Why Gay Pride matters. (And why YOU should give a damn.)

At the height of the Civil Rights movement, Malcolm X spoke to an audience of well dressed African-Americans and demanded, “Who taught you to hate yourself?”

Right now I’m working with a team on a documentary about homophobia in Black Hollywood. We’re following that clip of Malcolm X’s question with an image of members of Westboro Christian Church holding placards that read ‘God Hates Fags.’

The message is clear: African-Americans have been taught by society (and church) to revile their own blackness—the texture of their hair or skin, whatever cultural affects critics can observe and mock. And gays, along with others throughout history, have been taught the same sad lessons. We are “less than,” deviants, best kept out of view and/or subject to violence.

I won’t detail the history of Stonewall here. In brief, in 1969, drag queens and bar patrons fought back during an police crackdown of a local New York pub and several days of scrappy rioting followed. It’s looked upon as the start of the modern gay rights movement and a turning point in American Civil Rights.

The first Gay Rights parade was held in Los Angeles a year later, near the anniversary of Stonewall. Each June, in cities across America, gays and our families, friends, and supporters gather to celebrate and once again say ‘no’ to those who would repress us, malign us, or wish us harm.

It’s a party for sure—as colorful, outrageous and diverse as our gay communites themselves. We dance, we drink, we let it all hang out, if only for a few ... precious ... hours. There’s a serious purpose to Pride as well. It is the LGBT community standing up beside our families and friends and neighbors, to say no to ongoing societal oppression.

You don’t need a University study to point out that our Great American society leaves its gay and lesbian children depressed, isolated, prone to suicide and chemical abuse, suffering from varieties of post-traumatic disorder, and often shamed into silence.

Gay Pride is the opposite of that shame. Pride is not the cure to the societal oppression of LGBT people, but it’s a useful tonic.

Pride is not just for gay people. It's for gays and the society in which we live, both those who embrace and those who oppose our dignity. It is vital not just that we stand – for once – among people who would not judge us, but that America see we are supported by peers and community and not alone.

I sat and talked recently with Dr. Sylvia Rhue of the National Black Justice Coalition. Dr. Rhue, an out Black lesbian, acknowledges one of the challenges of her work is to get some within the African-American community to acknowledge the struggle for rights and dignities for LGBT people as common to their own.

Dr. Rhue sees the need for an ongoing war for hearts and minds that will not be satisfied until all Americans are treated with respect – Blacks and Whites, Latinos and Asians, Christians and Muslims, gays and straights.

Dr. Rhue finds this broad-tent perspective shared by some of her wiser and older peers, pointing to the support to the LGBT community from organizations like the NAACP. But a gap remains, in Black churches, on the street, and in popular culture.

“We’re not there yet,” Dr. Rhue laments.

We enter the 2010 Gay Pride season under the shadow of Arizona’s SB 1070, which threatens the liberties—and perhaps more insidiously, the dignity—of our Latino and Latina brothers and sisters. Have gays been out en masse, side-by-side protesting and marching? I can’t tell you, as of this writing. But we should be. Shame on us if we’re not. For, as Dr. Rhue reminds us, the larger struggle is common.

Sometimes seeds of pain may grow into flowers of healing. This week, there’s been controversy as plans are made to build a Mosque and cultural center near Ground Zero in New York. Well-intentioned but ignorant Americans, unable or unwilling to distinguish between the violent religious radicals who wrought terror on 9/11 and million-fold adherents of one of the world’s great religions, tried to block the move. Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and the mosque will be built.

Buddha said that no man achieves enlightenment but through suffering. I wish a corollary held true—than a man or movement who has suffered is thereby compassionate and enlightened.

Yesterday I was driving down the street in West Hollywood, perhaps one of the gayest places in America, and was surprised to be shouted at by a young man on the sidewalk who apparently felt I’d looked at him the wrong way.

“What you starin’ at, faggot?” was how he began the exchange, and it went downhill from there. “I should fuck you up so you know where not to look.”

A couple of days ago, I asked an African-American voiceover peer if he’d be attending Gay Pride in Los Angeles. This is someone with a number of gay friends, a man who’s at least dallied in same sex affairs himself. His answer wasn’t so much a ‘no’ as a ‘hell no.'

“Pride is for out and proud gays,” he replied dismissively, “not for sexually liberated/limited individuals who just like to exercise and cum. How do I fit into any of that?”

