Rapper T.I. Tells 'Vibe' Some Gay People Are Acting Un-American When Rallying Against Anti-Gay Comments

It's been quite a year for celebrities who speak their minds regarding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

From Tracy Morgan, who shocked an audience (and the country) with a homophobic stand-up set that included a joke about killing his son if he ever came out, to Kelly Osbourne who gave an interview that included what many felt was anti-trans language (she quickly -- and very powerfully -- apologized), opinions from stars on LGBT matters haven't been hard to find.

Even the 2012 Oscars -- thanks to director Brett Ratner's careless use of the word "faggot" during a Q&A -- had to be rebooted.

Celebs sounding off about LGBT topics isn't an uncommon occurrence in the hip-hop world, either, where rappers like 50 Cent, Eminem, and Tyler The Creator have come under fire for anti-gay statements and lyrics and where pro-gay artists like Nicki Minaj and Fat Joe have stood up for the community.

Now in a new cover story in Vibe magazine rapper T.I. throws his two cents into the pile.

In the December issue of the magazine T.I. says (in part):

"Man, I will say this, the funniest joke I ever heard Tracy say during a stand-up was, 'C'mon man, I think gay people are too sensitive. If you can take a dick, you can take a joke.' [Cracks up laughing.] That shit was funny to me. And it’s kind of true." While T.I. makes clear that he supports anyone’s sexual preference, he then connects, in his opinion, a current oversensitivity among gay people with a consequential and ironic offense of the First Amendment. "They’re like, 'If you have an opinion against us, we're gonna shut you down.' ... That's not American. If you're gay you should have the right to be gay in peace, and if you're against it you should have the right to be against it in peace."

What are your thoughts? Freedom of speech or hate speech? Sound off in the comments section below.

The December issue of Vibe hits newsstands on December 6.

Comments

[FromMyPerception]

03:34 PM on 01/22/2012

I agree with him. I am not discriminating against a person if I say that that's not my thing. A straight person doesnt want to see a gay person kissing just as much as a gay person doesnt want to see a straight person kissing. They each have different preferences. But we have come to a point in our country where a gay person can say ewww to a straight person but a straight person better not say eww to a gay person because they are then discriminating. You can like broccoli while I hate it and I can like Collards while you hate it and we can agree to disagree without the shut down. Its not discrimination all of the time. If I say that I am not going to give you an opportunity because you are gay that is discrimination. Me saying that I do not agree with homosexuality because it goes against my belief system or preferences is me describing my preferences and values. It has nothing to do with the other person. It will not affect the other person because it does not impede upon the progression or working relationships. Im not going to not talk to another person, or not hire them or eliminate them from a selection process based upon their preferences. My opinion does not affect that at all.

[catherine27]

08:12 PM on 01/10/2012

It's impossible to be gay in peace when you are discriminated against. Regardless of whether you want to pass as straight. It's how you feel inside that hurts. Sure you can rise above society's ignorance by choosing to think positive and by choosing happiness but it's disheartening to live in a place where there are still laws in place that forbid you from getting married and to be a member of the armed forces and told your partner does not deserve medical benefits. This is what people fight for. Discrimination is discrimination and it comes in all forms. Blacks, asians, gays, bisexuals, transgendered, women, hispanics, native americans, arabs, jews, the mentally ill, the poor, the physically ill or deformed, overweight people, (and any other groups I forgot to mentioned at this moment) we are all discriminated against and it is DEHUMANIZING.

[catherine27]

08:01 PM on 01/10/2012

He seems to be missing the point of human rights and equality. Change happens in American society when large masses of people protest for equal human rights. If the LGBT community were to stay quiet, gay people would not be able to get married and the Civil Rights Movement and The Women's Movement would not have achieved change for so many human beings.

