Jul 06, 2007   | COMMENTS     

Re: “Ex-‘Grey’s’ star cites racism for firing” (washingtonblade.com, June 29)

As a black lesbian who attended Howard University years ago, it is disturbing to see Isaiah Washington (a Howard alum) use racism as an excuse to dismiss his discriminating behavior toward T.R. Knight. Yes it is true that some white people do not forgive and, yes, racism is still present within the white gay community. But the issue here is Washington’s conduct. The argument that a non-black person could have been forgiven and given a second chance in this situation is valid, but be a man and admit you were wrong!

How was it racism for Isaiah Washington to be fired from “Grey’s Anatomy” when the executive producer is an African-American woman? It wasn’t a matter of him not being an Uncle Tom, it was a matter of him being an obnoxious person and creating a hostile work environment. It sounds like sour grapes from Washington and he needs to move on. If he has any real talent he should easily be able to find a new job.

Isaiah Washington is now crying racism for his firing from “Grey’s Anatomy” because he is a 6’1” black man and he’s heard that people are afraid of him. Isaiah, they are not afraid of you because you are black dear. You have a hostile reputation that preceeds you. As a black gay person I’m asking you to stop playing the race card.

Gays living in the
‘red states’ unite!

Re: “Is Gay Pride passé?” (news, June 29)

It seems that Gay Pride parades these days are really only relevant in red states. I suggest that all gay people move out of the red states and let them do their own hair, decorate their own homes, eat fat and carbs and rot. 
We can strangle them economically because no one will want to live in their irrelevant states.

First Amendment trumps
concerns over protest

Re: “Grandmothers blame hate crimes law for ‘gospel’ arrests” (news, June 29)

The First Amendment right to exclude contrary messages, like all rights, reigns over the parades of the good and the bad, the just and the unjust.

Ross the Intern promotes
anti-gay stereotypes

Re: “Asked and answered” (TV column by Brian Moylan, June 29)

Ross the Intern is less negatively stereotypical than William Sledd on Bravo? On what planet? The planet Mary? He’s a capon, a castrato, the kind of stereotypical gay male image that has inspired fag jokes and fag bashers since time began.

City is obligated to help
displaced O Street clubs

Re: “D.C. attorney general defends nude dance restrictions” (news, June 29)

Clearly, a grandfather clause permitting nude dancing has great value and when the city condemned the O Street clubs’ property, requiring them to close and reapply for permits under newer rules, they took something of value for which compensation is due under the Fifth Amendment. Either the city should grant a new permit or pay damages for taking the old one.

CBS is not to blame
for Jefferson’s plight

Re: “Hate crime victim sues former employer CBS” (news, June 29)

As a human resources executive who is also gay, I have to admit that I have empathy for CBS over the legal “attack” by employee/hate crime victim, Dick Jefferson. There is no playbook for circumstances such as Jefferson’s, and I am sure that CBS did not say and do the perfect thing in all circumstances, but CBS did nothing to cause Jefferson to be beaten, nor is he alleging that he suffered any form of discrimination from CBS prior to the incident. Just as Jefferson was targeted because he was gay, CBS has been targeted because they have deep pockets. I am sure Jefferson is angry and looking for someone to punish, but it just goes to show how short a path it is from victim to victimizer. Drama like this only serves to diminish the claims of true victims of workplace discrimination due to sexual orientation. I hope CBS will do us all a favor and let a jury repudiate Jefferson’s claim.