This friend believes he’s socially progressive. Because in his spare time he volunteers for groups that are emotionally comfortable for him (working on a big brother type program in his church's youth ministry) he’s done his part. Meanwhile when he speaks of gays and Gay Pride, he does so from a place of remove tinged with disdain. I don't dismiss his volunteerism. But the degree of selectivity in what he'll stand up for vs. denounce saddens me.

If you have a conscience, if you can see the interconnectedness of people and things within our society, this is not a time to sit silent. If you are able to look beyond your own skin color or heritage or religious embrace, do it now. As a new, intolerant political structure crystallizes on the American right, the need has perhaps never been greater.

Is there a place for you at Gay Pride? You bet there is!

Is there a place for you (and me) to support the new Mosque in New York, to stand with brothers and sisters in opposition to SB 1070, to continue to address the injustices faced by black men in urban America and our criminal justice system? Yes, yes and YES!

And by collectively showing up for Gay Pride, immigration rights rallies, in support of alternate religious expression, and a myriad of basic human dignities others would trample, we help to shape America into a better society for the 21^st century.

Si, se puede.

BPJ will be main stage co-host at Los Angeles Gay Pride on June 12^th and 13^th 2010 in West Hollywood.

Blog / Counter-Blog on Immigration

Another back-and-forth. This time I was disturbed by the latest blog by author and activist Kevin Jackson, author of THE BIG BLACK LIE. Kevin is an African-American who speaks from the political right, and many of his positions are 180 degrees from my own.

Many reading this know I take delight in a plurality of perspective on issues, especially when I can engage with someone like Kevin who is talented with rhetoric. Here, then, is his latest blog and my rather pointed reply.

You can read more of Kevin's original work on his website, TheBlackSphere.com

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Kevin's Blog:

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It was brought to my attention that the US policy on immigration is indeed racist! In the spirit of fair play to the Left, I must right this wrong on behalf of all African-Americans. In order to put this in proper perspective, I will elucidate the immigration policy of the US.

You see, if you cross the border illegally into the US, you are issued a driver’s license, and a social security card. These two documents will allow you participation on America’s welfare system, or what is better known as The Immigrant Lotto! And you are an instant winner!

The immigrant lotto pays off like a change machine, every time, its only delay is to reload with fresh greenbacks! Every winner gets lots of prizes that thankfully for the illegal immigrant become what are known as “entitlements!”

One such “entitlement” is a federally subsidized government home. Illegals can rent it or own it…their choice. But why not own! Because if they fail to pay for it, the Fed will simply keep making the payments for them! The only loser in this part of the lotto is the people who don’t qualify for the Federal programs, otherwise known by Liberals as “The Oppressors of Democrat Voters.”

Next, illegal immigrants are issued a food credit card, a card that replaced food stamps. The beauty of the credit card is that it is accepted by establishments (bars) who serve food (and liquor), so illegals can now get their drink on, without having to convert the old food stamps for cash, then buy liquor at the grocery store. Liquor is a bit more expensive at the bar, however illegals can just think of it as a night out at the American taxpayers’ expense!

Next lotto entitlement is a free education, not that immigrants should bother using it. Why even bother with education, when all a good one will get you is headaches?

With a good education illegals run the risk of becoming “high earners,” thus opting out of the lotto. Let those high achieving ethical right-wing weenies go for the gold, while illegals sit on their lazy asses watching Novellas or The View translated in Spanish (SAP) on that new flat screen TV they got from Rent-A-Center…with taxpayer dollars!

In the education system there is the Super Lotto. If you are an immigrant and can miraculously get into Columbia, then Harvard, well you might fly in under the radar, and who knows…you could become president. A 300 million-to-one chance that you will receivethat benny, however. So again, why bother!

Nevertheless, what the lotto lacks in education bennies, it more than makes up for in healthcare. For now, the US still enjoys the distinction of being the best healthcare system in the world. And as an illegal participant, immigrants are treated to the same service aslegal citizens, without that nagging bill. The “Get out of the Emergency Room Free” card is simply, “No speaky English!”

Other lotto goodies include a government subsidized GM car, a cell phone (in case the First Lady happens by), one’s own lobbyist in Washington, and the right to protest one’s harsh and unfair treatment by America, and illegals get to accuse their newly adopted country of imperialism in the immigrant’s home country…BONUS!

