Black Gays Win; LIFEbeat Backs Down

Chris
July 12 2006, 3:46PM

Wow! This is something to contemplate. I confess to having mixed feelings about it all. Part of me wants to revel in the ostensible success in having the show pulled; the fact that grassroots activism is not only alive and well, but extremely proactive. Another part of me sympathizes with the LIFEBeat statement in that the opportunity to create dialogue and discourse has been stymied. In the absence of a definitve response, I wonder if there's a way that we can continue these discussions in light of the termination of the event: What has been learned and at what cost(s) to whom?

ben
July 12 2006, 4:00PM

So, Keith mobilised enough bloggers and stirred up enough anger to have the show pulled. Whoopeedoo.

What difference is this going to make to gay men in Jamaica? Or Afro-Carib guys on the DL in New York?

All that's happened is that we've told Beenie Man (who, I agree, sucks) that he can't talk about the virus. And that's going to have a cost.

Travis Montez
July 12 2006, 4:05PM

Um...As one of the person who sent an email and called LifeBeat, I have to say this statement is ridiculous. Out of the several artists listed on its roster, the group took issue with two. No one asked for the concert to be cancelled but for 1)those two acts not be invited or 2)if they had to be invited that a statement be issued against homophobia due to the fact that these two artists had been blatantly homophobic.

To even hint that those who contacted LifeBeat are putting the politics of our sexual orientation above the needs of the Caribbean American communities fight against HIV/AIDS is almost as offensive as inviting TOK to perform in the first place. It also misses the point that many of those concerned, many who reached out in opposition to those two performance, many in our GLBT community are also Caribbean American.

Ugh.

nathan serious
July 12 2006, 4:18PM

Great Job Keith. As a caribbean man living in the HOMOPHOBIC west Indies who has friendswho moved to the USA to escape the CRAZY HOMOPHOBIA in thier islands I applaud you. ARE we to beilive that the only way to reach the CARIBBEAN AMERICAN community in the USA is by recreating the homophobic environment of their island origins. Come on ...where then will the gay ones run.

Secondly Beanie man and TOK are not americans so why should they be excused. And don't throw up the fact that they are rap artists that spout homophobia because that is a cop out!

Great job and stay vigilant....

we down here in the west Indies look to you for inspiration!

Chris
July 12 2006, 4:19PM

I'm sorry for taking up so much space in the comments. I just have one suggestion: since the space for the concert is, I presume, still booked, is there any likelihood that LIFEBeat, along with a corps of activists (perhaps Keith), might have a town hall style meeting this Sunday in that space for a, hopefully reasonable, discussion of what Keith accurately describes as the link between homophobia and HIV/AIDS? Given the worldwide scope of the recent protests -- not to mention that it is a global issue -- I wonder if someone could organize a web broadcast? I'm sorry to put the work on someone else; I'm not in NYC, so I can't be as helpful as I'd like. Ultimately, I'm really interested in finding ways to keep this rupture open instead of reveling in a victory that might be as premature as it is shallow.

Terrance
July 12 2006, 4:42PM

All that's happened is that we've told Beenie Man (who, I agree, sucks) that he can't talk about the virus. And that's going to have a cost.

And a concert promoting violently anti-gay artists doesn't have a cost?

Tony O.
July 12 2006, 4:44PM

In all likelihood these people found that without the two biggest (like it or not) acts on their reggae bill, there was no show.

I agree that the statement misses the point, but I agree with Chris that we should follow this up with some positive action. I for one will write to Lifebeat *again* to suggest that they do the same. Let's get some dialogue going FOR REAL.

Den
July 12 2006, 4:44PM

There is no influence that LIFEBeat has to get either of these to renounce their homophobia, thats first of all, NONE!

Second of all, an interesting thing happens if you explore THIS website.

Keith Boykin, speaks rather lovingly about Janet Jackson, who once recorded a song with Beenie Man, and has performed with Elephant Man.

He calls Damian Marley "attractive", and he speaks super lovingly about Heather Hedley's last album. The album which just happens to feature easily the most homophobic artist in JA right now, Vybz Kartel who too has had events cancelled and responds with a basic "so what!". Keith makes no mention of it and just suggests that you pick it up.

