Timbre of a TimeFree Mind

The study, using statistics fro the 2000 Census, show that nearly half of black same-sex couples have lived in the same residence for at least five years - a figure almost as high as for married black couples - and that a majority of those households included children.

But, the survey also shows that gay and lesbian African American couples have lower median incomes than either white same-sex couples or black married opposite-sex couples.

The study was prepared by National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Black Justice Coalition.

"This report underscores the powerful negative impact of both racism and homophobia," said Matt Foreman, NGLTF executive director.

"This report clearly shows that denying the protections that come with marriage disproportionately hurts the ability of gay and lesbian African American couples to save money, provide for their children, buy a house, or prepare for retirement."

The survey found that black same-sex couples were raising children at nearly twice the rate of their white counterparts: 61 percent to 31 percent for females and 46 percent to 24 percent for males.

But, while black male same-sex couples reported a median income of $49,000 a year, and black lesbian couples earned $42,000 a year. By comparison, African American married opposite-sex couples earned $51,000 a year and white same-sex couples averaged $69,000 a year.

The report contained another disturbing fact. Eleven percent of the black women in same-sex households were veterans, compared with 3 percent of black women married to male partners. Eighteen percent of the black men in same-sex households were veterans, compared with 31 percent of black married men.

But, black women are discharged from the military under the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" at disproportionate rates. Although they make up less than 1 percent of the military, 3 percent of those kicked out under "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" are black women.

The reported concluded that "removing discriminatory legislation and allowing black same-sex couples to access benefits available to married people will hurt no one, and will allow more Americans to better support and protect their families."

posted by jikido  # 2:05 PM