by Pamela Alexander
After reading last week's editorial on racism, I am thoroughly convinced there is no better time than now to focus on the issue of race in the LGBT community, particularly in the Tri-County region.
We need to talk about race to gain a better understanding of the racial legacy, and the legislated inequalities that determined, then and now, the quality of life based on the color of your skin or other physical characteristics. In this region, daily life is still very segregated. Recent demographic data shows metropolitan Detroit and Michigan as some of the most segregated areas in the country.
Are there strategies within the gay rights movement to address racism? Is the issue of race relations on the national gay agenda, state of Michigan gay agenda or regional gay agenda? If not, why not?
In the worst economy since the great depression, we still live "In the midst of plenty," meaning collectively that this region has enormous wealth and an abundance of resources and yet the distribution of opportunities are vastly unequal, particularly in comparing Detroit's gay community and Ferndale's gay community, as an example. Unlike Ferndale, Detroit's gay community is not a structured district with condominiums and houses, retail establishments, restaurants, cafes, bars, or art galleries. Why is there such a vast difference?
The legacy of race and racism in this region has been and will continue to be costly. It is time to talk about race so we can begin to remove the system of inequality and move to a regional equity system that will improve the Detroit region and the gay communities.
A recently formed regional LGBT discussion group called "Race Talk Forum 2010," is looking to address the issue of race and racism from a regional perspective and invites everyone to get involved.
The region needs to grow a vibrant retail- and community-based gay district in Detroit. This can be done with vision and your support.
Now is the time: let's talk!
If you would like more information on Race Talk Forum 2010, please send an email to [email protected].
And remember:
"Race is not a biological condition."
"Race is a social construct."
"Race is the power of an illusion."