Now either Keith is a hypocrit, and aren't we all in some cases, but I dont think he is on this, or he is as I've suggested all along, HORRIBLY misinformed and uneducated on the subject. Do some research before you just start whining on and on!

jared
July 12 2006, 4:46PM

Its good to see that when people mobilize against violence, things can change. But, that cowardly response as to why the event was canceled makes no sense. The only violence is the violence against gays that some of the knuckle heads that follow this music will do after they leave the show. With those vile lyrics and the ridiculous approach that the "artists" have mistakenly made themselves think makes them men, when they are neither artists nor men to begin with, they are merely cowards without a clue. Perhaps its time that the LIFEBeat organizers figure out a way to spread the message in a civlized manner.

havin_my_say
July 12 2006, 4:51PM

In response to Ben's post... You've obviously missed the whole point of this argument. Preventing Beenie Man and TOK from performing has demonstrated that it's not okay for them to preach hatred toward a particular group of people and that we certainly are not willing to give them a platform to do so. We, as a group felt offended and instead of sitting around and merely complaining about it, we chose to do something. Our voices were heard and that's power. I hope we continue to react this way in the future.

While I am truly inspired with the results of this conflict, I am upset that LifeBeat is attempting to place the blame of the entire concert being cancelled on those who voiced their opinions against two of the artists chosen to perform. A total cancellation was never requested. An acknowledgement of their homophobia, however, was requested and would have sufficed. Why can't LifeBeat admit to an err in judgement? But I guess that would be asking too much.

nOva
July 12 2006, 5:01PM

Den, I see where you're coming, however, I DON'T.

Absolutely no one claims that they are innocents when it comes to listening to or supporting reggae/dancehall and it's artists. We are all quite familiar with the legacy of this music, good and bad.

However, we aren't an awareness group that's using these artists to promote healing when they typically have a different agenda. That's just stupid. And you'll notice that this entire effort has more to do with LIFEbeat's bad decision-making than it does with reggae. It would be cool if Beanie Man and TOK took a different stance, but do we really expect them to anytime soon?

LIFEbeat, however, SHOULD KNOW BETTER.

castiron
July 12 2006, 5:15PM

Excellent job to all those who worked collaboratively to cause LifeBeat to disinvite these homophobic beasts. When the venom they spew starts to affect their wallets, they'll learn to keep that hate to themselves.

nahtan serious
July 12 2006, 5:22PM

So because other artists have made homophobic music and were not criticised we should excuse them? maybe we did not realise our power before/ maybe we just missed the opportunity, maybe they were just lucky...who cares. Maybe Beanie Man and TOK will recognise that they are not at lucky as the others and they should change their stance! I don't care...

Dear Den why don't you put on a concert and invite them!

Travis Montez
July 12 2006, 5:34PM

Ben and Den - interesting that the names rhyme - 1) I don't thinking getting the show pulled is something to merely whoopdeedoo at. It isn't the end of the problem by any means and there remains a great deal of work to do in the fighting the homophobia that men of color, including Caribbean men face, but it isn't nothing. It is taking a stand where you can. And from here on out, it is important to define othe ways and areas where we can take a stand. And these artists have had shows cancelled all over the world for this issue of homophobia. The know what it is about. 2) Den, what would have us do? You clearly don't agree with Keith's stance or approach. So now that you have been so clear about what you think is WRONG, perhaps a more useful and constructive focus of your blig-commenting time could be spent communicating what you think CAN and SHOULD be done.

Troy
July 12 2006, 5:39PM

This is only the beginning! BE WARNED; YOU WILL NOT FUCK WITH US AS PEOPLE OF COLOR WHO ARE SAME GENDER LOVING. This is only the beginning!

Tony O.
July 12 2006, 5:42PM

We don't know that they did not receive threats of violence. Perhaps *we* didn't call for violence, but this is way beyond the blogosphere, guys. I wouldn't be surprised if they did receive direct threats.

Den
July 12 2006, 5:54PM

To Nathan Serious, seriously, if you burped, I'd probably disagree with you. But is it so hard to believe that Keith Boykin would promote a homophobic artist only because he was uninformed about that artist? Is that so hard to believe?

To Travis, yes! Getting that concert pulled was NOTHING, history has proven it wont change the music and the likelihood that the artist will continue to get work and even more publicity.

What should you do? I'll tell you exactly what to do. 2 of the biggest shows in Jamaica every year, one is Sting, Dec 26, the other is Rebel Salute Jan 14 i believe, you're so great at cancelling concerts, cancel those. Both will feature a whopping 10 hours of homophobic artists and lyrics, all the artists will be paid. That would be a start, right up your alley.

Afterwards when you see that music is not the cause, but the product of the homophobia, call (876)978-8988. And SUPPORT JFLAG! Theyre in dire need of support and they actually CARE. And yes i have donated in the past.

Mad Professah
July 12 2006, 6:13PM

Congratulations to Keith, Jasmyne, Terrance, Pam and others who used the power of the web to call attention to Lifebeat. I also comend them for correcting LifeBEAT's self-serving statements in its concert cancellation message.

