Patti LaBelle:"I try to stay away from churches who don't accept gays. I can't be a part of phony."

[Bluebear]

Richard Burnett at Hour.ca

Of course, this is just a Canadian article, so I guess only gays on DU AND in Canada know about McClurkin. Still, not a word from Obama about McClurkin, and most of his followers at DU tell us to "get over it/get a life/let it go".

Personally, Ms. LaBelle gives me more "hope" than a politician who would hire an "ex-gay" to headline his concert, ignore the pleas of the Human Rights Campaign and individual gay Americans not to put him on, then have a campaign worker cynically tell us afterward "We got what we needed out of it."


===

....Look at that other "star candidate" stateside, Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama. That putz ripped a page straight from the Bush campaign playbook with his October "Embrace the Change" barnstorming tour of black churches to shore up African-American votes in the Deep South.

Except that tour featured "ex-gay" gospel singer Donnie McClurkin, a clearly deliberate wink to homophobic black churchgoers - and voters.

Frankly, I expect more from a black politician in America.

Like gay icon Patti LaBelle said during her gospel tour of mega-churches last year, "I try to stay away from churches who don't accept gays. I mean, I can't be a part of phony. It's not God's way. You embrace all people. I think that's what God wants, for all of us to love all of us, no matter who we are or what we do. And it's not a sin to be gay."

http://www.hour.ca/columns/3dollarbill.aspx?iIDArticle=13735


Patti LaBelle, recipient of the Excellence in Media Award at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards.

[davidinalameda]

1. from your lips Patti

to God's ears!

amen!

[roguevalley]

25. truly. she sure looks good there too. Diabetic I believe.

[Hieronymus]

32. I admire her statement, but Patti doesn't look like that.

[IndianaJones]

2. most people in this country don't even know about gays.

let it go.

[xchrom]

3. there were 4 gospel acts each of whom had an anti-gay message.

one said gay folk were like murderers.

[MadMaddie]

8. Exactly! There are hundreds of thousands of respectable

gospel groups and these 4 get picked? Sounds like a intentional choice, it's not like these groups hid their homophobic agenda.

With all choices there are consequences.

[Bluebear]

10. National Black Justice Coalition comments on Gay/Gospel controversy:

What is most shocking about this tour is the musical lineup which is headlined by the Rev. Donnie McClurkin, Mary Mary and Hezekiah Walker. Collectively these artists have spoken aggressively against the LGBT community without apology.

We have a great deal of respect for Sen. Obama. He has good track record on LGBT issues, his willingness to take the lead on HIV/AIDS is significant and could represent a major boost to our efforts to combat the epidemic.

In fact, with the exception of his support for civil unions for gay and lesbian couples over full marriage equality we are aligned with him on the significant issues of the day.

However, for Sen. Obama to align himself with publicly anti-gay individuals is both hurtful and disappointing. Rev. Donnie Mclurkin once stated that he was at "war" with the LGBT community stating that:

"The gloves are off and if there's going to be a war, there's going to be a war. But it will be a war with a purpose?.I'm not in the mood to play with those who are trying to kill our children."

The singing group Mary Mary during a Vibe Magazine interview stated that:

"They have issues and need somebody to encourage them like everybody else - just like the murderer, just like the one full of pride, just like the prostitute?"

Finally, you should know that as of last night, we have been in touch with Obama’s campaign and NJBC is patiently waiting on a response today. And I will be sure to keep you updated on the developments.

H. Alexander Robinson
Chief Executive Officer
National Black Justice Coalition

http://www.nbjcoalition.org/news/nbjc-responds-to-obamadonnie.html

[annie1]

26. holy s--t!

[xchrom]

31. obama also seems to think we are something like animals -- check this out --

"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."
Sources: Chicago Daily Tribune, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force


i guess if we act enough like straight folk -- we might become civilized.

[hulklogan]

36. And without civil unions we're living our lives in a way that causes discrimination

Because it's our own fault that homophobes hate us and call us child-killers.

[waiting for hope]

4. What a stunning woman -

and a gracious soul. Now that to me is a true Christian.

[MadMaddie]

5. Another reason to love her ....she speaks the truth.

Think about it...Obama could have asked Patti to come on the tour but he didn't and his campaign didn't. It was a choice and a bad one at that.

[Bluebear]

6. Now THERE is a thought. If only Obama had sought out Patti, not the anti-gay singers!

What could have been.

[ClericJohnPreston]

12. Obviously, some of us notice...

That Obama is a more orchestrated than a ballet.

Throw away the rhetoric, and what is there?

Is he a closet Homophobe?

Is he a closet Evangelical Christian?

Inquiring minds, at least, want to know.

[Bluebear]

14. Welcome to DU but watch that ballet talk.

You know, you don't want to be accused of anything ;)

[MadMaddie]

15. Hey Bluebear! Opportunity is always within reach isn't it!

I know many people can't believe that some of us are put off by this but speaking for myself

I can't just vote for him because he is black like me...

