I greet you in the name of Jesus, Savior of the world and King that is soon to come!
I realize that many of you may not know me and, since you are called to lead God’s people, I realize that the first thing you will want to know is what my credentials are. While I am tempted to go into great detail about who I am, I must be cognizant of the fact that this letter will be printed in numerous publications, both nationally and internationally, and cannot be lengthy.
I am first a born again child of God and a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ. I have been saved since the age of five, was called into ministry at the age of eight, and was ordained and licensed by ordained ministers in a credible, non-denominational church in San Diego, California, where I founded my first ministry. While I know that many of you will want to know more about my background, I ask that you not focus entirely on that issue. Respectfully, I request that the focus be solely placed on the urgent matter that prompted this urgent correspondence -- a matter that literally deals with what I feel are life and death issues that will affect not only clergy members and leaders, but those we minister.
Beloved shepherds, the apostle Paul warned us in the epistle of II Timothy, Chapter 3, that in the latter days, “perilous times shall come.” I think we all agree that the world is experiencing exactly what he prophesied in the letter written to Timothy, his protégé. Brothers and sisters, I realize that we come from many different backgrounds and that we are as diverse in our interpretation of scripture as the varieties of flowers on earth and stars in the universe. But there are fundamental truths and basic tenants of the Gospel that I feel bind us in the spirit of unity. It is in that spirit that I address you.
God has given me an international platform as a columnist and author. As a result, I am ever careful to give Him the glory for making this possible because I know that if it were not for His favor and wisdom, I could never have achieved success on any level. In gratitude and service to Him, and because of the sincere concern I have for all of God’s people, the LOVE OF CHRIST IN ME WON’T LET ME BE SILENT about the issues I am about to present.
As you know, this election year deals with many issues: contraception, the fate of Medicare and Medicaid, "Obama Care", the Citizens United decision, marriage equality, gun control, and laws (rightfully) in question like the “Stand Your Ground Laws” in Florida and many other states. This election will also serve as a referendum on whether or not the accomplishments of President Barack Obama have met the needs of the very citizens that voted him into office.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, I know without a doubt that it was the Spirit of the Lord that inspired me to write this letter to you. Moreover, I believe that if you have the Spirit of Christ in you, then the Spirit of truth will confirm this in your hearts and minds.
Given the nature of what I do in the community as an HIV/AIDS advocate, civil rights activist and pastor, I am constantly in the presence of people from every walk of life. Their concerns and needs often pain my heart in a way that I could never articulate. On many nights, I find myself prostrate in the presence of God with tears in my eyes because I see people in such dire straits on a regular basis and admittedly this is somewhat disconcerting and overwhelming!
I have lived on the earth 55 years, and I must admit that I have never seen such disregard for human beings as I have in the last few years. Jesus said that this would be, yet, admittedly, I am still amazed at how we could even consider doing things, politically speaking, that would gut and obliterate social programs that house the homeless, feed the poor, provide medical assistance to seniors, and fund education programs for our children, youth and young adults.
While I realize that many of you have been speaking out on these issues, I also know that most of us have been sinfully silent. I've come to realize this as a minister that has traveled and spoken all across the nation. Now, just so you know, I am aware of what the laws say about the separation of church and state. I am aware of the restrictions that a 501 (3c) non-profit status places on religious institutions and congregations. I know that none of us can mount the pulpit and recommend to any of our parishioners who they should or should not vote for, even though many of us do it anyway!
However, Jesus made it absolutely clear that our heavenly mandate is to lead the lost to Christ, heal the sick, clothe the naked, visit those who are in prison, teach our children the statutes and precepts in God’s word, and to lovingly care for our senior adults and widows in our congregations. Jesus also made it abundantly clear that these were mandates issued by God. I realize that many of you do a great job in many of these areas, but if we made an honest assessment of whether or not we were adhering to God's orders, on a national and international scale, we would discover that we are greatly missing the mark!
Thousands of men and women are in our nation's prisons, but few of us have effective prison ministries. Countless youth, young adults and even senior citizens are infected with the HIV/AIDS virus and only a handful of us have even taken the time to set up a ministry to tend to these people because we feel unqualified to do it or because we prejudge these individuals. Moreover, more often than not, we shrug our shoulders and purposely look the other way because, consciously or subconsciously, we feel they got what they deserved. Thus, they end up being regarded as unworthy of any assistance our ministries could provide.
I urge you to find out what institutions in your city care for and offer services to the elderly, those suffering from HIV/AIDS and other life threatening illnesses. Ask if you can come and see how they run these programs and what your congregation can do to assist them. What is going to startle many of you is how many of your parishioners’ faces you are going to see at these places. And after you have visited these places, I guarantee you will not be so quick to mount your pulpit and foolishly bash these people and/or organizations, especially when you discover that many of them are doing a better job than you ever could, as they compassionately minister to the hundreds, if not thousands in your congregation members.
I would like to address a specific issue concerning senior members of our congregations. Sunday after Sunday, I watch elderly people struggle to climb the steps of buses in my city that shouldn’t even be on the road because they are old and unsuitable to serve seniors and disabled persons. In sharp contrast, more modern and streamlined buses are assigned to rich, influential areas in our cities and neighborhoods. What is even more troubling is the fact that while many of us can afford van and bus ministries that would address these needs; we do nothing to help change the situation.
The result is that our seniors, who happen to be some of our most loyal and dedicated (tithers) and members, are forced to ride substandard buses, filled with violent people, youth who use foul language and engage in drug use on the buses, and have absolutely no respect for the elderly. Furthermore, it is to our shame and our misplaced priorities that after church has concluded, many of these same seniors stand on bus stops while other parishioners pass them by in their Mercedes, Cadillac’s, BMW’s, Chrysler 300’s! To add insult to injury, the same parishioners wave at them and won’t even stop to see if they can assist them with getting home!
I challenge each one of you to do something radical! Instead of pulling up to the church grounds in your 2012 Cadillac, BMW, Mercedes or Bentley, use public transportation to come to church for one week. I guarantee you that your entire perspective will change and that most of you will respond by making much needed changes in your ministry -- changes that will finally bring that growth and transformation that many of you have been praying for so desperately.
In 2008, many right wing, prominent and rich evangelicals infiltrated our ranks and convinced us to vehemently oppose Proposition 8. Over 65 million dollars was spent to prevent same-gender-loving people from getting married because it was said that this threatened the family unit and was undermining the institution of marriage. This issue galvanized pastors, bishops, priests and parishioners and the proposition was voted down by a narrow margin. Many of us flexed our spiritual muscles thinking we had done the Lord a great service after our elite, right wing brothers and sisters quickly retreated to the safety of their culturally and religiously isolated ranks, never to worship with us again. Well, at least until they felt our support was needed when the next issue or controversial proposition came up.
I was amazed when this happened, and I will tell you why. Just think of what the body of Christ could have done with $65,000,000 dollars? If we were really concerned about saving marriages, we could have used that money to create national counseling programs where pastors could have been trained to minister to married couples and couples who are preparing to marry. Money could have been poured into already existing credible programs that are effectively providing counseling to our parishioners, creating stronger marriage relationships, and perhaps decrease the great number of divorces in the body of Christ.
Oh my brothers and sisters, I know that it is easy to blame gays for the conditions of our failed relationships, but the truth is when we stand before Christ -- and believe me when I tell you that all of us will -- there will be no one to heap the blame upon but ourselves! Incidentally, the proposition will soon be overturned and the money used to fight it will be a wasted investment!
Many of us were ecstatic when Senator Barack Obama was elected as the first African- American President of the United States, and we vowed to support him in every way. Yet, when we discovered he was a president who had purposed in his heart to ensure that all Americans would have equal rights, no matter what their religious convictions, age, gender, or sexual orientation, many of us bailed and joined the ranks of other prominent religious leaders, many of whom are used like puppets by right wing politicians to do their bidding.
Now, here is the horrific reality, which I find amazing! Many of us, as leaders, are willing to support a political machine that will strip away social programs that meet the needs of over 70 percent of our parishioners. We do this because we don’t have a correct understanding of the office of “priest” and “king”. Barack Obama was not elected or ordained by God to operate in the office of priest/pastor, but rather the office of “king”, which biblically is synonymous with President of the United States.
Don’t misunderstand or misconstrue what I am saying, thinking I am suggesting that any elected official is to misuse his office, forget the mandate of God, disregard the needs of the people and act like a dictator. I am simply pointing these things out to you because it is evident to me that many shepherds don’t have a correct biblical understanding of these offices. All too often, they confuse the two or place expectations and demands upon the President of the United States that should never be placed on anyone who serves in this position.
Based on conversations I have had with parishioners, a substantial number of people feel that because the country now has an African-American President, many states have enacted voter suppression laws that will prevent hundreds of thousands of African-Americans from voting in the 2012 election. While we cannot immediately reverse these laws, we can begin national campaigns to make sure that everyone in our congregation has appropriate identification documents that will ensure that they can vote.
Additionally, we can creatively arrange car pools so that voters can get to polling places. Recently, I heard it announced on television that many national organizations who are responsible for getting voters registered are totally abandoning all efforts because of voter suppression laws that place them in harm's way, legally speaking, or should I say, “illegal harm’s way”.
If we are honest with ourselves, most of our church calendars are filled with annual days that never address any of the issues that I have mentioned. Just imagine how grateful our congregants will be when we initiate a plan to help them obtain the proper identification so that they can vote this year. Since the vast majority of our parishioners already possess these documents, this effort will not be financially cumbersome or burdensome and it is not illegal. Additionally, it does not place our religious institutions in legal jeopardy in any way.
Year after year we diligently plan for the Pastor’s Appreciation Day, the Annual Usher's Day, Youth day, Men’s and Women’s Day, and the list goes on. We have this down to a science, but now we must refocus our efforts and ourselves and come to understand that our very livelihoods are at stake. We cannot allow the few programs that meet our educational and medical needs, as well as other much-needed social programs, to be stripped away while the rich get richer and feel no obligation to the poor, working poor or the endangered middle class.
In conclusion, I wish to state that many of us worry about the moral decay of our nation, and because this is a concern, politicians use this as leverage to distract us. They know we think that the wrath of God will come upon our great nation because we feel that much of what the "ungodly" does is in direct opposition to the Word of God. The truth of the matter is that if our nation is destroyed and/or incurs the wrath of God, it will be because we pander to the rich, while totally disregarding those who are destitute and are in desperate need of our assistance! Tragically and ironically, even if we don’t like what is being done by those in positions of authority -- still, we remain conspicuously silent!