I think the idea of having some kind of forum in the already-paid for Webster Hall space for Caribbean American and other Black LGBT folk to discuss homophobia and its connections to HIV prevention could be very useful.

jtatum80
July 12 2006, 6:42PM

Again Congrats to Keith, Jasmyn, and the NBJC for organizing this grassroots effort...Being from the South I had no idea about this concert so first of all thanks for bringing it to my attention...This shows that small grassroots efforts can help stamp out homophobia, racism, sexism and all the other -ism that plague our society...Hopefully that being pulled time and time again will help change the homophobic lyrics that these artist spew!!

TerrenceSays
July 12 2006, 6:42PM

Keith, great mobilization effort. The results are definitely inspiring and it speaks to what the spirit of unity can accomplish.

And please don't pay any attention the naysayers here or elsewhere, there will always be detractors - especially from crabs at the bottom of the barrel.

ChicagoChild
July 12 2006, 7:09PM

Oh, my gosh! This is the FIRST protest that I ever participated in---and it actually ended in a POSITIVE result.

I would like to thank Keith for getting this thing started. I am so glad to have found that ACTIVISIM is very alive and well.

Congratulations to all of the good people!

DDC
July 12 2006, 7:40PM

LoL I find some of the responses here funny because to me it shows who the lonely queens are. Most of these chirls are just starry-eyes fans and would dive into the ocean like Lemmings if Keith Boykin rallied them to. They know damn well if some less physically attractive man or perhaps a woman asked them to help protest something they wouldn't lift a bloody finger to do it. Imagine if Keith boykin was 270lbs of fat, had much less than keen features, and was pitch-black. Would any of you respond with such gusto? But no, you dizzy wee-males chime in agreement on everything he says without any constructive challenge at all and even feel the need to defend him when others display that they have a pair(example would be the 6 degrees of separation article). Dumb broads.

nath
July 12 2006, 7:40PM

http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/2006july/0701.htm

Den read what was done in the UK...

read also of beanie continued antigay postering

Den
July 12 2006, 8:03PM

Now I think thats the second time red stripe has banned Beenie Man, and maybe the 4th for Buju. Now thats what I've been saying! You're not giving these guys a reason to stop by just cancelling a show so far away from home! If losing a paying gig won't make them stop, why would losing a free one? And they're not even the worse ones! I'd put Beenie in the top 5 as far as homophobic artists in JA, I wouldnt even put TOK in the top 10, they've been our NSYNC since 2001.

Now, I'm more than curious which 'gay friendly' Caribbean acts they will get to perform for JFLAG's benefit that will reach the same audi. . . well I guess they're not trying to reach the same audience now. The event has become a completely gay event now.

Chris
July 12 2006, 8:09PM

Congrats to Keith, Jasmyne Cannick, other black gay bloggers, and the NBJC for organizing this (online) protest against this LIFEbeat concert scheduled for July 18, 2006, with homophobic artists Beenie Man and T.O.K as headliners. This story became so large overnight that the Associated Press picked it up. Well done.

In a piece by AP writer MARCUS FRANKLIN, Rob Kenner, editor-at-large at Vibe magazine, had the nerve to say dancehall lyrics suffer from "quick and sloppy translations" by detractors. The lyrics, Kenner said, go beyond homosexuality and address issues of spirituality, empowerment and family unity.

Give me a break! Is this guy Jamaican, does he know what he is talking about?! If he is Jamaican, he is being a complete hypocrite. It is so disappointing when fellow black or Caribbean people tolerate this form of discrimination because of their own prejudices and insecurities. These Dancehall artists mean exactly what has been described -- I speak J'can Patois and know it well.

nahtan serious
July 12 2006, 8:14PM

Machel Montana, Krosfyah, Alison Hinds,Bunji Garlin,Morgan Heritage ( not sure), Destra ... yes not many jamaican artists but Caribbean Amarican cOmmuinty does not onlt consist of Jamaicans!

Granted, the main audience of beanie man et al have no problem with the offensive lyrics. But are you saying that the Caribbean American Community only lsitens to acts that sing anti gay stuff?

Not DDC, Ben or Den
July 12 2006, 8:23PM

Most people really just want to happen upon life, putting very little energy into making things happen in the world in which they live. A lot of those people sit back, find fault and castigate the actions that others make, particularly when those actions might affect the communities in which they belong.

So, let's see: there's

1. the fault-finding criticizers who seem to have nothing better to do than leave anonymous comments on someone else's that are filled with dissent but empty of forethought, integrity or purpose, and
2. the passionate go-getters/doers/speak-uppers creating change and being the change they want to see.

Both require action. Which one are you?

g
July 12 2006, 8:45PM

Great job Keith for crying out to our community to wake up and take a stand.