The ‘Blame America’ card: Don’t leave home without it.

Add to this the right to vote illegally in America’s elections, and you have what is this man’s definition of Utopia. If you’re a Mexican, that is!

As an African-American, I am appalled by this racist policy! Had it not been for Dave Perkins—a white man—frankly I would have missed this most racist policy of the Fed.As Dave, my friend and producer points out,

…it’s unfair to penalize Africans for the fact that their country is thousands of miles away, in the wrong hemisphere and across the ocean. They didn’t ask to be born there. Africans should have the same right to walk across illegally into America that Mexicans have. It’s only fair.

I agree! Not to mention, Africa is more than a country, it’s a continent. Africa has 53 countries, not counting disputed territories, and there are many ethnicities to take into account, not just Mexican!

Here’s the wrap:

Dave goes on to say, “Therefore I am calling on Congress to create and fund a fleet of ships whose sole purpose is to go and down both African coasts and pick up anyone who wants to come to the US illegally, feed and clothe them for the voyage, and drop them off just south of Brownsville/McAllen on the eastern Mexican coast. Once there, they will be equipped with backpacks of food and Gatorade and good walking shoes, and they can simply walk across our border just like the Mexicans.”

But that would just be step one towards correcting this most racist policy against African illegals!

Not one iota of concern is voiced in America about the translation of documents into one of the more than 2000 languages spoken in Africa, even the more prominent languages like Bantu in Angola, or Fon and Yuroba in Benin, Amharic in Ethiopia, Fang, Mbere, Punu, or Sira in Gabon,

Darija in Morocco, and so on. Africans are forced to learn English!

Until the Democrats implement this or an equivalent solution, I will be calling them anti-African racists. Join me!

That’s my rant!

© 2010 Kevin Jackson – The Black Sphere – All Rights Reserved

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My reply:

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Kevin,

When you publish a blog piece like this, you may find yourself taken to task for your assertions. It's interesting that you're the author of a book called "The Big Black Lie". I fear that through your commentary you sometimes inadvertently personify that title.

Let's look at your current piece, graph by graph:

1) "Let me elucidate the immigration policy of the US."

But then you don't do that at all. You write a sarcastic condemnation of the policy with virtually no fact-based elucidation.

2) "What is better known as The Immigration Lotto".

Better known ... to you, because you've just made that term up, right?

3) Selective presentation of of half truths. Interesting that you point out how immigrants take away this or that benefit from the American system, but don't even mention how much is paid into the American system through payroll taxes. IT'S A GAPING HOLE IN YOUR ARGUMENT.

4) "The only loser is ... people who don't qualify for Federal programs, otherwise known by Liberals [sic] as 'The Oppressors of Democrat Voters."

I've read this graph a number of times trying to make sense of it and can't. I suppose I'm a liberal (didn't know we got capitalized now) and I've never heard of this. I guess I missed something at liberal training camp. Apparently you know things about liberals I don't.

5) "The beauty of the credit card is that it is accepted by establishments (bars) who serve good (and liquor), so illegals can now get their drink ... illegals can just think of it as a night out at the American taxpayers' expense!"

Do you have any -- and by any, I mean ANY -- evidence that this is occurring to a degree that warrants discussion? If so, present it posthaste. Quote a reliable study or even a comprehensive news story on the matter. If not, please PLEASE refrain from comment. You make one damning accusation after the next with virtually nothing but vitriol to back them.

6) "Why even bother with education, when all a good one earns you is headaches?"

Not following you.

7) "... while illegals sit on their lazy asses watching Novellas or The View translated into Spanish (SAP) ..."

As in (5), got ANY evidence, sir? If so, present it. If not, for heaven's sakes, hold your tongue! You're simply spraying conjecturing and we deserve better.

8) "As an illegal participant, immigrants are treated to the same service as legal citizens, without the nagging bill." The "Get out of the Emergency Room Free" card is simply, "No Speaky English!"

First, "no speaky English?" The bigotry you're sweatin' out stinks so profusely I can smell it from here.

But to your factual inaccuracy -- what are you basing this on? Seems like it's your imagination and not actual Emergency Room policy.

I challenge you to query major Emergency Rooms around the country and find a single ONE who doesn't issue (and attempt to collect on) bills to ALL patients completely independent of their legal status.

