Emerging Black LGBT Politicians

06 Jun 07 12:00 AM EDT

This week, NBJC proudly spotlights three emerging Black LGBT politicians as they embark upon an intensive three day, LGBT focused Campaign and Candidate training in Chicago. 

For the second year in a row, NBJC has partnered with the Victory Fund’s, Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute to identify, recruit and train the country’s emerging Black LGBT leaders.  Today we focus upon Fred Mason III who potentially could make history in his hometown.

 

Hailing from Baltimore, Fred Mason III is a product of the city's public school system. Today he's running for the Baltimore City Council in the city's 11th district.  He is campaigning upon a platform of safe communities where people are able to learn, earn and build. Mr. Mason is proactively building coalitions to rejuvenate his community while attracting and promoting development.

What event(s)/person or people have inspired you to you enroll in the Campaign Candidate Training?  

 

I learned of the value of the training from Ricky Green of the Portal, Baltimore's Black LGBT community center and Meredith Moise of NBJC.  As a first time candidate, it is important to have the skills to run an effective campaign.  I believe I have excellent issues and qualifications.  I need some help to communicate that effectively to the voters.  

What do you want to with the knowledge gained from the training in Chicago ?  

I intend to use the knowledge to improve my effectiveness as a candidate and to win election as the next council person from Baltimore's 11th District.  When I win, I also want to use the knowledge to enable more people to effectively navigate poltics, as office seekers or involved citizens.  

What challenges have you faced being Black LGBT in America?

The biggest challenges are invisibility and the constant promotion of narrow and misleading stereotypes.  Either we are absent from the discussion, or only allowed in very constricted roles. 

Our diversity as people, and the breadth and depth of our contributions to our communities are continually suppressed or ignored.  How have you overcome these challenges?  My former pastor, Michael Curry, who is now the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina, often preached about the dangers of letting the world define you.  That reinforced messages learned at home.  I decided to pursue my choices and live everywhere as a whole person.  For the most part, people have respected that. 

I think we often give away too much power, rather than using the power within us to overcome obstacles.    

What advice would you give to others still seeking to be comfortable within their own skin?  

I would say that it can take time, and that is OK.  Surround yourself with people who are on an upward trajectory so you can be mutually reinforcing.  Seek mentors who are where you want to be.  They don't have to be like you.  They do have to be genuinely supportive of your advancement. 

Young people especially, hold on no matter how depressing today may be.  Don't let some elements of religion alienate you from sprituality and a personal connection to the divine.  Define yourself, and be true to yourself.  We all have gifts that are needed, often desperately, by our communities.

The element of us that is our sexuality does not obscure our gifts and abilities. To summarize, do you, and give back.

To learn more about Fred Mason's political campaign, access his website at www.fredmason3.com