Here's a link to a murder just last week in Jamaica of a young lesbian couple. Encouraging the murder of gays has got to be stopped on all levels!
http://www.jamaica-star.com/thestar/20060707/news/news1.html

Travis Montez
July 12 2006, 8:51PM

Den, my response to your comments was serious. I can only assume by the tone of what you write that you are concerned about homophobia and violence against the LGBT community and that you want things to change, particularly in Jamaica. If your belief is that the music is a symptom, not the causem which I completely agree with - and you believe that something larger or more substantial needs to be done to bring about the change your desire, and stopping a concert isnt enough - what is it that you think we should do?

There are people here, reading this blog who share your concern. I am not from the Caribbean and am really only learning of what goes on there now. I am interested in helping however I can. Supporting JFLAG sounds like a marvelous suggestion and I thank you for it.

I am an ally. I hope your comment was not posted with the venom or hostility the tone suggests.

Den
July 12 2006, 8:59PM

Just sitting here looking at flyers and things on my desk. Red Stripe's Sumfest starts this Sunday. They banned Beenie and Bounty when? Last week? They're both performing as are Sizzla, Capleton, Elephant man and 50 Cent. But they're banned right? I wonder what the protest outside of that will look like.
The soca artists? Bunji has recorded homophobic material, Machel is anti-gay and amongst Beenie's best friends. Destra may be a good choice actually.
But I dont have to tell you that people who like dancehall dont typically enjoy soca, you will NEVER hear soca on JA radio. Sizzla is probably locally the most popular artist, he recorded with soca artist KMC, they dont even play that here. You wont attract the d'hall fans to that at all, which is what they were going for with Beenie and TOK.

Whoever! Performs for JFLAG's benefit risks basic career suicide in Jamaica. And like it or not, despite Puerto Rico and TnT, this is still the musical capital of the Carib.

Chris
July 12 2006, 9:43PM

As a Jamaican who lived in Jamaica for my first 26 years on Earth, I am totally for any move that will that at least try to put these people in their place. Unlike some other Jamaican/Caribbean/ people, I do not subscribe to the silly notion that nationality trumps everything else. I am not going to put myself out there to support you (as a homophobic Dancehall artist) when you advocate for the torturing and killing of me (your fellow Jamaican) because of my sexuality. For most of those 26 years in Jamaica, I lived in absolute fear and anxiety, even though I wasn't 'out' to anyone. I had to go to doctors several times, but felt too scared even to confide to such 'professionals' about what was really at the root of my symptoms.

Jasmyne Cannick is so right: "If it was an artist with a history of Jew-bashing or slurs against African-Americans, would you keep the artists in the show?" she asked. "They never would've been invited. For some reason with gays it's acceptable."

ChicagoChild
July 12 2006, 9:48PM

"Since I am sure no venue would host a singer who called for the lynching of black people, we expect the authorities to take a similar tough stance against singers who call for the shooting and burning of gay people."----ENOUGH SAID!

GentlySerious
July 12 2006, 10:20PM

Lessons learned & remaining questions:

- Good HIV-prevention does not always equal having concerts, balls, and parties.

- The notion of one mythic "black gay community" is misleading. This fiasco proves that, in fact, there are many sometimes divergent black gay communities.

- Some of the online comments regarding Keith Boykin's physical appearence in particular reveal the continued presence of psychic problems of self-loathing and jealousy among us.

- Those who call for dialogue are right: but when, how, and where? LIFEbeat should now create healing because they claim to have known their programming decision would create tension.

- Whilst many people did come together from all over the world to protest LIFEbeat's misguided, harmful programming, some notable black gay voices were either absent or far less vocal. Why? Did I miss the voices of the great Caribbean gay writer T. Glave or the great NYC black gay archivist S. Fullwood?

- Absent LIFEBeat, will BGBloggers publically dialogue in person?

Jeff Hobbs
July 12 2006, 10:30PM

Congratulations Keith. Proof there is power in the pen so to speak. You and Jasmyne are truly my heros. You don't take crap from anyone and you always tell the truth. I commend you on a job well done. I knew you would make a difference. Cancelling the concert all together is just an 'I'll show you!' move and a total cop out on lifebeats part. I think between you, Jasmyne and all of our other counterparts in the 'black gay mafia' we could put on a much better concert full of love and support for every person of color worldwide. Maybe we need a new song/event ala 'we are the world' to support the cause. just a thought. I love you guys. I am sooooooooooooooooo proud of you. A standing ovation for all of you!

Mel Smith
July 12 2006, 11:14PM

It's sad that there are actually gay members on the board of LIFEbeat. I guess people will sell their souls to hold a powerful position or maybe those individuals only just care about themselves.

