MississippiGay

Contents:

• GAYT PLAC IN MISSISSIPPI FOR 2020
• THE UNTY WHERE NO ONE’S GAY
• MEET GAY MEN SEEKG MEN HATTIBURG, MISSISSIPPI
• MOVG TO GAY MISSISSIPPI? THG TO KNOW BEFORE RELOTG HERE AS AN LGBT PERSON.
• THE BEST MISSISSIPPI GAY CLUBS & BARSGAY CLUBS & BARS MISSISSIPPI
• GAY AREA TUPELO
• GAY SGL IN RIPLEY, MS
• IS MISSISSIPPI READY FOR ITS FIRST BLACK GAY STATE LAWMAKER?CARLTON SMH WILL TT THE LIMS OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN HE NS FOR DISTRICT 10 THE MISSISSIPPI STATE {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY NI LANGJUNE 27, 2019/9:48 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:640PX;WIDTH:640PX;}CARLTON SMHBY NI LANGJUNE 27, 2019 / 9:48 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"IS MISSISSIPPI READY FOR ITS FIRST BLACK GAY STATE LAWMAKER?","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2019-06-27T13:48:33.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2019-06-27T13:48:33.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"NI LANG","KEYWORDS":"ELECTN","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GROWG UP AS A BLACK BOY MISSISSIPPI ISN’T FOR THE FAT OF HEART. CARLTON SMH WAS BORN 1964, EXACTLY A AFTER BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUTN ORRED THE SEGREGATN OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. BUT FIANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SMH SAYS MANY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS HOLLY SPRGS—A TOWN OF 7,600 JT A HALF HOUR’S DRIVE OM THE TENNSEE BORR—REMAED “100% BLACK.” ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT THE NEIGHBORG MISSISSIPPI DELTA WAS FORCED TO FALLY SEGREGATE TWO YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOLLY SPRGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RPE OM THE PERVASIVE RACISM OF MISSISSIPPI THE 1960S AND ‘70S. THE TOWN, WHICH IS PREDOMANTLY NON-WHE, WAS ONCE HOME TO TWO HISTORILLY BLACK UNIVERSI: RT COLLEGE AND THE MISSISSIPPI INDTRIAL COLLEGE, THE LATTER OF WHICH CLOSED 1982. CLIFTON DEBERRY, THE FIRST BLACK NOMEE FOR PRINT, HAILED OM HOLLY SPRGS, AS DID CIVIL RIGHTS LEAR IDA B. WELLS.BETTMANN/GETTY(ORIGAL CAPTN) THE SIX NEW YORK CY MAYORAL NDIDAT ARE GATHERED DURG THEIR JOT APPEARANCE ON NBC-TV'S DIRECT LE. IN THE ONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): ABRAHAM D. BEAME, DEMOCRAT; WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR., CONSERVATIVE; AND JOHN V. LDSAY, REPUBLIN-LIBERAL. IN THE BACK ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): CLIFTON DEBERRY, SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY; ERIC HS, SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY; AND VO BATTISTA, UNED TAXPAYERS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CLIFTON DEBERRY (BACK ROW, LEFT) AND THE FIVE OTHER NYC MAYORAL NDIDAT ON NBC, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND YET, SMH RELLS THE UNMISTAKABLE STG OF WHE SUPREMACY AS A TAC FACT OF EVERYDAY LIFE. WHEN HE WOULD VIS THE LOL FIVE-AND-DIME STORE WH IENDS, THE ELRLY CLERKS OFTEN FOLLOWED THEM AROUND THE STORE. UPON CHECKG OUT, THE OLD WHE WOMEN BEHD THE UNTER HAD A WAY OF DROPPG THE CHANGE THEIR HANDS, STEAD OF TOUCHG THEM. BUT ONE TIME, ON A CLASS FIELD TRIP TO A LOL PARK, THE UNSPOKEN PIERCED THE AIR LIKE A GUNSHOT THE NIGHT. AFTER SMH GAVE A CLASSMATE A HELPFUL PH ON THE SWG, THE OTHER STUNTS CHANTED: “BOBBY TOUCHED A NIGGER! BOBBY TOUCHED A NIGGER!”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I KNEW WHAT THAT WORD MEANT,” SMH TELLS NEWNOWNEXT, “BUT I’D NEVER HAD ANYONE ADDRS ME LIKE THAT.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THAT WAS HARDLY THE ONLY LSON SMH’S EARLY TN BIGOTRY. ALTHOUGH HE WOULDN’T E OUT AS A GAY MAN UNTIL ATTENDG SEMARY 1980S, HE WAS SOMETIM REFERRED TO AS A “FAGGOT” OR A “SISSY” FOR GRAVATG TOWARD HIS FEMALE CLASSMAT DURG RECS. SMH HAD A “GIFT FOR RHYME,” HE RELLS, AND PREFERRED MAKG UP CHEERS AND CHANTS WH THE GIRLS TO PANTOMIMG MASCULY ON THE FOOTBALL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH NA SIMONE ONCE SANG THAT “EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT MISSISSIPPI,” PUNCTUATG THE SENTIMENT WH AN EXPLETIVE TO UNRLE THE POT, SMH SAYS HIS HOME STATE SHAPED WHO HE IS TODAY—BOTH FOR BETTER AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“KNOWG WHAT 'S LIKE TO BE MARGALIZED OM AN EARLY AGE HAS MA ME A STRONGER AND A BOLR PERSON,” HE EXPLAS. “IT'S GIVEN ME AN ADDNAL LEVEL OF CREATIVY, PERSEVERANCE, AND BELIEF MYSELF, SPE OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THK OR BELIEVE IS POSSIBLE FOR ME AND OTHER LGBTQ PEOPLE.