Before you discount what I am saying, or disregard this letter, I ask that you act with the same resolve and urgency when you thought the institution of marriage was being undermined because there is a real Goliath on the battle field! This giant looks like us, knows all of our religious terminology, knows exactly how we think and knows how to use what we think and believe against us. And if we are not careful, he will cut off our heads, desecrate our people and deny us our civil rights, all to benefit him and deceive us. It is only after he has plundered our parishioners and made a mockery of our spiritual mandate – THAT WE WILL BE THE ONES TO BLAME FOR LETTING THESE ATROCITIES HAPPEN!
The choice is yours! The onus is upon us, the men and women who were called to shepherd God's flock. Will we step up, embrace and demonstrate the qualities of Christian leadership with which we were gifted and protect our congregations, or will we stand indolently and apathetically aside while we bear witness to the politically-proposed evisceration of our poor, our youth, our seniors, and our already struggling and endangered middle class? Either way, I guarantee you that we will one day stand before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and give an accounting for our actions or lack of actions. I cannot speak for you, but when The Prince of Peace asks me, "Did you feed and protect my flock?" I want to look Him in the eye with pride as I say, "Yes, Lord!", and not hang my head in shame!
The execution of Troy Davis has sent shockwaves throughout the nation, and has caused worldwide protests in America and Europe. Mr. Davis’ execution is a heartbreaking reminder that injustice, hatred and discrimination prevails, and is spreading like an uncontrollable wildfire that is taking the lives of innocent victims around the world.
Even though Troy Davis is no longer among us, this unjust execution should be indelibly etched upon the soul and conscience of the world. We must never forget that there are thousands, even millions of innocent people like Troy Davis who are unfairly and inhumanly incarcerated and living under the same threat of death. My brothers and sisters, this will continue to happen until we rise up and demand a higher standard of justice and an even greater degree of legal accountability. We must ensure that Troy Davis did not die in vain. May his death be the spark that ignites us to challenge such reprehensible miscarriage of justice and demand that America lives up to the true ideals of freedom, justice and liberty for all; the very same ideals upon which it was originally created!
Internationally renowned author, columnist and Civil Rights leader Terry Angel Mason has penned an inspiring, timely poem, titled “I Am Truth,” as a response to the global outcry of Troy Davis’ execution. The gripping poem honors Davis and victims around the world who lost their lives due to violence and hatred. Please review the poem, which is included in the body of this correspondence. We encourage you and we exhort to publish this poem in your publication because we have no doubt that your readers will be moved, touched and inspired by its message.
“I Am Truth” is a powerful poem that chronicles the past and present civil rights struggles of African Americans. African Americans (both heterosexuals and same-gender-loving people) are dying needlessly due to violent hate crimes and injustice.
As you know, President Obama recently spoke out about the rising violence against same-gender-loving people on two separate occasions because hate crimes against same-gender-loving people are spiraling out of control all over the world. In one of his recent speeches, the president declared, “We must stop waiting for a hero to come and become the hero and save ourselves.”
Angel Mason is a hero to millions, and works tirelessly to combat hate, injustice and violence across America. His mission is to save the lives of innocent people around the globe. We look forward to working with you to help make that dream a reality. Thank you in advance for your support and for adding your editorial voice and influence to right a horrific wrong and save the lives of multitudes by sharing Angel’s compelling message of equality, love and hope with your readers.
Humbly Submitted,
Florence Edwards
Ms. Edwards holds a Masters of Arts degree in Mass Communications. For more information about Florence or Publicity 911, visit www.Publicity911.com.
IN LOVING MEMORY OF TROY DAVIS - I AM TRUTH!
by Internationally Acclaimed Author and Intl. Columnist – Terry Angel Mason
I AM TRUTH! You know… the one you lock out of your heart and out of your mind when you prefer to walk in darkness.
I am the one that liberates men from fear, deception, false perceptions, dishonesty, and unethical practices so that they may truly see and experience wholeness and abundance.
You know me well, so don’t try to deny who I am and what I am by acting like you are unfamiliar with me when you are around your friends.
I was the one that you locked away for decades so that you could ease your guilty conscience when you enslaved innocent Africans for hundreds of years.
Now, Now, Now! Let’s keep it real! You know that as long as you could rape the women of Africa and exploit the Mother Land’s male children to work your farms, pick your cotton, and provide the physical labor to build your financial portfolios and institutions, that you would have imprisoned me forever if you could have gotten away with it.
I am the one you blindfolded and handcuffed so you could kill Emmett Till in Mississippi and those four innocent Black children in Birmingham, Alabama, by bombing Negro churches during the Civil Rights Movement because you wanted to feel superior to the disenfranchised and the poor and maybe even wipe out their existence from the Earth.
And if the truth be told, I was the one that you nailed to a cross over 2,000 years ago on Calvary’s hill because my cutting-edge message was so radical, it made you see that your man made rituals, ceremonies, and legalistic practices were not the way to eternal life and had absolutely no redeeming value!
Dismissing me from your mind made it easy for you to kill prophets, assassinate Presidents and Civil Rights leaders, persecute countless races and steal their land, assets, and women because of your endless need to fulfill your greed and fleshly desires.
I am the one that you shoved in the corner because your desire to hate and discriminate was so strong until if you had not eliminated and disempowered me, you could have never felt justified in murdering and raping gay youths like Damian Furtch, Larry Bland, David Kato, Jason Mattison Jr., George Lopez Mercado, Marcellus Andrews, Matthew Shepard and Lawrence King or feel good about falsely proclaiming yourselves as emissaries from Heaven, breathing out endless hate-filled slogans during Gay Pride Parades as you pompously held up signs saying, “God Hates Fags!”
I am the one Pastors had the ushers escort out of the church because he feared repercussions that would result in the losses of tithes and offerings had he dared tell the truth. Because had he stood up for me by telling his parishioners that no matter what we believe in the Bible or how we interpret the Bible, it does not ever give us the right to hate or follow the insane masses by condoning witch hunts and heinous hate crimes.
I tried to tell you how acquainted with love I am and how the two of us have known each other for millenniums, but you still try to discredit our relationship. Because to acknowledge it would mean that you would have to hear the voices of the children who are crying out and admitting today, “Yes, we are same-gender-loving people, but we just want a chance to love the person who is our true soul mate; a chance to possess the same rights that you enjoy. We just want a chance to experience the joy of celebration as our friends and families are gathered around us like they were at your weddings, as we celebrate our Covenant unions.”
Come, on now…don’t act like you don’t know me!
I know that it is painful to look at me with discerning eyes of clarity because you would rather see life through rose-colored glasses so you can continue to rob the unsuspecting masses in your corporate meetings, steal their stocks and bonds, avoid the payment of taxes that you owe, and initiate hostile business takeovers so you can continue to lavish yourselves with materials things that eventually the righteous shall possess in the end because of your unethical practices.
I am the one you hid away from your conscience and locked in a closet so your God-given attributes of kindness, compassion, equity, and love for all humanity could never express themselves in the dawn of any new day.
Isn’t it funny?! I was around before your mother ever conceived you, but you think that because you have a college education and a piece of paper in your hand that you call a degree and you can quote a few memorized scriptures, that you know more than me. How foolish! How arrogant! How unwise!
Even though I possess more power than you do and I have existed longer than you could ever imagine, I refuse to make you listen to me by overriding your will or God-given right to choose, even though your only intent is to deceive, humiliate, kill, steal, and destroy the innocent lives of others.
But know this! In the end, you shall not prevail because I am going to be present at your Eternal Hearing, and I am going to reveal every lie you told, every evil scheme you thought of, every life you stole, every career you ruined by character assignation, every fear you fertilized because it benefited your evil cause, every false doctrine, and Biblical principle and concept that you distorted to discriminate and marginalize so that you could keep people from possessing what is rightfully theirs.
And the very ones you robbed, exploited, stole from, told would never gain entrance into Heaven, hated, falsely accused and executed by lethal injection (like Troy Davis), and authored bills to deny them of their Civil rights will be in that same courtroom as justice prevails.
So go on...do your thing because it won’t change who I am. It won’t change my complexion. It won’t change my mission. It won’t distort my vision. It won’t lesson my power, and it won’t wipe out my existence because in the end, there is only one voice that will be heard above all other voices throughout eternity and that voice is mine. For I AM TRUTH!
Poem by Terry Angel Mason, Internationally Acclaimed Author and Columnist
Without question, Angel Mason is an extraordinary poet who eloquently expands and redefines the traditional idea of the love poem in creative and ingenious ways. Mason's literary compositions have consistently earned him numerous literary nominations; while at the same time, gaining a place of reverence in the hearts and minds of thousands of readers -- both men and women worldwide. His electrifying writings are destined to make him one of the foremost voices of the African-American experience. We have no doubt that the artistry and enduring vision that Mason demonstrates in his compelling books will inspire a revolutionary awakening world-wide; and continue to influence our culture, reshape our thinking, and touch our hearts and lives for decades!
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, columnist, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won't Let Me Be Silent, They Say That I am Broken, and The Dream Keeper, set to be released in 2012. A revered leader and global change agent, Terry Angel Mason's mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people. A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in (Lee Bailey's) eurweb.com, The East County Magazine, Five (5) Magazine, Whosoever Magazine, SGL Weekly Magazine, Outword Magazine, The NBJC Newsletter, The Advocate, Frontier Magazine, Broadway World, The Windy City Times Newspaper, New Pittsburgh Courier, New England Informer, Our Weekly Magazine, Out Impact, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian News, The San Diego Gay and Lesbian Times, The San Diego Union Tribune, ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, The New Civil Rights Online Magazine, A&U Magazine, Religious Tolerance, Marriage Equality International, Homorazzi, BN&S News Commentary, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, MSNBC News Vine, ILGA, Out Military Online Magazine, Proud Parenting Web Magazine, Fuse Magazine, Echelon Magazine, The Bay Area Reporter, Connextions Magazine, and in many other publications.
Recently, you may have heard the news that the esteemed CNN news anchor, Don Lemon has "come out" and announced to the world that he is a gay or a same-gender-loving man. I congratulate him for taking this very courageous and personally liberating step. However, I am also extremely dismayed that he is being criticized for why it took him so long to do so.
