The Worst Speech of My Life

loi wade
October 25 2006, 3:10AM

This just proves the point I made in the 'gay history' debacle you posted last week. A lot of people have this notion that homophobia is restricted to the poor and uneducated. Holding a piece of paper that says I got through another four years of school does not open minds. You don't have to agree with someone in order to show respect. I have never heard of any gay white speaker being treated like that by their own even if they don't agree. And we wonder why we aren't getting any where collectively. Were like crabs in a barrel. I'm sorry Keith ,but those buffoons behaved like caged monkeys and I would have told them so. You are a better person than me. Thats for damn sho'!

Reggie F
October 25 2006, 3:20AM

It's a shame that even students receiving a college education have yet to realize and begin to take the Bible as a piece of literature rather than a book of facts and statutes. Of course, these are freshmen and the ones who were being assholes will probably be the ones who later either come out or remain in the closet fucking around on their girlfriends/wives with guys. I'm neutral when it comes to religion, but this just shows us how the pulpit in Black churches can be a powerful, but dangerous element in the development of today's youth. I grew up in the South and remember overhearing too many people say "well my pastor said this isn't good for me", "the lord said we can't do that" and etc. It's frightening how many people can't think for themselves in today's times. The religious right is afraid of intellictualism and this is definately an example of that.

Just out of curiousity, did either you or Staceyann bring up AIDS/HIV in the Black community in America?

Jay Arnold
October 25 2006, 4:07AM

When you spoke at the University of South Florida, we were much more receptive. I had been following you and your site for about a year before that and I was very excited to learn that ULS(University Lecture Series) had decided to bring you to our campus. USF is a majority white school with only about 14% African American, and obviously that is different from speaking at a HBCU. I’m sorry that happened to you but I think you have a very positive attitude about it. Someday, someone will come and express their gratitude to you and let you know how much your story and opinion affected them. I appreciate you not only for speaking at my school, but for your activism and dedication in the black gay community. Please know that you make a difference and that you are appreciated.

Badaabing
October 25 2006, 4:42AM

Hello Keith, wow, my dear brother. Another shining example of the colonial strategy at work undercurrent, and underming any critical thought or intellectual discourse. Religious dogma and ignorance joining forces to undermine the collective. I read your post with horror, sadness and then anger. I was painfully aware of the many times we as women who love women and men who love men must navigate, negotiate the quicksand of fear masquerading as self righteousness and superiority. I imagine it is not much salve for a tender wound of rejection but know that we thank you. We thank you for your courage, for your willingness to stand on the front line of attack for the brother or sister who cannot for fear of mortal wounding. Someone, somewhere, in that, audience found the courage to take ownership of their most precious possession, their self, because of you.

keverix
October 25 2006, 4:59AM

Keith, kudos for being brave enough to take a stand against pure ignorance. I too have been booed before and it's a horrendous feeling that stays with you for a spell but you are answering to a higher power and serving your call. I always told my sisters (real sisters) watch the dog that brings the bone baby! HE'S the one you better suspect. So keep in mind some of those who booed you cruised you (girls included)(laugh).
There are going to be hurdles in our lives but our "family" will bring us back and I for one am proud of you. These Black kids today, do not have enough exposure to the horrors of our history (slavery, AIDS, discrimination etc) they simply benefit from it. Years from now they will get out in the world, and SEE what "indifference" feels like and they will remember you. Grab your favorite newspaper and take yourself out to dinner for a job well done!!!

Darrell Diggins
October 25 2006, 5:31AM

Whew! Talk about a trial by fire. It saddened and enraged me to read of this experience, to hear that Generation Y (Or is it "Z"?), as youthful as they are, are so jaded and hostile with regard to (homo)sexuality and religion. (I suppose I shouldn't be so naive though. Most people only know what they've passively learned--from their parents and "teachers.")

Unfortunately, you got the negative version of the "call and response" you appreciate from your audience, the amen corner from hell. Yet, from your telling, I think you handled the situation extraordinarily well--intelligently, judiciously, respectfully. (*a big cyber hug for you*)

...Let us hope that by the time those freshmen graduate, they'll be more civilized and better educated. Enlightened. Better people. (I feel encouraged that at least your "$100 Challenger" will be. He was able to do some on-the-spot "research," though it was proven incorrect.)

Know this, Keith: you taught those students (something) in your lecture. They have only to learn it

Cocoa Rican
October 25 2006, 7:23AM

Sad and ignorant....
I return to the same point over and over again... I don't understand how a culture that was so disrespected, ignored and degraded can today treat another group of people this way - especially when you look at those faces and see yourself.

As I told one friend of mine this past weekend. In the past I was content with tolerance...now, without acceptance, I don't need you in my life.

Aloe
October 25 2006, 7:32AM

The Bible doesn't say about homosexuality what people, even most gay people think it says. Here's an interesting link.

http://www.truthsetsfree.net/

playboyadonis
October 25 2006, 7:49AM

People try so hard to fit in that they sacrifice their own right to "keep it real" with themselves. There are defining moments in life when we are faced by people who will always disagree and show hate only because people have always shown them disagreement and hate.

There has to come a time when everyone realizes that to each his/her own...including happiness, beliefs and faiths, survival, etc. Interesting point that even today in 2006, black youth are unable to say "Hey, this bible that I like to believe in is not a representation of the realities we have to face today."

College is a time of discovery and openess to understanding. The folks who walked out or who were rude are simply fighting with themselves as they slowly discover that what they were ignorantly taught to believe, might not necessarily be the truth.

Be strong and stand for something noble.

Wise&Young
October 25 2006, 7:57AM

Man...sorry to hear it, but its real. I think living in urban metro areas like DC, ATL, NYC, LA, and others have served to create a false sense of security and tolerance when that is not the case. No matter what you see, no matter how many straight allies we have, no matter how many TV shows and whatnot we are not accepted, nor tolerated outright by the masses.
If there is any consolation that you were the keynote speaker to an audience who did not want to be there, and that where/are freshman. I mean just think how much you changed in from your first year of college and then when you graduated. For most people I know they were totally different people from freshman year to senior year.
Kudos to an HBCU that made a speech about homosexuality a mandatory event for its freshman student body. I honestly can't say sorry for what happenned to you b/c most likely you learned from it, and it helped you gauge and audience and become more flexible when necessary.

Just my thoughts

Chris Williams
October 25 2006, 8:18AM

We here at the University of Virginia are quite conservative, but never would we be that rude. We have had numerous speakers including Amiri Baraka. In fact, we are having Richard Dawkins here on the 3rd. Boykin would you be interested in speaking here? I can see if I can find you a sponsoring organization.

Aaron
October 25 2006, 8:22AM

Keith- You are truly a CLASS ACT in this play of life.
You didnt let your discomfort mar your mission and stayed in their faces to HEAR the ignorance and try to free it. You have unlocked the gate now they can chose to walk out or stay in but you have done your job!
They probably would have burned me on the stake because I would have told them that 65% of their FOOTBALL and BAKETBALL team suck on penises during half time LOL!!!

Texas76132
October 25 2006, 8:37AM

Keith, I sure hate to read about incidents like this but I'm going to cut them some slack. Even though I praise you for going there and speaking up about this issue, I understand their anger. I believe they would be more accepting to gays and lesbians if they knew they had a place in this world. It is very distressing for young black people to see everyone else in the world move while their so-called black leaders continue to negotiate and give up all things black along with their future. Black leaders are so fixated with diversity, integration and white acceptance, they forgot to nourish its young people and carve out a space for them. They see other ethnic groups encroach on their land while the black leaders ship them on a bus so that they can sit next to whites. Now they have get in line behind the black gays too? They must be feeling what about them. I don't excuse their actions, I just understand their anxiety. They want someone to care about their issues without have to share the limelight for once.

qtmia
October 25 2006, 8:43AM

KEITH...THAT IS A SHAME THAT YOU AND STACY HAD TO ENDURE SUCH DISRESPECTFUL BEHAVIOR...I HAVE TO SAY THIS...SOMETIMES SOME BLACK PEOPLE CAN BE SOOOO MEAN AND NASTY TO OTHER BLACK PEOPLE...I REALLY DON'T THINK THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN THIS RUDE IF YOU GUYS WERE WHITE. I SEE OUR BLACK PEOPLE DISRESPECTING OTHER BLACK PEOPLE EVERY DAY...IT IS LIKE THEY DON'T VALUE ANYTHING BLACK!!! AND I BELIEVE SOME OF THE STUDENTS DOING THE HECKLING WERE PROBABLY "GAY" THEMSELVES AND THEY WERE TRYING TO SHOW THEIR PEERS HOW "STRAIGHT" THEY ARE. IT IS A SAD DAY WHEN YOU SPEAK AT A HBCU AND STUDENTS ACT SOO DISRECPESTFUL. WE HAVE TO KEEP EDUCATING EVERYONE...YOU ARE TOUCHING A LOT OF SOULS.

