People Are Angry that Robyn Crawford Has Outed Whitney

Sooo . . .  here's my two cents on this story:

The rumors surrounding the relationship between Whitney Houston and Robyn Crawford have been around for years.  This story should come as a surprise to no one.  Robyn Crawford is finally telling her "truth" regarding her relationship with Whitney "The Voice" Houston.  I heard the news in the same place I get most of my news, on Facebook.  And I immediately went to see the comments regarding this revelation. I thought I would be viewing a plethora of "Child we already knew" and "Girl it's about time" comments.  Now, those were there.  But I must admit I was stunned by the theme of the thread which seemed to be more of a "I can NOT believe she is saying this.  Whitney did not speak on it so Robyn has no business speaking on it either!"

I will start with this, I do not believe people should out others.  There are few exceptions that I have to that rule.  One of those exceptions is when people in positions of power (ie politician) do things to harm the LGBT community, and then those individuals are discovered to be gay, I say OUT THEM AS LOUD AS POSSIBLE!"  

But I must also admit, I think this is another one of those places where I think it is okay!  Now you may disagree with me.  You may not like what I'm saying.  And that is okay.  We are all entitled to our opinions.  But Robyn has sat in silence for a mighty long time.  And Whitney went on to glory over seven years.  And Robyn feels like she needs to get this off of her chest.  I think a person show have that right.  If this is not being done out a spite or being vengeful or to make a fast dollar, then I think it is okay.  I believe that if Robyn were doing this for the money, she would have dropped this book many years ago.  I believe that she was just finally really to tell her story. And I believe every word of it.

And I will share this as well.  I huge part of why I believe Robyn is Whitney's mom.  Several years ago, Cissy Houston did an interview with Oprah Winfrey.  And Opray, being as frank and forthright as she as, asked Cissy what she thought of Robyn and Whitney's relationship and asked her how would she have felt if Whitney were gay.  Cissy's response to those questions made me realize why it was so easy for Whitney to stay closeted.  Cissy came off as very homophobic in her answers.  So long before Robyn released her memoir, that interview convinced me that there was something to the relationship between these two.

I for one am happy that this news is now out there.  This is not the first time someone has been outed posthumously and it won't be the last.  Luther Vandross was outed by BFF Patti Labelle after he died.  Nell Carter was outed by her partner after she died.  It has happened before and it will continue to happen.  So to Robyn, go tell it on the mountain. Over the hills and everywhere.

And if you want to know why I am convinced this is true, please check out the conversation below between Sissy and Oprah . . .

Congratulations Mayor Joyce Craig

I would like to extend a big happy and hearty congratulations to Manchester mayor Joyce Craig on her victory Tuesday night.  Mayor Craig will remain as the mayor of the Queen City.  And I for one am here for it.  I feel like you have to support those people that support you.  And I honestly do not know a great deal about this mayor, I do know these things . . . 

Mayor Joyce Craig is the first mayor in the history of this city to fly the LGBT Pride flag over city hall.  When asked by her constituents if she would honor Pride month by flying the flag, she did not hesitate.  And she invited the community out to witness the raising of the flag and to celebrate the significance of the day.  That I know because I was there to witness the raising of the flag.  

I know that when I attended the Manchester Transgender Rally and Picnic, she was there.  And she got on the microphone announced publicly that she was a supporter of our community and offered to help and serve in any way that she could.  I did not expect to see her there.  But she was there.

I know that the "We Are One Festival" (the Afro-Carribean festival held in Manchester) is the only festival that I am aware of that celebrates people of color in this city.  It is a day of food and fun.  It is a day of culture.  It is a day of fellowship.  And it is the only time in Manchester where I am surrounded by a sea of other black faces.  And I know that on the morning of the last "We Are One" event that I attended (a morning filled with clouds and rain), the mayor was there to welcome those in attendance and help kick-off the event.  

Joyce Craig.  Thank you for showing up and supporting the LGBT community in Manchester.  Thank you for supporting the people of color in Manchester.  Thank you for supporting immigrant and refugees. I think this is a mayor that recognizes the value in the diversity of our great city.  And for that I appreciate her.  And I am glad to see her in the office again!