Some say that Lemon came out to create buzz about the release of his new book, Transparent, and to increase book sales when his memoir is released. Others are criticizing him because he did not make a bolder public announcement. As a same-gender-loving man, I know that it is not uncommon for gay people to delay announcing to friends and family that they are gay, and perhaps with good reason! Even though America purports itself to be a democratic nation that embraces all cultures, religions, and ethnicities, regrettably, still many Americans unfairly bash President Obama, spewing out racial slurs like venomous snakes characteristic of the 60's and adamantly oppose equal rights for same-gender-loving people--specifically in regards to marriage equality. One need look no further then the fierce battlegrounds of New York City, where a heated contentious war is being waged against same-gender-loving people to prevent them from marrying the person of their own choosing.
In the past three years there has been an unprecedented number of youth and young adults committing suicide because of gay bullying. Movies and music have been saturated for decades with gay slurs, homophobic lyrics and stereotypical story lines that insult, demean and discriminate against gay people, much like blacks were portrayed in black and white films in the past.
Noted Essayist, Cleo Manago, founder and CEO of the African, American Advocacy, Support-Services & Survival Institute (AmASSI), could be named among the long list of critics, who in my opinion engaged in the recent bashing and criticizing of Lemon for not being more vocal on issues that relate to the African-American community and insinuating that the only reason Lemon was selected by CNN is because he is a fair-skinned brother whom as Manago puts it, "may possibly be in his position at CNN because he is a light-skinned, homosexual Black man who is likely seen, by Whites, as less threatening than another type of Black man."
While I do agree with Manago, that CNN has skirted around and even blatantly ignored pertinent issues that pertain to the African American community and same-gender-loving people, I do not agree with his assessment of Mr. Lemon's journalistic skills, qualifications and/or CNN's reasons for hiring Don. Don is a man of integrity. He is personable and caring, in addition to being an excellent journalist who is more than qualified to be an anchor for CNN.
Moreover, I applaud CNN for supporting Don in his decision to make his sexual preference public and I believe that they were very wise to do so! Rachel Maddow, as you know is perhaps one of the most respected and courageous same-gender-loving female journalists on television today! People all over the world regularly view her telecast and appreciate her thorough, unbiased, incisive cutting-edge style of reporting. I sincerely believe that because Don has elected to be more transparent regarding his personal life, that he is poised and primed to become one of CNN's most dynamic and most watched anchors, who will boldly seize new opportunities to address many of the issues that Mr. Manago claims are intentionally omitted by CNN.
I'd like to remind everyone involved in any type of judgmental action, that Don Lemon's private life is exactly that, "Private!" No one but God is privy to the elements, factors and reasons that motivated him to bravely announce to the world that he refuses to go on hiding this aspect of his "Private" life any longer. Furthermore, it is clear to me that he is self-assured and comfortable enough in his own skin to publicly say to the world, this is who I am! You may judge me on my professional merits and my public persona, but you may not judge me on who I choose to love!
Whether Mr. Lemon realizes it or not, his public admission will impact his life positively, if viewed from an objective perspective. It has become clear to me that this revelation has no doubt helped him to identify who his true friends and supporters are. His true friends will be the people who will continue to love him and embrace him for the wonderful man that he is. The people who will now shun him and negatively criticize him and his sexuality will be the people (that in my opinion) he can easily do without. Furthermore, it is to his advantage to identify these people now and remove them from his life so that the quality of his life will be more fulfilling, happier, more productive, and stress free.
Thousands who heard his announcement unanimously agree that Don Lemon is setting a terrific positive example for our LGBT youth. It is undeniable that it was his phenomenal talent, drive, and journalistic ability which landed him the job as news anchor and these are the wonderful attributes that the world's LGBT youth will recognize and want to emulate.
In conclusion, I wish to state that when questioned by the media as to why he chose this moment and time to come out, Don responded by stating that he did it to save lives because so many LGBT youth and young adults are committing suicide.
As a global HIV Advocate, I know that Don's coming out is extremely significant, not only because his actions are a deterrent in regards to keeping same-gender-loving people from committing suicide, but also because it has been proven by clinicians and HIV caregivers the world over that people who embrace their sexual orientation are less likely to become infected with the AIDS virus!
Today, millions of Americans remain unaware of the fact that HIV rates continue to climb at terrifying rates in the African American and Latino communities. More than 1 million people in the United States are now HIV positive, and 1 out of 5 people are unaware that they are even infected with the disease. According to The Center of Disease Control, AIDS is the third leading cause of death for both black men and black women ages 35 to 44.
For teens and young adults, the statistics are even more daunting. Ciara Thomas, a writer for www.HealthyPlace.com (America's Mental Health Channel), stated that gay teens account for one-third of teens who commit suicide. With so many countless teens and African Americans falling prey to premature deaths and disease, this perhaps, is the most significant reason as to why Don's coming out is so very timely and will without a doubt be the life-saving remedy for both heterosexual and same-gender-loving people as well.
I think News Analyst and author; Herndon Davis said it best when he expressed his congratulations to Don in his article entitled "Will Black America Embrace CNN's Don Lemon's Coming Out??"
Said Davis, "Whether you are straight or gay, you should embrace Don Lemon's coming out not because of a politically correct induced statement but because he is someone taking a risk, placing himself, his career and even his physical safety on the line in order to help so many others. And that within itself is well worth my support. Congratulations to Don Lemon!!"
I would just like to add my Amen! to that thought-provoking statement!
by Angel Mason, Global Author WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM
Afraid to tell your family and friends that you are gay? Have a gay son or lesbian daughter and not sure how to handle the situation? Know someone who is being bullied or rejected by family and friends because they are gay?
Are you struggling with reconciling your sexuality and spirituality because you are a same-gender-loving person?
If so, then this excerpt from my new book,
"LOVE WON'T LET ME BE SILENT" is just for YOU! This book has a proven reputation of saving the lives of thousands of LGBT youth and young adults worldwide!
You can also download Excerpt No. 2 entitled: Does God Hate Me Because I Am Gay? (This excerpt is best for teens and adults who are gay, bisexual, lesbian or transgender that may be battling homophobia on a daily basis)
I was saddened and deeply troubled as I read Reverend Clenard H. Childress Jr.s’ article featured in the New England Informer and numerous other publications, entitled, “Why Homosexuality Is Wrong!” Reverend Childress contends in his essay that homosexuality is wrong philosophically, Biblically, biologically, and physiologically. When reading the article, it is readily apparent from the outset that what is truly wrong is his initial premise! The reason as to why his initial premise is flawed and erroneous is that despite the fact that he is a pastor, Reverend Childress forgets or zealously overlooks the fact that it was God who created same-gender-loving people and GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES!
Same-gender-loving people or homosexuals as Childress describes them are born with their sexual preferences firmly established within their psyche just like heterosexuals! It is not learned behavior or a psycho-sexual attitude that can be can be quickly cast off or transmuted at a whim in the face of religious and political oppression and pressure. Same-gender-loving people know that their sexual orientation is an immutable manifestation of their God-given sexual identity. It is strong, it is unshakable, and it cannot be changed! It can be suppressed and repressed, but only at great psychological harm to the individual. Asking a same-gender-loving person to change their sexual orientation to heterosexual is equivalent to asking a heterosexual to reject their sexual orientation and become homosexual. It does not work in either case unless the individual has the inclination for bisexuality which many psychologists state that all men and women have within them, but because of culturally and religiously instilled homophobia, they are afraid to acknowledge, explore and express that part of their sexual nature.
Moreover, our loving and wise God created a world with a diversity of plant life, animal life, and human life. In addition to this marvelous diversity, God created diversity in sexual expression. To condemn any one of God’s creations as wrong or flawed (in my opinion) is the epitome of spiritual ignorance and arrogance, no matter how many academic or theological degrees the condemning person might possess.
Reverend Childress begins his essay with a quotation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which I find ironic because Dr, Martin Luther King. Jr., the noted theologian, human rights activist and advocate for tolerance, had a same-gender -loving person Bayard Rustin as one of his closest advisors at the beginning of his civil rights career. Dr. King wisely understood that even though they did not share the same sexual orientation, they did share the mutual commitment and passion for civil rights and the advancing of freedoms for black people. Subsequently, because of this spiritual maturity on Dr. King’s and Rustin’s part, they were able to work harmoniously and productively together. Reverend Childress’ use of biblical justification for his anti-gay essay is also problematic because of the fact that the spiritual truths of the Bible were framed within the cultural context of the people at the time. Our same beloved Bible was used to condone and justify the oppression of Black people, the rights to own slaves, and the subjugation of women. This was possible because at that time it was socially and culturally permissible and acceptable to be racist, have slaves, and elevate male entitlement. However, as we spiritually evolved and culturally matured, we realized the horrific injustice in continuing to condone these practices and institutions, so subsequently we abolished them and doing so, made a gigantic leap in becoming a more and just society. But, I have neither doubts nor any illusions that reactionary people back then also fought the advancement of those reforms with the same biblical fervor and justifications for maintaining their policies of social, sexual, and gender disenfranchisement, just as present day reactionary and homophobic members of church and society are seeking to do the same, by offering biblical sophistries against same-gender-loving people as they advocate for their equal rights.
Reverend Childress seeks to further support his anti-gay premise with biological and anatomical arguments that the sexual practices of same sex couples are not natural, yet heterosexuals have been enjoying these same methods of sexual pleasure for thousands of years in the past and they will continue to do so for thousands of years to come (and of course, he conveniently fails to mention this).
Reverend Childress then argues that marriage between same-gender-loving people will harm and destabilize marriage between men and women. Nothing can be further from the truth! If the institution of marriage between men and women suffers, it will be because of the participating men and women who do not value their relationships, nor possess the emotional, mental, and spiritual maturity to realize that marriage takes work, commitment, sacrifice, and compromise. What is even more troubling is that a great many married couples do not comprehend this truth, so is it any wonder that half of heterosexual marriages result in divorce. Marriage is a serious endeavor not to be entered lightly nor capriciously. It is a meaningful joining of hearts, minds, spirits, bodies and resources. The wonderful benefits of marriage, if sincerely and lovingly undertaken, will bring positive emotional and spiritual development to the partners of the marriage and to the children being raised within the marriage, regardless of the sexual orientation of the partners.