James
October 25 2006, 9:27AM

Keith . .Sorry you had to go through such a disappointing experience; however, I am more than certain that your speech touched at least one person and the experience of hearing folks boo and hiss weighed on them. Please continue to do what you do. I, for one, know how much you've touched my life and encourage me to be a strong, black gay man . .unapologetically. They just weren't ready for you Keith, but others are. Keep on pressing:)

Blue
October 25 2006, 9:27AM

Truthfully, I don't think that should have been surprising. Black folks love to pound the Bible when it suits them. Some black chick can have five bastard children and be on crack and she'll still be trying to bash fags. I'm used to such ignorance from our people - it's just a sad reality. I guess I've lost hope of it changing so I don't let it stress me anymore. But what he reported is precisely why I didn't go to a black college. My mother worked at one for years and I witnessed a lot of that craziness first hand. They are worse than white folks when it comes to that kind of stuff in many instances. And of course I know there are fucked up white schools, but my campus was quite open and liberal. We had gay and lesbian orgs, events, and when Matthew Sheppard died we had a well-attended vigil on campus. Of course there were haters on our campus too, but nothing of that magnitude. Very very sad.

Rockinrob
October 25 2006, 9:29AM

WOW! This is alarming although not surprising.

I graduated from a HBCU and it was rough back in the mid-late 80s for "questionable" gays, but not at all for "out" gays. Out gays were accepted for who they were for the most part. However, you did have the machismo machine (football players mainly) who would make an occassional nasty remark (only to later find out that he/they had been hittin it with the "punks" for quite some time.

I thought things had changed considerably, but I guess it depends on which HBCU you visit.

Nevertheless, I commend you on your efforts. Trust me when I say, your presence made a huge difference in the life of some young brother sitting in that audience. He got a chance to see that all gay men do not fall into the "girly" category and can become accomplished professionals. Professionals who look like a man, walk like a man, talk like and man and carries himself as such.

Jon
October 25 2006, 9:34AM

I was at the speech last night and I was amazed at how rude and disrespectful the students were towards both Staceyann and Keith. I advise a LGBT student of color group at my campus and drove 2 hours and brought three of its members and they truly enjoyed the presentation. I think it is important for LGBT people in the Black community have an opportunity to meet its leaders, as they are often invisible in the media. Last night's speech, although maybe considered a flop, did infact have an impact on the three out lesbian and gay black students I brought and for that I say "Thank you!"

juiicySCOOP
October 25 2006, 9:52AM

This is the best article I've read in a while. Although I am deeply sorry for my peers actions I applaud you for being able to stand up through the disrespect from them.

Michael
October 25 2006, 9:52AM

Let's be real: homosexuality and homosexual acts are not natural or normal. Can someone prove to me otherwise?

Granted, homosexuals were seen as human and worthy by Jesus. He associated with folks (thieves, prostitutes, etc) that others would not want to be seen with which tells me that God is love and he loves and forgives our sin when we fall short time and time again.

Lfarmer
October 25 2006, 9:53AM

Keith, I have spoken at Wilberforce and Central State before and I must say, I am not surprised!! What is sad is the number of closeted gay man on both campuses who are afraid to be out. When I spoke several years ago the audience was primarily gay men and straight women. However, one Psych major said I was gay because 'something' happended to me as a child. Of course I put her in her place , but I've heard this bull before. African Americans use the bible to attack others in our own community, not understanding the same Bible was used to take away our ancestors TRUE religions and enslave us. What makes this even more sad is the fact that these folks are our so called leaders of tomorrow. And the Black community wants to be mad at men who refuse to be out. What I will say is you touched the lives of some gay brothers and heterosexuals who have or will later discover they have gay relatives.

Charles Ward
October 25 2006, 9:53AM

Keith, it is good to be pushed out of your comfort zone. These reactions serve to reinforce that you are doing what is important and to push things forward. You seem to have handled things in a manner of respect and maturity.

BLK_PHD
October 25 2006, 9:56AM

It's sad to say that they are receiving a post-secondary education but still acting as if they are "holding the block down!" It disappoints me that, even though I did not attend a HB, the people that died, slaved, and sacrificed for these institiutions to help us become educated and equal, are slowly becoming places that do not embody what they were set out to be. I might get bashed for this, but every HB that I have attended it located in the not-so-inviting part of town,why is this? I don't think those freed slaves would have ever thought that some of the remaining HB's would be in the shape that they are in today, there great-great grandchildren attending these institutions acting as if they are ignorant and do not know any better, and the students caring more about image, imitating rappers, and materialistic things than graduating and uplifting the Black community! This occurrence implies that the state of Black America is great peril because the freshmen of CSU are our future! Like my late grandfather

L. Saunders
October 25 2006, 10:08AM

It is hard to believe that this happened at an institution of higher learning. That type of rude behavior should not have been tolerated from the very beginning at the first signs of disruption. Since this audience was an audience of our people, our young people, then our educational systems, our culture and all of our major institutions are failing us. It is o.k. to disagree, but rude, callous behavior is unacceptable anywhere. I am so sorry this happened to you.

Coy
October 25 2006, 10:10AM

How unfortunate this must have been. I graduated from an HBCU and I can understand how resistant our people can be. The reality is that until we gain a real sense of "community", pioneers like you and Stacy will be met with opposition. Like the cliche' says, 'what don't kill ya', will only make you stronger'.

titi
October 25 2006, 10:10AM

NEXT TIME PLEASE DON'T BE SUPRISE,YOU MUST GET USE TO THIS IN ORDER TO GROW SPIRITUALY AND TO ACCOMPLISH YOUR JOB BETTER IN THE FUTUR.IT IS NOT A BAD EXPERIENCE, EVEN THOUGH IT COULD HAVE BEEN WORSTE..IT WAS A WAKE-UP CALL ABOUT SOMETHING YOU HAVE NEGLECTED IN THE DEPTH OF YOUR SPIRIT.
BLACK HOMOPHOBIA IS DEEPLY ROOTED AND EVEN MORE COMPLEXE AND DANGEROUS THAN WHITES. BECAUSE WE HAVE LOST SO MUCH, THAT OUR HETEROSEXUALITY AND SEXUALITY ARE THE ONLY THINGS WE EVALUATE OURSELF WITH. EDUCATION IS NO ANTIDOTE TO HOMOPHOBIA AMOUNG BLACKS. YOU CAN FIGTH POLITICAL IDEOLOGY AND REACH SOMETHING TANGIBLE BUT RELIGIOUS IDEOLOGY IS NOT ABOUT COMMON SENSE, IT'S ABOUT DOGMATISM. AND WHEN YOU ADD BLACKS PSYKOLOGICAL ISSUES TO THAT THEN YOU HAVE A DEADLY COCKTAIL... THEIR BIGGERS FEAR WAS THE DOUTE YOU WERE ABOUT TO RAISE WITHIN THEIR WEAK MIND. IN THAT CASE VIOLENCE WAS THE ONLY OPTION IN ORDER TO PROTECT THAT FRAGILE AND POORLY DEFINED MANHOOD.

Andre
October 25 2006, 10:12AM

Another instance of "alleged intelligent" black people not being informed and not being accepting of their own. This is why black gay people are "on the DL",not to mention we are dying of AIDS faster than any other group of people. Also, this is why we choose to turn our backs on African American Culture and try to assimilate into "white society" as much as we can. I am from Ohio and this school is about an hour north of where I live. Growing up, my church used to "worship" with this univeristy and their "gospel choir". This school suffers from a lot of issues that face many African Americans, such as severe poverty and unequal social standing, not to mention the heavy influence of "the black church". Typically, most middle class black people dont go to this school,mainly because they want to get a job when they graduate. Keith, keep doing what you are doing, it is not in vain!

James
October 25 2006, 10:36AM

Everyone seems to need someone to hate to make themselves feel better, fitter, smarter, more enlightened, holier. What you have described is a sad situation, but nothing new. All oppression is linked, and you would think that we as Black people would understand this better than anyone, yet we still express hatred for our own kind and other oppressed groups as well.

I'm wondering how different the audience's reaction would have been had Keith been more of a stereotype of a Black, gay man, ie. Dwayne and Antwoine, as opposed to an articulate, accomplished brother. They students probably would have found the stereotypical performance to be funny and easy to digest -- exactly what they expect from gay people, but because some of their ideas were challenged and they were confronted by an antistereotype they could only run back to the same old whips of the (misinterpreted) Bible and familial homophobia.

Will
October 25 2006, 10:50AM

unfortunately the best soil for planting is usually under the crusty, hard unnproductive soil at the surface. Fortunately the ground was broken up enough to plant seeds of interest, inquiry, thought, dialogue and eventually challenge to the status quo. Though it may have been "poorly" recieved it could be one most effecting change

Terrance
October 25 2006, 11:00AM

Keith, what seemed like the worst speech of your life may very well turn out to be the best speech of your life. You said words that needed to be heard to people who didn't want to hear them. But however rocky that soil seemed (the rocks in their heads, mind you) it may well turn out that one or two of the seeds you sowed found a patch or two of fertile soil, and will take root. Had you not spoken, that wouldn't even have been possible.

Jackie
October 25 2006, 11:07AM

i am so impressed with the way you handled the situation...i too have had a difficult time reconciling my differences with my religion and homosexuality. I think there is a great short out there that everyone should watch called TRIPLE MINORITY...it's on www.logoonline.com and it gets in to the core relgioius beliefs that people have and can't let go of even if it is family. Keep doing what you're doing and thank you for all that you do!!