(Hint: you won't find one. Because that's not how they operate. YOU MADE IT UP, like much of the rest of what you present in this blog.)

9) "Other lotto goodies include a government subsidized GM car..."

Are you aware that GM has repaid it's loan to the US Gov't, and actually did so early? Also, are we still "elucidating?" 'Cause there's nothing in US Immigration policy about this. There's room for rhetoric in a blog piece, but not when you tell us you're here to explain policy.

10) "Add to this the right to vote illegally in America's elections ..."

Can you cite anywhere in either written US Law -- or a credible media source showing US Law being flaunted -- where this is a substantive issue? I'd be willing to entertain this charge if you can. But I suspect you cannot.

I could go on, but this response would be longer than your original post. Let's jump down to your final graph:

"That's my rant."

Yes it is, Kevin. And I'm glad you finally acknowledge what this blog piece is, a rant. The only real elucidation you've provided us is that of the disparity between what you believe and what actually exists.

Better luck with the next one.

Ben Patrick Johnson
Los Angeles, CA

More back-and-forth on SB 1070

There is a Facebook page called 1 MILLION Strong AGAINST the Arizona Immigration Law SB1070

It actually has about 1.3 million followers as of the publishing of this blog. While most of the posts are anti-1070, there are a number of "patriotic" voices speaking out in support of the law. The back-and-forth is fascinating and I keep getting engaged. Here's an exchange from this evening:

Brian K Morris

Houston TX

I am glad to see that this law is gaining more and more support throughout the country. It seems as if people are starting to understand that this law does not infringe on anyone rights. No where in our constitution does it say you have the right to not be asked if you are here legally. Personally, I would be proud to show that I am a legal citizen. But alas, there are still people that think this is an attack on them....

You think that because you look Mexican, or perhaps your family is from Mexico that this law is infringing upon your rights (Let me be clear you is a general term here). You think that YOU are the target because of the color of your skin. You and every other person that looks Latino that is against this law are trying to make it about you. IT ISN’T ABOUT YOU. It’s about the 13 million people that are In our country illegally. It’s about the laws that are being broken not just by illegals but by the greedy companies that hire them. It’s about the moronic politicians that crave their votes. It’s about the thousands of families that have lost children to illegal prostitution rings. It’s about the thousands of families that have lost loved ones at the hands of an illegal. It is not our fault that Mexicans make up the largest percent of illegal immigrants in this country. To be quite honest I wish it were white people just so you and all the bleeding hearts wouldn’t have a reason to sue someone and cry. Sadly my wish isn’t coming true.

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My response:

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Brian,

I suspect you'll find few among us who'd argue with your suggestion that America is overdue for immigration reform. Regardless of one's politics, it's plain to see we as a nation have neglected this, and people have suffered and died as a result.

There are a huge number of ways to address the problem. The ultimate solution will surely be a combination of methods.

What I and many others who oppose SB 1070 feel is that this particular tool, while it may be somewhat effective, will extract a human toll so high -- among both legal and illegal people -- that we find it intolerable. In fact, it is so egregious to us that we're speaking out against it even though most of us live nowhere near Arizona and the law's implementation will have little to no impact on our daily lives.

To us it is reminiscent of South African Apartheid, which required Blacks to carry identification at all times. It brings to mind the "papers, please" regulations of Nazi Germany targeting Jews and homosexuals. In the current case, it's not the skin color of the group that will be most (and almost singularly) affected that disturbs us. It's the simple loss of civil rights, and ANY group being singled out, whether deliberately or as a matter of circumstance.

I got challenged earlier today by a Twitter follower who suggested I leave the discussion on SB 1070 to those who live a little closer to the border. I replied that I didn't to live in South Africa to see that Apartheid was a travesty, and if anything, the few hundred miles that separate me from this controversy allow me a cooler, less emotional perspective on things.

I certainly don't speak for all "bleeding hearts". But when THIS heart bleeds, it's for perceived injustice, period. The color of your skin, who or how you worship, and whom you love -- these are of little interest to me.

I doubt my words will change your mind, but I hope it will help give you more insight into why some of us are so alarmed at this moment. We're not ignorant, nor are drunk on the liberal sauce.

We just f'n care.

