Gay and lesbian African-American leaders speak about inclusion with the minister.

WASHINGTON - In a meeting this week with gay and lesbian African-American leaders, Minister Louis Farrakhan asked Keith Boykin, longtime activist, author and an openly gay man, to speak at the Millions More Movement March this weekend in Washington, D.C. March organizers had balked previously at including a gay speaker but said they were supportive of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

"Minister Farrakhan's progress means he's gone from talking the talk to walking the walk for our rights," said Donna Payne, senior diversity organizer at the Human Rights Campaign, who attended the meeting. "This is a big victory for the community. Showing support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender African-Americans in such a visible and meaningful way means we're on the right road. We look forward to continued work with the minister and the Millions More Movement."

"It is our most sincere hope that this portends a new chapter in the story of how we liberated our community from the prison of homophobia," said H. Alexander Robinson, executive director and CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition. Robinson also attended the meeting. "This chapter is about reconciliation, education and acceptance of the gifts and talents that gay people of African descent have and will continue to contribute to the quest to lift up our people."

On Saturday, Oct. 15, 2005, the Millions More Movement March will be held on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Million Man March.

The Human Rights Campaign, the National Black Justice Coalition and local Washington, D.C., activists are involved in events throughout the weekend as part of the "We Are Family Unity Weekend," to highlight gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender members of the African-American community during the march weekend. Find out more.

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.