Robert Ferguson
October 25 2006, 11:19AM

Keith,

Thank you for sharing your experience. I speak at college campuses all around the state of Indiana and I am always shocked at the responses from students. The first time I heard you speak was at Iniana University in 2004 (I believe) the event was for the campus wide day of silence for GLBT students. Needless to say, most of the audience was GLBT or GLBT friendly. I have since been invited to speak at the universtiy for varying student panels and events. The vast majority of students that I encounter are hostile toward any affirming or inclusive dialogue. Tomorrow night I will be speaking at Depauw University for their coming out week event and will be presently surprised if any non-gay students show up. You would think in an environment that is supposed to encourage independent thought that people would learn to celebrate all segments of the culture. Thank you for sharing your experience

IVYMAN
October 25 2006, 11:24AM

This was a very unfortunate incident...however not so surprising considering the circumstances. Let's be real here. This was a freshman class required event. These are kids who have only been on the campus for a couple of months...who have only been in a higher education for only a couple of months. Therefore, in many ways they still lack the maturity required to deal with such a mature topic. I am not excusing their behavior by any means. If anything, I question the administration of this institution and how they go about preparing their students for college life and what it means to function in such an environment. Such behavior is a reflection of the institution.

Aunt Esther
October 25 2006, 11:25AM

Keith:

All you would have had to do to shut those immature children up is ask how many of them were fornicating? Guarantee it would have been crickets up in that piece instantly. As my pastor said so eloquently, "If you are gonna call a sin out black people, call the whole list, and when you are done, we ALL will have to throw up the Baptist finger and tip out of the sanctuary."

Ross
October 25 2006, 11:29AM

I was very disturbed after reading this article and it saddens me to hear of such ignorance and rudeness among young African-Americans, but then again no big surprise there. I have become increasingly intolerant of many African-Americans. I am sick and tired of everyone making excuses for their behavior, crimes, laziness, and refusal to better themselves. There was a day when I would go out of my way to try and help young African-Americans to better themselves. The bottom line is that many of them are just purely animals and do not have the desire to do better. They just want to rob, steal, collect welfare checks, and complain about how the “man” is doing them wrong. On the flip side, there are those African-Americans who seek higher education, legal employment, and a better quality of life. I applaud them for their efforts and I know they will succeed if they continue to work at it. As far as the others, it turns my stomach when I encounter them on the street with their foul mouths and ignorance. Fo

LB
October 25 2006, 11:35AM

Keith - You made me VERY proud!

Mel Smith
October 25 2006, 11:42AM

Wow! A lot of us act like uncivilize savages. They honestly believe that the Bible is literally 'Gods words'? Also, those were young adults in the audience. I'm not that much older then them and I know about respecting other human beings. People are ignorant, regardless of age. Some of the older people are worse than the teenagers. It is funny that the people who yell God's name the loudest, usually are the most f%cked up acting people. They are usually the folks who rob money from the people.

Joaquin
October 25 2006, 11:49AM

Well Keith I am glad that you stuck it out. Those students have need of you and your message...all of them and not just the gay ones. But those kids mistakes are necessary for them to eventually grow. As Mother Teresa has been quoted saying, "Without mistakes there is no forgiving. Without forgiving there is no love."

Their spirits will find a way to love and your hanging in there with them proves just that. Some how some way, Spirit will call them to love. Life has a funny way of working things out. That may sound provincial but I believe that there is wisdom in my hopes.

You were their bell jar. They felt that they were losing the breath of their old lives in a vacuum and so they pannicked. New things simply are sometimes scary and children react fortunately and unfortunately like children. They will have to intuit their way out or expire. All we can do is help them out...Peace....and Love

Jared
October 25 2006, 12:14PM

Fantastic that you stood your ground. I for one am so tired of these lame "Christians" spouting off the Bible when it comes to gay issues. They are the same ones having sex outside of marriage, kids by different men, swearing and calling women all kinds of vile names in that rap crap,using and abusing drugs and alcohol and yet, they have the gall to talk about gays and lesbians? I for one have no need for the so called black church. After going to a funeral a few years ago for a dear uncle, to a packed house this nitwit "preacher" who is a hot shot in san Diego no less, got to going off about homosexuals at a funeral. I was dumbfounded as the man was straight and married and while deeply involved in music within the church, and a open mionded guy, what was the point? I now only set foot in a church for a funeral of family memebers out of respect for them, not thier faith, and have made it clear that I don't want one for mine, as I have no neeed for bigots, black, white, yellow or orange.

ines
October 25 2006, 12:29PM

i am not surprised at the reaction of the students. i am a graduate of an hbcu in md and i can tell you that anti gay rhetoric is pervasive on campus. there are more and more students comingout on the campuses ( or yards as we say) each year but i always have to ask where is their support. even faculty can be nasty.

in reaction to your speech, i must say this is why we do this job. sometimes people are reluctant to open their minds to new things especially if it challeneges their notions of self. i bet alot of those kids were dealing with their own sexual issues whichis why they were so ready to hate on you. it's sad.

also, alot of those kids were probably from uneducated backgrounds including the churches. everybody in the pulpit isn't a scholar. some of the rhetoric coming from the black church is ignorant and just plain uninformed. the sad part is that this misinformation is taken as gospel truth and people are getting sick because of it. we have to work hard to wake our people up.

Ernest
October 25 2006, 12:35PM

In reading what happened during your speech at Central State University two things entered my thoughts. (1) The deep rooted misunderstanding and hatred of homosexuality in the black community is still very much alive and (2) the disservice our black youth are doing to themselves with this type of close-mindedness.

At historically black universities there seem to be a pattern of intolerance that is not addressed in the curriculum to prepare our brothers and sisters for the "real world". Upon graduation, a lot of these students will be in job situations where a myriad of people with different backgrounds, i.e., race, sexual orientation, education, are selected to work together to perform a particular task. With this type of (mis)understanding still active in the black community, it's going to be a tough road to travel when we are faced with having to work with a broad group of people.

The Empress
October 25 2006, 12:46PM

Keith, your situation brought one poem to mind. It inspires me when I have moments such as this one. I hope it does the same for you...

Well, son, I'll tell you,
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you sit down on the steps
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Langston Hughes

Be inspired Keith.

James Brown
October 25 2006, 12:49PM

Dear Keith,

"There is never any power without demand." (Malcolm) Listen up young brother, you have just been awakened to
the results of an out of controlled society, that is no fault of your own. I was taught from folk in the old school that, "the cheapest things in life that do not cost us a dime is, to be nice." Eventhough the students
at Central State were not nice, it was great for them to hear the message, although they didn't like the messenger. Keep the faith my brother. Remember, you must run on and see what the end might be.

BLK_PHD
October 25 2006, 12:55PM

Ernest you bring up a great point! When and if these kids graduate and enter the workforce, who do they think is in the workforce? Will this mentality hinder them from being promoted and progressing in the workforce simply from being ingorant and disrespectful to another person because of thier sexual identity or personal appearance? But where do they learn this type of behavior? Many of our parents and our environment instilled in us a number of outlooks that were and are bias. Many do not forget these ignorant tactics and still resort to name calling once the obtain a degree. If a person is still going to be as ignorant as they were when they began college, they may as well not attend. Is that the state of the HBCU?

Ty
October 25 2006, 12:56PM

Keith you are a inspiration .i have been reading your articles for just over a year now, and you make me proud to be a blackman and more so a gayman.I live in a very homophoblic country, and no gayman would even think about giving a speech at one of our universities. He would be mobbed.... sad to say. Thanks bro keep up the good work ,hope to speak to you some day

Harry
October 25 2006, 1:05PM

Keith, WOW. Like most here I'm a lil taken a back by this one but upon deeper reflection not all that surprised. Having gone to a HBCU myself I am particularly ashamed at their behavior even if they didn't agree with the content of you message. I am so feed up with the religious crap....it only muddles intellectual discussion and these religious folks have this aire of superiority that sickens me (particularly Christians, i find Muslims, Hindu, etc are not nearly as arogant). I actually disgusted and disappointed that HUMANS have not evolved past this.....very furstrating. hen you think you're making progress things like this only make clear how far we still have to go. Keep up the struggle and there needs to be more intelectual discussion about religion publicly. To many simply say "Amen" at this dogma crap. Whether these self righteous idots care to join the discussion is up to them

saint james
October 25 2006, 1:09PM

Keith, your experience is regretable and a disgrace from people who are of you and who claim to be Christians. I say that because the definition of a Christian is much more narrow than most people believe.

I would like to make this point;When you tell people of faith that Jesus never mentioned anything about homosexuality is is akin to your opposers saying God didn't create "Adam and Steve". It's benign rhetoric. It lends nothing to an intelligent discussion about homophobia, in my opinion. Folk who believe in the bible believe that God supervised the writing of the scripture and that God and Jesus are one along with the Holy Spirit. So when you use that comment it was an attack on their beliefs. Perhaps you know that and wanted to show their ignorance. I don't know. Adam and Steve exist, so the discussion should start from there. Jesus also never spoke about pedophilia, skyscrapers, televison, etc. It's unproductive. Just my thoughts.

paul
October 25 2006, 1:27PM

I have always said that as blacks we are our own worse enemies--INTERESTINGLY, college students in Jamaica would have behaved in the same disrespectful manner. As for you KEITH, you are awesome---you are definitely one of my heroes!