Kenneth Winfrey
July 12 2006, 11:28PM

LIFEbeat threw the baby out with the water. As stated, they could have simply cancelled Beenie Man and TOK, or, as I stated before, asked them to verbally atone for their statements and, that they want to see ALL lives saved from HIV--gay or straight.

...and what is with all of this name-calling dumb broads and such? DDC: What if I told you that Keith isn't even my type? It was you who brought his "attractiveness" into the discussion. If you think that all of us are here just because we think Keith is cute, then you're the dumb one. READ more posts. Find those who disagree with him, and each other. Find the really good, well-thought ideas that come from those who are hardly dumb.

Even if that's the reason some visit here and affirm what's been said, why should it make a difference to you? We are here with the purpose of discussing what has happened. You are here with the purpose of insulting others. Hmmm...now which one of us dumb...enough to waste time on a site you don't like?

Andre Allen
July 12 2006, 11:29PM

Now only if we continue to unite as one this would be a great community lets not let this be just a one time thing. we have to stay unite and not moved by anyone or anything. Let this not be over continue the fight my black ga people we have to continue to unite and not just go back to are normal lifes now that we have won a small victory

Julian Miller
July 12 2006, 11:30PM

first, many thanks to Jasmynne and Keith for shining a light.
All I have to say is that it is never ok to advocate the murder of anyone. period.

cmoney
July 12 2006, 11:42PM

Lifebeat's organizers were clearly on the wrong track if they thought that the battle against AIDS could be fought with a homophobic message. Their concert was a losing proposisition to begin with. I hope that this victory will give hope to those in the West Indies who feel alone and hopeless because they are gay or lesbian. Know that there are people who will stand up for you even when you can't stand up for yourself and who love you for who you are. If we can give encouragement to others, both gay and straight, to oppose homophobia, we have won a major battle in a long war against hatred. My hat is off to everyone who made their voices heard against hatred.

Clyde Smith
July 13 2006, 1:09AM

To be honest, I'd never heard of Lifebeat before this incident. But they're behavior and lack of insight is quite disappointing.

Steve
July 13 2006, 1:13AM

Good work Keith, and everyone else who participated. May I suggest we all contact the same people we did before wtih a statement something like the following. Perhaps we can make this not just a simple protest, but a real win for human rights. The text I sent follows:

I’ve seen the LIFEbeat statement that the concert has been cancelled. That is really too bad, and completely unnecessary. Such a drastic response to a simple call to un-invite two artists who are specifically homophobic really speaks more to the complete failure of the LIFEbeat staff and board to understand the real issue. I’d like to see some education of the group.

The best response would have been to un-invite the two offending performers, state publicly why that decision was reached, and possibly even to find performers who do not purvey hate.

I’m saddened that LIFEbeat seems so short sighted. The concept was good. The goal was admirable. It was simply execution that should have been more thoughtful.

I hope in the future, LIFEb

trent
July 13 2006, 2:12AM

All of us coming together as a community, a shared community of people of African descent, that is, gay people of African descent, to stand up and make difference for ourselves and make our voices heard was so beautiful. With all my heart, I don't want this momentum to wither away. I'd like to see us be there more for one another in friendship, cooperation, brotherhood and sisterhood building our own infra-structure without returning the prejudice we have had to endure in so many ways.

mcquaidla
July 13 2006, 2:33AM

Hey! We of the Cracker contingent helped, too!

motivated idealist
July 13 2006, 6:41AM

Hey everyone, I am probably going to get attacked here for sticking up for LIFEbeat but I do want to clarify a few things. I have volunteered for LIFEbeat for years and they have many very admirable programs. They do NOT just throw "concerts and balls" for HIV prevention. Volunteers are out there every night giving out free information, safe sex materials, and testing referrals. They send free condoms every week to gay clubs like as Pieces and The Hangar, and do a lot of work with The Imperial Court of NY, and much more.

While I don't agree with how they handled this cancellation, I think the statement comes out of pure frustration with the intent of the concert being misinterpreted. The concert series is not about money, it is primarily an outreach event. It's amazing to me that they didn't see the sh*tstorm coming, but I think at worst they were poorly advised and have a shitty publicist.

I hope that they can reach out to the gay community and heal this rift, and I hope we respond admirably.

click here
July 13 2006, 8:12AM

Quick message from Ireland: Well done to all those who came together to secure the cancellation of this homophobic gig! - despite the negative and, frankly, misleading statement from LIFEbeat.

I heard about this through an Irish lgbt website (link), and wanted to send a message of congratulations to Keith, Jasmyne and all the blogger activists and friends involved in getting this hate-filled concert pulled. (I know that the UK had similar success; while, sadly in Ireland some concerts went ahead.)

