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Gay People Should...

Posted by: 5/27/2009 | 12,008 Views

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It is remarkable that it took only one day for our beautiful country to show its greatest potential and its greatest challenge. And that day was yesterday. In the morning, I was inspired by the President’s nomination of Justice Sonia Sotomayor for a seat on the Supreme Court. Yet, in the afternoon I was deeply saddened by the decision made by the California Supreme Court upholding Proposition 8.

It pains me that we have come to a point in this country where we use the ballot box to address the civil rights of our people. If President Johnson had to take a vote, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 would not have passed. If Congress took a vote in 1920, women may still not have the right to vote today. And if President Lincoln went to the polls, blacks would definitely have endured many more years of slavery. We trusted our government to make the right decision and protect the minority, and yesterday we, as a nation, failed.

Unfortunately, most of the arguments against these monumental advancements of our country’s history have been rooted in religion; and in my opinion the misuse of religion. Let’s remove religion from this discussion, and focus on the greatest gift religion has given all of us, the ability to love. And as an African-American, I urge my own people to take a deep look at our own struggles and not wish them upon anyone else. Simply, civil rights for all is about being connected as humans, united, tolerant, loving and brave.

We have come such a long way in this country. Let’s us not stop now. Vermont and Maine have done the right thing by legalizing same sex marriage, and I am extremely supportive of my own Governor, David Paterson, to follow suit in New York.

In my heart, I know that marriage equality for every human being isn't a question of if, but only a matter of when. I ask those who feel that giving freedom to others somehow binds you, to please take a good look at what you are standing behind. It is only through opening your hearts will you be able to see that by promoting freedom for all, you are unchaining yourself. I guess I'm an optimist. I have faith in people and our government ultimately doing the right thing. And to my brothers and sisters in California, I'm there with you every step of the way until that day comes...

-Russell

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148 comments

So cool, I agree with you completely.

A$h 8/10/2009 | reply
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God is love. I agree with you 110% on this. We as a nation should love one another.

shaylove727 7/17/2009 | reply
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Russ! Are you serious! Get in a bubble bath like the Rev. So you can figure this one out! I love ya...but man!

dapassaswyfe 7/16/2009 | reply
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I am neither for it or against it. God gave us free will and if that is what someone wants to do with thier free will than that is their choice. We will all have to answer for our sins and wrong doings one day in front of GOD and I know one thing is for sure I am not passign judgement on anyone for I know that is a sin. There are sins that we all commit that we dont even know are sins so like I said I am going to do me and let them do them. GOd would not have given us free will for nothing even if something we do is bad it is no ones place to judge. My mother in law always says that will be between them and GOD.

Mrs.Showtyme417 7/14/2009 | reply
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no homos man, plain and simple, they touchin little boys in church the 1 place u should feel safe and protected. nah yo,

Infamoushater 7/14/2009 | reply
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Russell,

I thank you for your intelligant words of wisdom! As a younger homosexual female i have to agree with you. I grew up in a strong religious home and i know my god well! And i know he is THE ONLY one who will judge me .. and thru all the battles i had while "coming out" i know that me being gay is just as normal and "undecided" as one having blue eyes or brown. I know i never woke up and said " hmm i'm going to be gay today".. and anyone who believes that is just as ignorant as they sound.

I do hope that one day i as a United States Citizen who has worked since age 16 and PAID taxes will have the same rights as all the rest of this nation! I mean does who i love and sleep with REALLY ruin your life?? NO IT DOES NOT!! So get over yourself and let us live our lives just as you do!..

Rheubixcube 7/14/2009 | reply
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The whole gay rights issue is silly but I'm not shocked people have jumped on the band wagon 'cause it supposedly makes them feel enlightened. Being gay is as natural as being a slut but to warrant changes to someone else's morals is where the tragedy lies. To compare this so-called "struggle" to the Black civil rights movement is an abomination to my ancestors. Considering racism in the gay community, we should be marching against them for their continued racist practices. Perez Hilton is not an isolated case. There is a report out now about the racism in the gay community and they've got the nerve to compare it to the Black struggle???

