Arts & Ent: The Campaign Continues; Activists Hold Press Conference in New York

Today in New York, the campaign continued against LIFEbeat, the music industry’s AIDS organization. New York Black same-gender loving and transgender activists held a press conference in front of the LIFEbeat headquarters demanding that LIFEbeat go ahead with a gay friendly reggae concert donating the proceeds to J-FLAG, the Jamaican Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays.  Among the participants were Colin Robinson (pictured), Kenyon Farrow, Stacey Ann Chin (pictured), and Keith Boykin (pictured).

"This would be the first time a protest of these artists raised money for us,” said Karlene, co-chair of J-FLAG. “The international protests have helped build awareness and accountability back here. Artists who perform homophobic or hate songs must be sent a strong message that their acts are inhumane and will not be tolerated. But it’s even better when this can result in support for our difficult and under-financed work to counter this hatred where these musicians live.”

Yesterday, LIFEbeat called off its reggae concert in light of building pressure from Black gay activists regarding a scheduled performance by two homophobic entertainers, Beenie Man and TOK.

“LIFEbeat has basically chosen to cop-out and blame us for their ill-considered decision to use these artists in the first place,” commented D.C. blogger Terrence Heath. 

The concert was scheduled to take place at New York’s Webster Hall on July 18.

Continue reading to see more photos.

Photo credit: Andres Duque

Comments

[Rebekah Lawrence]

I feel sorry for gay people. You seem to try so hard to be accepted as 'normal'. I had be friended a few to understand it all. I have arrived at a medium - i have accepted the humanity of homosexuals, mmen and women alike. I believe it is wrong to disriminate or act violently towards them. Let them live how they chose.

Yet no matter how many limes i go to, how many discussions i participate in, how many parties i go to...it still seems to be a human abnormality, an over abundance of carnality in the way gays relate. The spirit of it all, (the gay community in the broadest sense) seems to be overcome by a demonic sort of energy, a sickness of the spirit.

I am sorry for every homosexual. I sympathize with your condition and pray for your transformation into wholesome human beings as the ALmighty Creator had made us all to be.

[Mel Smith]

I'm proud of you all. Keep up the good work!