Obama & Democrats: The Party Of Inclusion May Have A Gay Problem

In a story that the Main Stream Media has largely overlooked this summer, rumors are spreading of a growing rift between the Democratic Leadership and gay community. Although the DNC has tried to avoid the publicizing of the events that have occurred this summer, the rift and subsequent fallout is likely to occur prior to election day. A concern that the DNC and Obama campaign both share.

There are two events that occurred this summer that are creating problems for both the Obama campaign and DNC. First, Obama sparked limited outrage and raised questions among activists in the gay and lesbian community after reports surfaced that he was vetting Sam Nunn for the vice-presidential position. The gay and lesbian community was struck by the possibility that Obama would choose the architect of the 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy that has been in force within the armed services for the past 15 years.

The larger problem for the Democratic Party however, may be the fallout from the firing of Donald Hitchcock, a former DNC Director for Gay & Lesbian Outreach. After pushing for timetables for the inclusion of gay & lesbian delegates to the parties national convention. Talks apparently broke down in May amidst objections of by African-American leaders. Shortly after the hostilities between the African-American leaders, led by Donna Brazille, and Hitchcock broke out, Hitchcock's partner launched public attacks against DNC leadership calling for the removal of Howard Dean. A short while thereafter, Hitchcock was abruptly fired.

Since his firing, Hitchcock has launched a lawsuit for discrimination and wrongful termination claiming that his firing was a result of his partner's public criticism. The DNC has denied the allegations but the story is about to blow up following a breakdown in settlement talks earlier this month.

The talks broke down in an unexpected explosive altercation between Hitchcock's attorney, Tara Jensen, and DNC attorney Joe Young. According to reports, as talks broke down leading to a trial, the DNC attorney misfiled paperwork in an attempt to push the trial back to a date following the November Elections. When confronted on the misfiling, Young allegedly lashed out at Jensen telling her not to 'Contradict Him' and to know her place. The altercation was outlined in a letter sent to the DNC by Jensen last week. In the letter Jensen stated:

"At that point, you became physically intimidating, and moved quickly
toward me, within six inches of my face. In fact, you were so close that you
spit on my face. You then proceeded to point your finger at me, and in an angry,
raised voice yelled, “Don’t you ever contradict me,” and “Don’t you ever
interrupt me.” You also told me to “know my place.”"

The altercation was apparently so heated that Hitchcock himself had to separate the two attorneys. The DNC has since issued an apology for Young's behavior.

When this trial ensues, prior to the November elections, it will be unwelcome news to the DNC and Obama campaign. Obama and Democratic congressional members need the gay and lesbian communities' vote in order to win the election. The story may also become a larger issue for a party and Obama campaign that has been accused of misogynistic behavior by disgruntled Hillary Clinton supporters. Considering that the DNC apologized for the behavior of Young, perhaps they should not only admit wrongdoing in their treatment of Hitchcock, but also denounce and fire Young for his misogynistic behavior.

Apparently, the party of self-proclaimed inclusion, is now under the control of leadership that could care less. For more including a video of Howard Deans testimony visit these sites:

Queerty - DNC, Hitchcock Lawyers Face-Off
Austin Statesment - Lawsuit Exposes Rift Between Gay & Black Leaders In DNC (Dean Video)

J Brown
August 7th, 2008
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