Wake up people. This is a non-issue. They are laughing at you by once again duping you into pursuing a white agenda.

Mystic 7/14/2009 | reply
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- You're wrong. Sluts are fine as long as they have good hygiene. No one has a right to judge someone else for being gay.
  
  Gayness is not like sluttiness. I could be promiscuous with many women, but that doesn't make me gay. You could be gay with just one husband and that doesn't make you slutty.
  
  The reason gay rights appear to be more controversial among certain ethnic groups in the US is due to racist drug policies which make young men justifiably afraid of getting "punked" by the so-called "justice system".
  
  Also there's the problem of the legacy of slavery which was a deliberate and concerted attack on the dignity of a specific ethnic group. The bad feelings from that aren't going away from that even after many generations.
  
  We're at a historical milestone now, but "it ain't all good" because of Obama's election. Also, I'm pretty sure Perez Hilton is not racist. Did you know he's Cuban?
  
  Balzac 7/14/2009 | reply
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- Lol! Perez being cuban would sooner lean him towards being racist than not.
  
  As for the point of your response; I don't get it.
  
  Mystic 7/14/2009 | reply
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- I just figured it was mostly southern white folks who were the main focus, not Cubans or internationals nearly as much.
  
  I just don't even see how that becomes a topic in regards to this blogger mario what's-his-name. He's gay and he's been attacking women's egos. I just don't see where or how racism became a topic of that discussion.
  
  As a blog commenter, I've been well aware of his antics for a while now. He is an annoying clown who picks on Hollywood celebrities.
  
  Sometimes he's funny, but he has not made a reputation for himself as a racist. If he's called a racist then the word becomes meaningless.
  
  Balzac 7/15/2009 | reply
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- Oh the word keeps its meaning. Perez creates an atmosphere of exclusion and fortifies stereotypical myths in the attempt to ruin the livelihood of Black stars male or female. Perez, and other gay white males have excluded Black gay males in their midst, and have perpetuated the fallacy of superiority that galvanizes the racist. They practice institutionalized racism on the daily. People seem to think that white southerners cannot be gay, or that once a white person is gay, they automatically love all peoples. That's a fallacy and a joke to the legacy of the civil rights movement.
  
  Mystic 7/15/2009 | reply
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- No man, there are obviously plenty of angry white gay men. There were apparently many gay men among the top brass of the third Reich.
  
  I don't know anything beyond the superficial public facade of Mario what's-his-name. I just never figured that was his problem. I figured he was an equal-opportunity offender.
  
  I followed the Perez Hilton / B.E.P. squabble because I found it entertaining, but I haven't seen any evidence of what you're saying (not that I looking for it). Feel free to post links.
  
  Balzac 7/15/2009 | reply
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- Ok, Perez admitted an impulse to use the n-word in a moment of anger.
  
  But doesn't admitting that impulse reveal an intention to stay on the level?
  
  It's a catch 22:
  You must be racist.
  No I'm not, at least I try not to be.
  Well you are.
  Well, I'm not perfect.
  Nobody's perfect. That's how I know you're racist.
  Ok, I'll admit, once I had an impulse to say n*****.
  YOU RACIST! How can you sleep at night?
  
  I think it's better to focus on overt racists who attack from a position of power, not a clownish gay Hollywood gossip-monger.
  
  I focus on hard targets like Glenn Beck or Bill O'Rielly, not wimpy guys like Mario.
  
  Anyway, I had some good laughs at Mario's expense right after it happened. But I've been over it for a long time now.
  
  Balzac 7/15/2009 | reply
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- Forget Perez. If you don't see his style of commentary as akin to that of Glenn Beck and Bill O'reilly then it is a matter of perspectives and we can agree to disagree. He was not the focus of my initial post only an example.
  
