"I am a Lesbian." (Updated 11-5-2013)

Chirlane McCray wife of NYC Mayoral Candidate Bill de Blasio

For those who aren't closely following the New York City mayoral race...ATENCION!!

Allow me to introduce CHIRLANE McCRAY… the most important spouse in the race for New York City.

Ms. McCray is the wife of candidate Bill de Blasio. Ms. McCray and her husband have been married for 19 years and have two beautiful children.

  

Mr. de Blasio is White and Ms. McCray is Black.  Mr. de Blasio is an avowed heterosexual.  In 1979, Ms. McCray wrote an article in Essence magazine proudly proclaiming:

"I Am a Lesbian."

She became an instant gay rights icon!!

You now understand some of the intrigue surrounding the current mayoral race. The plot is thickened by the fact that Christine Quinn, the first openly gay female to run for mayor of New York, is leading in most recent polls.

Life, being the messy complicated animal that it is, revels in presenting us with these irresistibly complex conundrums. So, the LGBT community is looking on with interest...the African-American community is doing likewise...ditto for Anthony Weiner who might have expected to garner great support from both those communities…and the Hollywood crowd is split in their allegiances.

I understand the philosophical quicksand that befuddles the minds of some in the LGBT community whenever a gay rights icon is perceived as "ex-gay." After all, it strikes at the heart of one of many arguments supporting the rights of gay Americans.

The LGBT community argues that being gay is not a "behavior." It is a "state of being.” It’s not simply a life choice, but it represents the very essence of one’s existence. Since the Constitution doesn't generally protect against ALL forms of discrimination but against "invidious" or unjustifiable discrimination, it gets tricky. Generally speaking, most illegal forms of discrimination are based on immutable or unchangeable characteristics…like skin color or gender, etc. Hence, Ms. McCray's perceived ”ex-gayness” could present a problem...in theory.

I believe every American should be treated equally before the law, period! I have no issues with gays, "ex-gays," gay marriage, or interracial marriage. But, I do have a problem with lying politicians! And, I'm always amazed at what politicians and their wives will say to get elected.

Ms. McCray avoids labeling herself as heterosexual, bisexual, or lesbian.  That's not a problem! No one should be forced to accept an unwanted label. However, she says that when she first met her future husband in 1991, the biggest obstacle to a relationship was NOT his race...NOT that he was a man and she was a lesbian (although she'd never had a relationship with a man), but that he was six years her junior.  How cute...but, Wha!!!!!

Listen…I really want to give Ms. McCray the benefit of the doubt.  I want to believe that, 20 years ago, she was simply one of the most openly progressive and forward thinking people in America. I want to believe that her traditional ideas about age trumped her non-conventional views on race and sexuality, but…

My elders wisely advised me that, “Every closed eye ain’t sleep, all ‘goodbyes’ ain’t gone, and everybody carrying a suitcase ain’t headed outta town.”  In other words, things aren’t always as they seem, and don’t believe everything you hear…especially coming out of the mouth of a politician…or his wife.

Ms. McCray, good luck to you and your husband in this race. I admire the courage you showed coming out as a lesbian in  '79 in the African-American community. I applaud your personal and professional accomplishments, and I support your right to live as you please. I advocate for the right of all Americans to pursue happiness in whatever way that doesn't harm others. 

But, Ms. McCray, don't stoop to typical political rhetoric, and please don’t insult my intelligence. Just sayin...

Until we rendezvous…

Peace!!

UPDATE!!!  Bill DeBlasio has been elected Mayor of NYC.  The first Democrat in 20 years! Therefore, Ms. McCray is the First Lady of New York!! Congratulations!! I wish you and your husband the best!  For those who find it important, although David Dinkins was the first Black mayor of NYC, Ms. McCray will be the "most colorfully hued" First Lady to occupy that lofty position.