Panel to examine gay acceptance in black churches

Tahirah Akbar-Williams knows words can hurt. And she knows hurtful words can have more of a sting when they come from members of your church. That's why Akbar-Williams coordinated a panel discussion to talk about issues black gays and lesbians can face in church and in the community.\nArea sponsors are hosting the panel discussion "Homosexuality and the Black Church" at 7 p.m. tonight in the Neal-Marshall Black Culture Center's Grand Hall.\nAkbar-Williams, founder of the organization Blacks Like Us, said a panel of three black clergy members will discuss how the community can create spaces for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people.\n"I'm hoping people will be empowered to go back to their community and their churches and begin a dialogue about GLBT people, and how they can support and welcome them in their church," she said. "Religious organizations lay the groundwork for how people will treat each other in their communities."\nSenior and BLU Secretary Courtney Payton said a dialogue is needed to bridge homosexuality and religion in the black community. "I feel like a lot of ministers and pastors feel obligated to give a sermon on how homosexuality is a sin," she said. "That's disrespectful. Even if people aren't out, it's hurtful to hear it." \nCoordinator of GLBT Student Support Services Doug Bauder said addressing the issue of race, religion and orientation is long overdue. \n"Certainly there's racism in the gay community, as there is homophobia in communities of color," Bauder said. "That's a reality." \nAkbar-Williams said she knows the panel will discuss a touchy subject and wants the audience to be respectful of others. She said she will focus discussion on creating safe spaces for GLBT people in churches, adding it is possible for people to embrace their religious beliefs and those in the GLBT community at the same time.\nPayton said she thinks race plays a factor for acceptance in the GLBT community. "White lesbians can walk around town and hold hands and nobody pays attention to it," she said. "I feel like if a black couple did that, there would be a lot more gay bashing, since it's not as talked about."\nPayton said continuing discussion on campus will increase awareness and acceptance of GLBT people in the community. \n"It's OK to have gay friends," she said.\nBauder said he hopes people can realize how stereotypes create limitations. "It doesn't matter what religion, income, or nationality you are, sexual orientation is one of those issues that impacts people of every class and race," he said. "(The event) Thursday is not just for black people, not just for gay people, or church going people. It's for everyone"