I can't just look the other way hoping that he invited the 4 hateful homophobic groups in order to appear to be on their side....and then when and if he gets elected he will treat Gay Americans with respect....

Now here comes the conflict...

Once it is all said and done and our Democratic Presidential Candidate is decided I will vote for our man/woman no matter who it is.

[Bluebear]

16. I couldn't say it better.

[bullwinkle428]

7. I guess Patti LaBelle wasn't a big enough "name" to bring out the crowds!

:sarcasm: :sarcasm: :sarcasm:

[IndianaJones]

9. there was a clear agenda behind McClurkin. nt.

[LucyParsons]

11. "And it's not a sin to be gay." Hmmmmmm

Too bad the book Christians profess to get their revelations about all other moral and supernatural matters says it is a sin.

What a big waste of time.

[bullwinkle428]

17. Those "literal interpretation" people sure have their dance steps down pat

when it comes to down to things like how you treat your slaves, wearing fabric blends, dining at Red Lobster, etc., etc., etc....

[NMMNG]

21. Ban Red Lobster Now!

God Hates Shrimp

[Bluebear]

28. Pinch the tail, suck the head, burn in hell!

[NMMNG]

39. OMG, such depravity!

:P

[progressoid]

62. Yea, even Popeye's shall be cleansed.

:spray::spray::spray::spray::spray::spray::spray::spray:

[LostinVA]

54. Nope, not ONE WORD in the Bible that being gay is a sin

And, let's make believe it did: SO WHAT??????? "Buffet style" Fundies.

And, since when is civil rights a "waste of time"?

[LucyParsons]

65. I meant the Bible is a "waste of time"

not civil rights

[Solly Mack]

13. K&R

[Psyop Samurai]

18. Girlfriend !!!

:loveya: :bounce: :loveya:

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

19. Aretha's gay-friendly too

RuPaul performed for her last birthday party, and it was the 2nd time he'd done that.

[dsc]

20. Oh and she will be 65 in May

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patti_LaBelle

I can only hope to look as good in 25 years.

[Bitwit1234]

22. Hot damn what does that say for Obama

anything to pull in the vote. Watch him move so damn far to the right he will leave the republicans heads swim.

[Skip Intro]

23. Gee, that Clinton conspiracy must be vast.

Waiting on the Patti LaBelle attacks...

[Horse with no Name]

24. Patti is, and has always been, a class act

and damn! Don't she look good!!

[Clintonista2]

27. K&R so the McClurkin wing of the Obamanation can read this

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

29. I like how none of them bother to comment in threads like this though...

n/t

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

30. We know you can't defend the McClurkin crap in this thread honeys

We know that's why you're remaining silent. Bawk, bawk, bawk, bawk!

[chascarrillo]

52. Stay classy!

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

56. Avoid the topic!

Cuz you ain't going to get any traction in this thread, are you.

Now begone, before somebody drops a house on you!

[CyberPieHole]

33. Gitchi Gitchi Ya Ya Ta Ta...Gitchi Gitchi Ya Ya Here...Mocha Choca Lata Ya Ya...

Creole Lady Marmalade!!!





:kick: and recommend for a great lady who truly believes in acceptance!

[Catherine Vincent]

34. LOL! I thought you were talking jibberish at first.

Til I realized that was part of the lyrics to Patti's best song!

:thumbsup:

[ClericJohnPreston]

35. I love going into their threads...

But it appears the Obamites RUN from any reminder of reality, preferring their mirage master.

Obama is the character of Peter Sellers in "Being There" ( sorry, I'm a cinema buff ). People project onto him, whatever THEY think, ignoring that there is nothing there.

He takes insurance money. He fronts Homophobes. He is an evangelical Christian and I'm sick to death of Fundies.

What is his record, besides absentee days in the Senate? Anyone?

[Bluebear]

44. 'mirage master'

Where have you been all my life :)

[CyberPieHole]

37. Don't you just *L*O*V*E* that song?

Hope your doing well, cat_girl.:hi:

[Lugnut]

41. Oh yeah!

K&R

[Bluebear]

64. :)

[Beausoir]

38. MS. Labelle! She is wonderful, And..she is one helluva good cook, especially for diabetics.

Glad to hear these words from MS. Patti.

I am a big fan.

[Lucinda]

40. Great Photo!

I love Patti!

[Divine Discontent]

42. I deleted all my Mary Mary and Donnie McClurkin gospel songs

The sad thing is, these gay bashing homophobes were invited to his tour, and honestly, I didn't know about how more than just ONE clear homophobic music act was there. I watched with disgusted ears as McClurkin went on about gay people on Obama's Gospel Tour stage, but I didn't realize Mary Mary and others were part of it also. I had read Mary Mary's comments but didn't know they were associated with this rude decision by Obama.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dUp16hFzY8 just listen to him beg for approval! just listen to him talk about not blaming Obama at the beginning. just listen to the BIGOT who is TOUCHED WITH THE SAME FEELINGS! painful.

amazing that he would bring them to his show, even after finding out days before, that there was a backlash about them being so outwardly homophobic, and if you haven't read their comments, look in this thread, bluebear put several of them.