Make no mistake about this rebuttal. I am not attacking Reverend Childress personally. I am confident that he is sincere in his beliefs and I pray that he is not intentionally homophobic nor means any malicious harm to the same-gender-loving community, but what I am attacking are his misguided views on this issue because no matter whether benign or malicious, these homophobic views are still harmful to the LGBT community. They create and foster an atmosphere of intolerance, sexual bigotry, and misunderstanding for those of us who had no choice in this matter, but to accept the fact that this was how we were born and this is how God created us! And although Reverend Childress might be sincere, he sincerely seeks to invalidate the right for same-gender-loving people to spiritually and sexually co-exist alongside our heterosexual counterparts and enjoy the same God-given rights that they enjoy. And yes, I purposely used the expression God-given because we were created by God and as I asserted before, GOD DOES NOT MAKE MISTAKES!
In conclusion, I wish to state that I have written several articles that are published on this site that address many of these issues in greater detail. And because this is such a hot-button topic, it is also the theme of my new book entitled: They Say That I Am Broken. Following, is an excerpt from They Say That I Am Broken, as well as a compelling audio version of the excerpt. Please take the time to read the excerpt and to listen to the audio presentation. I guarantee you that your life will never ever be the same, once you have heard this dynamic message!
Poetic written and AUDIO excerpt from: They Say That I Am Broken They Say That I Am Broken
They say that I am broken like an expensive crystal glass that has just fallen to the floor and been shattered into a million pieces.
Cracked liked a piece of fine porcelain or priceless ceramic pottery, even after a master sculptor had labored over me for hours to mold me and create me in His own image.
So shattered, it was easy to be misled, enslaved, and seduced by others to live a lifestyle that many claim dishonors humanity and insults deity.
For years, I believed them before I understood, before I knew the truth, and before I knew how deeply and passionately He loves me!
They had me so convinced, that I was broken and in need of repair until at times, I began to despise the desires that were natural to me and desperately tried to disown them, rip them from my being, and declare with everything in my consciousness that they were not my own and could never be my own!!! And in desperation, I cried out a million times in prayer to be delivered and repaired.
Surely He can repair me since He created me, I reasoned! After all, wouldn't He love me more? Wouldn't people accept me and embrace me more if I were not broken and shattered?
Stay in fellowship, pray without ceasing, sing in the choir, usher on the Usher Board and fast until every evil desire is uprooted like a dead plant a gardener discards and uproots because it has withered and died, were my goals.
So I walked with my brothers and sisters, prayed with them, sang with them, gave my hard-earned money to them, spent the night with them in all-night church prayer shut-ins, let them drench me with anointing oil until I was soaked, and cast the demons out of me. Why did I do it? I did it because they said I was broken and in need of repair.
But one day while walking with them on life's journey, my feet began to bleed, and in utter horror, I looked at them, wondering what had cut my feet so severely. I knew what the glass looked like from my own so-called brokenness, but the huge sharp, jagged pieces in my feet did not resemble anything of mine.
I thought to myself, where could all this shattered glass be coming from? As I looked up the road, I shuddered because I could see nothing but an unending sea of broken glass ahead. But strangely enough, the people who were walking in front of me were not bleeding at all. Their feet had been so bruised, so calloused, so scarred, their consciences so seared and hearts so hardened -- so used to walking in broken glass, until they could not see that they were in need of repair and were wounding me!
As I examined the glass more closely, trying to dodge it on the ground so I wouldn't get cut anymore, I saw fragments that reflected their adultery, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, deception, hypocrisy, orgies, hatred, prejudice, drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, misappropriation of church funds, alcoholism, infidelity, countless children born out of wedlock, abandoned and uncared for by church mothers and fathers — a list far too numerous to recount!
Instinctively, I knew that if I did not stop following them, eventually my feet would be cut to shreds, and I would not survive the journey.
So I began to discreetly and quietly walk down another road, but when they noticed that I was no longer following them, they screamed at me from a distance: "You are going to hell! We always knew you never loved Him! Your perversion has blinded you! You are deceived and in error! This is the reason why the institution of marriage is deteriorating in our society today, because of perverts like you!"
Tears streamed from my eyes, and my heart was broken. Condemnation overwhelmed me, and guilt worked hard to persuade me to turn around. And just as I was about to, I met a man on the road, carrying a cross. And I thought to myself, why is He walking down this road carrying such a huge wooden cross? It must be heavy! It must be a tremendous burden to carry!
As I got closer to Him, I noticed my name written on the cross. And in utter amazement, I stopped; but before I could ask Him the reason for the inscription, He answered and said, "Because the Father loves you!" And then out of nowhere, another man appeared and took His cross from Him while He bent down to remove the jagged pieces of glass from my feet that had caused them to bleed so terribly. I immediately began to weep and apologize for all the broken glass and for taking up His time, especially since He was carrying such a heavy cross. He looked into my eyes and said, "Why do you apologize for the brokenness of others?" The brokenness of others?, I thought!!!
"Do you know why you were able to find me on this road?" He asked "No," I replied. "I didn't expect to see anyone on this road because of the way I was living, how differently I was made, because of what I desire, and the things I had done in my past!"
That is when He asked me to look up. I thought He was directing my attention to the sky, but I knew it could not be so because the light that was emanating from His body seemed to out-shine the sun. As I gazed around, I noticed a simple sign by the side of the road that said "HIGHWAY OF TRUTH."
As I looked into His beautiful hazel eyes, He smiled and said, "All who worship Me must worship Me in spirit and in truth! The Fathers seeks and loves those who do!"
But I am broken; I am shattered! I am -- that is when He took my hands and placed them in His side and said, "Wounded for your transgressions, bruised for your iniquities, the chastisement of the world's peace was upon Me and by my stripes, you are healed!" I looked at my feet, and they were no longer cut and bleeding, but miraculously healed. But I don't understand, sir! How did you do this? How did this happen?
His reply: "Love compelled me, and compassion inspired me and moved me to action!"
But why? Why for me? And just before I could say "I was broken" again, He said, "The world is broken! There is none good, none perfect, no, not one! Not the Pastor, not the evangelist, not the apostle, not the preacher, not the prophet or the prophetess, not the minister of music, not the teacher, not the deacon, not the Bishop, not even the church trustee!
Son, all of humanity is broken, and that is why I came! While they singled you out because of your uniqueness, they foolishly forgot that all are in need of a redeemer. Even if you had somehow managed to change your natural inclinations, suppressed them, and began to live another way, without my sacrifice, eternal life could never be yours. Do you want eternal life?" He asked. "Yes," I replied!
"Then believe on Me with your whole heart," He said, "and change your confession! Say no more 'I am broken'! Say no more 'I am shattered'! Instead, say 'I am healed'! Say 'I am redeemed'! Say 'I and the Father are one'! Say 'I walk in the newness of life'. "And when the appointed time comes, I shall return for you, and then I will complete my work."
"What work is that?" I asked.
"To restore the planet to its former state of perfection and transform your body from mortal to immortal in a twinkling of an eye; then take you to my Father's house. For there, He has prepared a marvelous banquet for you," was His reply.
Then suddenly, He and the man holding the cross vanished. As I sat quietly by the road, bewildered and pondering what had just occurred, I decided to continue my journey. As I began to walk, the road seemed to ascend and my legs became tired and my body weary from the tedious climb up the hill. When I got to the top, I noticed people huddled together in a circle (looking up), but I could not see what they were gazing at. Something compelled me to press my way through the crowd, and to my horror, I discovered the man who had healed me by the side of the road -- brutally beaten, slain, and hanging on a cross, with nails in His hands and feet. Who could have done this to such a beautiful, kind man? Why did they murder Him and hang Him on a cross to die? I thought, as buckets of tears streamed down my face.
That is when I remembered the words He spoke to me as I was on the side of the road -- cut, bleeding, rejected, and in despair: "Wounded for your transgressions, bruised for your iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed! I am going away, but I will come again to renew the Earth and restore it to its former state of perfection, and I will transform your body from mortal to immortal in a twinkling of an eye and take you back with Me to my Father's house. For there, He has prepared a marvelous banquet for you! Say no more 'You are broken'! Say no more 'You are shattered'! Say 'You are healed!'"
By Terry Angel Mason, Global Author Excerpt from They Say That I Am Broken WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM
Tucked neatly within the pages of this inspiring non-fiction masterpiece are creative stores cleverly penned by Mason, in a genre of fiction that boldly knocks down taboos and transcends stigmas -- literally becoming part of the social fabric of Black America today!
Release Date: SPRING 2011 You can pre-order a signed copy of They Say That I Am Broken at a discounted price and have it mailed directly to you. As an added bonus, you will also receive a FREE copy of "Get On The Royal Road to Riches" a special gift from this very gifted author.
Welcome to McDonald’s, Where Violence and Homophobia are More Popular Than the Big Mac!
McDonald’s has finally reached the ultimate pinnacle in their quest to provide the perfect family dining experience. They now offer you dinner theatre with their mouthwatering Big Macs, delicious fries, Filet Fish sandwiches, Value Meals and Fruit Smoothies. Now, customers can watch murderous homophobic female thugs, as they attempt to kill members of the LGBT community, while Management and crew members cheer them on and video tape horrific violent assaults to later post on YOUTUBE, FACEBOOK and other HIP HOP Social networks.
Sound unbelievable??? Well, that is exactly what happened on a chilling Baltimore evening at around 8 p.m., inside a McDonald's restaurant in the 6300 block of Kenwood Avenue. What fueled the incident was when a Transgendered woman made her way toward the women’s restroom to use the facility. The victim first asked one of the McDonald crew members if she could use the restroom and was told that she had to purchase some food in order to use the facility. She responded by saying that she really had to go right away and could not wait. According to the woman, while walking toward the restroom an unidentified man apparently approached her, possibly one of the girl’s boyfriends, in an attempt to flirt with her, but the woman declined his offer and immediately went into the restroom. When she came out two African-American females, 14 and 18 spat in her face and began arguing with her, expressing their objection to the woman using the bathroom and one of the women accused her of flirting with her boyfriend. The argument escalated into what has become one of the most violent attacks ever viewed on the internet. As a matter of fact, immediately after the video was uploaded to several popular social networks, it went viral!