  I am indeed focusing on overt racists; overt racists who happen to be gay. The point of my initial post was that the sexual practices of a man or woman does not automatically position them in a non-racist position. Hence the ridiculousness of gays taking a position of victim and trying to convince Black people that their values are antiquated and that they share the same struggle. It is silly for Black people to support a community whose majority is racist.
  
  Mystic 7/15/2009 | reply
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- Actually, I said myself some time ago that Mario appeared to be the love child of Glenn Beck and Chris Crocker (Leave Britney Alone).
  
  Yes, the craziness and the mannerisms are similar. Still, for political alignment and ethnic prejudice, I don't think they're even close.
  
  Glenn Beck is much, much worse. Focusing on Mario is a waste of time. It was only interesting because he's an overzealous angstivist who got back some of what he was putting out.
  
  If you keep focusing on him while ignoring worse offenders, it makes it look like you prefer a softer target. That's okay. Different strokes for different folks.
  
  Balzac 7/15/2009 | reply
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- I get it now. You're either not reading my responses, or your are "focusing on him while ignoring worse offenders, it makes it look like you prefer a softer target."
  
  Again, Black people supporting a community that practices racial prejudice and racism makes no sense.
  
  Mystic 7/16/2009 | reply
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Mr. Simmons over my life and having read "Do You!" I have gained a great deal of respect for you but I will have to disagree with this one. Gay marriage has been an issue that has bothered me alot lately. That is to love all but not judge as you say religion aside.

Mr. Simmons how can we take religion out of this discussion when marriage is a religiously ordained union? For most people religion goes to the core of our moral compass which guides our thoughts and views. God wants a male and female to be married because the two become one and as such our bodies are designed for each other. I have come along way from my earlier homophobic days, but there has to be greater consideration for both sides if there is to be any real progress on this issue.

King Osiris 7/14/2009 | reply
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Hey Russ, I respect your hustle and you ability to organize people and business, but I have to disagree with same sex marriage. You said lets put religon to the side, but what your asking is for me to put God on the side. We was created to worship the creator the way he wants. To live according to his rules. Thats it! I am a huge fan of yours but I must admit that your blog raised my right eyebrow and bewildered me a bit. I pray that you are one day guided to the truth. The only truth. One God, Allah, The Most Gracious will decide amongst us on the day of judgement. Peace!

Mrgoldheart 7/14/2009 | reply
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- Although you can take Allah out of the Picture because there is no ALLAH there is only JESUS CHRIST SON OF GOD..
  
  melina Shante taylor 7/14/2009 | reply
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- Ok first of all it is up to anyone's disgression as to what religion they choose to live by. It is not up to you to tell anyone that the god they follow is not real or that yours is better then theirs. You talk about Jesus but if you were truly chistian you would not pass judgement on someone who chooses to be another religion.
  
  Mrs.Showtyme417 7/14/2009 | reply
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- RAS!... TAFARI!
  
  Balzac 7/14/2009 | reply
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- Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare / Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare
  
  Balzac 7/14/2009 | reply
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Did you have to do this article because REV RUN comes off like a homophobe? Also... Fix your slow website man, seriously.

runDMC FAN 7/14/2009 | reply
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- I humbly offer my consulting services for the website.
  
  http://www.disruptech.com
  
  Balzac 7/14/2009 | reply
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one word mr. simmons... BRAVO. all of you commenting and posting your OPINION is awesome...without integrity...we are nothing. not one on these comments are right and not one is wrong. its obvious that its 50/50 bc if the people against gay marriage were right, gays wouldnt be as close as they are to equal rights. if people pro gay marriage were completely right, there would be no argument. but because it all comes down to the fact that we are all human, all that matters is what you believe in and YOUR integrity. all the religious ppl posting their opinions that get nasty about them should obviously know best that you cannot judge anyone. Thats Gods job and you are shaming him. where in the bible does it say it's ok to get divorced? shouldnt that be against the law then? and shouldnt we be stoning our cheating husbands and wives to death? ....integrity. thats the only thing that defines you. just stop using it against other people. you're justy damaging yourself and creating the opposite of what your God wants; unhapiness. Mr. Simmons i also applaud you.

angie 7/13/2009 | reply
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I know it bothers many when the quest for legalizing gay marriage is compared to the civil rights movement, but I do believe there are many similarities.

