Platinum Bond
By Keith Boykin, in sexuality
Thursday, September 28 2006, 3:11AM
Ever seen Julian Bond in a t-shirt? Neither have we. Bond, the chairman of the NAACP, is usually impeccably dressed. A graduate of the school of civil rights leaders who seemed to always wear slacks and suit coats, Julian Bond is almost never seen posing for a photo in a t-shirt. So to pose in a t-shirt with a message about AIDS is an even bigger deal. Well, it would be for many other national black leaders. But not for Julian Bond. Photographer Duane Cramer recently got Bond to put on a "Got AIDS?" t-shirt from the Black AIDS Institute to dramatize the AIDS epidemic as a civil rights issue. The photo appears in the October 10 issue of The Advocate.
More than a cover model, Bond did not mince his words in the interview. "Homophobia is one of the major obstacles to black Americans coming to grips with this disease in the ways that we should," he said. "It is awfully disturbing. It's a refutation of what the movement for civil rights stood for. It's disgraceful." He also said the situation would be "immeasurably eased" if more black gay people came out of the closet and played a visible role in organizations like the NAACP.
The Advocate interview comes just days after Bond's interview with AOL Black Voices was released. In the AOL interview, Bond reiterates his support for marriage equality and bemoans the homophobia in the black community.
He also explained why he chose not to attend Coretta Scott King's funeral earlier this year. "I knew her fairly well; we were neighbors for [over 20 years] when I lived in Atlanta. There was a house between us. And I knew her attitude toward gay and lesbian rights. And I just couldn't imagine that she'd want to be in that church with a minister who was a raving homophobe. And I couldn't see myself in [that] church either. Although I have a great deal of respect and affection for her, I thought that I could show a lot more by staying away. We were neighbors and her children and my children grew up together and I saw her quite a bit. I couldn't do it."
Once again, Julian Bond has taken a courageous position of integrity and leadership on black LGBT issues. In fact, he's been more courageous than many of us have who are actually gay or lesbian. Now it's time to follow his example and lead in our own lives. It's time for black gay men and lesbians to play a more active role in our own liberation.
The NAACP will not save us. The HRC will not save us. And even the NBJC will not save us unless and until we are willing to save ourselves.
Comments conceal
John
September 28 2006, 8:43AM
In 1967 I sat next to Julian Bond in the student grill at Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH where he had spoken about civil rights and his efforts then to raise awareness of human rights for all. I was mesmorized as a young college student and he was barely a few years my senior and was already do remarkable things for all of us.
Little did I realize then that he would still be a powerful voice for all of us today ... and yes we need more of us to be out about who we are and become role models for those who remain cloeted out of fear.
Thank you Keith for leading the charge and setting such an awesome tone!
J. Mathis
September 28 2006, 9:53AM
Even though I've always respected Mr. Bond, my respect grows even the more as I observe his humane,intellgent and right stance on same gender marriage, homophobia in the Black community and attending Mother Coretta Scott King's Homegoing service. What a MAN! It takes alot of courage to say and come forth with the messages that he is giving to Black America. No many would.....especailly with his status and history. My hat is off to this gentleman....true class....all the way. He is a real humanltarian...and leader. Thanks Keith for the 411.
castiron
September 28 2006, 11:27AM
I've long admired the likes of Andrew Young and Julian Bond, men who inspired and encouraged me and other young, impressionable classmates of mine during our time at college many years ago. These guys continue to take stands for what's important and continue to inspire us all toward courage.
jay
September 28 2006, 11:36AM
The only thing I can say to Julian Bond is thank you so very much.
And thank you to Keith for the time he spends getting this information to us.
Aaron
September 28 2006, 12:46PM
Setting the example of true class, sophistication and unmitigated righteousness that has only deepened. I hear the call and I will answer.
Julian Bond and Harry Belafonte are disturbingly underrated in media coverage and commentary. Thank you Keith.
KC
September 28 2006, 1:31PM
First, let me say - "Once a MOREHOUSE MAN ALWAYS A MOREHOUSEMAN!ONE MORE FOR THE MAROON TIGERS.
Now, Julian Bond experience at Morehouse and in the world epitomizes what an exemplary individual Morehouse strives to produce - and other stellar insitutions past and present To be exemplary models of leadership, manhoode and citizenship.Morehouse men aspire to greatness and he has done just that, and been humble at doing it. Dr. King, Spike Lee, Benjamin Mays, Andrew Young, Samuel Jackson,Maynard Jackson, Andrew Young, David Satcher et al, all outstanding individuals in their own right.
But, Julian Bond has been known to criticize conservative African-Americans and American views on a whole ( remember Keyes and Clarence Thomas). He is always fighting for causes that affects people in general since his days in college, and probably even before that.
kms25
September 28 2006, 1:59PM
Eventhough, I respect Julian Bond however, I disagree about the civil rights movement standing up against homophobia in the Black community and communities of color. There was homophobia as well as sexism, and even issues with class during the movement. Furthermore,why is homophobia always seen as just like a Black issue? Homophobia and heterosexism is an American issue. The thing that communities of color must challenge and address is how come we believe the master's narrative more than the master itself and how do we decolonize our mind from the 500 years of oppression that has occurred in building this nation we call America? Overall, homophobia is way bigger than the Black community and the Black community does not have the instituional power to promote heterosexism, the nuclear family, and homophobia into the law.
KC
September 28 2006, 2:08PM
I was in awe, but not totally surprised at the comments in KB's story as to his response on him not showing up at Mother King's homecoming. And a man who believes in what he think is just is what he is about. Not for a photo opt session, or to be in the incrowd. Setting an example of true class is what he is all about and I applaud him. As an individual living in Atlanta, I dare not set foot in the church mentioned - and that is just my personal reasons, way too many.But, to each his own.
Thank you so much KB, I would not have known this till now, your site is truly an eye opener in all aspects.
"CHARACTER IS WHAT YOU KNOW YOU ARE, NOT WHAT OTHERS MAY THINK YOU HAVE" And Julian Bond delivered a character we dont see everyday with an effortless finesse.
C. Baptiste-Williams
September 28 2006, 2:16PM
Finally a man of sense and courage.
David T.
September 28 2006, 5:59PM
I'm glad to see Mr. Bond taking a stand for civil rights for ALL PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope everyone can remember that once and for all.
theeunuch3
September 28 2006, 8:07PM
Now there goes a real man... Julian Bond.
He has always stood up for the oppressed.
To kms25: Homophobia, just like racism is a people issue and people have rights. Do you know what your rights are? Among them are life, liberty (freedom) and the pursuit of happiness.
yeahisaidit
September 28 2006, 8:24PM
kms25...for the Black community to decolonize itself, as you suggest it should try and do, would find it re-examining it's rampant homophobia since it was the colonizers whom largely instilled the rigid condemnation of gays and lesbians in us to begin with...plus no one is saying it's solely up to the Black community to legislate the entire U.S. concerning gays and lesbian issues, but as long as we have Black and homosexual mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles and cousins that we know and love, i think we can attempt to more openly understand how the true spirit of the civil rights movement, and indeed the Master itself, can pertain to us all instead of waiting on the white society to hand down some nationwide law or somesuch telling us to do so...
Comment Preview