C. Baptiste-Williams
October 25 2006, 1:27PM

Just another example of people believing everything some man from the pulpit says to them... instead of studying and reading for themselves.

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15

Lfarmer
October 25 2006, 1:29PM

As a resident of Ohio and having had gay friends attend both Central State and Wilberforce, I must say I am not at all surprised! I have spoken at Wilberforce some years ago about AIDS and African American gay men who have difficulty being accepted by the Black community. I too was met with sneers and jeers. however, there were some openly gay students that was happy to hear me speak about both GAY and Black pride. Keith the African American and Afro Latino communities are so preoccupied with their version and interpretation of the Bible that sometimes it's a hopeless case. However, I know you touched the hearts of not only gay people in the audience, but straight folks that have gay relatives.I applaud you for speaking and also give props to Ms. Chin as well. The Black community has double standards: they want gay men to be honest, but when we are we are attacked using religion as a weapon.

chandra
October 25 2006, 1:51PM

I'm sorry to hear that Keith, on so many levels. I have to say, I'm not surprised. Unfortunately, I must say that I personally do not feel accepted by black straight folks in regards to my sexuality, and I don't feel accepted by white folks in regards to my race. My partner and I moved back to my hometown of Atlanta from Texas. While in Texas, her family,though Christian were very accepting of us,(and they're white!) Our jobs were comfortable places to work, and it was all good. My family here are tolerant of her at best. I feel I can't take her to family reunions cause one of my cousin already told me how she thinks homosexuality is unnatural. My partner worked at a doctors office here where all the girls gossiped about Jonathan Plummer and how gay people could do this or that, while comparing each others churches to one another. She quit cause she couldn't take all of the (in their minds harmeless)anti-gay banter. It's like everyone here goes to Eddie Long's church.

LBoogie
October 25 2006, 2:17PM

Your courage is to be commended Keith.

Jim Harvey
October 25 2006, 2:31PM

I am grateful to the Ancestors that I am NOT a christian! This is not to syggest that there is not ignorance in other religions as well but in this wilderness of a country we have the misfortune of living in during these times, it is clear that an ill-conceived war has been declared on anyone who can be used as a topic for rallying the misinformed "faithful." And for what? To increase the coffers and to push a conservative agenda on the political front. My best take on this christian thing is that we who are of African decent have been victims of christianity and those who preach the nonesense are perpetuating a crime against our people. There is a new film coming out this weekend called, " The Color of the Cross" Jesus is depicted as Black and it is amazing how many black preachers are up in arms about it. It serevs as further proof that christianity has fed us will self loathing and an inability to accept ourselves as even being capable of claiming the title of chosen ones.Ignorance is dangerous.

Ndubuisi Okeh
October 25 2006, 2:37PM

Keith, while the students you letured become rude and disrespectful, acting like the living sterotypes modern black-america social required of them, acting macho yet behaving like cowards, you represent real black machismo. You as a gay Black person who has escaped the living sterotype Black America I have seen these days, you fall out side the living sterotype and never backed down nor deginerate youself to their level. Gay men have as much machismo as regular caucasion men, especially gay Black males. But you don't represent the sterotypical alpha male.

You have real machismo Keith, and that's what it counts.

Remember machismo and femimninty are skin deep.

manchild1
October 25 2006, 2:37PM

I am sorry for your experience ..but again,this does
not make me more comfortable with myself in black
america...the hunt is on...and like somebody said last
week..it is ok to dislike us gayfolk.

KayJay
October 25 2006, 2:54PM

I would 1st like to say Praise The Lord To All! I must say that I'm not surprised to hear how "our" people reacted. I've slowly come to realize that among our culture anything that we don't understand we attack,and are too afraid to hear anything that might contradict what we've held as the gospel truth. I've learned that most of what we "black folk" hold as the gospel truth, we've never researched. Bro.Keith perhaps you should have asked all those sanctified "Lol" believers how many were still virgins, since they are soldiers in the army of the Lord? Then I would have asked the young bro. that had the nerve to walk up to the podium, quote is verse, then slam his bible shut, and walk away; exactly when was the last time you attended sunday school, bible study, and how often did his pastor use the greek and hebrew dictionary to properly break down those scriptures. Right! Just like there's silence as you read this page, that would have been his response. Keep up the good work,you are appreciated all over.

gs
October 25 2006, 3:04PM

I went to a black college and have attended many convocations. Most dealt with our school's heritage, our contribution as young intellects to society, and aspirations to succeed in society. Not sure why a convocation would be focused on GLBT issues. Those type of topics were reserved for an isolated guest speaker to discuss.

The students were rude to boo, the ones that walked out had that right. But booing and yelling was out of hand. But then again....the clowns up at Columbia University did worse when representatives from the Minutemen came to speak as invited guests of the campuses young republican group. They stormed the stage, called the black invited guess a nigger, and stopped the speakers from talking. In comprarison, these black students were tamed.

Thomas
October 25 2006, 3:22PM

A couple of weeks ago, my school was having a unity celebration, and we wanted someone to talk about unity in the our school community. Several of our own school faculty and administrators declined to speak. I contact Rashid Darden...we all know who is...we SHOULD! Okay, he gladly accepted the invitation and I then contacted my org president about the matter. She told me that our Gospel choir was a Christian org and his sexuality was not a representation of our Christian values. Well, here we are again. The Christian, and I am grateful to be one... I am grateful to know the Lord...I am grateful to call him Father, and He calls me child. But WHEN, when will be realize that love conquers all things. I live by that. So what he's gay, I reminded her that some of our most beloved gospel artists of today and old are and have battled homosexuality.

Harry
October 25 2006, 4:39PM

Thomas: "Battled homosexuality"?? what do you mean by that? You make it sound like a desease like cancer.

We're getting there!
October 25 2006, 5:04PM

I am a Sophomore a Central State Univerisity; a heterosexual female. I was also present last night at convocation. I first want to thank you for coming and sharing your experience with us. I second would like to apologize on behalf of the sophomore class for the treatment and disrespect last night. That was my initial intent of this note. But, I have come and read some of the comments of your readers and fans, and to my dismay I see SO much negativity. I almost feel compeled to defend my beloved university. I appreciate your comments regarding those of us who came up and spoke with you afterwards, those who were respectful, and those who were receptive. I would like to say that, we as a institution have a LOT of work to do. And, what the freshman class and the rest of your readers fails to realize is that we ARE a family, and we are learning to treat each other as such! So, last night WAS NOT A REPRESENTATION OF CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY and I want that to be known.

Dawn
October 25 2006, 5:27PM

Keith, I have been a long-time fan of yours. I am honestly ashamed but not surprised at all about what happened at Central State. Several members of my family are CSU Alums. I was warned by both my brother and my cousin about the strong misogyny and homophobia on both Wilberforce and CSU campuses. That is why I did not attend either. Central State and Wilberforce are representative of what goes on in the black community. The hostility and rage towards the LGBT community is intense. That is why many (including myself) have not come-out. A great deal of the community is misinformed and refuse to educate themselves about the church and homosexuality. They are too afraid to learn that much of what they were brought up with is wrong and bigoted. Thank you for standing your ground and continuing when most would have quit. I believe you touched and inspired more people than you thought last night.

11
October 25 2006, 6:30PM

This is quite unfortunate. Respect should always be foundational in any type of discourse, but you must understand that you can't keep attacking peoples' faith and expect to be well received.

Jayla
October 25 2006, 7:06PM

Well Jesus also never said homosexuality was ok. Christ was well aware of the Jewish law that prohibited homosexuality. If he wanted to say, "Hey! You all have this all wrong." He could have.

Phillip Sykes
October 25 2006, 7:25PM

Keith,

I am sorry to hear about the ignorant response you received from Central. It just shows how powerful the Black Church is for the African American Community. It is my theory that until the Black Church becomes more inclusive, the self destructive tendencies among our people wil continue to run the debate about LGBT people of color. I'm glad you know the outcome of this debate in the future, as witnessed by your last few statements in your op ed piece. I just wonder how long and how many deaths it will take for the Black Church to wake up and start dealing with reality.

pc
October 25 2006, 8:09PM

dayton, oh, is a small town!! every stereotype you can attribute to a small town applies. i know..i'm from there and got out as soon as i had the chance. bless you, keith, for all your efforts to raise the level of dicourse in our communities.

cmoney
October 25 2006, 8:15PM

The next time some Black woman goes off about "Down Low" brothers who aren't "honest" about their sexuality, please refer her to this article as EXHIBIT A. Men go on the downlow because of the vicious and hostile homophobia that exists at all levels of the Black community. DL men are not honest about their sexuality in many cases because they are justifiably afraid of how their friends, family and strangers will respond. I'm not defending DL behavior, but I understand why many men do it. They are afraid, pure and simple. HBCU's can be great places to learn. I attended two and found them both to be the greatest experience of my life. Of course, I was in the closet then. Had I been out...well that would have been a different story. As for you Keith--you are a hero. You are standing up to bigotry and doing the hard work of moving us forward as a people and we love you for it!