[Divine Discontent]

43. thank you Patti!

I love you! And, just like my favorite Cyndi Lauper - you support GLBT issues to the point of outward dissent from being like the haters, and instead embrace hope and change. Maybe you could talk to Obama and get him to apologize beyond saying that he doesn't agree with McClurkin's words, when, had his words not been so CRYPTIC and course towards the GLBT culture, then I could understand, but this man's words talk about there being a WAR against homosexuality and it needing to be exterminated.... PSYCHO DONNIE! Scary shit, and Barack still let him on his stage, and if I get within 10 feet of Barack, I will tell him he let many people down that he was a true uniter by allowing such a HATE MONGERING speaker on his campaign stage.

[VarnettaTuckpocket]

45. I can't recommend again, but kick

Where are you obnoxious McClurkin defenders? Aren't you pissed off that the gays are getting away with saying that homophobia is as offensive as any other bigotry? They're actually saying homophobic Christians aren't "good, decent and moral" after all, but just contemptible shitbags who should be avoided at all costs, as Miss LaBelle recommends. It goes against the teachings of your idol, Patti says there IS such a thing as guilt by association. And therefore it follows that Obama's guilty by associating with homophobes. Doesn't this assertion enrage you, Obamites?

[Bluebear]

48. :)

[candymarl]

46. You go Patti!

She sure looks good doesn't she? She has a TV show and I drool with envy at her clothes. Not all black Christians are homophobes. That's something else you'll never hear from the MSM.

[elaineb]

47. I'll never forget her singing "A Change Is Gonna Come"

at the end of one of the nights of the 2004 Democratic National Convention. It gave me chills up my spine and then made me cry like a baby. Remember the hopes and dreams we had just a few years ago when we thought we were about to topple this awful administration and start anew? Let's get it together and be nice to each other on this Democratic forum, can't we? We all have our most important issues, but we all share a whole lot of common ground too.

I was born by the river in a little tent
And just like the river, I've been running ever since
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die
I don't know what's up there beyond the sky
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

I go to the movie, and I go downtown
Somebody keep telling me "Don't hang around"
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

Then I go to my brother and I say, "Brother, help me please"
But he winds up knocking me back down on my knees

There've been times that I've thought I couldn't last for long
But now I think I'm able to carry on
It's been a long time coming
But I know a change is gonna come

[Bluenorthwest]

51. While Patti sang at DNC 2004

Donnie McClurkin sang a weepy version of 'Stand' to George W Bush at the Republican National Convention 2004.
I rest my case.

[MethuenProgressive]

49. "Patti LaBelle, recipient of the Excellence in Media Award at the 18th Annual GLAAD Media Awards."

Should get an award for Class!
:loveya:

[Bluenorthwest]

50. Patti is the only Diva!

Ok, I first heard Patti sing at an AIDs fundraiser organized by chruches and Gospel acts over 20 years ago. Ms. LaBelle closed the show that night, and she was, as always, an amazing presence and a flawless singer. That night we'd already heard many of the Gospel world's finest singers, choirs and goups. People like CiCi Houston and James Cleavland and a huge composite choir made of many chruchs. Several ministers spoke for open minds and loving ways to combat the suffering that homophobia and hate speech was making even worse than it was on its own. Whitney Houston was all over the charts at that time, and when the crowd noticed her in the choir she was called for. She came down center and said she was unworthy of taking a solo in this company. She said she'd be in her robes, in the choir all night, sharing the blessings. She meant it too. Natalie Cole sang one of the best single numbers I've heard a singer give, she had the spirit upon her truly.
I think of that night, and so many others when I think of Obama and McClrukin. I also think of my friends who died without family or church at their side, for family and church felt it more important to cast a stone at their sinner son than to sit at his deathbed. I think of the work of men like the Rev Carl Bean at Minority Aids Project in Los Angeles, his courage in the face of bigotry, his faith in times of opperssion. I wonder why Obama did not ring up Carl or Patti to help him throw a Gospel show.
So these are the things on my mind when McClurkin comes up.
Patti is an angel.

[LostinVA]

53. Yay! I've always liked her -- this makes me adore her!

[Kurovski]

55. I've loved her since "LaBelle".

K&R

[IndianaJones]

57. sense when does Patti LaBelle control the democrat party? nt.

[Hell Hath No Fury]

60. Uh... that should be...

the Democratic Party.

Only Wingers refer to us as the "Democrat Party".

[IndianaJones]

61. sense when? nt.

[redqueen]

58. Love her.

:)

[KennedyGuy]

59. Way..To...Go!

I have been a Patti since I watched her in a version of the rock opera "Tommy". She played the acid queen..and was outasite...
this is the kind of class act we need.
Cheers to her!

[BigDDem]

63. Obama / McClurkin 08!