Kudos, too, to the rebuttal of LIFEbeat's shameful statement. It's a time to be proud of this achievement - one of many!

Donald
July 13 2006, 8:20AM

LIFEbeat Larry Levan Tribute This Sunday

So, how about supporting LIFEbeat's upcoming tribute to the legendary DJ Larry Levan this Sunday?

I'm hoping that we can use our presence at this other LIFEbeat benefit to leverage a closer connection. I also see it as an opportunity for us to support events that they do right.

For those of you who don't know, Larry Levan was a Black gay man. He was the principal DJ at the legendary Paradise Garage (which was co-founder by current LIFEbeat board member Mel Cheren, a gay man). His innovations revolutionized dance music all over the world.

Okay, so who's down?

Marlon
July 13 2006, 8:29AM

Whether you’re Christian, Muslim or Humanist, we all have the same problem. “They” don’t attack because you’re black. They don’t attack me because I’m a Humanist; they attack because I’m gay. They attack all of us for the same reason; all of us catch hell from the same enemy. We’re all in the same bag, in the same boat. Support Josh in Salt Lake!

"This is part of what’s wrong with you –you do too much singing. Today it’s time to stop singing and start swinging." And swinging we did with LifeBeat! Nobody sung "We Shall Overcome."
- a reconstruct and quote from Malcolm X ’64 Ballot or the Bullet speech

Congratulations! Our concerted efforts ( from us country bumpkins, ya’ll city slickers, and friends abroad) demonstrated UNITY. Therefore, it is crucial we continue to fight –keep swinging- inspire new activist, and Stay Informed. Great job Family!

colaine
July 13 2006, 8:33AM

Perhaps it was a coup of sorts getting Lifebeat to cancel the reggae performance. But, I can't help but feel that it is the Caribbean people with HIV/AIDs who are the true losers here. From what I understand not much is being done to ease the plight of these people (many who are gay) and the concert was being promoted to help them. I have to wonder how grateful they are that no help will be forthcoming from that source.

Perhaps it would have been better had Keith and others reguested that Lifebeat provide them a forum at the concert to educate others about AIDS and the devastation it has wrought in the black community. Oh well, too late now.

Brian Jones
July 13 2006, 8:44AM

It is regretable that some sort of comprimise could not have been accomplished. AIDS in the Carribean and Africa are at epidemic proportions. Any efforts to educate people and slow the spread of AID/HIV is a worthwhile endeavor. I'm affraid this may be a Pyrrhic victory.

Matt
July 13 2006, 8:46AM

Thanks, Keith, Jasmyne, Terrance and others for speaking out about this. I'll call this pure speculation, but put it out there regardless: LIFEbeat could not have failed to anticipate the reaction from the GLBT community to procuring violently homophobic artists for the concert's roster. I think they may have counted on the publicity they'd get from this move. I think they also wanted to send a not-so-subtle signal that this concert may be an AIDS benefit, but it's not necessarily pro-gay.

To give them the benefit of the doubt, I'll suggest they made these choices out of a genuine desire to reach an audience they feel is undertargeted. The way they acted on this desire, however, was ill-considered, shortsighted, and clumsy. And their response to the outcry was downright hostile.

From what I read, no one questioned LIFEbeat's right to exercise its speech however the organization chooses. But that should never prevent us from exercising our own right to speak out against LIFEbeat's stupidity.

Marlon
July 13 2006, 9:42AM

First, all efforts toward eradicating HIV are Needed! LifeBeat focus is education and outreach. They “distribute more than 7000 condoms and literature to young music fans.” From much experience, more youth are STD informed than adults.

The Problem: Changing risky behaviors. The solution is not liberally distributing literature, and especially not condoms. Condoms: Of 100+ men tested, all 100+ failed (a hands-on demonstration) proper condom usage test. Therefore, condoms work, but guys aren’t taught how to work condoms. Literature: at a musical event with possible alcohol and other drug use is the absolute worse time to TALK about changing risky behaviors.

The Solution: LifeBeat should collaborate financially with a local black HIV/AIDS Community Based Organization that target the Reggae DanceHall culture through individual/group evidence based interventions. Kudos to LifeBeat for education.

toph
July 13 2006, 9:43AM

Yo, everyone in NY turn on Power 105.1 right now, they are talking about the cancellation of the show and taking callers.

Nyah Molineaux
July 13 2006, 9:55AM

Dear Keith,

As a Caribbean-American I am so proud of you and other people from stopping these artists from performing. I think this proves that people who are united in something can change the outcome of situations.

Moreover, I think that the movement of people trying to stop these artists from performing show the strength of the gay community to others who feel that we are weak.

