A Disturbing Irony in the Presidential Race from a Different Demographic

Though one could suggest many reasons, many of which have to do with Hillary Clinton, it appears that there may be some subtle racism in the "white" gay community when you look at who voted for President-Elect Obama in 2008.  In 2004, Bush got 23% among gay voters, while Kerry received 77%.  Similarly, but notably differently, in this past election, gay individuals voted 70% for Obama and 27% for McCain.  When you consider that Obama made increases across the board among every demographic including white voters, one has to wonder what accounts for this difference.  Perhaps there is more conservatism among gay men and women than one would expect, or perhaps there is some racism among that demographic toward African-Americans.  It is particularly disturbing that gays, while not having been persecuted in anything similar to the injustice of slavery or segregation, would have racist tendencies.  Unfortunately, since the numbers of voters are small and exit polling is notoriously inaccruate, there is not really enough evidence to make any kind of definitely comment, but the numbers are disturbing.

In the city of Los Angeles, where I reside, there is definitely segregation among various minorities in bars and clubs, particularly African-Americans, Latinos and whites.  I've seen the same thing when I have visited New York City or Washington DC.  I never thought of it as racism anecdotally, but maybe there is something there.  Regardless of its existence or not, it is clear that gay America and black America need to attempt more outreach and education with each other, whether it be regarding HIV, marriage or racism among a minority within the gay community as a whole.