Category Archives: Straight allies
We Must Stop Ignoring Black Gay and Bisexual Men!
Sadly, the unwillingness of clergy and others to denounce public statements of hatred toward gay members of our family and community continues to erode the interwoven cords of respect, love and well-being that cloaks us together as human beings.According to …
Three Ways that “Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin” Falls Short
In my experience, people want to be nice. Our desire is to treat people fairly, not rustle feathers or cause each other to feel uncomfortable. We avoid saying upsetting things to one another. Often we contort our minds to find a …
Class, Sexuality and Lessons Unlearned
Two of the most pressing social issues that black churches must address are sexuality and the class divide. Black church leaders and gay rights campaigns have at least this much in common: they could learn from the 1960s. As black …
Gays are us
From the pen of Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley, prior to the King Memorial Dedication As the nation prepares to celebrate the dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., this weekend, I am reminded that …
Why LGBT equality is not a “white” issue
From the pen of Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley At last month’s 102nd annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a historic workshop focused on overcoming homophobia within the black community. As an African American, …
Are families of gays and lesbians free to talk in your church?
Welcoming and accepting congregations can provide support to families and friends of gay and lesbian people who have in the past felt unable to safely talk about their questions and concerns. For every gay person in North America, there are …
What’s the role of straight people?
I’ve heard people say that the job of supportive straight people (heterosexuals) is to help gay and transgender people, that the work we do for equality is to benefit them. Similarly, I’ve heard supportive straight folks say that they feel uncertain how to act, because they’re not sure they have permission to speak.