A couple of billboards in Schenectady, NY geared towards the gay African-American community have made a few of their conservative neighbors quite uncomfortable. The ads were funded by the LGBT group In Our Voices.
Here is what the Times Union is reporting:
Tandra R. LaGrone, executive director of Albany-based In our Own Voices, said the group is sponsoring the awareness campaign because it is consistent with the mission of promoting the health and welfare of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people of color. "I thought it would be useful and pertinent to have the campaign in the Capital Region because of the numbers for HIV and AIDS among gay black males have has risen significantly," she said. "You have to start from a place of respect in order to address the stigma and homophobia of being a black gay man."
Of course we can't have a story about helping gays embrace their true authentic selves without a word from some idiot from the church, who clearly has an idea on how homosexuality works. Rev. Alfred Thompkins of Calvary Tabernacle told the Daily Gazette: “A thirteen-year-old looks at these billboards and says, ‘That must be it, I must be gay.' That goes directly against God’s purpose. As a resident of Schenectady, a pastor who works with young people, with families, frankly I’m really bothered by the message these send."
Pastor Richard Parsons of Consecration Temple Church of God Christ also took a moment to spread his vitrol by complaining to the Times Union: "It's directly against God's word and what God hates, I hate."
I'm glad to know you're special enough to have been anointed by God to tell us who/what it is (s)he likes and dislikes. Sorry to burst your bubble people, but gay men of color (Black, Asian, Latino) who play sports and don't dress like Johnny Weir and listen to Lady Gaga do exist. The problem is, people are up in arms because they feel it's easier to recognize someone black and gay if they look like Lawrence on the Real Housewives of Atlanta. Sometimes I forget that the world outside of more liberal New York City isn't as open-minded as our city. Folks just need to get over themselves. I just hope the billboards spark some conversation that I hope won't lead to violence. As for Rev. Tomkins, I pity all those children you cre counceling ho may come to you feeling alone and struggling with their sexuality. You people who spread your ignorance upon others is the reason why so many gay people turn to the DL lifestyle, turn to drugs, or god forbid suicide.
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