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH WILL TT THE LIMS OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE NOVEMBER WHEN HE NS FOR DISTRICT 10 THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, WHICH VERS MARSHALL AND TATE UNTI. IF ELECTED, HE WOULD CLAIM A NUMBER OF HISTORIC FIRSTS: THE 55-YEAR-OLD WOULD BE THE FIRST LGBTQ PERSON TO BE SEATED TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE, AS WELL AS THE FIRST BLACK REPRENTATIVE HIS DISTRICT’S HISTORY. THE CUMBENT, NEIL WHALEY, IS A WHE MAN, AS IS EVERY POLICIAN WHO HAS EVER HELD THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE TONE WON’T BE EASY TO CLEAR. ALTHOUGH A MAJORY OF VOTERS NOW SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALY NEARLY EVERY U.S. STATE, JT 42% OF MISSISSIPPIANS BELIEVE ALL UPL SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WED. ONLY ALABAMA, WHICH RECENTLY MA HEADL WHEN A PUBLIC TELEVISN CHANNEL REFED TO AIR A “GAY RAT WEDDG” THE LONG-NNG CHILDREN’S RTOON ARTHUR, RANKS LOWER THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ADDN TO LACKG A SGLE PRO-LGBTQ STATEWI LAW, MISSISSIPPI ALSO CLAIMS THE NATN’S HARSHT LEGISLATN TARGETG QUEER AND TRANS PEOPLE: HOE BILL 1523, WHICH ALLOWS BS AND PRIVATE DIVIDUALS TO REFE GOODS OR SERVIC ON THE BASIS OF THEIR “SCERELY HELD RELIG BELIEFS.” MISSISSIPPI GODDAM, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT SMH BELIEV HIS DISTRICT IS READY FOR SOMETHG DIFFERENT, CG THE SUCCS OF POLIL OUTSIRS LIKE ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ NEW YORK AND DANI ROEM VIRGIA. OS-CORTEZ, A RISG STAR CONGRS, WAS NOT PROFILED BY THE NEW YORK TIM UNTIL HER “SHOCKG” UPSET OF LONGTIME U.S. HOE REPRENTATIVE JOE CROWLEY THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. HER MPAIGN WAS LARGELY IGNORED, HE SAYS, BEE SHE “WASN'T SUPPOSED TO W.”RICK LOOMIS/GETTY IMAGNEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 06: ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ HUGS A SUPPORTER DURG HER VICTORY CELEBRATN AT LA BOOM NIGHT CLUB QUEENS ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 NEW YORK CY. WH HER W AGAST REPUBLIN ANTHONY PAPPAS, OS-CORTEZ BEME THE YOUNGT WOMAN ELECTED TO CONGRS. (PHOTO BY RICK LOOMIS/GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ CELEBRAT HER W AGAST REPUBLIN ANTHONY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THROUGH THE POWER OF HER VISN AND HER ABILY TO ANIZE, SHE WAS ABLE TO SUCCSFULLY UNSEAT A VERY WELL-TABLISHED CUMBENT,” SMH CLAIMS. “I TAKE SPIRATN OM THAT.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH’S MPAIGN HOP TO CHANNEL THE ENERGY OF ANOTHER UNRDOG, HOWEVER: HIS OWN FATHER. HE IS THE SON OF EDDIE L. SMH, WHO WAS ELECTED THE FIRST AIN-AMERIN MAYOR OF HOLLY SPRGS EXACTLY 30 YEARS AGO. A FORMER HIGH SCHOOL PRCIPAL AND LLEGE ADMISTRATOR, HE DIED 2001 OF PLITNS OM KIDNEY SURGERY BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO FISH HIS THIRD AND FAL TERM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN SMH’S FATHER WAS ELECTED 1989, HE WAS A SIAR POSN TO OS-CORTEZ. “IT'S NOT POSSIBLE,” SMH REMEMBERS PEOPLE SAYG. “IT N'T HAPPEN.” NAYSAYERS PREDICTED THAT EVEN IF HIS FATHER DID W, THE OTHER SI WOULD “TRY TO STEAL THE ELECTN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“AT FIRST LOOKED LIKE MY FATHER HAD LOST THE ELECTN,” SAYS SMH, WHO WAS 25 AT THE TIME OF THE RACE, “BEE VOT THAT SHOULD'VE GONE TO HIM WENT TO THE OTHER NDIDATE. IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE VOT WERE REUNTED THAT THEY NFIRMED THAT HE HAD ACTUALLY WON THE ELECTN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE MANY POLICIANS NNG FOR PUBLIC OFFICE MIGHT BRANDISH THEIR TOMOBILE WH A BUMPER STICKER ADVERTISG THEIR NDIDACY, A BANNER DRAPED OVER THE BACK OF SMH’S R PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS PARENTS. “EDDIE AND LUBERTA: THE LEGACY LIV ON,” READS. HIS MOTHER, WHO DIED JT A FEW WEEKS AGO, WAS A SCHOOLTEACHER AND AN ANIST AT THE METHODIST CHURCH NEARBY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH, HOWEVER, BRISTL AS BEG REFERRED TO AS A POLICIAN. HE CLAIMS HIS FATHER DID, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“HE NEVER NSIRED HIMSELF A POLICIAN AND NEHER DO I,” SMH SAYS. “HE SCRIBED HIMSELF AS A ‘PUBLIC SERVANT’ OR AS AN ‘ELECTED OFFICIAL.’ WHEN I THK OF THE TERM ‘POLICS,’ I THK OF SOMEONE WHO IS ENGAGED PUBLIC LIFE OFTEN FOR THEIR OWN BENEF, WHEREAS THOSE OF WHO ARE MTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE ARE TERTED DOG WHAT’S BT FOR THE PEOPLE.”CARLTON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CARLTON SMH (BOTTOM RIGHT) AND HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI CERTALY NEED ALL THE EXTRA HANDS THEY N GET. ACRDG TO U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, THE MAGNOLIA STATE IS FAILG S CIZENS BY NEARLY EVERY MEASURABLE METRIC. IN ADDN TO HAVG A POVERTY RATE OF OVER 20%, THE NATN’S POORT STATE RANKS 44TH OPPORTUNY, 45TH ASTCTURE, AND 46TH TN. MANY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SMH’S DISTRICT WERE BUILT MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO, HE CLAIMS, AND THE BUILDGS HAVE SCE FALLEN TO DISREPAIR, SOMETIM LERALLY CMBLG AROUND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EQUALLY DIRE ARE THE LACK OF HEALTH RE OPTNS AVAILABLE TO RINTS. AS MISSISSIPPI TODAY REPORTS, THERE ARE JT 184 DOCTORS FOR EVERY 100,000 PEOPLE WHO LIVE THE STATE, THE LOWT RAT THE NATN. ACRDG TO SMH, STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE FURTHER TWISTED THE SLPEL BY ALLOWG A LAW TO REMA ON THE BOOKS THAT PREVENTS PHYSICIANS OM “G TO MISSISSIPPI AND PROVIDG EE SERVIC.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A PROPOSAL TO STRIKE THAT LAW WAS TRODUCED RECENTLY AT A LEGISLATIVE SSN, BUT SMH CLAIMS “DIDN’T MAKE OUT OF MTEE.” INACTN HAS NSEQUENC, HE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“WE HAD A YOUNG WOMAN HER 20S WHO DIED RECENTLY MISSISSIPPI BEE SHE HAD AN ASTHMA ATTACK,” SMH STAT. “THERE ED TO BE AN EMERGENCY ROOM THAT WAS ABOUT EIGHT MUT OM HER HOE, BUT CLOSED. THE ARE THE KD OF LIFE-AND-ATH CHOIC THAT LEGISLATORS ARE MAKG.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN MPAIGNG TO REPRENT ALL OF THOSE LEFT BEHD BY MISSISSIPPI LAWMAKERS, SMH HOP TO FULFILL AN PLETE PROMISE OM LAST YEAR’S ELECTN CYCLE. ALTHOUGH HE CLARED HIS TENTN TO N FOR THE U.S. SENATE 2018, SMH FAILED TO REGISTER AS A NDIDATE MISSISSIPPI’S FIRST CONGRSNAL DISTRICT BEFORE THE MARCH 4 ADLE. HIS CARLTON FOR CONGRS WEBSE—PLETE WH THE SELF-THORED #DARETOBELIEVE18 HASHTAG—AND HIS MPAIGN TWTER ACUNT ARE STILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS YEAR, SMH IS ONE OF AT LEAST FOUR OTHER NDIDAT WHO WILL PETE TO FACE OFF AGAST WHALEY THE GENERAL ELECTN. ALTHOUGH THE PRIMARY NTT IS TYPILLY NONPARTISAN, THE CUMBENT WAS THE ONLY NDIDATE WHO REFED TO DISCLOSE HIS PARTY AFFILIATN 2017. WHALEY HAS SCE UCED WH THE REPUBLINS THE STATE LEGISLATURE. GIVEN THAT THE DISTRICT IS OVERWHELMGLY DEMOCRATIC, SMH SAYS MANY VOTERS HAVE “FEELGS” ABOUT THE OBFTN. WHOMEVER WS THE PRIMARY, HE NOT, IS LIKELY TO W THE IMMEDIATE BACKG OF THE LOL DEMOCRATIC PARTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GAG HIS PARTY’S OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT WOULD BE A PROFOUND REVERSAL OM 2018, WHEN U.S. HOE NDIDATE MICHAEL AYX WAS REPORTEDLY TOLD BY A REPRENTATIVE FOR THE MISSISSIPPI DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT THE STATE WOULD “NEVER” HAVE AN OPENLY GAY CONGRSMAN. AYX, WHO MARRIED HIS HBAND SIX YEARS AGO, WAS ULTIMATELY TROUNCED THE PRIMARI BY A NEARLY 40-POT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT SMH MATAS THAT NORTH MISSISSIPPI IS NOT ONLY READY FOR SOMEONE LIKE HIM. IT NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE HIM TO “TELL NEW STORI ABOUT MISSISSIPPI,” AS HIS OBSOLCENT MPAIGN SE STILL PUTS . ALTHOUGH HE HAS NEVER SERVED OFFICE, THE SEND-GENERATN PUBLIC SERVANT HAS BEEN AN ORDAED MISTER FOR 24 YEARS, SIX OF WHICH WERE SPENT HIS HOME STATE. AS HIS MOTHER’S HEALTH BEGAN CLG 2013, SMH TOOK A JOB WH THE UNARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATN HOLLY SPRGS. BEG A CLERGYMAN AND A STATE LAWMAKER EXERCISE MANY OF THE SAME SKILLS, ACRDG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’VE REALLY LEARNED HOW TO LISTEN EPLY TO PEOPLE—THEIR WISH, DREAMS, FEARS, AND NCERNS,” HE SAYS. SMH CLAIMS HE’S BEEN DOG THAT HIS “ENTIRE REER,” BUT AS A BLACK GAY MAN RAISED A STATE NOT ALWAYS TOLERANT OF DIFFERENCE, HE’S MONSTRATED THE POWER OF PASSN HIS WHOLE LIFE. IT’S NOT JT A VOTN; ’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS
• INSI THE HOTTT GAY BAR THE MOST HOMOPHOBIC STATE THE NATN
• GAY DATG HATTIBURG