Doug Cooper-Spencer
October 25 2006, 8:16PM

I wanted so bad to attend ur speech but couldn't due to a previous engagement. I have watched u grow as a speaker over the years we've known each other and know very well that u gave a great speech. I just know it. That's that. Living in the Cincinnati-Dayton area I know how it can be. I'm glad u had a much better reception at The University of Cincinnati where I work. It's a shame that a 'black' institution of 'higher' learning falls to such a level. Group mentality is a mother. I have an engagement next wknd at a Black Leadership Conference here in Cincy and the next week an engagement at U.C. Here's something I usually do: I usually have copies of THE BLACK LIST handed out just as I begin my speeches. Such an outstanding roster of great women and men captures attention immediately. Keep up the great work. P.S. maybe we can chip in and purchase black gay materials for Central State and have a showing of 'Dirty Laundry'.

JSUphinest601
October 25 2006, 9:37PM

Hi Keith,
I am not a student at Central State University; however, I do attend a HBCU. I am a senior, Social Science Major @ Jackson State University. I am appalled by the way you were treated @ Central State University. I am not surprised at all because most African American / Blacks are raised to be closed minded and homophobic. To my knowledge there is a high number of gay, bi, lesbian and DL's on HBCU campuses....Instead of being negative and disrespectful they should have acted like scholars and receptive of your speech whether or not they aggred or disaggred. One wouldn't expect someone who attends a college or university to be a closed minded individual. I am surprise everyday on how as a race black are divided. In my opinon, It's that good ole slave mentality that keep us from Unity. Keith don't like a few closed-minded students keep you from empowering, educating, and enlightening America's future.
Best Wishes & Be blessed
JSUphinest :-)

nellyneld
October 25 2006, 10:07PM

Keith,
Reading this article has re-opened deep wounds and depressive thoughts about the experiences that I suffered
as a student at Central State. I remember being heckled on a daily basis for associating with my fellow gay Centralians.
Back then, we were verbally, emotionally, and physically abused and no one seemd to care. We were taunted in the dining hall as so called straight black men called us "wieners". We were kicked out of our dormitories and had obscenities written on our doors, had urine and or water poured under our doors simply because we were gay or perceived as gay. So, I can empathize with you completely.

Be encouraged by knowing "what does not kill us, makes us stronger"

For God, For Central, For State.

Nelly

Mel Smith
October 25 2006, 10:19PM

We are disrespecting Christianity just because we don't use the Bible as a weapon to justify prejudice against others? What about the educated scholars who have argued that Jesus is pro gay? Your minister interpretation of Christianity represents you and his beliefs. Wow! I just cannot believe how easy people forget about their own history.

Myron
October 25 2006, 10:39PM

Keith,

It would seem you are a person that understand people, and it is important to tailor your speak to the audience. If not , then did you missed read the mindset of the audience or did you not even consider it. And, if not that would seems disrespectful of the opinions even if uninformed. It would seem to me that the responsibly was on you as a educated mature man to not expect the reaction you recieved.

You often speak of being unaware of surprised, that would not seem to be honest. It seems that this is your strategy to push the same old buttons. Are you sure you not reading the Republican play book?

Taj Ali
October 25 2006, 10:48PM

As a former resident of Cleveland Ohio, your story sounds all too familiar. To be so close to the east coast, Ohio seems light years away from civilization. I went to Hampton, many moons ago and remember my convocation, Tony Brown was the speaker, his words were eye opening. I think you must understand that you spoke to someone, if only one person. He/she may never say anything to you but trust your words were planted and will someday bear fruit.

Staceyann Chin
October 25 2006, 11:57PM

Nice to know this topic is under so much dialogue-

my own take on the evening is rendered differently, but it is the same take

Read it here

peace and poetry,
Staceyann

Bellah
October 26 2006, 1:12AM

I hear you Brother Byron.

I am reminded of Harry Belafonte,asked about his experience with the funeral of Coretta Scott King, being disinvited to speak, to accomadate George Bush at the presidents insistence, A full activist dais replaced by white politicians in a homophobic church where Bernice King now ministers, the absence of those in protest and the anger directed at the King family as a result/

Mr. Belafonte asked us to look inward at ourselves,our own community. How had such a powerful legacy been allowed to fall. It happened because we all allowed it to happen.

Keith, we must all look at ourselves and take responsibility for our own inaction and selfishnish. We must stop attacking those who are not of like minds and remember that the teachings of Ghandi, King, Malcolm, Che
were all based in love. We must love those young brothers and sisters and teach by example and not by attack. We are there elders and their teachers.

LaFontaye
October 26 2006, 4:52AM

I continue to be in complete awe of you Mr. Boykin. I submit that in response to such the foul ignorance that was displayed at Central State, you Sir handled yourself with the type of dignity, strength, and championed diplomacy that most among even the better of us could not have upheld under the circumstances. Ironically, in the face of those shameless buffoos who tried to clown you, YOU walked away from that zoo having behaved as the very example of all that is of God.

....and may that which is of God continue to keep within you.

loi wade
October 26 2006, 5:47AM

To "we're getting there", Have you ever heard the expression 'silence equals death'? The tounge lashings you just read were well deserved. Did any one of your fellow students stand up and say 'hey, I don't agree with the brother either, but lets show him some respect'. No, instead you allowed your 'beloved' university to be represented by a bunch of hooligans. My 15 year old daughter has begun looking into colleges and universities. I always hoped this bright child would bring her talents to a HBCU. Now I don't give a damn.

titi
October 26 2006, 7:58AM

Your suprise at the event was honestly a suprising reality to me. Because the topic of black men sexuality is not only difficult to adresse by also dangerous.The less suprise you are the better you will handle it. You did a good job despite that moment of suprise.I sincerely admire you for it.
Your devotion and love for the black communauty is unquestionable and that elevate you amoung us.you are moraly superior to many. So no men heterosexuality is enough to put them above you in that case. It is important for all of us to serve our communauty with love and devotion, but we are also challenge with the fact that some of them will lynch us because of our sexuality without any remorse, if giving a chance.That is a tough fact to shew let alone to swallow. So the option is to live in denial or reject the communauty in anger then suffer the consequence of those choices.you are not only a role model, you are also a souce of comfort to many. THANKS FOR BEEN YOU.

Michael-Vincent Crea
October 26 2006, 8:00AM

"Good morn or evening friends, Here's your friendly announcer. I have serious news to pass to every-body:
What I have to say could mean the world's disaster, could
change your joy and laughter to tears and pain. It's that
Love's in need of Love today; Don't delay, Send yours in
right away. Hate's goin' round Breaking many hearts, Stop
it please, Before it's gone too far...[Prophet] Stevie
Wonder, "Love's In Need Of Love Today," from Songs in the
Key of Life. N.B. the words of Joseph Beam, "The most
revolutionary act of our times shall be Black men loving
Black men," [paraphrased] from anthology "In the Life."
The Gospel is neither lived in a glass house nor ghetto of
our own making but to whom one is called to "live the Truth with LOVE." Like Jesus, the WORLD "will hate you and make you suffer, yet fear not for I have defeated the
world." Kudos in Christ, Keith, Pastor MV Crea/OWLS

Malik
October 26 2006, 9:31AM

Frankly, Keith got off very easily with his speech. To the student body (who are the Hip-Hop generation) he insulted their pro-family, pro-hetero positions and sensibilities. He insulted the audience by attacking the foundation of their belief: namely the Holy Bible and his statement was about to incite violence, storming the stage and possibly phyiscal harm to himself since the audience was not searched for weapons.

Ten percent of the population is gay and 90% are NOT. Now those students who are bi, gay or lesbian will not likely want to come out now to their college friends after seeing the anger, rage and hatred expressed towards Keith. Has his appearance on stage done the gay movement a grave disservice and set us back years? I believe that Keith should have contacted the gay clubs on campus so that he had support and distributed literature showing that rappers, the brothers on the corners and everyone could possibly be gay. Keith did not use good judgment and it backfired big time

Terrence
October 26 2006, 9:46AM

I'm not excusing rude behavior, but let's keep it real. Homosexuality is a not an easy subject to discuss in most settings.

And some advice for those who are choosing to make this about HBCU's. Don't. I attended a TWI (Traditionally White Instition) as well as an HBCU. The fear and ignorance about homosexuality were about equal on both campuses, although I did feel more comfortable at the HBCU.

Also, someone made a very important comment earlier. People must keep in mind that Keith and Stacyann went to an HBCU in the heart of the Midwest. It says a lot about Central State University (an HBCU) for inviting them to the campus.

Unfortunately, CSU officials cannot control frosty receptions, but officials should be commended for opening up their campus for such dialogue - whether it turned uncivilized to some extent or not.

nahtan serious
October 26 2006, 10:49AM

Its incredible that some are willing to excuse rude and uncouth behaviour if it supposedly occurs because of christian belief and or black pride. Call a spade a spade. those students were out of order! Period!. Keith said nothing inflammatory , nor did he insult anyone or anyones belief!

You are free to disagree but there is absolutely no need for that behaviour!

We are too willing to excuse our young people/ children and that is why we have so many social problems!

Keith you keep on truckin' I am behind you all the way!