[FromMyPerception]

03:41 PM on 01/22/2012

I think you may be missing the point in human rights. Human rights has more to do with the way in which one is treated that the impact of someone's true feelings about a preference. Some people prefer bananas to apples and some prefer apples to bananas its the same thing. Just because someone prefers one over the other does not mean that they will be treated differently. Is it fair that one has the ability to state that they prefer apples over bananas and make fun of those who prefer the opposite but act hurt when the other person states their preferences and gives the reasons why? Where is the fairness. In an attempt to try to get others to see the gay point of view, they have basically stated that anyone who thinks otherwise is automatically discriminant. They are automatticaly against them and that is more often than not the case. Black people are spoken to kindly everyday and told that they are equal but they are still not treated equally. Gays are treated equally but get told otherwise and they complain about it. That is someone who does not understand human rights.

[FromMyPerception]

03:41 PM on 01/22/2012

BTW I hate the womens Liberation movement. It has resulted in a misguided perception that women think they are better than men and do not need to be taken care of by men. It has also contributed in the break down of the family structure as most households now require two income to maintain them and no one is home to raise the children. In addition to that, women of all races are told that they are equal and STILL make less money than all men across the board. I dont think gay people should be quiet but I dont think that straight people should have to be quiet either. You all are starting to impede upon our freedom of speech and opinion.

[Dan Halen]

04:52 PM on 12/02/2011

Take T.I.'s comments, take the word "gay" and insert the "n-word" and see how he feels about it then.

[Lucky S7even]

02:10 PM on 12/06/2011

gay and the n-word aren't equivalent words, but i get what you're saying.

[one1byke]

03:11 AM on 12/18/2011

asinine logic... except if you're gay, of course...

[Tblack]

07:25 AM on 11/30/2011

Uh. Stop asking T.I. questions. He doesn't know much of anything about anyone.

[ATLJunBug]

08:05 PM on 11/29/2011

I believe in freedom of speech. Being that it is now 2011, I am disappointed in T.I.'s statement knowing that a lot of LGBT people are faithful supporters of T.I. I think the joke is insensitive and is not funny to the LGBT community. I wonder how he would feel if someone said this about his wife or his child. I had so much respect for T.I. I spoke up for him when people said negative things about him during his trouble times. What if the Gay Clubs decide to never play his music again? What if Gay youths stop buying his music. If he thinks it will not impact his music sales, I suggest he take a trip to some of the Gay Clubs so that he can see just how much the LGBT supports him. Shame on T.I.

[hjo4]

09:10 PM on 11/29/2011

You have express comments that made sense.You addressed the person T.I. and didn't indict the entire American Black race, you did not say Bring back Jim Crow and let's see how T.I. would like it .That comment indicts all American Blacks and bring back memories both Blacks & Whites would like to let rest,then claim you were joking. I want to thank you for addressing the person who made the comment and not blame all Black folks for what T.I. said. I agree with you T.I.makes him money from fans, he should be cautious about offending anyone.

[Greg285]

06:49 PM on 11/29/2011

Freedom of speech is only free as long as your don't say anything the LGBT doesn't like! People have the right to live who they want but at the same time, you can't 'shutdown' people's right to express themselves in humor or otherwise, as long as there is no violence is followed or acted upon. When did the LGBT gain so much power anyway?

[cable1977]

10:28 AM on 11/30/2011

Why is it that so many people misunderstand what freedom of speech means?

Freedom of speech refers to GOVERNMENT control of speech. You are free from being treated criminally, censored, or silenced by the government because of what you say. You have no freedom from being chastised or responsible for the things you say in the court of public opinion, that is NOT what freedom of speech refers to.

As much as TI has the right to say whatever he wishes about the LGBT community, the LGBT has the right to hold him accountable for that speech and point out the prejudice found within it. That, in no way, infringes upon his constitutionally protected speech. Freedom of speech does not mean freedom for all consequences of said speech.

[brownin329]

11:14 PM on 12/10/2011

Thank you for the clarification, because there are some people who simply don't get it. This is why education, especially American history education, needs to be revamped.

[lacrosselamore]

03:01 PM on 11/30/2011

No one can stop either one of these mental midgets from speaking. But we have free speech rights to, an I will use mine to call for boycotts of TI music and to get Morgan fired from 30 Rock.
My freedom of speech.

[Spiral Architect]

02:10 PM on 11/29/2011

I never thought I'd agree with TI...but I do.