GAYT PLAC IN MISSISSIPPI FOR 2020

Same-sex marriag, and the gay and lbian movement is more mastream than the natnal discsn has been brought to the foreont, at the state level, nversatns you know that an timated 0. That means there are a total of 1, 822 gay hoeholds The Magnolia goal wh this post is to e data and science to terme the gayt ci analyzg 81 ci wh over 1, 000 hoeholds, we’ve termed the are The Gayt Ci Mississippi for 2020. Acrdg to the facts, Flowood is the gayt place Mississippi for more on how we lculated the top ten, and for more rmatn about the plac, read you’re lookg for somethg more natnal, check out the gayt ci more Mississippi readg, check out:Bt Plac To Live In MississippiCheapt Plac To Live In MississippiMost Dangero Ci In MississippiThe 10 Gayt Ci In Mississippi For 2020Hoeholds: 3, 828Rank Last Year: 1 (No Change)Gay Hoeholds: 47 (4th hight)% Gay Hoeholds: 2.

It is part of the Jackson Metropolan Statistil Public domaHoeholds: 2, 103Rank Last Year: 2 (No Change)Gay Hoeholds: 24 (13th hight)% Gay Hoeholds: 1. 48% (6th hight)More on Leland: Data | PhotosSource: Public domaHoeholds: 2, 976Rank Last Year: 23 (Up 16)Gay Hoeholds: 6 (32nd hight)% Gay Hoeholds: 0.

Louis: Data | PhotosHow do you terme the bt ci for same-sex hoeholds Mississippi for 2020In orr to rank the gayt ci Mississippi, we ed the 2014-2018 Amerin Communy Survey om the U. We looked at:Percentage of all hoeholds that are unmarried, same sex partnersWe limed the analysis to non-CDPs that have over 1, 000 ranked each place om 1 to 81 wh the cy ntag the hight percentage of unmarried, same sex partners hoeholds beg the most the end, end up beg the the most gay place wh 2. Or skip to the end to see the list of all the plac the state om gayt to You Have It – The Most LGBT Friendly Ci In Mississippi For 2020If you’re lookg at the number of gay hoeholds Mississippi, this is an accurate you’re cur enough, here are the least gay plac Mississippi:Yazoo CyManFultonFor more Mississippi readg, check out:Richt Ci In MississippiSaft Plac In MississippiWorst Plac To Live In MississippiMost Expensive Plac To Live In MississippiDetailed List Of The Gayt Plac To Live In MississippiRankCyHoeholds% Gay Hoeholds1Flowood3, 8282.

THE UNTY WHERE NO ONE’S GAY

And although livg as a gay uple Mississippi hasn't been the stereotypil opprsive nightmare some outsirs might thk is, they still turn heads durg their day-to-day life. Each year, SONG holds an annual membership event lled Gaytn, where LGBTQ folks om across the South get together for a few days of mpg, partyg, relaxg, and buildg muny.

Acrdg to Michaelangelo Signorile, the edor-at-large for the Huffgton Post’s Gay Voic sectn, the worst stat are cltered the Midwt and the Bible Belt South.

Along wh Mississippi, Alabama is one of eight so-lled “No Promo Homo” stat, wh laws that “exprsly forbid teachers om discsg gay and transgenr issu, ” acrdg to GLSEN.

MEET GAY MEN SEEKG MEN HATTIBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Alabama’s laws go a b further than most: The state’s sex tn program mandat that “class mt emphasize, a factual manner and om a public health perspective, that homosexualy is not a liftyle acceptable to the general public and that homosexual nduct is a crimal offense unr the laws of the state. ” Then aga, he’s hardly the bt thory when to matters of health, as Perry recently pared homosexualy to alholism: “I may have the geic dg that I’m cled to be an alholic, but I have the sire not to do that, and I look at the homosexual issue the same way. Gtrex has been orchtratg a “seri of stgs, which an unrver policeman woos an unspectg gay man back to his apartment for sex and then mak an arrt.

Tennsee is one of the eight “Don’t Say Gay” stat, as well as rankg high e equaly and poverty and low public support for same-sex marriage.

MOVG TO GAY MISSISSIPPI? THG TO KNOW BEFORE RELOTG HERE AS AN LGBT PERSON.

While havg more gays than those others, the state has a disproportnately high hate crime rate, wh one survey rankg Michigan as high as send the natn.

THE BEST MISSISSIPPI GAY CLUBS & BARSGAY CLUBS & BARS MISSISSIPPI

This wave of anti-LGBT vlence is part of the reason why Detro was named the most dangero cy the natn for gay travelers, and the survey also ced the metro area’s dwdlg number of gay bars and high poverty rate.

“It is still legal to fire people Michigan for beg gay, we n not marry, nnot adopt, and the ernor signed away domtic partner benefs for LGBT public employe, ” Garcia said.

Larry Craig, R-Idaho, a men's rtroom at the Mneapolis airport for allegedly lookg to engage gay sex wrote his June report that he "regnized a signal ed by persons wishg to engage lewd nduct.

GAY AREA TUPELO

Craig told reporters today that he did nothg appropriate and said his guilty plea was a plac like men's rtrooms, airports and tra statns, tck stops, universy librari and parks, have long been plac where gay and bisexual men, particularly those the closet, ngregate orr to meet for anonymo time, people faiar wh cisg told, gay men began g a dified system of signals to dite to others that they were terted sex.

In an effort to curb lewd acts public — or as some gays argue, an effort to persecute gay men — unrver police began stg operatns plac known for sex solicg and employed the same s.

