Like many of you, I was floored by the recent allegations against Bishop Eddie Long, but for different reasons, perhaps.

I tell you, for someone who enjoys writing and discussing popular culture, this was like Christmas in July… like R. Kelly at a Girl Scout jamboree.

The story is sensory overload – i.e., a hot mess.

We have a powerful black minister of a megachurch dealing with allegations that he coerced four young men into various sex acts. All of the accusers were in their teens at the time.

But to really understand why this story is so compelling, you have to consider this preacher’s past.

Long has been one of the nation’s most virulent, black, evangelical attackers of gay marriage and homosexuality. He is best known for leading an anti-gay march in Atlanta with co-conspirator the Rev. Bernice (How You doing) King, daughter of the late Martin Luther King, Jr.

In 2004, the two led more than 1,000 supporters to the King Center to denounce gay marriage. So if the allegations against Long are true, not only is he a scoundrel but a hypocrite as well.

This is a man who allegedly targeted youth and abused his power and authority, which makes him also a predator. Such actions would be reprehensible even if his victims were women; and for the record, that happens probably more often.

The reason Long’s story is being sensationalized is because his victims were young men.

I saw his Sunday address to his church and was not surprised by the support of his followers. We as African Americans are forgiving people. Although, according to Long, there is nothing to forgive. I wonder if his church members would have been as passionate in their support if he had come out and said, “I am not perfect, but I am gay.”

Without fully knowing who this guy was, I would see him on TV in a tight muscle shirt and ask “How You Doing” because for someone who preaches against the sins of the flesh he sure was showing a lot of it in the pulpit.

I grew up in the church, and none of my ministers were that built, and if they had been maybe my attendance would have been better. His choice of clothing should have been our first clue. If you’re there to share the Word, is it appropriate that we can see your nipples?

Some might ask what kept the young men coming back? I am not a psychologist, but I do know that once you have established a pattern of abuse and dependence, it is hard for a young person to break the cycle, especially when the abuser is introducing the victim to an opulent lifestyle.

This scandal brings to mind the larger issue of DL behavior and the black community’s reluctance to accept gay individuals as part of the community… a community that extends well beyond our church doors. I am not condoning the alleged actions of Bishop Long or any other DL brother, but I do know that until we begin to deal with the stigma and persecution associated with being gay, this will continue to haunt our community and force people to practice unhealthy behavior.

This whole story is just too juicy and has all the earmarks of one of those cheesy gospel stage plays:

Cue the announcer: “Coming to the Bojangle’s Auditorium, the hit gospel stage play, ‘Lord, I Want To Go To Bible Study And Get Through This Storm But The Minister Keeps Touching Me In My Happy Place.’ Starring Ron Isley as Bishop Eddie Long and Tevin Campbell as his youth minister boy toy.”

Cue Campbell’s song, “Tell Me What You Want Me to Do.”

Deacon: “But Bishop, do you think a carwash with shirtless, buffed young guys from our sports ministry is a good Idea?”

Bishop: “How else are we going to raise money for our annual trip to Las Vegas?”

Guys, I know some of you are conflicted by not only this story but the entire issue of masculinity, leadership and sexuality. So to ease your concerns, I offer Professor Locs' Top Five signs your minister may be gay:

5. His church version of R. Kelly’s “I Can Fly” ends with a Patti LaBelle-style pantomime of a bird in flight.
4. During his summer sermons you notice that he is going commando under his robe.
3. You notice that he does not lay hands on your forehead or shoulders but opts to grope your chest and nipples.
2. You notice a pattern that all of his young deacons were former male strippers.
1. Instead of showing up in the appropriate baptismal robe he is sporting a Speedo and matching flip-flops.

Remember, guys, if the allegations are true, then we should be upset about a man who took advantage of his role as a mentor and spiritual leader, not his sexuality.

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Professor Locs describes himself as an African American, gay, Southern male who has had an extensive career in higher education. Click here to read his blog.
 

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