Nigel
July 13 2006, 10:01AM

We all LOSE

GentlySerious
July 13 2006, 10:21AM

Part One of "Re-assessing HIV-prevention":

Bragging about how many safe-sex-kits are passed out at clubs is not testifying to good, sound HIV-prevention policy.

The numbers in some populations for HIV infection (teens and racial minorities) have actually increased while many HIV-prevention agencies have used government and board money to, yes, hold concerts, balls, parties, and other events and hand out safe-sex-kits at clubs and bathhouses.

The people who have accepted those condoms, lube, and dental dams (like me) at events need them.

But, we could get them free elsewhere or buy them. A great deal of the time, they do not come with actual educational information on how to use them because the club is too loud, or the bathhouse is too focused on the sex-hunt.

And, likely as not, the outreach worker ends up talking to the converted.

But how do the agencies adequately measure the effectiveness of their outreach?

By counting heads of who showed up to an event?

By counting the kits distributed?

nahtan serious
July 13 2006, 10:31AM

As a caribbean gay man my experience is that we caribbean people are not taking responsibility for how HIV is affecting our community. Study after study has shown that homophobic cultures promote dishonesty and unsafe sexual practices. There is a high incidence of bisexuality in the caribbean but if you ask anyone ...no one is gay, no man sleeps with another man because too many are scared to be honest for fear of being victimised. Therefore it is ridiculous to use those who perpetuate this homophobia for educational purposes. I guess they will sing...
"Put a condom on on ya woody sex the batty man down, then boom bye bye in a batty man 's head!" Sounds perfectly ok to me...NOT!

lifejournalist
July 13 2006, 11:29AM

Dear Keith,

I am so proud of you and other people for standing up against these performers. I think if we can achieve this being united, then the sky is the limit when it comes to breaking down obstacles.

Furthermore, I think that this event has shown people that the gay community is not weak. The reason why Beenie Man, TOK, and rappers make anti-gay references is because they believe that the gay community is weak. Probably this will send them a message that we are willing to fight back.

And if Lifebeat was worried about violence, I dont think they were wrong to think that. Personally I am tired of seeing our community attack, and if it takes actual violence to achieve a solution then it must be done.

Anna
July 13 2006, 11:35AM

this is gr8 news! i send congrats to all the folks who got this done. i stil think they should fire the executive director of LIFEbeat. he seems arrogant and it appears that he and a small contingent from the group are the people responsible for the lie-filled press release and their less than truthful statement about the concert's cancellation.

as a person of caribbean descent, i am filled with a deep sense of releif that this travesty masking itself as HIV awareness raising event is done. the truth is that if LIFEbeat is so concerned about the health of west indian people they ought to raise funds for JFLAG and other homofriendly groups in the caribbean. they are in the trentches, risking life and limb, to provide people woth life giving affirmation and support. i hope that as a result of this outcry, we get more help for the lgbt community in the caribbean as they journey toward acceptance.

Bradlee
July 13 2006, 12:15PM

TO MY BEAUTIFULL BLACK PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!! YOU GO PEOPLE!!!!! WOW HOW POWERFUL WE ARE!!!!!!!!!!!! Ok here goes! Now we have shown the world how powerful we are. For years i have talked about the disconnect between us. But we have shown our connectedness and im proud to be Black Gay MAN Today!!!!

That said now let all of us come together and help every other black LGBT person know that we are there to surpport each other. Why dont we through a party like we know we can! show lifebeat how to make every person important enough to find the right people to perform, to bring all those so called targeted groups and LGBT people as well.

The same surpport we gave to stop this discrimination, should be the same surpport we do to donate money & throw another concert for everyone to be educated about HIV? A. Lets show the power of the rainbow dollar $$$$$$ Right?

Love to you all even those that feel, this really doesnt make a difference, it all does its the beginning look where we are as black people today?

Aaron
July 13 2006, 12:20PM

The fact that there is even TWO SIDED dialogue on whether to use people who PROMOTE homophobic violence to also PROMOTE AIDS and HIV prevention is KUHRAYZEEE! And indicative of whats wrong in the African American community. No we dont all think alike but good sense doesn't have to be discussed. Your black son needs a mentor do you call the local KKK chapter to see if they have a mentor program?!?!?!? JUST STUPID.

For an AIDS organization to say that they will have difficulty in reaching young people if they dont pay hate and violent spouting artist to promote AIDS/HIV prevention is ABSURD.