When I first learned of this incident, I was warned that the video is extremely violent and graphically disturbing, but never in my wildest dreams, could I have ever imagined just how horrific and disgusting it would be to watch! All through the video, I was overwhelmed by a variety of emotions. All the while, cringing in disbelief and thinking to myself, “This cannot be happening and why isn’t anyone making any real attempt to stop this violent attack, phone the police; and my God, where is the manager?” And then out of nowhere, after several minutes which seemed like hours of brutal beating, an elderly woman dressed in white like an angelic emissary appears on the scene to rescue the woman in distress. Even though, it is clear that she is no match for the two younger women attacking the victim, she literally places her life in jeopardy, in a courageous attempt to defuse the situation and ward off the attackers. While her efforts were not completely successful (because the assailants later returned to beat the woman even more viciously), still her intervention delayed the attackers and may possibly have saved the woman’s life.
Now, you are probably wondering, like me, where was the staff and where was the manager? That’s an easy question to answer; the manager is making a half- hearted attempt to stop the fight while others can be heard in the background, peering through video phone camera lenses, boasting about how they are going to put the video on YOUTUBE and other social networks. The Manager on duty made an insincere attempt to intervene only after the badly beaten victim was viciously dragged by the hair to the front door by the young female thugs who seemed intent upon murder. After a sustained barrage of brutal kicks to the head, the victim began convulsing; bleeding from the mouth, all of which was followed by a violent seizure.
Moreover, while this occurred, the crew was gleefully cheering the thugs on while videotaping it, never making a genuine attempt to defuse the attack and/or phone the police. Instead of the manager locking the door and retaining the two women who had attacked the victim until the police could arrive, the employees encouraged them to flee for their own protection and the manager walked over the victim’s body lying in the doorway (as he can be seen doing throughout the video) like she was a piece of trash that was totally unworthy of any type of assistance.
When Baltimore County officers finally arrived, they found a 22-year-old woman convulsing and having seizures. She was still lying in the doorway of the restaurant. After the woman had recovered to some degree, the officers questioned the woman and apparently ran a make on the woman to determine if she had a criminal history. Their inquiry revealed that the victim had a lengthy rap sheet, which of course had nothing at all to do with the incident or the fact that she had been undeservedly almost beaten to death by vicious attackers. The victim’s criminal history and even home address were made public after the unmerciful beating, further jeopardizing the woman’s safety and adding to the emotional duress, physical and mental trauma caused by her assailants.
The owner of that particular McDonald's announced on Saturday afternoon, April 23, 2011 that one employee who taped the violent beating and put it on YOUTUBE and other social networks for all the wrong reasons had been fired (quite justifiably so). He also responded by expressing his dismay about the entire incident:
"My first and foremost concern is with the victim," franchise owner Mitchell McPherson said in a statement, adding that action might be taken against other restaurant workers as well. "I'm as shocked and disturbed by this assault as anyone would be. The behavior displayed in the video is unfathomable and reprehensible."
I am inclined to agree wholeheartedly with Mr. McPherson, however; if I were in his position, I would fire every employee! Starting with the manager and every crew member who stood idly by and witnessed the incident and did nothing to stop it or even intervene by calling the police.
Some people have stated that the transgender woman should not have attempted to use the women’s restroom and expressed their vehement disapproval. I realize that most people don’t fully understand anything about transgender people, but since we are having a “TEACHABLE MOMENT,” it should be noted that most transgender people don’t think of themselves as being gay, but see their gender assignment at birth as a false or as an incomplete description of themselves. Therefore, it is only natural for them to dress, act, and yes, even use public lavatories that are appropriate for them as a transgender woman or man. Needless to say, it was probably extremely wise and appropriate for the transgender woman to use the women’s restroom, because if the truth be told, had she entered the men’s restroom (in some minority communities) she could have placed herself in even greater jeopardy!
Not long ago, Baltimore, Maryland was besieged by Evangelical ministers who had fled the DC area after being expelled from the region. They were horribly defeated by the LGBT community and affirming Congregations during the implementation of (Religious Freedom and Civil Marriage Equality Amendment Act of 2009 Bill 18-482), granting the right to same sex couples to marry. Of course, since Baltimore, Maryland is in close proximity to Washington, DC, it was only natural for the LGBT community to seek the same constitutional rights and provision to marry as well. However, religious leaders banned together enraging the African-American community and pitting them against the gay community once again, killing the bill. It is no secret that the Black Church has tremendous influence over the African-American community and influences the minds of the countless thousands within its ranks. Furthermore, it is no secret that sometimes this vehement disapproval mutates within the Black community and manifests itself in the form of overt bigotry and hatred toward same-gender-loving people, even outside of the church. I don’t blame the ministers for these acts of violence completely, but I do blame them for not telling their parishioners that whatever their doctrinal beliefs are about same-gender-loving people, those beliefs never gives any individual the right to discriminate or beat anyone unmercifully or to murder them!
I have said it before and I will say it again! These types of horrible occurrences are not isolated incidents, but are a result of years of consensual discrimination that this country endorses and allows! These horrific incidents will continue to occur at an alarming rate and will become even more visible, as long as we preach biased messages from pulpits that brand ALL same-gender-loving people as sinful sodomites who are hell bound and view transgender people as the ultimate abomination. Innocent women, children and teens will continue to commit suicide by the thousands and athletes will think nothing of blurting out gay slurs for millions of fans on national television to hear without conscience. As long as rap artists (whom we worship) are allowed to continually spew out homophobic lyrics, secretly knowing that they have our mental endorsement and permission to reshape the mindsets of our children with subliminal homophobic messages cleverly woven into the fabric of rap lyrics, then we can expect to see more incidents like this occur. Most children who are gay, bisexual, or lesbian aren’t as bold as transgender people are and many hide their sexual orientation from parents and guardians in the African-American community most of their lives until they eventually cast off the chains of discrimination and oppression and come out.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., modeled his life after Christ and both of them were an example to us all. Their goal in mind was to teach us to love one another and to respect one another because every human being is made in the image of the Creator and deserves their God-given equal rights. Many religious extremists rant and claim that acceptance of all people is against God’s will and that by granting all people equal rights will most certainly lead to the demise and the downfall of our great nation. But I prefer to think the opposite! I prefer to embrace the philosophy and vision of our forefathers whom under divine inspiration crafted the Constitution (an ingenious revolutionary document which is still the envy of countless nations today) and believed that all people deserve equal rights. If our nation falls, it will not be because people are gay, bisexual, lesbian or transgender; it will be because we have allowed ourselves to become deluded and deceived by our own homophobic prejudices, still intent upon continuing our legacy of discrimination and hatred that have stained the pages of our history with the blood of the innocent for decades!
International Author Terry Angel Mason Makes Special Guest Appearance on “A Step Forward” TVShow
Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2011)- Global author and Civil Rights activist, Terry Angel Mason, will be a special guest on A Step Forward with host Carole Freeman on Saturday, April 30th, at 3:00 PM PST. The show can be viewed on the Internet at www.ustream.tv/channel/tv-1061.
A revered author, minister, and speaker, Angel’s books are distributed all over the world, and has become one of the most talked about authors of our time, and is leading the world to think about same gender loving community from a place of love and understanding. Mason, a self-published author, quickly rose to international prominence after publishing Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a riveting tome that boldly challenged the roots of intolerance, homophobia, and examined the black churches’ role in spreading the violence, hatred and suicide of gays and lesbians around the world. A captivating read that shattered the myths surrounding homosexuality and spirituality, Mason’s book was submitted for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize and was also nominated for The Lambda Literary Awards and the Stonewall Book Award.
Following in the massive success of Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, Mason’s latest literary phenomenon, They Say That I Am Broken, promises to garner even more praise and
worldwide recognition as he affirms God’s love for all people, and eloquently dissects race, religion and homosexuality through empowering essays, poems and stories. They Say That I Am Broken is scheduled to be released in May, 2011.
About Global Author Terry Angel Mason
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent,They Say That I am Broken, and Get On The Road To Riches.
A revered leader and global change agent, Angel Mason is the former director of the internationally acclaimed San Diego Interfaith Gospel Choir, and is a revered community leader and HIV/AIDS advocate whose mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people. A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, A & U Magazine, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, Echelon Magazine, and in many other publications. Mason has won many awards for his achievements, including The San Diego Urban League’s National Success Story Award, and many others.
Note to media: Terry Angel Mason is available for media appearances. Please contact Florence Edwards at Florence@Publicity911.com to request an interview. To view video interviews with Terry Angel Mason, please click the following links below:
International Author Terry Angel Mason Makes Special Guest Appearance on “A Step Forward” TVShow
Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2011)- Global author and Civil Rights activist, Terry Angel Mason, will be a special guest on A Step Forward with host Carole Freeman on Saturday, April 30th, at 3:00 PM PST. The show can be viewed on the Internet at www.ustream.tv/channel/tv-1061.
A revered author, minister, and speaker, Angel’s books are distributed all over the world, and has become one of the most talked about authors of our time, and is leading the world to think about same gender loving community from a place of love and understanding. Mason, a self-published author, quickly rose to international prominence after publishing Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, a riveting tome that boldly challenged the roots of intolerance, homophobia, and examined the black churches’ role in spreading the violence, hatred and suicide of gays and lesbians around the world. A captivating read that shattered the myths surrounding homosexuality and spirituality, Mason’s book was submitted for the 2009 Pulitzer Prize and was also nominated for The Lambda Literary Awards and the Stonewall Book Award.
Following in the massive success of Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent, Mason’s latest literary phenomenon, They Say That I Am Broken, promises to garner even more praise and
worldwide recognition as he affirms God’s love for all people, and eloquently dissects race, religion and homosexuality through empowering essays, poems and stories. They Say That I Am Broken is scheduled to be released in May, 2011.
About Global Author Terry Angel Mason
Terry Angel Mason is an internationally renowned author, keynote speaker, poet, singer, songwriter, minister, and Civil Rights activist who currently resides is Southern California. He is the author of three popular titles, Love Won’t Let Me Be Silent,They Say That I am Broken, and Get On The Road To Riches.
A revered leader and global change agent, Angel Mason is the former director of the internationally acclaimed San Diego Interfaith Gospel Choir, and is a revered community leader and HIV/AIDS advocate whose mission is to inspire, educate and empower millions around the world, and promote love and acceptance for all people. A highly sought after author and activist, Mason has been featured in ME Magazine, POZ Magazine, A & U Magazine, Real Health Magazine, Q Magazine, Echelon Magazine, and in many other publications. Mason has won many awards for his achievements, including The San Diego Urban League’s National Success Story Award, and many others.