Many white supremacists and racists used verses from the Bible to support the way they treated minorities. What makes it OK for people to use to keep civil rights from homosexuals?

What bothers me the most is when individuals tout the Bible to say that homosexuality is wrong. Many people point to the book of Leviticus where it states that men lying with men is an abomination. However, in the same book of the Bible it also says that eating lobster and shrimp is an abomination. How can you take one portion seriously enough to control people's lives but not another?

slh5107 7/13/2009 | reply
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- Both things probably had to do with biological threats.
  
  The Bible was supposed to be a book of all human knowledge, not just a religious text. Therefore, like certain Islamic and Jewish scriptures, it has finance, disease control, hygiene, and diet as topics.
  
  These parts are obviously not as timeless as some of the writings on more abstract topics. People should not hold all verses, chapters, authors, translations in equally high regard.
  
  Balzac 7/14/2009 | reply
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I'm not gay and I have nothing against homosexuality because it does not affect me in any way. It's funny when people run to the bible and judge homosexuality, but where is your bible when people commit adultery whinch in one of the 7 deadly sins? Where is your bible when someone kills someone else? Where is your bible when people do drugs? Homosexuality is not going to affect my views or how I live more life, so why should I or anyone else care? Live your own lives people

Mrs. Lewinsky 7/13/2009 | reply
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I believe that this person under me is a complete idiot. If thats what she/he is using to support california choice then we have a lot more closed minded people in america then i thought. I am gay- bi - what ever the media chooses to lable me as but i am a little iffy on marriage for myself. Although i believe marriage is the symbol of love and i dont see how their can be a gender issue behind it. I respect Russle choice and glad to have people like him supporting our team.

Vanessa & Sally 7/13/2009 | reply
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Russell Simmons I am ashamed for you. I once looked up to you as someone to be admired by black people, but then I learned a little more about you and now you make me sick to my stomach with some of your stances and things you support. You should read my newest book THE TOP 25 THINGS BLACK FOLKS DO THAT WE NEED TO STOP!!! (where I point out your stupid agreeance with black folk using the word "n*gga") and take some lessons about what it means to be black for real and not the watered down rich house negro that you now are. Oh, and tell your nieces that if they keep trying they just might find themselves a nice WHITE gentleman to date and marry because I saw them encouraging their female cousin on Run's House to date white boys, just like you prefer the white/mixed/asian ladies over real black women. Because of Negros like you, I predict that black people in America will be so watered down in the next century or so that there will cease to exist any REAL black voice/leadership/existence because we all will be physically AND mentally half white and not have a pure "black" culture and connection to Afrocentricity anymore. Take a bow Russell; you are leading the charge toward universally acceptable Uncle-Tomism.......

Demico Boothe 7/13/2009 | reply
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- Ok first of all it does not matter what color your skin is so long as the persont that you choose to love keeps you happy. It is because of people like you that my husband and I have a rough time expressing our love in public. You have no right to judge anyone because you are not god. I bet you were one those people who were offended by Jar Jar Binks and the two new robots in Transformers. You need to really take a look at yourself in the mirror and stop all that hate I am praying for your soul to let go of the judgmental attitude you have expressed to Mr.Simmons. He has a right to be anything and everything he wants as well as think and say what he wants for this is a free country. If anything you should be looking up to him for all the accomplishments he has achieved and decided to take the high road instead of getting sucked into a life full of crime and wrong doing.
  
  Mrs.Showtyme417 7/14/2009 | reply
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