GAY SGL IN RIPLEY, MS

Bee much of the signalg is self benign behavr, some gay rights activists and lawyers have admonished police partments for arrtg men who have done ltle more than tap their feet. If a se like this went to trial, police officers would have to produce evince to say here is how we n say wh certaty this is was really a lewd act, " he plead guilty to the charg and therefore opted agast a, Craig nied beg gay and said he ma a mistake by pleadg officers, for the most part, only vtigate an area after members of the public have plaed about beg ed for sex, said Rich Gregson, executive director of the California Peace Officers Associatn. "Wh many other optns available for gay men to meet each other, Gershen Kfman, a profsor emer of psychology at Michigan State Universy and thor of the book "Comg Out of Shame, " said public cisg is practiced maly by eply closeted men.

As part of this op-ed project, I recently ranked the Hospaly State as one of the least hospable for lbian, gay, bisexual and transgenr people, based on s lack of legal protectns. I spent a few days searchg for answers before I realized I was makg the wrong assumptns: It’s not that gay people here (or anywhere really) want to be the closet, necsarily.

IS MISSISSIPPI READY FOR ITS FIRST BLACK GAY STATE LAWMAKER?CARLTON SMH WILL TT THE LIMS OF WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN HE NS FOR DISTRICT 10 THE MISSISSIPPI STATE {FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}{FONT:NORMAL 800 1.2REM/1.2 "D BOLD",SANS-SERIF;TEXT-TRANSFORM:NORMAL;LOR:HER;DISPLAY:LE-BLOCK;PADDG-BOTTOM:6PX;POSN:RELATIVE;TEXT-TRANSFORM:UPPERSE;}{BACKGROUND:#89308A;BOTTOM:0;NTENT:'';DISPLAY:BLOCK;HEIGHT:2PX;LEFT:0;POSN:ABSOLUTE;RIGHT:0;-WEBK-TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;TRANSN:ALL 0.2S EASE;WIDTH:100%;}{LEFT:51%;RIGHT:51%;WIDTH:0;}NEWSBY NI LANGJUNE 27, 2019/9:48 {HEIGHT:HER;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;POSN:RELATIVE;-WEBK-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-MS-FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;FLEX-WRAP:WRAP;-WEBK-ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-ALIGN:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-ALIGN:CENTER;ALIGN-EMS:CENTER;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-WEBK-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;-MS-TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;TRANSFORM-ORIG:CENTER;} IMG{HEIGHT:100%;WIDTH:100%;OBJECT-F:VER;}{HEIGHT:640PX;WIDTH:640PX;}CARLTON SMHBY NI LANGJUNE 27, 2019 / 9:48 AM{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"NEWSARTICLE","HEADLE":"IS MISSISSIPPI READY FOR ITS FIRST BLACK GAY STATE LAWMAKER?","THUMBNAILURL":","DATEPUBLISHED":"2019-06-27T13:48:33.000+0000","DATEMODIFIED":"2019-06-27T13:48:33.000+0000","IMAGE":{"@NTEXT":","@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT","URL":","WIDTH":1920,"HEIGHT":1080},"URL":","THOR":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","NAME":"LOGO TV"},"MAENTYOFPAGE":{"@TYPE":"WEBPAGE","@ID":"},"PUBLISHER":{"@TYPE":"ORGANIZATN","@ID":","NAME":"LOGO TV","URL":","LOGO":{"@TYPE":"IMAGEOBJECT"}},"CREATOR":"NI LANG","KEYWORDS":"ELECTN","ARTICLESECTN":"NEWS"}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GROWG UP AS A BLACK BOY MISSISSIPPI ISN’T FOR THE FAT OF HEART. CARLTON SMH WAS BORN 1964, EXACTLY A AFTER BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUTN ORRED THE SEGREGATN OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. BUT FIANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT, SMH SAYS MANY MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS HOLLY SPRGS—A TOWN OF 7,600 JT A HALF HOUR’S DRIVE OM THE TENNSEE BORR—REMAED “100% BLACK.” ONE SCHOOL DISTRICT THE NEIGHBORG MISSISSIPPI DELTA WAS FORCED TO FALLY SEGREGATE TWO YEARS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}HOLLY SPRGS SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RPE OM THE PERVASIVE RACISM OF MISSISSIPPI THE 1960S AND ‘70S. THE TOWN, WHICH IS PREDOMANTLY NON-WHE, WAS ONCE HOME TO TWO HISTORILLY BLACK UNIVERSI: RT COLLEGE AND THE MISSISSIPPI INDTRIAL COLLEGE, THE LATTER OF WHICH CLOSED 1982. CLIFTON DEBERRY, THE FIRST BLACK NOMEE FOR PRINT, HAILED OM HOLLY SPRGS, AS DID CIVIL RIGHTS LEAR IDA B. WELLS.BETTMANN/GETTY(ORIGAL CAPTN) THE SIX NEW YORK CY MAYORAL NDIDAT ARE GATHERED DURG THEIR JOT APPEARANCE ON NBC-TV'S DIRECT LE. IN THE ONT ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): ABRAHAM D. BEAME, DEMOCRAT; WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR., CONSERVATIVE; AND JOHN V. LDSAY, REPUBLIN-LIBERAL. IN THE BACK ROW (LEFT TO RIGHT): CLIFTON DEBERRY, SOCIALIST WORKERS PARTY; ERIC HS, SOCIALIST LABOR PARTY; AND VO BATTISTA, UNED TAXPAYERS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CLIFTON DEBERRY (BACK ROW, LEFT) AND THE FIVE OTHER NYC MAYORAL NDIDAT ON NBC, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}AND YET, SMH RELLS THE UNMISTAKABLE STG OF WHE SUPREMACY AS A TAC FACT OF EVERYDAY LIFE. WHEN HE WOULD VIS THE LOL FIVE-AND-DIME STORE WH IENDS, THE ELRLY CLERKS OFTEN FOLLOWED THEM AROUND THE STORE. UPON CHECKG OUT, THE OLD WHE WOMEN BEHD THE UNTER HAD A WAY OF DROPPG THE CHANGE THEIR HANDS, STEAD OF TOUCHG THEM. BUT ONE TIME, ON A CLASS FIELD TRIP TO A LOL PARK, THE UNSPOKEN PIERCED THE AIR LIKE A GUNSHOT THE NIGHT. AFTER SMH GAVE A CLASSMATE A HELPFUL PH ON THE SWG, THE OTHER STUNTS CHANTED: “BOBBY TOUCHED A NIGGER! BOBBY TOUCHED A NIGGER!”