Note to media: Terry Angel Mason is available for media appearances. Please contact Florence Edwards at Florence@Publicity911.com to request an interview. To view video interviews with Terry Angel Mason, please click the following links below:
They say that I am broken like an expensive crystal glass that has just fallen to the floor and been shattered into a million pieces.
Cracked liked a piece of fine porcelain or priceless ceramic pottery, even after a master sculptor had labored over me for hours to mold me and create me in His own image.
So shattered, it was easy to be misled, enslaved, and seduced by others to live a lifestyle that many claim dishonors humanity and insults deity.
For years, I believed them before I understood, before I knew the truth, and before I knew how deeply and passionately He loves me!
They had me so convinced, that I was broken and in need of repair until at times, I began to despise the desires that were natural to me and desperately tried to disown them, rip them from my being, and declare with everything in my consciousness that they were not my own and could never be my own!!! And in desperation, I cried out a million times in prayer to be delivered and repaired.
Surely He can repair me since He created me, I reasoned! After all, wouldn't He love me more? Wouldn't people accept me and embrace me more if I were not broken and shattered?
Stay in fellowship, pray without ceasing, sing in the choir, usher on the Usher Board and fast until every evil desire is uprooted like a dead plant a gardener discards and uproots because it has withered and died, were my goals.
So I walked with my brothers and sisters, prayed with them, sang with them, gave my hard-earned money to them, spent the night with them in all-night church prayer shut-ins, let them drench me with anointing oil until I was soaked, and cast the demons out of me. Why did I do it? I did it because they said I was broken and in need of repair.
But one day while walking with them on life's journey, my feet began to bleed, and in utter horror, I looked at them, wondering what had cut my feet so severely.I knew what the glass looked like from my own so-called brokenness, but the huge sharp, jagged pieces in my feet did not resemble anything of mine.
I thought to myself, where could all this shattered glass be coming from? As I looked up the road, I shuddered because I could see nothing but an unending sea of broken glass ahead. But strangely enough, the people who were walking in front of me were not bleeding at all. Their feet had been so bruised, so calloused, so scarred, their consciences so seared and hearts so hardened -- so used to walking in broken glass, until they could not see that they were in need of repair and were wounding me!
As I examined the glass more closely, trying to dodge it on the ground so I wouldn't get cut anymore, I saw fragments that reflected their adultery, bitterness, unforgiveness, jealousy, deception, hypocrisy, orgies, hatred, prejudice, drug abuse, child abuse, spousal abuse, misappropriation of church funds, alcoholism, infidelity, countless children born out of wedlock, abandoned and uncared for by church mothers and fathers — a list far too numerous to recount!
Instinctively, I knew that if I did not stop following them, eventually my feet would be cut to shreds, and I would not survive the journey.
So I began to discreetly and quietly walk down another road, but when they noticed that I was no longer following them, they screamed at me from a distance: "You are going to hell! We always knew you never loved Him! Your perversion has blinded you! You are deceived and in error! This is the reason why the institution of marriage is deteriorating in our society today, because of perverts like you!"
Tears streamed from my eyes, and my heart was broken. Condemnation overwhelmed me, and guilt worked hard to persuade me to turn around. And just as I was about to, I met a man on the road, carrying a cross.And I thought to myself, why is He walking down this road carrying such a huge wooden cross? It must be heavy! It must be a tremendous burden to carry!
As I got closer to Him, I noticed my name written on the cross. And in utter amazement, I stopped; but before I could ask Him the reason for the inscription, He answered and said, "Because the Father loves you!" And then out of nowhere, another man appeared and took His cross from Him while He bent down to remove the jagged pieces of glass from my feet that had caused them to bleed so terribly. I immediately began to weep and apologize for all the broken glass and for taking up His time, especially since He was carrying such a heavy cross. He looked into my eyes and said, "Why do you apologize for the brokenness of others?" The brokenness of others?, I thought!!!
"Do you know why you were able to find me on this road?" He asked "No," I replied."I didn't expect to see anyone on this road because of the way I was living, how differently I was made, because of what I desire, and the things I had done in my past!"
That is when He asked me to look up. I thought He was directing my attention to the sky, but I knew it could not be so because the light that was emanating from His body seemed to out-shine the sun. As I gazed around, I noticed a simple sign by the side of the road that said "HIGHWAY OF TRUTH."
As I looked into His beautiful hazel eyes, He smiled and said, "All who worship Me must worship Me in spirit and in truth! The Fathers seeks and loves those who do!"
But I am broken; I am shattered!I am -- that is when He took my hands and placed them in His side and said, "Wounded for your transgressions, bruised for your iniquities, the chastisement of the world's peace was upon Me and by my stripes, you are healed!" I looked at my feet, and they were no longer cut and bleeding, but miraculously healed. But I don't understand, sir! How did you do this? How did this happen?
His reply: "Love compelled me, and compassion inspired me and moved me to action!"
But why? Why for me? And just before I could say "I was broken" again, He said, "The world is broken! There is none good, none perfect, no, not one! Not the Pastor, not the evangelist, not the apostle, not the preacher, not the prophet or the prophetess, not the minister of music, not the teacher, not the deacon, not the Bishop, not even the church trustee!
Son, all of humanity is broken, and that is why I came! While they singled you out because of your uniqueness, they foolishly forgot that all are in need of a redeemer. Even if you had somehow managed to change your natural inclinations, suppressed them, and began to live another way, without my sacrifice, eternal life could never be yours. Do you want eternal life?" He asked. "Yes," I replied!
"Then believe on Me with your whole heart," He said, "and change your confession!Say no more 'I am broken'! Say no more 'I am shattered'! Instead, say 'I am healed'! Say 'I am redeemed'! Say 'I and the Father are one'! Say 'I walk in the newness of life'."And when the appointed time comes, I shall return for you, and then I will complete my work."
"What work is that?" I asked.
"To restore the planet to its former state of perfection and transform your body from mortal to immortal in a twinkling of an eye; then take you to my Father's house. For there, He has prepared a marvelous banquet for you," was His reply.
Then suddenly, He and the man holding the cross vanished. As I sat quietly by the road, bewildered and pondering what had just occurred, I decided to continue my journey. As I began to walk, the road seemed to ascend and my legs became tired and my body weary from the tedious climb up the hill. When I got to the top, I noticed people huddled together in a circle (looking up), but I could not see what they were gazing at. Something compelled me to press my way through the crowd, and to my horror, I discovered the man who had healed me by the side of the road -- brutally beaten, slain, and hanging on a cross, with nails in His hands and feet.Who could have done this to such a beautiful, kind man? Why did they murder Him and hang Him on a cross to die? I thought, as buckets of tears streamed down my face.
That is when I remembered the words He spoke to me as I was on the side of the road -- cut, bleeding, rejected, and in despair: "Wounded for your transgressions, bruised for your iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes, we are healed!I am going away, but I will come again to renew the Earth and restore it to its former state of perfection, and I will transform your body from mortal to immortal in a twinkling of an eye and take you back with Me to my Father's house. For there, He has prepared a marvelous banquet for you!Say no more 'You are broken'! Say no more 'You are shattered'! Say 'You are healed!'"
By Terry Angel Mason, Global Author Excerpt from They Say That I Am Broken
Tucked neatly within the pages of this inspiring non-fiction masterpiece are creative stores cleverly penned by Mason, in a genre of fiction that boldly knocks down taboos and transcends stigmas -- literally becoming part of the social fabric of Black America today!
Release Date: SPRING 2011 You can pre-order a signed copy of They Say That I Am Broken at a discounted price and have it mailed directly to you. As an added bonus, you will also receive a FREE copy of "Get On The Royal Road to Riches" a special gift from this very gifted author.
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Out of the Abundance of the Heart the Mouth Speaks!
(A Tree is Known by the Fruit it Bears)
43 For there is no good tree that bringeth forth corrupt fruit; nor again a corrupt tree that bringeth forth good fruit. 44 For each tree is known by its own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 The good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and the evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth that which is evil: for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (Luke 6:43-45 ASV).
For years I have been a Laker fan. I've attended Laker parades, purchased Laker gear, attended countless Laker games and can be found glued to the television as they play out of town games that I can not personally attend. Days on end I can be seen proudly wearing my favorite Laker hat and my purple and gold, like it is a ritual. Even while traveling last summer to the Big Apple (NY, NY) I engaged in countless conversations on and off airplanes and trains about my Lakers! I can't even articulate how wonderful it is to travel all over the country doing book signings, only to arrive in a new city to see them selling Laker gear like it is going out of style.
However, Tuesday night was the first time in my life that I felt embarrassed to even be called a diehard Laker fan. I have seen my Lakers lose games and still I believed in them and supported them, in spite of what anyone had to say, but I must tell you that it broke my heart (as a same-gender-loving black man) not to receive the same support and respect back. Yes, I know that many of you will say, "He's just over reacting and blowing an unintentional comment, verbalized in the heat of frustration and anger out of proportion. Besides, it's not really all that serious!" But the truth of the matter is that it is very serious! As a matter of fact, on a scale of 1 to 10 it's a 50!
Whenever someone who is as highly respected and admired like Kobe Bryant, loses control at a nationally televised NBA Game and calls an NBA Referee, a F@#**KING FAGGOT, that's nothing to sneer at! Of course Kobe claims that it was out of "frustration, pure frustration" after being slapped with his 15th technical of the season. This may be true, but it is also true that millions of young men and women look up to Kobe, worship the ground he walks on, and incessantly dream of one day being just like him.
Yes, I agree that Kobe was indeed angry, so he reached into his arsenal of words and found the most derogatory, demeaning term and hurled it at the Referee with the intention of doing the most emotional and psychological damage to the man that he could. No one can convince me that if he didn't think gays were the scum of the earth that he would not have purposely selected this word. As stated previously, he merely expressed what he really feels at the core of his being and reached into his arsenal of weapons with the full intent to annihilate the man in the worst way possible verbally - striking back like a foolish child throwing a temper tantrum.