Ben Patrick Johnson
Los Angeles, CA

A challenge to my opposition to AZ Immigration law ... and my reply

Friends,

Since beginning to air my outrage at the new Arizona Immigration law, I've gotten a lot of supportive feedback. But there are two sides to every discussion (in this case perhaps many more than two.) Here's one challenge I got via Facebook, and my response. I feel both are worthy of reposting here for a larger audience:

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Ben,

This is absolutely not true and I cannot believe that you are falling for this, or maybe you are willfully falling for it because it's fashionable to hate Republicans when you're gay. This is not a Hispanic issue at all. Those who do not agree are just as guilty of the racial profiling that will ALLEGEDLY take place. Such statements that brown people are being targeted is inflammatory and completely misguided. You by your statement are just as guilty as perpetuating and fanning the flames of racism as you accuse others of doing so. Sorry, Ben. You know I love ya, but when we disagree, we disagree.

This is a failure of our government to secure its borders from ALL who cross there illegally. And let's get something straight here -- both parties are at fault because it is the intention of the Democratic party to create a social underclass of people who are dependent on entitlements to survive and thus keep them in power in perpetuity through the entitlements that you and I have to pay for! I'm really tired of these politicians and their failed entitlement experiments who keep on asking us to open our wallets wider and wider. Aren't you?

The Republicans are just as bad for not engaging in workplace enforcement. However, if this was a Democratic bill that had passed the Arizona legislature, I am really skeptical that there would be such an uproar from those who feel so victimized now. It's just another cause celebre to give people reasons to hate what you choose not to understand due to your political viewpoint.

Additionally, If you actually read the bill instead of be a willing byproduct of the rhetoric, you'll see that no one is being capriciously stopped and asked for papers. They are only being stopped for suspicion of a crime, such as stealing or robbing a bank, or killing someone. Special Order 40 in Los Angeles does not allow Police Officers to inquire as to immigration status when someone is suspected of committing a crime.

If illegal immigration is so great, then why are private schools having long waiting lists from parents who want to get their children the hell out of LAUSD?

I challenge anyone to watch the movie The Border, produced by Chris Burgard, which is not a propaganda piece and I am willing to debate anyone at any time regarding this matter. I do not hate people of any skin color or of any nationality, but if you're going to be in our country, then you need to obey our laws instead of cutting in line.

And by the way, I am an registered Independent. Both sides need work and neither one wants to budge, so we're all screwed.

James Henson

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And my response:
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Hey Jim,

Thanks for weighing in. A couple of things:

First, there are two distinct issues on the table -- (1) the very real immigration problems facing America and (2) one state's misguided attempt to address these problems.

Number (1) is something we can discuss in the months ahead. I agree -- we are long overdue. But I'm not here having that discussion today. I'm here to not just talk but CRY OUT about issue number (2).

Then we come to your suggestion that I'm misrepresenting or misunderstanding things. Fortunately, in 2010, facts are easy to verify on the Internet via official sources. And in this instance, it is actually you who is factually incorrect. I've read the law thoroughly. I've read a variety of analyses from political minds from across the spectrum. And I've read Wikipedia. Here's the Wiki summary of SB 1070:

The law makes it a state misdemeanor crime for anyone to be unable to prove lawful residence in the United States upon being asked to provide such proof, [8] and requires police to make a reasonable attempt, when practical, to determine immigration status if there is cause to suspect they are illegal immigrants. [9]

This is how I've represented it, while your claim that "nobody is being capriciously stopped" is in direct contrast with the language of the law itself.

You further assert that according to the new law, people "are only being stopped for suspicion of a crime, such as stealing or robbing a bank, or killing someone." I'm not sure where you came up with this, but that represents neither the actual wording nor the practical application of the law.

Let's go straight to source. Here's an excerpt of the law itself. Far from targeting people "killing or robbing a bank," SB 1070 will allow an identity check for something as minor as a burned-out tail light:

From SB 1070 - "NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER LAW, A PEACE OFFICER MAY LAWFULLY STOP ANY PERSON WHO IS OPERATING A MOTOR VEHICLE IF THE OFFICER HAS REASONABLE SUSPICION TO BELIEVE THE PERSON IS IN VIOLATION OF ANY CIVIL TRAFFIC LAW AND THIS SECTION."

Furthermore, anyone stopped for such a suspected violation (again, we're talking a fix-it ticket, not a felony) and unable to produce satisfactory papers, be they American citizens or foreign nationals, will be detained. The overwhelming majority will be Latino heritage. You can call me a racist for pointing out the obvious and seeing parallels to 1920s/30s Germany and South African Apartheid, but I stand by these assertions.