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I KNEW WHAT THAT WORD MEANT,” SMH TELLS NEWNOWNEXT, “BUT I’D NEVER HAD ANYONE ADDRS ME LIKE THAT.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THAT WAS HARDLY THE ONLY LSON SMH’S EARLY TN BIGOTRY. ALTHOUGH HE WOULDN’T E OUT AS A GAY MAN UNTIL ATTENDG SEMARY 1980S, HE WAS SOMETIM REFERRED TO AS A “FAGGOT” OR A “SISSY” FOR GRAVATG TOWARD HIS FEMALE CLASSMAT DURG RECS. SMH HAD A “GIFT FOR RHYME,” HE RELLS, AND PREFERRED MAKG UP CHEERS AND CHANTS WH THE GIRLS TO PANTOMIMG MASCULY ON THE FOOTBALL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALTHOUGH NA SIMONE ONCE SANG THAT “EVERYONE KNOWS ABOUT MISSISSIPPI,” PUNCTUATG THE SENTIMENT WH AN EXPLETIVE TO UNRLE THE POT, SMH SAYS HIS HOME STATE SHAPED WHO HE IS TODAY—BOTH FOR BETTER AND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“KNOWG WHAT 'S LIKE TO BE MARGALIZED OM AN EARLY AGE HAS MA ME A STRONGER AND A BOLR PERSON,” HE EXPLAS. “IT'S GIVEN ME AN ADDNAL LEVEL OF CREATIVY, PERSEVERANCE, AND BELIEF MYSELF, SPE OF WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THK OR BELIEVE IS POSSIBLE FOR ME AND OTHER LGBTQ PEOPLE.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH WILL TT THE LIMS OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE NOVEMBER WHEN HE NS FOR DISTRICT 10 THE MISSISSIPPI STATE SENATE, WHICH VERS MARSHALL AND TATE UNTI. IF ELECTED, HE WOULD CLAIM A NUMBER OF HISTORIC FIRSTS: THE 55-YEAR-OLD WOULD BE THE FIRST LGBTQ PERSON TO BE SEATED TO THE STATE LEGISLATURE, AS WELL AS THE FIRST BLACK REPRENTATIVE HIS DISTRICT’S HISTORY. THE CUMBENT, NEIL WHALEY, IS A WHE MAN, AS IS EVERY POLICIAN WHO HAS EVER HELD THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE TONE WON’T BE EASY TO CLEAR. ALTHOUGH A MAJORY OF VOTERS NOW SUPPORT MARRIAGE EQUALY NEARLY EVERY U.S. STATE, JT 42% OF MISSISSIPPIANS BELIEVE ALL UPL SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO WED. ONLY ALABAMA, WHICH RECENTLY MA HEADL WHEN A PUBLIC TELEVISN CHANNEL REFED TO AIR A “GAY RAT WEDDG” THE LONG-NNG CHILDREN’S RTOON ARTHUR, RANKS LOWER THE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN ADDN TO LACKG A SGLE PRO-LGBTQ STATEWI LAW, MISSISSIPPI ALSO CLAIMS THE NATN’S HARSHT LEGISLATN TARGETG QUEER AND TRANS PEOPLE: HOE BILL 1523, WHICH ALLOWS BS AND PRIVATE DIVIDUALS TO REFE GOODS OR SERVIC ON THE BASIS OF THEIR “SCERELY HELD RELIG BELIEFS.” MISSISSIPPI GODDAM, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT SMH BELIEV HIS DISTRICT IS READY FOR SOMETHG DIFFERENT, CG THE SUCCS OF POLIL OUTSIRS LIKE ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ NEW YORK AND DANI ROEM VIRGIA. OS-CORTEZ, A RISG STAR CONGRS, WAS NOT PROFILED BY THE NEW YORK TIM UNTIL HER “SHOCKG” UPSET OF LONGTIME U.S. HOE REPRENTATIVE JOE CROWLEY THE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY. HER MPAIGN WAS LARGELY IGNORED, HE SAYS, BEE SHE “WASN'T SUPPOSED TO W.”RICK LOOMIS/GETTY IMAGNEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 06: ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ HUGS A SUPPORTER DURG HER VICTORY CELEBRATN AT LA BOOM NIGHT CLUB QUEENS ON NOVEMBER 6, 2018 NEW YORK CY. WH HER W AGAST REPUBLIN ANTHONY PAPPAS, OS-CORTEZ BEME THE YOUNGT WOMAN ELECTED TO CONGRS. (PHOTO BY RICK LOOMIS/GETTY IMAG){BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}ALEXANDRIA OS-CORTEZ CELEBRAT HER W AGAST REPUBLIN ANTHONY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“THROUGH THE POWER OF HER VISN AND HER ABILY TO ANIZE, SHE WAS ABLE TO SUCCSFULLY UNSEAT A VERY WELL-TABLISHED CUMBENT,” SMH CLAIMS. “I TAKE SPIRATN OM THAT.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH’S MPAIGN HOP TO CHANNEL THE ENERGY OF ANOTHER UNRDOG, HOWEVER: HIS OWN FATHER. HE IS THE SON OF EDDIE L. SMH, WHO WAS ELECTED THE FIRST AIN-AMERIN MAYOR OF HOLLY SPRGS EXACTLY 30 YEARS AGO. A FORMER HIGH SCHOOL PRCIPAL AND LLEGE ADMISTRATOR, HE DIED 2001 OF PLITNS OM KIDNEY SURGERY BEFORE HE WAS ABLE TO FISH HIS THIRD AND FAL TERM {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHEN SMH’S FATHER WAS ELECTED 1989, HE WAS A SIAR POSN TO OS-CORTEZ. “IT'S NOT POSSIBLE,” SMH REMEMBERS PEOPLE SAYG. “IT N'T HAPPEN.” NAYSAYERS PREDICTED THAT EVEN IF HIS FATHER DID W, THE OTHER SI WOULD “TRY TO STEAL THE ELECTN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“AT FIRST LOOKED LIKE MY FATHER HAD LOST THE ELECTN,” SAYS SMH, WHO WAS 25 AT THE TIME OF THE RACE, “BEE VOT THAT SHOULD'VE GONE TO HIM WENT TO THE OTHER NDIDATE. IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE VOT WERE REUNTED THAT THEY NFIRMED THAT HE HAD ACTUALLY WON THE ELECTN.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}WHILE MANY POLICIANS NNG FOR PUBLIC OFFICE MIGHT BRANDISH THEIR TOMOBILE WH A BUMPER STICKER ADVERTISG THEIR NDIDACY, A BANNER DRAPED OVER THE BACK OF SMH’S R PAYS TRIBUTE TO HIS PARENTS. “EDDIE AND LUBERTA: THE LEGACY LIV ON,” READS. HIS MOTHER, WHO DIED JT A FEW WEEKS AGO, WAS A SCHOOLTEACHER AND AN ANIST AT THE METHODIST CHURCH NEARBY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}SMH, HOWEVER, BRISTL AS BEG REFERRED TO AS A POLICIAN. HE CLAIMS HIS FATHER DID, {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“HE NEVER NSIRED HIMSELF A POLICIAN AND NEHER DO I,” SMH SAYS. “HE SCRIBED HIMSELF AS A ‘PUBLIC SERVANT’ OR AS AN ‘ELECTED OFFICIAL.’ WHEN I THK OF THE TERM ‘POLICS,’ I THK OF SOMEONE WHO IS ENGAGED PUBLIC LIFE OFTEN FOR THEIR OWN BENEF, WHEREAS THOSE OF WHO ARE MTED TO PUBLIC SERVICE ARE TERTED DOG WHAT’S BT FOR THE PEOPLE.”CARLTON {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}CARLTON SMH (BOTTOM RIGHT) AND HIS {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THE PEOPLE OF MISSISSIPPI CERTALY NEED ALL THE EXTRA HANDS THEY N GET. ACRDG TO U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, THE MAGNOLIA STATE IS FAILG S CIZENS BY NEARLY EVERY MEASURABLE METRIC. IN ADDN TO HAVG A POVERTY RATE OF OVER 20%, THE NATN’S POORT STATE RANKS 44TH OPPORTUNY, 45TH ASTCTURE, AND 46TH TN. MANY OF THE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SMH’S DISTRICT WERE BUILT MORE THAN 100 YEARS AGO, HE CLAIMS, AND THE BUILDGS HAVE SCE FALLEN TO DISREPAIR, SOMETIM LERALLY CMBLG AROUND {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}EQUALLY DIRE ARE THE LACK OF HEALTH RE OPTNS AVAILABLE TO RINTS. AS MISSISSIPPI TODAY REPORTS, THERE ARE JT 184 DOCTORS FOR EVERY 100,000 PEOPLE WHO LIVE THE STATE, THE LOWT RAT THE NATN. ACRDG TO SMH, STATE LAWMAKERS HAVE FURTHER TWISTED THE SLPEL BY ALLOWG A LAW TO REMA ON THE BOOKS THAT PREVENTS PHYSICIANS OM “G TO MISSISSIPPI AND PROVIDG EE SERVIC.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}A PROPOSAL TO STRIKE THAT LAW WAS TRODUCED RECENTLY AT A LEGISLATIVE SSN, BUT SMH CLAIMS “DIDN’T MAKE OUT OF MTEE.” INACTN HAS NSEQUENC, HE {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“WE HAD A YOUNG WOMAN HER 20S WHO DIED RECENTLY MISSISSIPPI BEE SHE HAD AN ASTHMA ATTACK,” SMH STAT. “THERE ED TO BE AN EMERGENCY ROOM THAT WAS ABOUT EIGHT MUT OM HER HOE, BUT CLOSED. THE ARE THE KD OF LIFE-AND-ATH CHOIC THAT LEGISLATORS ARE MAKG.”{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}IN MPAIGNG TO REPRENT ALL OF THOSE LEFT BEHD BY MISSISSIPPI LAWMAKERS, SMH HOP TO FULFILL AN PLETE PROMISE OM LAST YEAR’S ELECTN CYCLE. ALTHOUGH HE CLARED HIS TENTN TO N FOR THE U.S. SENATE 2018, SMH FAILED TO REGISTER AS A NDIDATE MISSISSIPPI’S FIRST CONGRSNAL DISTRICT BEFORE THE MARCH 4 ADLE. HIS CARLTON FOR CONGRS WEBSE—PLETE WH THE SELF-THORED #DARETOBELIEVE18 HASHTAG—AND HIS MPAIGN TWTER ACUNT ARE STILL {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-BOX;DISPLAY:-WEBK-FLEX;DISPLAY:-MS-FLEXBOX;DISPLAY:FLEX;-WEBK-BOX-PACK:CENTER;-WEBK-JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;-MS-FLEX-PACK:CENTER;JTIFY-NTENT:CENTER;} .TWTER-TWEET-RENRED, {M-WIDTH:65%;WIDTH:TO !IMPORTANT;} {WIDTH:100%;} {MARG-LEFT:TO !IMPORTANT;MARG-RIGHT:TO !IMPORTANT;} IMG{MAX-WIDTH:100%;WIDTH:100%;} > IAME{BORR:NONE;MAX-WIDTH:100%;} > *{MAX-WIDTH:NONE !IMPORTANT;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}THIS YEAR, SMH IS ONE OF AT LEAST FOUR OTHER NDIDAT WHO WILL PETE TO FACE OFF AGAST WHALEY THE GENERAL ELECTN. ALTHOUGH THE PRIMARY NTT IS TYPILLY NONPARTISAN, THE CUMBENT WAS THE ONLY NDIDATE WHO REFED TO DISCLOSE HIS PARTY AFFILIATN 2017. WHALEY HAS SCE UCED WH THE REPUBLINS THE STATE LEGISLATURE. GIVEN THAT THE DISTRICT IS OVERWHELMGLY DEMOCRATIC, SMH SAYS MANY VOTERS HAVE “FEELGS” ABOUT THE OBFTN. WHOMEVER WS THE PRIMARY, HE NOT, IS LIKELY TO W THE IMMEDIATE BACKG OF THE LOL DEMOCRATIC PARTY {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}GAG HIS PARTY’S OFFICIAL ENDORSEMENT WOULD BE A PROFOUND REVERSAL OM 2018, WHEN U.S. HOE NDIDATE MICHAEL AYX WAS REPORTEDLY TOLD BY A REPRENTATIVE FOR THE MISSISSIPPI DEMOCRATIC PARTY THAT THE STATE WOULD “NEVER” HAVE AN OPENLY GAY CONGRSMAN. AYX, WHO MARRIED HIS HBAND SIX YEARS AGO, WAS ULTIMATELY TROUNCED THE PRIMARI BY A NEARLY 40-POT {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}BUT SMH MATAS THAT NORTH MISSISSIPPI IS NOT ONLY READY FOR SOMEONE LIKE HIM. IT NEEDS PEOPLE LIKE HIM TO “TELL NEW STORI ABOUT MISSISSIPPI,” AS HIS OBSOLCENT MPAIGN SE STILL PUTS . ALTHOUGH HE HAS NEVER SERVED OFFICE, THE SEND-GENERATN PUBLIC SERVANT HAS BEEN AN ORDAED MISTER FOR 24 YEARS, SIX OF WHICH WERE SPENT HIS HOME STATE. AS HIS MOTHER’S HEALTH BEGAN CLG 2013, SMH TOOK A JOB WH THE UNARIAN UNIVERSALIST ASSOCIATN HOLLY SPRGS. BEG A CLERGYMAN AND A STATE LAWMAKER EXERCISE MANY OF THE SAME SKILLS, ACRDG TO {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;PADDG:24PX 0;} A{LOR:#354A4E;-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;TEXT-RATN:UNRLE;} A:HOVER, A:FOC{-WEBK-TEXT-RATN:NONE;TEXT-RATN:NONE;} B, STRONG{FONT-WEIGHT:700;}“I’VE REALLY LEARNED HOW TO LISTEN EPLY TO PEOPLE—THEIR WISH, DREAMS, FEARS, AND NCERNS,” HE SAYS. SMH CLAIMS HE’S BEEN DOG THAT HIS “ENTIRE REER,” BUT AS A BLACK GAY MAN RAISED A STATE NOT ALWAYS TOLERANT OF DIFFERENCE, HE’S MONSTRATED THE POWER OF PASSN HIS WHOLE LIFE. IT’S NOT JT A VOTN; ’S {BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;CLEAR:BOTH;}{BOX-SIZG:BORR-BOX;MARG:0 TO;WIDTH:90%;M-WIDTH:288PX;MAX-WIDTH:1440PX;M-HEIGHT:194PX;}LATT NEWS