Central State Alumi
October 26 2006, 11:51AM

You can’t down a whole school for a couple of half raised children. If I was there I would have listened. I was raised to not be rude. Also, how could you call 2,000 students (Central State) ignorant when Roberson hall can only fit 400 and the freshman class is roughly 600? That not rights. I feel your pain and know that you and Stacy Ann felt attacked, but I also know you received [money] to speak. How can you take the money and then write a 3 page paper on how our institution breeds ignorance. It’s just not fair
_
Rashad Glover `06
Central State University, IT

J. Mathis
October 26 2006, 12:11PM

Keith...my hat is off to you for your efforts! When I read that you were speaking at Central State...I was afraid for you. You see, CSU has been know for years to have a very lower class, underdeveloped black student population. It's not like the other HBCU like...Fisk, Morehouse, Spelman, Bennett, etc. These young people come from the very streets of Cleveland, Detroit, Columbus, etc. So their explosure is VERY LIMITED. Now there are some excepts...but the rule is ...don't go to CSU is your are preppie, highly intellgent and want to be around a better class of people. I grew up in Ohio and went to a small white college on the East coast. I'm so sorry that you had to be treated like that....but CSU...water seeks it's own level....the lowest. Where were the administors??? See, I told you so...trash!

Kortney
October 26 2006, 2:29PM

Hello Keith,
I attend Central State University. I was at the convocation the night you spoke. I found your story very interesting. I enjoyed it very much.

(pfft)...typical
October 26 2006, 2:44PM

"gospel truth" ...if ever there was an oxymoron....

As our society at large evolves...we must evolve as well. You cannot resist growth on the basis of an [politically-motivated] assembly of pseduoepigraphical works when these same works have been used to justify, explain and encouarge your subjugation!!!!

A critical look at hyper-religiosity and anti-intellectualism in the Black community is LOOONG OVERDUE(my concern with others is relatively minimal).

If only a group of folks that is always preachin to yt about diversity, respect, history would practice it themselves. We are not always the victim, but often the most vicious aggressor. Of course homophobia is not just limited to HBCUs - as racism is not limited to Deliverance-type areas. I grew up in and work in a white environment, went to an HBCU undergrad & TWI law school. The homophobia is worse in HBCUs [I did NOT say it does not exist at TWIs]. Our "mainstream" "left-leaning" "leaders" in the pulpit push this bullshit.

Student
October 26 2006, 3:16PM

I am a student at Central State University who unfortunately was not present at your speech. I have seen other speakers who have been treated rudely because of one reason or another. I abhor the way that we have treated speakers before, but from your viewpoint it seems that our treatment of you may have been the worst. I think that with the behavioral problem of our students coupled with the hostile beliefs concerning homosexuality your speaking was a recipe for disaster. I am in shock and I am ashamed of our school. And, well, I'm really pissed. I hate prejudice, I hate those who refuse to have an open mind, and I hate Christians who think that they are above others because of what they believe. It makes me sick the way you were treated. The worst part is that I don't know what to do about it. This is our campus. Do you or anyone else have any suggestions about what I can do to stop this hatred spreading through our campus?

Terrence
October 26 2006, 3:41PM

In my experience, homophobia was no worse at the HBCU I attended than the TWI I attended. There were white males and females (and black students) at the TWI who were not open to gays and lesbians. They were very vocal about it - including some dorm mates. This came out a lot in conversations - especially when HIV/AIDS was overwhelmingly impacting gays. This was in the 80's.

At the HBCU, part-time drag queens lived in an all-male dorm and many of the guys knew they were night-time drag queens. Some brothas gave them a hard time, sure, but most did not. Most people just did not care. The drag queens lived on campus for about three semesters. Keep in mind, this is my experience. At the large urban HBCU I attended, I felt very comfortable and safe. On campus, many gays chose to be out and open.

Again, it depends on one's personal experience. I don't think it is wise to generalize.

Mel Smith
October 26 2006, 4:26PM

I honestly cannot excuse the behavior of those students, and age does not have a damn thing to do with it. OH, I am upset. Keith is one of the coolest and most respectful people in the world. Yet, they tried to disrespect him, as if they were colonial slaveholders in blackface! Again, you guys should not try to excuse the students behavior. They were straight up rude and ignorant. They damn sure will not get any love from me and I am being real. How can you b!tch about racism and then disrespect or judge another black person because of their identity or sexual orientation? People like that cannot really care about what Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and others fought for. If the God I believe in is anything like the God some people describe, I would rather take my chances with the devil!

J. Mathis
October 26 2006, 4:54PM

Keith, you are correct....I was wrong for using the term "trash". And I really understand what you are saying about "Black classism"...I do. But I have to admit, there is much truth in my feelings. Right or wrong... Over the years I have observed more open-ness and acceptence with better educated, more exposed, liberal thinking Blacks who are not so deeply influenced by the traditional Black church dogmas. Those who have been socialize to respect other people's ideas, even when you don't agree with them...without being rude....having a sense of civility.
But Keith...I respect AND ESTEEM you and your work "HIGHLY"...I make my apology to you and your readers for my own personal bias.

Karinne Turnbow
October 26 2006, 5:09PM

Mr. Boykin I am a student at Central State and was in attendance at the convocation on Tuesday night. First and foremost I want to apologize to you on be half of the student body. The disrespect that you received was rude, unnecessary, and excusable. Never once before had I been more ashamed to attend Central State then I had ever been that night. I understood where you and Ms. Chin where coming from and it takes very brave souls to do what you to did, but you know that and I am not writing you to tell you that I am writing because I feel somewhat responsible for the behavior of my fellow Marauders. I feel as if I can't apologize enough, or that may words still will not take way anguishes you felt and well understood animosity you may toward Central State University. My only hope it that I will not be the only to reach out to you and express my sorrow toward the situation and you take my words in their deepest sincerity and not let this one incident sour your prospective on Central.

Careyfoster
October 26 2006, 5:26PM

Hello Keith my name is Carey Foster I'm a 36 years old Black gay man from Detroit,MI I'm sorry to hear about your speech went bad on the campus of Central State University in Wilberforce,Ohio. I can understand the Homophobia on Campus because I used to be a Student at Central State in 1989-1991.When I was Student there the word Homosexuality was a taboo word. it was very silence on campus. there were many closeted Gay men and women on campus was too scared to come out of the closet. Central state University was like most Historically Black College/university don't have any support groups or counseling center to help black GBLT students to sucress College.I had two friends at Central State was gay. they was from Dayton,Ohio they were very anti-social on campus because they didn't want nobody on campus to know their sexuality. they took to some of the Black gay clubs in Dayton( Club 1470 West) they take me a Dayton Mall and Salem Hall to cruise for sex with another gay men. I hating living on campus. because

D'Anthony
October 26 2006, 6:57PM

kieth, we at central love our god, we understand the issues that people have about gays, and frankly have no negative thoughts about gays because it is non of our business either way. if you would have approached the stage saying that what your speaking on is an opinion rather than forcing us to believe that it was a fact you would have said that central is one of the most respectful audiences that you have ever spoke in front of. but you took your opinions and tried to make them facts. and thats where you created hostility.
And not to mention the unprofessional language, gestures and coments that StacyAnn showed us. StacyAnn made coments like " I love me so much that i would Fuck myself." and she menttioned numerous times about how she loves to masterbate while removing articles of clothing. i will not quote the exact words that she said, but mind you that this is the PG-13 version. with a performance like this its you should not wonder why you got the treatment that you did.

Jeff
October 26 2006, 8:50PM

Keith,

Brother, as a lifelong Ohio resident, please accept my apologies. As a straight Black man who fights to unlearn his homophobia, I know that is hard to reach people. College is supposed to be the place where people open their minds to new and challenging concepts. Unfortunately, some of would rather be haters and treat people with disrespect than open our minds and close our mouths.

Homophobia is deeply entrenched in our community. It's going to take a long time and strong Black men and women standing up and taking their place in the world as role models and leaders to change the game.

Stay up, stay strong, stay Black and stay free. You are not alone.

MissRossToYou
October 26 2006, 9:23PM

To The Highly Enlightened Mr. J. Mathis,
Before you start labeling our people as "trash" perhaps you should check your own educational history. Learn to spell or use spell check. Your commentary is ironic given the grammar in your paragraph. So they come from the streets of urban centers, do they? They are not in jail or dealing or pimping or prostituting themselves. You sound like a lot of white bigots I've heard. From whence did you come? Your writng is a poor testimony for your small white college on the east coast. Must one be ignorant and uneducated in order to embrace the traditional teachings of the church? Is disagreement truly a phobia? Oh, please Enlightened One impart unto me Thy Infinite Wisdom!

MissRossToYou
October 26 2006, 9:54PM

OOPS! "I should have written: "Thine Infinite Wisdom".

Devindavenport
October 26 2006, 10:17PM

Compassion is not infinite. I am fatigued with the implacability of black ignorance, the plentitude of black homophobia and the nearly savage responses thereto. Our communities seem content to perform barbarity to suit white expectations. Surely, our embrace of extremism is not unconnected to our renunciation of education and community. Like many similarly situated friends, I too find solace in urban ghettos and/or sheltered environs where the homophobic/racist are educated enough to exercise prejudices privately.

I have profound sadness for the LGBT folk living in those communities…

So, when Whites portray black communities as homophobic, what do we say? Do we perform against these portrayals in efforts at racial solidarity?