[ATLJunBug]

08:16 PM on 11/29/2011

Have you ever been discriminated against? How did it make you feel, if you have? Gay people are human and have the same feelings as you. And they have a right to express their disapproval of the way they are treated.

It is jokes like this that causes a lot of children to commit suicide. Do you have brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews? How would you feel if one of them is Gay and afraid to come out because of you and is being bullied and decides to commit suicide because of an insensitive joke made towards them. And please do not doubt for a moment that you do not have a Gay person in your immediate family. Trust me, they are there.

[Spiral Architect]

09:38 AM on 11/30/2011

I do have a gay person in my family. She's fine with jokes like this. A joke at your expense won't make you commit suicide. I was bullied and teased in school. When I fought back the teasing stopped. Tracy Morgan, TI and others in showbiz are free to make jokes about people, b/c of their sexual preference, political affiliation, nationality, social status etc..Grow some thicker skin.

[lacrosselamore]

03:02 PM on 11/30/2011

Than you aren't any smarter than a 3rd grader either.

[Donald Whittemore]

10:14 PM on 12/01/2011

It's "then" not "than".

When pointing out how smart someone is, it might be a good idea to use the correct word, especially when the difference between "then" and "than" is taught in 3rd grade.

[Demil LeRoy]

11:45 AM on 11/29/2011

(T.I., your statement was very naive...peace is ideal not real)

If you are Black you have the right to be Black in peace...
If you hate Blacks you have the right to hate Blacks in peace...

TELL THAT TO THE KLU KLUX KLAN...and...ALL THE OTHER RACIST GROUPS
who have and still inflict their negative JOKES and DEEDS on your own people...

You are a grown up now with children of your own and young people who are looking at you...

BE RESPONSIBLE..READ SOME HISTORY BOOKS..
perhaps go back to school so you can develope an intelligent and informed opinion.

But I will defend you as and AMERICAN...GOD BLESS THE USA...
It is your right to have your opinion, just don't think your opinion is always RIGHT...

LEAN NOT TO YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING...
READ...STUDY...READ...and ...STUDY SOME MORE... LOVE YA

[ATLJunBug]

08:17 PM on 11/29/2011

Very nice advice.

[Rha]

10:09 AM on 11/29/2011

A gay man can look straight by choice.........................But a black person always looks black!
Stop trying to compare the two....it's just ridiculous...seriously!!!!!!!!!!!

[ATLJunBug]

08:23 PM on 11/29/2011

But the feeling of discrimination is the same. And don't be so sure that a Gay man can look straight by choice. Some just can not look straight no matter how hard they try. Actually, they look ridiculous trying.

Not all Black people look black either.

[IntelligentAsFellasGet]

09:23 AM on 11/30/2011

Nice try, if you're black people know it and the hair pretty much never lies. This is my problem with the comparison. There is racism within the Gay community against blacks, how can this be? How can it come from a group who is discriminated against so much? Easy because in a lot of cases it's better to be gay than black. Now if you really want to know discrimination think about the Black Gay man. SMH.

[Jerry Callaio]

09:07 AM on 11/29/2011

OMG...another Rapper with an opinion on a subject he knows nothing about. Well heck IF he can do rhyming at a fifth grade level I guess that makes him a genius with some people.

I'm so glad he thinks ALL gays enjoy the same sexual activities and that we ALL prefer same sex relationships over opposite sex ones.

Not only is he uneducated but frankly a bigot. ANY time you judge a group of people by your own prejudices and misconceptions you frankly make a fool out of yourself.

IF I were to talk about Blacks in the same manner he disses LGBT folks I'm sure he be singing a different tune....OPPS!!!!....I mean rapping a different tune since rapping sure ain't singing!

[ATLJunBug]

08:24 PM on 11/29/2011

Agreed. And I am Black.

[Jerry Callaio]

09:12 PM on 11/29/2011

Thanx for understanding and having an open mind....something that is devoid in many posters here........I only stated the obvious but it goes over the heads of many people who are entrapped within their own bubble of bigotry.

Thanx for reaffirming my faith in some people.

