The New York State
Black Gay Network engages in public policy advocacy campaigns on issues
impacting black gay men across the State of
www.champnetwork.org/media/PRMarch07.doc
www.newsday.com
Star's gay-bashing fosters more hate
As a
black gay man who has worked in HIV/AIDS prevention services on behalf of the
African-American community, I heard former NBA star Tim Hardaway's recent
hate-filled remarks with sadness, anger and fear ["'Homophobic' Hardaway sorry
for rant on gays," Sports, Feb. 15].
I fear his words help foster a
dangerous environment in our community, particularly for the young black athlete
who may love basketball but also may be questioning his sexuality.
I am
also angry about the underlying tone of Hardaway's remarks, which suggest that
gay issues are something outside the black community. That notion is a complete
fallacy. The reality is we have always been here.
It saddens me to
realize the silence that often engulfs our community when one of our "stars"
says such harmful things. We never will be successful in halting the march of
HIV/AIDS in our community without addressing the underlying homophobia that
keeps us silent about how to prevent it.
I continue to plead with
community members to recognize that if you believe there is a "down low"
phenomenon affecting HIV/AIDS infection rates among women, the way to combat it
is by supporting your gay brothers, who are honest and open about who they are
and speaking out when they are marginalized or demeaned.
I know Hardaway
could not have possibly anticipated the impact that his words would have in the
larger community. But the fact is that his words promote violence against gay
men.
Mark Jason McLaurin
Editor's note: The writer is executive
director of the
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