The executive director is OBVIOUSLY inept in performing a top notch job for all of the support LifeBeat receives and should be REMOVED. Money and support moves good ideas. Money and support moves bad ideas. He can easily be replaced and should be if LifeBeat is about doing GOOD for the community.

colaine
July 13 2006, 12:37PM

I repeat, what has actually been won with the cancellation of the concert? I still believe it would have been a powerful tool to educate those who we seldom have access to about not only HIV/AIDS but attitudes towards the gay/lesbian community.

Homophobic lyrics are not the cause but a symptom of a much bigger problem. Yes, getting a concert cancelled might make a lot of people feel good but unless hearts and minds are changed then the victory is hollow. Worse, an opportunity has been lost. It was indeed little more than a 'Pyrrhic victory' where one wins the battle but loses the war.

David Mayer
July 13 2006, 1:07PM

The larger question in all of this is How did these people get record contracts to begin with?

Imagine an artist singing "sting up de kike wit a long rope" or "burn dem wops!!"

How did threats against gay people fall under peoples outrage radar? Why is it still OK to threaten the lives of gay people in a manner that would be unacceptable for any other group?

colaine
July 13 2006, 1:30PM

Actually, the question that David Mayer posed is a good one. Why does such rampant homophobia exist amongst people of the Caribbean (though obviously not exclusively). I think the answer lies in the legacy of slavery and a history of coerced gay relationships in those poor island nations. Remember those black male children that rich white landowners used as 'bed warmers'? Many of those poor abused boys soon started to exhibit behaviors that were decidedly not 'masculine'. In short, they were emasculated physcially and emotionally. Worse, there wasn't a damn thing their mothers could do about it.

The black male seed was (and is) vital to the promulgation of the black race. It is any wonder that any condition (i.e. gayness) that would make black men less viable would be looked upon with scorn and antipathy? If we're honest, a lot of that still goes on today amongst poor, disadvantaged people. We must work to change the minds and hearts of people and tell the truth about a shameful history.

nahtan serious
July 13 2006, 3:05PM

Utter rubbish...

The black male seed is alive and well especially in the Caribbean where there are so many men with multiple baby mothers and children ( no safe sex whatsoever). Maybe the need to have so many women is a result of slavery but since AIDS was not around back then what really is causing the continuous callous attitude towards infection??? HUH???

Rachel
July 13 2006, 3:43PM

Hi, I would like to respond to "Gently Serious" about the Local Tour Outreach program at LIFEbeat which I manage.

While I understand that the style of outreach that we do may not be as effective as, say, one-on-one counseling, we find that the informal nature of a concert or club makes young people more comfortable about talking about these matters than if they were, for example, to discuss it at a clinic. Additionally, though we may not be able to discuss safe sex with every person that comes by, all of our condoms are distributed in boxes that contain information about proper condom usage. Our "condom packages" that we distribute also contain information about HIV prevention, how to stay safe, where to get tested, and who to call to get more information. We keep track of how many people attend each of the events where we are present, how many condoms we give away, what the age/gender/ethnic breakdown of the crowd is, and how people reacted to the outreach.

Rachel
July 13 2006, 4:14PM

(continued)

While in many cases we may be "preaching to the converted," in the cases where we are able to reach people who may not have any other opportunity to have such an encounter are definitely worth the time we spend doing outreach. And having safe sex materials in clubs and concerts (where people are drinking) is especially important because people hook up at these events and often have casual encounters with people where protection is vital.

I would be happy to answer any more questions about the LIFEbeat Local Tour Outreach program because I personally believe the work I do here to be important, effective and vital to the communities we serve. I also welcome and will respond to any RELEVANT and RESEARCHED criticism. I do resent some of the things said about LIFEbeat from people who have not done their research or know little about the organization.

Cullan
July 14 2006, 7:59AM

It wasn't just a black effort, Keith. Plenty others joined in on this fight - in fact, I learned of it via towleroad. It's not a black issue or a white issue or a latino issue - it's a global issue. Everyone is in this fight.

Riko
July 14 2006, 3:28PM

For those of you who have been following the LIFE Beat mess...

Beenie Man will be appearing at the Golden Krust at 91 Worth Street between Church & Broadway in Manhattan, from 12:00 - 4:00pm TODAY. Perhaps he should be confronted about his canceled performance and asked why he has reneged on his promise to stop performing songs that call for the murder and toture of gay folk.

Official announcement of his appearance posted at http://360.yahoo.com/kinara97

Donald
July 15 2006, 6:55AM

To several white people in this thread: no, murder is not a Black issue, per se, but Black murder in Black communities fueled by Black songs that Black people listen to is primarily a Black issue. Learn the difference between support and intervention.

David E. Patton
July 15 2006, 2:53PM

It is time that we as black folk take responbity for our own discrimination and prejudices against gays. It is as if we have not leard a thing from our own history.