Hypocritical? Understandable? or just Sad? - On Race and Sexuality

The NYT ran a great article today about historically African-American churches whose leaders have come out in favor of gay rights. While it's hardly news that some of these leaders have come under fire for such views, the magnitude of the effect in terms of lost parishioners is - to say the least - dispiriting. Indeed, one such pastor lost almost his entire flock when he voted to support the blessing of same-sex unions.

Of course, it's no secret that racial and sexual minorities have had an uneasy relationship. I wonder though: does this reflect a specific aspect of how black people are inclined to think about gays (think hip-hop culture, sexism, etc.)? or is this a reflection of the religiosity and other characteristics of the African-American population as a whole (think income levels, geographic distribution, etc.)? Most theories focus on species of the former explanation, while I am inclined to believe the latter.

It is worth noting that many Caucasian gay people have some negative feelings towards black people that definitely can not be explained away by referring to the demographics of the gay community as a whole. Given all the recent attention that has surrounded homophobic statements by prominent black men (Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington and former NBA All-Star Tim Hardaway) , I think it's important to remember that this phenomenon - whatever the explanations behind it - is a two-way street. Furthermore, Caucasian gays may be even more culpable.