Finally, to lead your post with a suggestion that a tenured human rights activist like me is opposed to this law because "it's fashionable to hate Republicans when you're gay" is a cheap shot and frankly beneath you. It tarnishes the rest of whatever you might have to say.

Thanks for your input in any case! The plurality of perspective is invaluable as we continue this discussion as a nation.

Ben Patrick Johnson

Los Angeles, CA

CHECK MY PAPERS

"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.

THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.

THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,

and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.

THEN THEY CAME for me

and by that time no one was left to speak up."

- Martin Niemöller

April 26, 2010 (AP) PHOENIX – Gov. Jan Brewer ignored criticism from President Barack Obama Friday and signed into law a bill supporters said would take handcuffs off police in dealing with illegal immigration in Arizona, the nation's busiest gateway for human and drug smuggling from Mexico.

The legislation ... requires local police officers to question people about their immigration status if there is reason to suspect they are illegal immigrants ... and makes it illegal to hire illegal immigrants for day labor or knowingly transport them.

With hundreds of protesters outside the state Capitol shouting that the bill would lead to civil rights abuses, Brewer said that she wouldn't tolerate racial profiling. Earlier Friday, Obama called the Arizona bill "misguided" and instructed the Justice Department to examine it to see if it's legal.

"It's going to change our lives," said Emilio Almodovar, a 13-year-old American citizen from Phoenix. "We can't walk to school any more. We can't be in the streets anymore without the pigs thinking we're illegal immigrants."

The Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund said it plans a legal challenge to the law, arguing it "launches Arizona into a spiral of pervasive fear, community distrust ... with nationwide repercussions."

I created this as an avatar and also something that can be printed and worn like a nametag as a conversation starter.

Q - "What does that mean?"

A - "I'm wearing this to protest the new AZ law that will require cops to check papers of anyone they suspect may be illegal. It reminds me of Nazi Germany and the way Jews and homosexuals were treated. They say this won't lead to racial profiling but that's ridiculous."

GEICO VO actor fired for political speech

Here's the story, according to PRWeb:

(Los Angeles, CA) April 21, 2010 -- Los Angeles actor, D.C. Douglas, says he was dropped from the upcoming GEICO "Shocking News" campaign after a group of Tea Party members harassed him and the insurance giant over a private voicemail the actor left for FreedomWorks. Matt Kibbe, President and CEO of FreedomWorks, posted Mr. Douglas' cell phone number in a blog post on biggovernment.com, instructing readers to "Feel free to contact (him)… call his employer too. Let them know that you…are now in the market for car insurance." The next day, GEICO held auditions to replace Mr. Douglas' voice on the campaign.

"I called as a private citizen to make a complaint," explains Mr. Douglas. "Racism and homophobia are my Achilles heal, but unfortunately my message included inappropriate words and I am sorry for that. However, telling their members to harass my employer to get me fired is an egregiously disproportionate response to my actions."

For the whole article, click here.

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The Washington Post picked up the story. Here's my response on WashingtonPost.com's 'Voices' section:

I'm one of Mr. Douglas' colleagues in voice-over. We're both successful at a national level, both men with strong political sentiments and a penchant (if not talent) for articulating them.

I work as a freelance announcer for most of the major TV networks and movie studios. Sometimes they, or their parent companies, make choices with which I profoundly disagree. I'm not shy, in those instances, to voice my opinion. I do so as an individual, not as a representative or employee of those companies. To me that makes a big difference.

It's similar to a member of the Armed Services or law enforcement speaking their mind. In uniform, or while acting a representative, one must rightly pay deference to one's employer. It's improper, for instance, for an active-duty service member to call out the President, regardless of politics.

But once out of uniform and speaking as a civilian without citing rank etc., things are different -- we have this gorgeous and maddening First Amendment, crafted to indemnify us as we say our piece, even if it includes invective or non-PC word choices, as in the case of Mr. Douglas' voicemail huff.

I happen to agree with some of Douglas' sentiments on the Tea Party, if not his choice of words or level of tact. As a gay man who embraces diversity, I am unsettled by polling that points to ethnic near-uniformity among Tea Partiers, and I'm scared by a lot of the tweets and Facebook posts I read from Tea Party leadership -- i.e. "McCarthy was right!"