A Poem About Cis White Privilege in the Gay Community

Well . . . he said what he said. And that's all I'm gone say!!!

 

Congratulations Mr. Porter

Billy Porter has made history at the 2019 Emmy's with remarkable win. Take the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Porter has become the first openly black male to win the award.  When he took the stage to accept the award he shared these words . . .

I gotta read! The category is love yall. Love! I am so overwhelmed to have lived long enough to see this day. James Baldwin said, 'It took many years of vomiting up all the filth I'd been taught about myself, and half believed, before I was able to walk on the Earth as though I had a right to be here. I have the right. You have the right. We all have the right.

Porter took home this award based on his portrayal of the character Pray Tell from the series Pose. If you have not yet seen the series, then treat yo-self and get into it. It is fiercely black and trans and queer and in yo face. The actors are brilliant. The music is fabulous. And it is wonderful to finally see black queerness reflected on the small screen.

Congratulations on your win Mr. Porter. He now has an Emmy and a Tony. His journy to EGOT has begun.

Recognizing A Native Son: James Baldwin's Home Become National Landbark

I have always felt James Baldwin and I are kindred spirits.  He was unapologetic about being black and gay.  He was a civil rights activist who was vocal about what he believe. He was a writer and penned some of the greatest narratives about the black experience in a racially divided  America. His birthday is August 2 and husband's birthday is August 2.  When asked who would I consider my role models, the big three are James Baldwin,  Langston Hughes and Bayard Rustin.  

So imagine how excited I was/ am to learn that his New York home has been added to the list of historic landmarks by the National Register of Historic Places.  Amanda Davis, project manager fore the NYC LGBT Historic Sites Project championed this cause.  Let's applaud her efforts.  Earlier this year the governor of New York recognized Baldwin's home as both a state and city landmark. 

Baldwin's contributions to American history and African-American history can not be forgotten thanks to the countless books bearing his name like Notes of a Native Son, If Beale Street Could Talk, Giovanni's Room and The Fire Next Time.  And though that's the case, it is still exciting to see this recognition taking place.  It is truly well deserved.  

I Got That Gin In My System - Meeting Big Freedia

Last weekend I made my way up to Burlington, Vermont to see one of my all-time favorite hip-hop artists hit the stage.  I have been a fan of Big Freedia for quite some time. Long before she got her own TV show, long before she was main stream and everybody fell in love with her, long before she blew up, I was shaking my ass to her bounce music.  Down South, we called it booty music.  And booty music has long been a staple in my house.  I'm just happy that America is now catching on to this trend that the Dirty South has long been familiar with.

So though I have loved Freedia from a far, I have never had the chance to see her live.  Then my boo called me and said, "guess who's gonna be in town next Friday?"  The Queen of Bounce would be performing at the Higher Ground Ballroom in South Burlington.  I immediately went online to find tickets only to discover that they were all general admission. I purchased our tickets and quickly came to the several conclusions. 1) Chris and I are going to be the oldest people in the building. 2) This will be a packed house and probably won't be able to get anywhere near Big Freedia. 3) Maybe if we arrive early, we can secure a place close to the stage and the evening will probably be a bit more memorable.

Showtime was 9:00 PM and Chris and I arrived about quarter til the hour.  Seeing the few amount of cars in the parking lot initially had me wondering if we were at the wrong place.  But we made our way inside, and what did we find when we walked in the place . . .  Big Freedia was already on the premises and she was making her way around the room.  She was shaking hands, posing for selfies, and thanking everyone for coming out.  She was a class act.  Down to earth, humble and pleasant in person. After we got our picture with her I turned to Chris and said, "that alone was worth the price of admission."  

She was didn't stay out for a long time.  She was quickly rushed backstage after she made one circle around the venue.  But let's be real, she didn't have to do that.  She could have come in and immediately ran backstage.  But she is an artist that recognizes she is who she is because of her fans and I believe she recognizes that.  

Her performance was amazing.  She gave me everything  I wanted and then some.  I was on my feet all night (something I haven't done in a while).  But my night with Freedia gave me life.  Thank you Big Freedia for a terrific evening.  You were well worth the wait.