[mizmonica6]

08:27 PM on 11/29/2011

"IF I were to talk about Blacks in the same manner he disses LGBT folks "

@ Jerry Callalo. What the hell are you even talking about? In the realm of comedy no one is exempt including blacks which makes your statement completely absurd. For some reason there exist some gays that have no qualms when every other minority is the the brunt of a joke, but the moment a gay joke appears, then its sacrilege. To any truly objective mind, T.I is correct in what he is saying and indiscriminately labeling anyone "bigot" or resorting to childish personal attacks doesn't negate a thing.

[Jerry Callaio]

09:09 PM on 11/29/2011

Thankyou for reaffirming my position and post as it flew right over your head!

[Chris7781]

02:30 PM on 12/02/2011

As a lesbian I LOVE jokes about gay people ... when those people are Ellen or Margaret Cho or anyone else who can say them with some irony and not the blatant hatred that someone like Tracy Morgan said them. I mean, seriously?! The joke about being able to take a "d***" but not a joke"?!! A person who had the right to make jokes about gay people wouldn't make that joke ... because they have an understanding of the gay community and would never assume that all gay people like "d***". It's about who tells the joke!! If a person who is NOT a bigot tells the joke in a way that clearly pokes fun at an identity that has been endorsed and acknowledged by the community then that's fine. That goes for black people, too. Chris Rock can joke about black people all day long but when rush limbaugh does it it makes my skin crawl. Get it?

[redd35]

05:20 AM on 11/29/2011

HE'S 100% RIGHT

[lacrosselamore]

12:01 PM on 11/29/2011

So that's funny huh" How about this if you ancestors could take 200 years of slavery than you should be able to take a racist joke, right?
Now let me repeat a few of the funny racist jokes I know.
Naw. I don't dwell in the gutter likr you and TI. Looser crybaby whiner.

[ATLJunBug]

08:30 PM on 11/29/2011

What did he say that he is 100% right about. That is the kind of stuff that children are killing themselves about. Insensitive jokes that demeans a person. How would you like it if someone said that about your Mother, Sister or Brother. What if one of them committed suicide behind an insensitive joke that someone just fell out laughing about in your face?

I hope you don't think that there is not a Gay person in your family. Trust me, they are there.

[Bob Kellerman]

04:39 AM on 11/29/2011

T iny

I ntellect

T iny

H eart

[GoFig]

02:32 AM on 11/29/2011

It's never the words... it's who is saying them.
When someone from the black community doesn't get that... it's just sad.

[ATLJunBug]

08:36 PM on 11/29/2011

Oh my friend, believe me, it is the words too. I believe you know that too.

[Owlwriter16]

11:35 PM on 11/28/2011

And if a white man called him the 'N' word we would see just how cool he really is. Its comments like TI's that solidify his place as a rapper and not a brain surgeon!

[a okafor007]

12:59 AM on 11/29/2011

and the fact he never finished grade school lol

[horace2884]

01:28 AM on 11/29/2011

White people do and so what we dont care that got so old oh he called me the N word so what how about they pulled me over cause im black or the jury is all white so im toast or I cant get any of the main cable news channels to cover my young black missing daughter cause a white gay kid commited suicide or a white girl is missing.

[lacrosselamore]

12:15 PM on 11/29/2011

Wa wa wa. Poor poor you. Even with Afirmitive Action you can't get a job. Even with the United Negro College Fund you can't get through college. Even with the Equal Oppertunity Commission to cry discrimination to you can't hold a job.
Yea, you are stiill suffering the effects of slavery that was abolished almost 200 years ago.
My heart bleeds.

[ATLJunBug]

08:43 PM on 11/29/2011

You do not know how you sound. How old are you? Do you have any ideal what is the meaning of "N" word?

It is not the gay person who comitted suicide's fault that you are not getting news stations to cover your missing daughter's case. That is just not fair. Maybe you need some legal help. I am so sorry to hear about you having a missing daughter and I hope you will find her today.

Calling me the "N" word will never get old and acceptable. Not ever!!!!!

Horace! Horace! Horace!