But it wouldn't matter to me if Mr. Douglas' ideology was polar opposite to my own, say if he were a gung ho Tea Partier himself. It'd be his American right to hold that perspective and articulate it. Those who follow my activism know I've made some strange bedfellows over the years, including my defending the gay-hating Westboro Baptist Church's right to conduct what I consider hatemongering.

Meanwhile, it's certainly GEICO's legal right to hire or not hire whomever they please for their VOs. But their releasing Mr. Douglas purely for of his political speech saddens me, and not just because a colleague is out of a gig.

It feels like a step backward for all of us.

Ben Patrick Johnson
Los Angeles, CA

The Vatican is playing a dangerous, destructive game

I’ve had a few people following my Twitter and Facebook feeds ask why I’m so riled up about the Vatican’s pedophilia crisis. I want to explain, but can’t fit it into 140 characters.

Initially, I was troubled by the allegations of abuse. There was the string of outrageous cases we’ve heard about over the past few years -- predatory priests being moved around from parish to parish, even internationally, to quiet or make moot victims’ complaints. The result has been what one would expect: a multiplication of damage instead of a mitigation. As more and more cases became public, it grew clear Roman Catholic officials knew what was going on; it was they who facilitated the moves in each instance, suggesting (in a striking misplacement of compassion) it was for the good of the priest or, as in the letter revealed last week by then-Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (now Pope Benedict XVI), for the “good of the Universal church.” Put in contemporary terms, it'd be bad PR if people knew what was really going on.

All this made me shake my head in disgust. But it's not been fodder for me to get on my soapbox. Things have changed.

Multiple statements have come out from Roman Catholic leadership in recent days suggesting blame be laid on targets as wide-ranging as Judaism and mass media. But the loudest and most troubling is the insistence that the church doesn’t have a pedophile problem, it has "a homosexual problem." This rickety proposition was first floated by William Donohoe, president of the Catholic League, in a full page ad in the New York Times and in interviews with the major news outlets. Then on Monday, Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, the Vatican’s de facto Secretary of State, said the following in Chile:

“Many psychologists and psychiatrists have demonstrated that there is no relationship between celibacy and paedophilia. But many others have demonstrated, I have been told recently, that there is a relationship between homosexuality and paedophilia. That is true. That is the problem.”

Wait -- he’s been “told?”

Not only is Cardinal Bertone relying on hearsay, but that hearsay is completely wrong, as evidenced by every reputable study available. Perhaps the Vatican doesn’t have access to the Internet and search engines to verify the most basic of information?

I’m being sarcastic. In truth, what’s going on is a calculated, systemic indictment of a group of people, in this case gays. This is what happened in Germany in the 1920s when a rising political movement vilified Jews. We know where that led. It’s happened around the world and in America to various ethnic and religious groups, resulting in discrimination and violence. Each new wave of immigrants that reaches America's borders -- from the Irish in the 19th century after the potato famine, to Italians fleeing disease and starvation, to people of Latin heritage today -- must endure an period of outright persecution before being accepted into the mainstream. Political movements like the Tea Party capitalize on the public's fear, institutionalizing it through repetition and propaganda. Just ask a Tea Party follower about immigration and listen to their frighteningly sectarian talking points.

As a group, gays in particular have had a mixed go of things recently. In Mexico City, same-sex marriage is now legal. Meanwhile, in Uganga, a top government official has been attempting to make being gay a capitol offense punishable by death. For certain, anti-gay sentiment -- inflamed by rhetoric like that coming out of the Vatican this week -- leads to tragedy. This is not conjecture, like the Vatican’s noodling. This is broadly evidenced fact.

Systemic defamation is ALWAYS wrong, whether it comes from the Tea Party, the Ugandan Parliament, or the Roman Catholic Church and its Holy See.

The Vatican should be ashamed of their maneuvering. They should own up to the church leadership's tragic mistakes and work diligently to put things right rather than pick a vulnerable group upon whom to transfer blame. The Church exists to honor the teachings of Jesus Christ. Right now, I can only think Christ would be horrified at what Roman Catholic hierarchy has posited in his name. As a Christian and a gay man I, along with others, refuse to sit silent while this perversion continues.

That is why I’ve been so vocal about this issue. Count on my continuing to speak out.