And this near colonialist language with which I often find myself casting these individuals is also problematic. This too is an ethical dilemma, but it’s also the only ethical way for me to make sense of it. For it ‘must’ be that they are uneducated… for if not, then there must then

eric
October 26 2006, 10:19PM

First, I want to say to Keith and Stacey that I pray that our ancestors, Black LGBTQ/SGL and otherwise, lift you up because as an OUT Black, gay, male, christian, I know what it feels like to be so committed and loving and have people attack you in such a way that it threatens to put out any light of hope you have left...war weary warriors for the struggle of people who don't even know you are struggling FOR and WITH them. To the both of you and the many others, be.blessed.

I want to also respond to brother D'Anthony, for I am sure that Keith and Stacey love "your God" too. The problem is contained in the fact that you believe that God is yours and yours alone, and so you and your fellow students failed to recognize "your God" in your brother and your sister, and that, my brother resulted in UNGODLY behavior. Lastly,I think this incident highlights larger issues of homophobia/hetetrosexism at large, and we are missing something by making this about HBCU's alone. This is so much bigger.

a.m.
October 26 2006, 10:44PM

let me applaud you keith. it had to be done. we need to reach our own, regardless of the jeers and comments because when we do, we reach those young ones who will be our future leaders. because of what you did, maybe just one gay man won't feel like he has to be on the DL.

eric
October 26 2006, 10:51PM

To continue my comments. I think that the behavior of the students again calls attention to the contentious relationship Black Americans have with gender expression, sexual identities, " which is inseperable from the already historically contentious relationship with inaccessibility, exploitation, and so on when it comes to categories deemed normative in the gender/sexuality paradigm across gender/sexuality categories, and that needs to be put on the table along with peoples ill behavior and blatant homophobia, both at this particular incident CSU students, the black community at large and in society overall. I also think that progressive thinking people must resist disconnecting these dialogues about Black and homophobia and so on from the larger macro issues of how these isms intersect and even if people don't get it, we need to repeat that rhetoric and hold members of oppressed groups accountable to that reality especially, and I am proud of Keith and Stacey for going to CSU and doing just that.

James
October 26 2006, 11:07PM

You dealt with the situation, both during, after, and in your article, in a remarkably dignified, yet powerful manner. Thanks for being a role model.
Sincerely,
James

christina
October 26 2006, 11:34PM

I at first was not going to state a comment but as far as the speech Boykins wrote and many of the comments made, I felt as if I needed to respond.

I am a freshman at Central State University who was a student who was at convocation and who actually spoke to Mr. Boykins afterwards to apologize on behalf of THOSE students who acted ignorant, on a convocation about "RESPECT". You have to realize that the subject of homosexuality is very taboo and controversial in the black community, and that subject at a FRESHMAN CONVOCATION was bound to stir up some heated arguments. Reading Mr. Boykin's speech, in my opinion majority of the story was exaggerated, and that not even majority of the audience was ACTING OUT in the manners you stated. When you spoke of religion people became very sensitive and did become outspoken, but you cant speak of homosexuality and religion and not expect to get a response. To people who made comments, you cant form an opinion when you've heard one side of the story.

Dana
October 27 2006, 4:34AM

My heart goes out to you Keith.
However, that is the nature of the beast, of this so called Hip Hop and supposedly "Pro-Family ad naseum, more-christian-than-thou" generation I have seen a quite few people speak of.
It was hateful. It was evil-hearted. And it was so very typical of the ugliness that has possessed the Black "Community".
There are three Truths I have learned about our being gay:
1)We are a species of the human race, for the human species is as much a part of and subject to the diversifying powers of Nature as the birds,trees,flowers and bees. Diversity Rules!
2)Our naturally occuring mating instinct for the same gender has always been ;just because a culture's mythology hasn't caught up with the TRUTH does not justify the perpetuation of Hate, Ignorance, Fear as if it was the Truth.Science Rules!
3)As they have sown,so let them reap. A Mob is what a mob does.

saint james
October 27 2006, 12:59PM

Eric, why did you ignore the latter half of D'Anthony's thought that connected his "loving God" statement? Didn't the brother say he had no negative thoughts and that it was none of his business? He seems to take issue with the manner of the presentation and Stacy's apparent vulgar language.

Anonymous
October 27 2006, 3:16PM

First off I am a student at Central State University and I wasn't at the convocation but I heard about it. I can admit that some people are ignorant but for you to put our school on blast like that is disrecpectful on your part. I have nothing against you or what you do because I am a lesbian on this campus. You have to understand that people are ignorant and have their own beliefs but that just something you have to deal with. I do it all of the time. If I were to speak at a university, I would expect that from alot of people. Nobody on this campus has a problem with you expressing how you feel, you just could have approached the situation a little better and kept our name out of your story. Thats just my opinion. Sorry about your experience here and God Bless.

Joey Tatum
October 27 2006, 3:58PM

Keith,

I am so sorry to hear about what happened at Central State...As a graduate of a HBCU I am embarassed and offended...Black colleges are supposed to be the meccas of black thought and enlightenment...and yet we still pretend to be in the Dark Ages when it comes to issues that affect our community. It's ironic that the students behaved this way but looking at it more closely, the truth hurts and those students were uncomfortable facing issues that either effect them or someone they love!! I think you stepped on some toes Keith!

Tyneshia & Madyson
October 27 2006, 4:22PM

I dont care if your gay or not and yes Central was a little out of control but never hostile. But you have to realize the approch that you came with and your topic that you were presenting did not mesh. You make it sound like you came on the stage excited and that you had a great speach for Central, but acually you came on boring and uninviting. I felt that you had a preconceived notion as to how Central was going to react to your speech; so you were'nt interesting enough for Central's attention. (And thats not to justify Central's actions, but the truth, and something you should think about) Clearly you haven't studied the bible as well as you thought you had, because out of the 66 books in the bible Jesus did not write any of them. And regardless if Jesus said that Homosexuality was bad or not right out of his mouth every word in the bible still stands, because it came from Him in some kind of way. I understand some of what your talking about but you need to leave your thoughts about religion out.

Fratman1906
October 27 2006, 5:35PM

Matthew 13:57 - "So they were offended at Him. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” Keith, the African-American community will continue to be our greatest challenge to moving forward. You are doing the work that you were called to do in this life. It is not going to be easy and you will encounter some genuinely hateful, closed minds. But you must continue to trumpet the cause of justice. The African-American "country," "house," and community will one day realize the true meaning of brotherhood, love of neighbor and that we are all created in the image of God. For you personal strength, I remind you of another scripture - "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord."—1 Corinthians 15:58.

loi wade
October 27 2006, 5:40PM

Tyneisha and Madison, you two are EXACTLY the reason I made my previous comments. You are right. The bible wasn't written by Jesus. It was written by man and his 2000 years ago, 'the world is flat' mind frame. Have you ever braided your hair? Have you ever eaten pork or shellfish? Have you ever worn clothing made of more than one material? Have your boyfriends made more than a 'social' visit? You've already broken one cardinal rule by speaking out. After all you are women ,right? Please don't take something that has passed through many soiled hands as the word of my father. But what it really boils down to is this: :Love your brother as you love him and let God hand out the judgement o.k.

anonymous
October 27 2006, 6:45PM

I say this to Loi Wade...If the book is so soiled can you be sure of what Jesus said? (since you quoted him) Please think about it. You can't pick and choose texts either Just like Tyneisha and Madison can't.

CSU Student
October 27 2006, 6:58PM

I am a student at Central State University, although I was unable to attend the convocation Tuesday night I would still like to make a comment. Yes I do understand and recognize that our freshmen did display ignorance and disrespect towards both you and Ms. Chin during your speeches, but you also have to recognize and understand that you were dealing with a group of students that have only been in the “REAL WORLD” for approximately 3 months. I am not trying to make an excuse for what happened, but in all actually it is the truth. Also to respond to J. Mathis, I am one of those students that you were referring to. I am from DETROIT and I am NOT apart of a very low class underdeveloped black student population. I consider all HBCU’s the same; an institute for higher learning. I feel that we (CSU students) carry and display just as much class and intelligence as any other college, if not more because of people like you.

Alemayehu
October 27 2006, 7:05PM

Black folks are capable of great genius and utter foolishness.
The closest thing we have in the Old Testament/Torah about homosexuals is the use of the term "eunuchs". If I understand it correctly, G*d is say that if the eunuch keeps the Sabboth, He will have a place of honor for them.

In Matthew 19, Jesus said something about eunuchs speicifally in verses 11 and 12. Read the whole chapter to get a full sense of the context. Jesus is responding to question as to whether all men should marry. He responds that it is not possilble for all men who became this 3rd sex by various means that include birth and some specific social circumstances.

I don't know how we missed these verses so long since after Jesus talks about the eunuchs he goes on to the passage about "suffer the little children...".

In Acts chapter 8 Phillip because of a vision baptises an Ethiopian eunuch from the house of Queen Candace. In Chapter 10 G*d tell Peter to consider no man unclean.

loi wade
October 27 2006, 7:38PM

annonymous, what are you reading? Where did I quote Jesus? I would never put words in his mouth. I wouldn't be that damn dumb! I'll leave that to the hatemongers.

jcampbell41
October 27 2006, 8:38PM

If anything, Boykin's negative experience pinpoints the fact that we blacks are just people. We are as bigoted, as homophobic and as self-righteous as other ethnic groups. The only difference is the glee with which we turn on each other.

