US gay leaders seek to bridge racial divide (AP) Updated: 2005-10-09 20:39
Each year, Dyana Mason kicks off the summer with two
road trips: one to Washington's black gay pride celebration in May and a second
to its predominantly white June counterpart, Capital Pride.
In this undated photo provided by Earl
Fowlkes, showing Fowlkes, president of the International Federation of
Black Prides. 'We have this rainbow of unity - 'We're all in it together,'
' says Fowlkes, president of the International Federation of Black Prides.
'Truth be told, it's not that way.' His group represents over 23 annual
black pride celebrations drawing thousands of black gays to cities such as
New York, Chicago and Atlanta. Such culture-specific celebrations are on
the rise as the face of gay America shifts from the white male stereotype.
[AP] |
Mason, director of an advocacy group called Equality Virginia, is not alone.
Through the fall, similar celebrations will unfold across the nation,
underscoring a racial rift some say splinters gay America when a united front is
needed most.
National gay and lesbian groups are responding with marketing campaigns and
old-fashioned schmoozing to win over minority gays, many of whom argue white
activists want their votes on gay marriage and other national issues, but rarely
include poverty, racism and other minority concerns on their agendas.
"We have this rainbow of unity — 'We're all in it together,'" said Earl
Fowlkes, president of the International Federation of Black Prides. "Truth be
told, it's not that way."
His group represents more than 23 annual black pride
celebrations drawing thousands of black gays to New York, Chicago, Atlanta and
other cities. Such culture-specific celebrations are on the rise as the face of
gay America shifts from the white male stereotype.
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