Dorothy Creech, a 74-year-old woman who liv a big whe hoe wh two rockg chairs on the porch, said she never has enuntered a gay person the flh, but she wouldn’t be bothered by if she did, partly bee she lov “The Ellen DeGener Show.

INSI THE HOTTT GAY BAR THE MOST HOMOPHOBIC STATE THE NATN

When I brought up the topic wh a gray-haired woman I met ont of the grocery store Meadville, she basilly told me gay people don’t exist – like, at all. The mon Frankl County wisdom seems to be that gays, like unirns or dragons, are livg over the next pe-vered hill, out of sight and out of md. People told eher there weren’t gay people here, that there were but they didn’t know them – or that they thought people looked gay but weren’t sure about the facts of the matter.

The owner of the funky, bright-lored salon, Jennifer Whehead, 38, and her hband, Braxton, 37, were happy to have a nversatn about their gay iends, two of whom live right up the road.

” The door may be “wi open, ” Knol At told me, but gay people of Mississippi are still stg si “wh all the cloth and high heels” – the acuterments of gay life.

GAY DATG HATTIBURG

“Small children will ll you a ‘faggot’ around here, ” said Zac Case, a 24-year-old who isn’t gay but has an ear for the sorts of thgs bee he has iends who are. In addn to “fag, ” which seems to be the preferred lol term, gay men Frankl County also are said to be “pissg glter, ” “fartg rabows” or have “sugar their tank. One 20-year-old gay man, who asked not to be named for fear his dad, who knows about his sexual orientatn, would kick him out of the hoe for publicizg natnally, said he’s been lled “fag” so many tim Frankl County that he’s “ed to .