Now, just so you don't think I'm being too hard on Kobe, I know firsthand what it means to be in the public's eye and constantly scrutinized and I know what it is to be revered by thousands of people all over the world and have to live up to a glorified image and inflated expectations. But in times of frustration, I don't resort to calling people names or using derogatory slurs because I am infuriated. The reason that I don't do these things is not because I possess some type of supernatural control over my emotions, but because these things are not in my heart! Intense anger has a way of exposing what has been intentionally or unintentionally embedded in our hearts. Contrary to popular opinion, anger is not necessarily a bad emotion when bridled and tempered by self-control. But anger can be a double-edged sword betraying us and exposing ideas and prejudices deeply rooted in our hearts and minds. In one ungarded moment, the heart can bypass the mind and express itself, revealing its true content when tested by the refining fires of life.
Kobe has already gone out of his way to apologize and demonstrate his deep remorse for having acted so stupidly and I applaud him for doing so, but I also would like to recommend that he allow the purifying light of God's love and truth to flush out what has been implanted in his being which has been secretly defiling him and the multitudes for decades.
The gay community has been desperately striving to make us comprehend for years that "LIFE AND DEATH IS IN THE POWER OF THE TONGUE!"Here is one of the greatest wisdom principles that one could ever learn, and that is "WORDS CAN CREATE AND DESTROY!" What we contemplate and think upon constantly is a form of meditation (with unlimited ability to shape our thinking) that is why rap music is so powerful! Eventually that which we think upon for an extended period of time shapes our thinking and behavior. One of the greatest spiritual truths of all time is "THOUGHTS ARE THINGS AND WORDS HAVE POWER!" Moreover, thoughts and behavior reveal what is truly in our hearts and minds long before we begin to speak it!
I believe that in some ways, Kobe is a victim himself and didn't fully realize it until this unfortunate incident occurred. You must realize that it has only become distasteful and unacceptable to use terms against gays in the last two or three years. For years, well known rappers spewed out homophobic slurs as often as it rains in Seattle. Consquently, it was acceptable to do so because if a man was gay, he was considered to be the scum of the earth. Furthermore, though many rap artists have toned it down fearing the wrath of organizations like HRC and GLAAD, they have done nothing to undo the damage in the hearts and minds of millions of fans influenced negatively for years who now view gays, lesbians and transgender people as people who are worthless, demented, incomplete and/or distorted.
This prevailing attitude is not only something that plagues African countries like Uganda but is also expressed in America's overt refusal to grant same-gender-loving people equal rights. It is clear that the people living in the hood aren't the only ones brainwashed by relentless subliminal homophobic hate messages which cause our young people to commit suicide at an alarming rate, and tempts conservative religious extremists with ideas of reinstating Jim Crow laws under the guise of "reclaiming their country from a supposed incompetent Black leader."
And the comments! The comments are so offensive until it sickens me at the core of my being to even know that people think hating anyone is okay. Just listen to the comments posted on the Lakers' BlogSpot, YOUTUBE and in the Los Angeles Times.
LA TIMES COMMENTS: Comments like: "Don't apologize, Kobe. You've explained yourself. That's enough. What do we play for? RINGS!!! Lakers Today... Lakers Tomorrow... Lakers Forever! GO LAKERS!!!" "I don't think this should be an issue that generate much money for the nba...its just an expression that wasn't directed to anybody...which should have not been given attention...these gays/lesbians have just been so pampered when in fact they are not very sensitive to the society as a whole...has the media been attentive to these gays/lesbians when they attack personally the pope, the clergy when these persons are morally upright than them..." "Ha ha ha .. that was really funny, the gays are so hurt, poor gays... their feeling are truly hurt" "Kobe, do not try to appease the homosexual community by being in one of their sick sodomy celebrating parades and don't allow them to extort money from you. Society is supporting you against these ...whiners."
Additional YOUTUBE COMMENT: "...and fags are offended as always, crybabies, and then they wonder why nobody likes them!" When I read these comments, I realized just how very far we as Americans still have to go to reach The Promised Land of Equality. Every day, I personally see young Blacks and Hispanics being verbally and physically abused by people who just don't give a damn! And I think to myself, if Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. were still on the planet, he would be grieved tremendously to see us treating one another with no regard for human life and no regard for our children's future or well-being. But then again, it's clear from the majority of comments that I read that it's perfectly okay to do it to them because we hate them anyway. The real truth of the matter is that we all have brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, step-children, husbands, wives, friends and lovers who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender. We may not know it, but it is a true fact! And suffice it to say, that the Lakers have more gay fans than they could ever imagine who regularly purchase season tickets, show up at parades and proudly wear and display their Lakers' gear without any reservation. It's just too bad that many of these people will be murdered, ruthlessly persecuted and beaten beyond recognition by peers simply because they are gay!
Even though maniacs and misguided people and diehard Laker fans want to blatantly overlook Kobe's foolish mistake, because after all "it didn't really hurt anybody or endanger anyone" - which is what many will be inclined to think and say. Statistics prove otherwise, or didn't you note the epidemic of suicides among gay and lesbian children and young adults this year and the year before? And of course it had nothing to do what the fact that stars, rappers and athletes in a fit of anger slipped and called someone a "F#@*king FAGGOT!" The only problem is that you will never be able to convince the mother, father and grandparents of that gay child who has been abused or even heartlessly murdered that these mishaps were harmless and inconsequential! There is, however; one statement written among the numerous comments that appropriately expresses a truth that I think all Americans need to read and consider upon which I will conclude.
"This is a sad day for Kobe, for the Lakers, and for the NBA. That he came out, in a moment in anger with such a nasty slur, it means that deep inside he holds a deep seated homophobic hatred. If the Ref or another player would have called Kobe the infamous politically incorrect 'N' word' - wow, would Kobe have been angry! Kobe should be penalized more heavily for this. He should be suspended for at least one game. We have too many big shot athletic 'heroes' who are continually giving the wrong message to their fans, especially young people. It has to stop somewhere...whether it is using verbal insults or shooting up steroids, there are major morality issues we collectively must face. I am a big Lakers fan and still love Kobe Bryant. Howver, after this outrageous remark, he is just as guilty as the Barry Bonds and A-Rods who abuse their position, their salaries, and place in society."
Who knows, perhaps Kobe can donate the $100,000 fine he was forced to pay to the families of all the innocent same-gender loving people (that supported the Lakers for years) who have been beaten to death by homophobic abusers to defray the cost of funeral expenses!
by Terry Angel Mason, Global Author WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM
"YOU HAVE SOWN THE STORM AND SURELY YOU WILL REAP THE WHIRLWIND!"
A vicious immoral insanity has invaded Uganda like a biblical plague, and is now eating away at her soul and festering amongst her people like a virulent malignant disease. Moreover, this plague, if not stopped, excised and exorcised from Ugandan culture, will continue to incite more political oppression, more unjustified murders and more unwarranted and illegal imprisonments. This insanity that I refer to is extreme homophobia, which has been tragically and purposely imported into the country by Right wing Christian evangelical leaders, resulting in disastrous consequences for the people of Uganda. This intolerant mindset has been eagerly and cruelly embraced by Ugandan government officials, who have now codified this extreme form of homophobic genocide into their very country's constitution.
Every disease, whether physical or spiritual is spread by a host or a carrier. Subsequently, after carefully researching the facts and events which led to this spiritual affliction and infection, we have determined the agents of this heartbreaking virus. Thusly, we name you Scott Lively, Caleb Lee Brundidge, Don Schmierer, Richard Cohen, Rev. Rick Warren and your protégé Dr. Martin Ssempa, as the primary carriers of this blighted philosophy. Moreover, we also name Republican Senator James Inhofe as a secondary enabling agent of this vicious strain of poisonous hatred. But the major blame for being the main delivery system and introducing this toxic madness to the governmental system of Uganda, we lay at the feet of David Bahati (architect of the Bill and Member of the Ugandan Parliament and also African point man of the Washington Right Wing cabal, known as "The Family").
What is amazing about you right wing "Religious leaders" from America is your hypocrisy and misguided egos. Moreover, it is for good reason that I make the distinction of referring to you as "Religious" and not spiritual leaders because the word "Religious" denotes a fanatical devotion to doctrine and dogma which often results in zealous mindlessness and misguided actions, whereas, "Spiritual" connotes possessing an intimate relationship with the Creator, e.g.: The Holy Spirit, God, or Christ. Moreover, when we examine your historical actions, we observe no real spiritual fruit from your ministries, but instead poisonous and toxic offerings with which you have deceitfully and fraudulently passed off to the body of Christ as teachings of Christ. Consequently, for this apostasy, for this act of spiritual perversion, you have purposely sown the storm of religious fear and confusion with seeds of hatred and homophobia, and for that you shall surely reap the whirlwind of Divine Judgment!
What is even more baffling and disappointing to me, is how you "Religious" leaders claim to be led by God, as a justification for your actions. This is far from the truth! Because if you were truly anointed by God, then your five senses would be similarly anointed or Divinely sensitized as well, but they are not! For if they were, then the screams of the murdered and tortured would assault your ears so greatly that you would not be able to sleep at night, as a result of the forces that you have set in motion. Your eyes could not help but observe the hurt, harm, and suffering that you have infflicted upon the innocent people of Uganda. Furthermore, the stench of fear and desperation would overpower your sense of smell, as would the taste of innocent blood gag you, as it filled your mouths, while you felt the innocent blood dripping from your very hands. You have unleashed a great evil in the name of Christ: The Prince of Divine Love and Peace! In the Bible, Christ proclaimed that He came to fulfill the promise of the Scriptures. Christ also proclaimed that there were two new commandments which supersede all the others and they were One: Love the Lord with all thy Heart! Two: Love thy neighbor as thyself! How can you possibly reconcile the evil that you have done against these precepts? I challenge you to show me where in the Scriptures does Christ call for the deaths of gay people? Where does Christ: The Divine Manifestation of God's love admonish the authorities to lock them up? There is a famous aphorism which states "Thoughts are things and words have power!" And Richard Cohen, the very inflammatory words in your published book "Coming Out Straight," have unleashed a destructive power in the land! "On Page 49, you list a damning litany of false facts that have been used by Ugandan homophobes to justify their ruthless oppression and criminalization of same gender loving people. These so-called facts, were so false, so fallacious and inflammatory that when exposed on national television, you stated that they would be deleted from future editions. However, the damage has been done, Richard Cohen, and your lies and false statements have been used as fodder for the horrific "Kill the Gays Bill" that has been enacted by the Ugandan Government! Consequently, no amount of back pedaling, no amount of protestations of innocence, and no amount of political evasion can absolve you from being an integral part in this bloody genocide! As a renown T.V. news host truthfully told you on the air, 'YOU HAVE BLOOD ON YOUR HANDS!' It is also truly regrettable, even damning, that you and other "Religious leaders" who profess to be former gay men, are so anxious and desperate to turn public scrutiny away from yourselves. You are so deeply entrenched in self-hate that you would willingly sanction, overtly or covertly, Ugandan governmental policies which legally legislate genocide and gross human rights violations. But this we say to you and to your similarly conflicted colleagues: A wife and children does not a heterosexual make!
