big picture! If you go one taking all the artist away who are trying to help charity you are spoiling the concerts purpose