It's time we realize that we blacks have allowed the superstitious and oppressive brands of religion to render us impotent in our capacity to adapt and to deal with exigencies (HIV/AIDS, drug abuse, imprisonment of generations of young black men) posed in the modern world.

Boss
October 27 2006, 8:45PM

I am a current Central State scholar and I did attend the convocation the other day. As a bi-sexual DL individual who grew up in the church i can side with both you Keith and my Central State family. What I do have a problem with is your approach on this sensitive subject. I am very aware that you knew the theme of the evening was RESPECT. I don't believe that your speech tied into the theme. Maybe at times yes. But then you took off on a radical biblical approach and I was very unhappy with that. Then for you to put my school down by saying what you said was very sad. I love my school and wouldn't let anyone talk about it and for you to come in here and then portray my school as homophopia city was unprofessional. I have a 4.0 GPA...so I'm not ignorant towards a lot of things. But I do believe that yo showed your ignorance when you placed CSU on your website and put them on blast. I hope that you never again in your life get invited to Central State.

chicagoangel
October 27 2006, 9:31PM

Lmao. Poeple are upset cause keith put central state on blast. Maybe next time they wont be so unrully and show some RESPECT no matter the subject matter and respectlly disagree with the speaker.

when you put on blast it make u change ur ways-wgci

Michael Hinson
October 27 2006, 10:33PM

Keith, I am so glad you were "strong" for us, had it been up to many, they'd left in a huff!

Mad respect, always!

csu07
October 28 2006, 12:20AM

Hello Keith

I am a CSU alumni,and staff member who lives an alternative lifestyle. I was not able to attend the convocation but I wish I would have. First off I would like to say homosexuality is something that is not conversed about or accepted in most black homes. In 2006 more people are growing more accepting of it, and thats because times are changing. I never force my lifestyle or my beliefs on anyone, they either deal with or i can exclude them from my life. After speaking with and hearing many students gay and straight speak of the convocation. I am in conclusion that both parties were wrong the students were wrong for acting in a disrespectful manner, and you and your guest was wrong for the way you all presented your speeches. I believe no sin is greater than the other dont get me wrong.But the students was not aware that the convocation was gonna be on homsexuality, but respect and diversity they felt as though you came on to strong and tried to force it on them. continued below....

TITI
October 28 2006, 8:48AM

I think csu07 made an important poinT I have suspected early on.
"KEITH, DO NOT SERVE ROW MEAT TO THOSE WHO CANNOT DIGEST IT, JUST COOK IT FIRST"!!!!!!!! I believe, that by using your(coming out) before certains fact, was also the cause of your trouble.
THE FIRST PART OF YOUR SPEECH SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABOUT:...(THE UNDISCRIMINATING DANGER OF AIDS IN BLACK COMMUNAUTY)
AND THE SECOND PART ABOUT:...(THE IMPACT AND INFLUENCE OF OUR SEXUAL ATTITUDE IN THE SPREAD OF AIDS WITHIN OUR COMMUNAUTY)your own coming out could have emerge naturaly from within that second part without be the focus of the whole debat.
This tactic won't make evrybody agree with you but it can make enemies listen to you with a more reflective attitude.

IsleZeus
October 28 2006, 9:45AM

Keith I think those who gave you the respectful and intelligent questions after the speach and discussion were officially over were more or less fearful of being accused publicly of being gay by the hostile students if they defended you or asked questions which weren't offensive in nature.

Indeed homophobia and religious indoctrination has kept our people in a Plato's Cave of sorts, where they ironically are at a University, yet behave uneducated and ignorant.

Much love and respect to you, Keith and keep on fighting this millenium's good fight for civil rights in our communities.

Mel Smith
October 28 2006, 12:01PM

CSU07 and everyone else from Central, don't you folks realize that Christianity has so many different interpreations? There are educated Bible scholars who believe Jesus was pro gay because of certain Biblical texts. There were the Christians who defended slavery and segregation. Today, in rural Mississipi or Alabama, there are still actually some 'Christians' who defend slavery and segregation. Many of those 'Christians' would rather have died, then to see your ancestors set free. Therefore, you can believe that homosexuality is a sin. Just remember that there are 'Christians' and Muslims who believe you are descendents of Ham! I don't think God is happy with people who used the Bible as a weapon to justify prejudice against anyone. Also the Bible has some errors in it.

JamilMD
October 28 2006, 2:02PM

So your experience at central state just came though the wire via the htj post.

Firstly , HBCU's are notorious both for their homophobic behavior but also the multitudes of closeted men who because of the former are closeted and self loathing. I havea young friend who just left Central state because o f homophobia. He had act of cruelty performed such as someone breaking in his dorm and pouring bleach on his clothes , threats, and being called out. It made for a hostile environment for him and he could not do what he was there to do. I often talked to him and said maybe he was the problem because i know that thingcan be bad away from home however aftger reflecting on your speech and thinking of how he has described the vibe there, It's not surprising and pretty sad.

The second thing i have to say is that maybe CSU 07 had a point as did some of the other CSU people. nder what the result would have been if you had started from a point of common ground and stayed within that common ground bef

jamilmd
October 28 2006, 3:04PM

( sorry cut off due to computer glitch continued from previous comment)You should have stayed within that common ground before going to your coming out story. being a black man going to college and the challenges there. the hardships of law school the respect you have earned and then begin on the gay aspect .I understand you are not a divided Blackman but sometimes this is what is needed. I cannot say we should tiptoe around the issue but you were there to enlighten some freshman and instead you raised their guard so they could not or would not hear you. I have read your work and I comment on here from time to time and so I am sure you were not making a "gay " speech as some have suggested. But college freshman are just learning abstract thinking and it sounds like you gave them a bit more than they can handle. As another comment stated don't feed them meet if they are not ready to digest or better still, grind it up into finer pieces to make it more palatable to tender bellies and minds.

Byron
October 28 2006, 4:20PM

Keith,
I admire your dedication and strength you've always demonstrated while defending your view. After reading about your experience I realized that it's going to take more respect for ourselves and each other for our community to develop the tolerance to accept the facts surrounding homosexuality. When anyone is presented with facts that go against what they have been led to believe, they will naturally "defend" themselves. I know you can recall the defensive response against Bill Cosby's expression of distaste to the current state of the Black community. The truth hurts. Be assured, you positively reached someone in the audience that night.

Reo Langster
October 28 2006, 5:08PM

Hello Keith how are u doing i been to ur website and i notice that u been to central state. I went to Central State for years and i feel ur pain. The university has a reputation for turning ho into housewives and crackheads into husbands. Plus the university cares for one thing and that is money.

The gay population is horrible i am openly gay and if i wasn dl and loved to make fun of people u are considered to be somebody. As a former centralian, i want to say that i'm am sorry for what u had to experience.

Central State is not a good school to be at trust me. During my second year on campus. Someone broke into my room and poured bleach on my clothes, and a second incocent consist of a football player where there was a unoffical grammy nominated list ( for the CSU Grammy awards) and he was nonimated for "Undercover Brother" and all this happened around the area that i was workin in (I had work study at that time) and started yellin at everybody and turn around and hit me and walked away. Right now i'm transfering to Clark Atlanta University in Jan and i do hope that i will be around a bunch of men and women who won't be intimated or feel threatned.

Melvin
October 28 2006, 8:42PM

Hi Keith,
Congrats you just got next topic for your book...get to work.

My View
October 28 2006, 10:50PM

What happened at this university is sad but not surprising. Homophobia is rampant everywhere. People wonder why we have brothers on the DL and guys that are gay and not out. Most people would not want to be OUT with the hatred that comes with people knowing that you are gay. People have been disowned by family members......everything because of their sexuality. You even have some gays that have committed suicide because the rejection for them is so unbearable. I also hate being gay called a "lifestyle". Being straight is not a lifestyle so why is being gay. This is who we are period. Why would anyone want to choose to be gay. Anyway, Keith I have always struggled as a Christian in term of my sexuality and you made some good points in terms of what Paul said in the Bible along with homosexuality (which he did actually say "effeminate")that has opened up my eyes and got me thinking. Anyway thanks for that and keep your head up!

CSU07
October 28 2006, 10:50PM

Your religious grandmother, my mother and tons of other parents whom are not fond of homosexuality when it comes down to it all act in the same ignorant manner as the CSU students did because you placing something unfamiliar upon them. So everyone on here needs to stop acting like everyone should be happy about it people react different ways, and there intitled to their opinion but to sit up here like some of you are doing jmathis and chicagoangel, and be sarcastic about it does not make it any better your showing the same amount of ignorance.. JMATHIS you going to a white school or whatever you referred to it as does not make you better than any of the students at my university. At the end of the day you're a black man like me and getting that job wont come easy... Crabs in a barrel, duh, does that sound familiar... The students at CSU were forced to go for class credit, and did not know the topic. Reo yes you were bashed but what about the times you came onto guys that did not want you, like myself hmmmm.

CSU07
October 28 2006, 11:24PM

Reo, please dont bash CSU, because you were not an angel while you were here. Mel Smith I did not make any reference to the bible and I am GAY. So me trying to quote the bible would be futile. And yes I know of the different interpretations thats why I do me, no one else matters there is only one judge. I'm living in 2006 not in the times that the bible was written. CSU'S attempt to educate the