Media Hype Over JET Gay Couple Says A Lot About Lesbian Invisibility
Dr. Tenika Jackson and Nyema Vernon in JET August 2011
We certainly commend JET magazine for this huge step in celebrating the lives and love and all Black people by featuring their first male same-sex couple in their wedding announcements section. But we can’t help but wonder why there wasn’t this much media attention for the first lesbian couples they featured.
Last year in the August 2011 issue, Dr. Tenika Jackson and Nyema Vernon celebrated their nuptials on the magazine’s pages. Brides Davone Madison and Tiffany Jackson (who recently appeared on TLC’s Four Weddings) did the same in JET’s March 2012 issue. So what gives?
Davone Madison and Tiffany Jackson in JET March 2012
Just another case of lesbian invisibility. The reality is that the LGBT community is a microcosm of our society at large. Sexism and patriarchy are still very real. As women (and Black women, specifically), lesbians and bisexuals continue to be rendered nonexistent. Note how MSNBC’s Thomas Roberts acknowledges the two female same-sex couples that already appeared in JET as a mere side note in the video below.
While ELIXHER applauds this accomplishment and extends our congratulations to newlyweds Ravi Perry and Paris Prince, we want to take a moment to celebrate the women that paved the way for them.
Thank you, Tenika, Nyema, Davone and Tiffany!
Recent Comments
- An Open Letter From Openly Lesbian City Council Member Jovanka Beckles (1)
{ I live in the Bay Area but not in Richmond, so I've read previously about the personal attacks on you. It's ridiculous. Stay strong, sistah!... } – Sep 03, 4:22 PM
- Fighting For Justice In Ferguson: One Queer Woman of Color Shares (1)
{ This was a great article. I echo Catt's sentiments; I definitely believe that more attention should be focused on the positive efforts that have taken... } – Sep 03, 10:28 AM
- Black Queer Women Win Our Hearts at Afropunk, On & Off Stage (4)
{ I heard about this festival about two years ago, but now I think its time i take a trip up to Brooklyn. } – Sep 01, 8:25 AM
- Michael Jordan's Daughter Jasmine Jordan Posts Pic with Girlfriend (7)
{ @rene ... eugenics on any level is wrong....procreation does not ensure continuation of the race. fact, american slavery doesn't exist and there fore the number... } – Aug 31, 11:04 PM
- You’ve Quit Your Job. Now What? (2)
{ Words can't express just how helpful and encouraging this was to read. I put in my two weeks notice yesterday and must admit to secretly... } – Aug 31, 3:58 PM
- Older »
Submit a Comment