The same charge of hypocrisy can be laid at your feet, Rick Warren, the Global "Religious" leader and author of "The Purpose Driven Life." It is common knowledge that you are anti-gay from previously made statements. Most conservative ministers are. But, It is also common knowledge about the close mentoring relationship between you and Dr. Martin Ssempa, Uganda Chairman of the National Task Force Against Homosexuality, who was a frequent visitor to your Saddleback Church! Dr. Ssempa, by his own lips, professed how he wrote letters to you asking your advice on these issues of homosexual criminalization and how you said nothing! Edmund Burke prophetically said, "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing!" Consequently, your silence was damning! It was tacit approval of your inner views concerning the subject. Consequently, you too have sown the storm of religious fanaticism and political oppression with your seeds of silence! You too will reap the whirlwind of Divine Judgment, as you give an account of your lack of action, before God, as to why you allowed such a travesty to take place! No amount of videos pleading for peace and tolerance, after the fact, can undo the hurt, the harm, and suffering that your silence evoked! No amount of feigning ignorance of these events will exonerate you or erase the stain from your soul! You too shall stand before a loving God and will be weighed in the balances of justice and be found wanting, as will your protégé Dr. Ssempa! His was a crime of commission, but yours was a crime of omission. Sadly, many others are guilty of such damning political and moral apathy. People such as Republican senator: James Inhofe. You possessed close personal relationships with Ugandan political officials. You had the opportunity to rein in these horrific and homophobic political machinations. You possessed the power to temper, moderate and bring sanity and reason to this homophobic madness and hysteria, but you did nothing because deep down in your heart, you delighted in these human rights violations and thought that you could evade blame for the tragic consequences it generated. The "Kill the Gays Bill" served your own right wing agendas of hate and homophobic discrimination. You Right wing senators have sown that very storm of religious and political madness with the seeds of criminal neglect from which you shall surely reap the whirlwind of Divine Justice!
Lastly, we charge you David Bahati, me
mber of Uganda Parliament, with the crimes of political and moral treason. You have betrayed your vow to protect the nation of Uganda and the will of its people, and in its place you have substituted and inserted your own hatreds and personal demons into one of the most appalling pieces of legislation ever to be crafted in any country, appropriately nicknamed the "KILL THE GAYS BILL!" That you would stubbornly advocate and legislate such a human rights monstrosity is beyond belief! What is puzzling and even more frightening, is that you hold a position of power within the Ugandan Parliament. You foolishly assert that because the country of Uganda does not hold the genocide of same sex people as a human right violation, that it is not one. You foolishly advocate that any Ugandan gay person OUTSIDE of Uganda having consensual sex in any other part of the world should be extradited back to Uganda to be imprisoned. You foolishly rail against and denounce other compassionate nations who have taken an appropriate stand against your policies by refusing to fund your country or grant you monetary aid. Subsequently, you have made Uganda a Pariah in the world community. You, David Bahati, have sown the storm of moral cruelty, intolerance and oppression with your acts of ignorance and gross insensitivity and you are now deservingly reaping the whirlwind of world censure.
Consequently, like all of your aforementioned fellow "Religious" and civil conspirators, who have plunged Uganda back into "The Dark Ages", although we recoil in horror from your actions, and weep real tears for the innocent lives that your misguided cabal are destroying, we do not hate you, nor wish you harm because we know that the mills of God grind slowly but justly! We also know that God will allow no government, no nation or no one to arbitrarily and inhumanely destroy His creations. Lastly, we know that you and your colleagues will surely face Divine Retribution because as the Scriptures so perfectly and prophetically promised that "whosoever sows the storm, will surely reap the whirlwind!"
By Terry Angel Mason, Global Author
Note: Special thanks to Asim, my Personal Assistant for his assistance and research in regards to this writing project.
Post Script: Because of the murderous consequences the American Right wing Evangelicals have visited upon Uganda, America owes the Ugandan Same Sex Community a moral, spiritual and karmic debt that must be expiated and expunged! We call on Congress and President Obama to emulate and duplicate the heroic and compassionate example of The U.K. and likewise offer political asylum to the persecuted same sex community of Uganda. Surely the famous words inscribed upon the Statue of Liberty "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. The wretched refuse of your teeming shore. Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!" should include them as well!
According to Newsmax.com, The Obama administration will introduce its first statement calling for the United Nations' top human rights body to combat discrimination against gays and lesbians around the world, implementing a U.S. reversal from years of ambiguity on the subject during the presidency of George W. Bush. The U.S. declaration will be made Tuesday at the Geneva-based Human Rights Council and has the support of more than 80 countries. Although it is not in the form of a binding resolution, the American push for U.N. action has helped win over a handful of new countries to the cause. A resolution could be brought to a vote later this year. The issue of gay rights has polarized nations at the U.N. for years. And despite growing acceptance of homosexuality in Western nations and parts of Latin America, lawyers and human rights activists say there is still a gap in human rights treaties for the protection of gays against discrimination and mistreatment. "We are very concerned that individuals continue to be killed, arrested and harassed around the world because of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Suzanne Nossel, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for International Organizations. "This statement sends a strong message from across the globe that such abuses should not be tolerated." Again, I can only applaud the Obama administration for championing equal rights for all same-gender-loving people across the globe, especially in view of the recently proposed gay genocide in Uganda.
Just one year ago, on May 20, 2010 a gay couple in Malawi was sentenced by a judge to 14 years of hard labor, the maximum sentence, for committing what he felt were unnatural acts and gross indecency. The same judge found Steven Monjeza, 26, and Tiwonge Chimbalanga, 20, guilty of the crimes earlier that same week. The couple was arrested last December for simply holding a traditional engagement ceremony; and they have remained in prison since then for doing so. Judge Nyakwawa Usiwa-Usiwa reportedly told the men he wanted to "protect" the public from them. "I will give you a scaring sentence," (he pompously and unmercifully proclaimed) "so that the public will be protected from people like you! And so that we are not tempted to emulate this horrendous example!" The couple, with the help of local and international human rights groups, is expected to appeal, though up until now this has not yet been done. This would definitely be in the best interest of the defendants since their 14-year prison sentence will most likely result in their untimely demise at the hands violent and homophobic incarcerated murderers. The case has also drawn international condemnation of the aforementioned anti-homosexuality laws in Malawi, and been denounced by 65 members of the British Parliament who signed a motion condemning the prosecution. In addition, the international human rights group Amnesty International adopted the couple as prisoners of conscience.Not long after the imprisonment of the Malawi gay couple, David Kato, one of Uganda's most prominent gay rights activists was murdered in his home weeks after winning a court victory over a tabloid that called for homosexuals in Uganda to be killed. David Kato, the advocacy officer for Sexual Minorities Uganda, was bludgeoned to death in Mukono, Kampala. Along with other Ugandan gay activists, Kato had reported increased harassment since January 3rd, when a high court judge granted a permanent injunction against the Rolling Stone tabloid newspaper, preventing it from identifying homosexuals in its pages. All of these horrific events are particularly troubling since many countries who supported Uganda and surrounding African nations monetarily are now withdrawing AIDS funding. This is crippling the country in terms of offering quality treatment to the millions of individuals suffering from the pandemic in those areas. AIDS-related stigma and discrimination directed at same gender-loving-people and people living with HIV and AIDS, results in being shunned by family, peers and the wider community; discouraging those infected with the virus from seeking proper treatment because of the fear of being labeled gay and/or the possibility of eventually being killed because of it. It is a proven fact that poor treatment in healthcare and education results in an erosion of rights and psychological damage that often negatively affects the success of testing and treatment. Uganda and other surrounding countries inhumane acts of violence and overt discrimination directed at same-gender-loving people has blinded them to truth and compassion which subsequently has clouded their good judgment and sense of self-preservation. It now also threatens to undo 30 years of progress made against the spread of the virus. Already we are seeing signs of these repercussions, since thousands refuse to seek medical care, fearing that doctors, nurses and practitioners will disclose their sexual preference--something mandated by the Ugandan Legislation. The daunting reality is that now millions will die needlessly because of fear, ignorance and intolerance. While it is easy to point a finger at other countries such as Uganda and condemn them for their monstrous acts against humanity, we must also realize that "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Even though we pride ourselves on living in a democracy and we pompously declare to the world on frequent occasions that we are the ultimate example of a democratic country, we are also hypocrites! America has allowed bigots and religious extremists for years to enshrine in our own constitution countless laws that illegally deny same-gender-loving people equal rights, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (in almost every state). Many religious leaders and right-wing politicians justify their actions biblically and feel absolutely no remorse for their actions. Yes, it is commendable that we are leading the way in the international community in regards to proposing this resolution. Still, it is vital and imperative that we first remove the two-by-four from our own eye before we attempt to remove the splinter from our brother's eye! After this resolution is proposed next Tuesday, our goal as a nation should be to immediately return to our own country (with the winds of equality and integrity at our backs) determined to uproot any and everything that is enshrined in our constitution, on any level of government, that denies any human being equal rights. It is an immutable law that it is far better to lead by example because we are practicing what we preach, than to shout from the rafters of hypocritical self-deception. We must put an end to demanding equality and fair treatment of all of people from the international community, while we ourselves are living in hypocrisy and even committing many of the same injustices! What we demand of them, we must demand more of--from ourselves. Then, and only then, will we become a true beacon of light, love and hope that others will be eager to follow!
Listen to Mason's inspiring audio message entitled: UGANDA, UGANDA MY HEART WEEPS FOR YOU by Terry Angel Mason, Global Author WWW.TERRYANGELMASON.COM FOLLOW THIS BEST SELLING AUTHOR ON TWITTER LINK: twitter.com/ALOVEBALLAD CHECK OUT ANGEL MASON'S VIDEO PRESENTATION
expensive crystal glass that has just fallen to the floor and been shattered into a million pieces. 
