As a former closeted member of the LGBT community, North Carolina state Rep. Cecil Brockman ( D-Guilford ) is tired of hiding.
The 32-year-old Black bisexual politician from High Point says he suffered in silence as House Bill 2 and Senate Bill 2 were introduced. Both bills allowed magistrates in his state to refuse to perform marriage ceremonies for same-sex couples, citing religious freedom.
"It was incredibly frustrating to hear people who have very ignorant opinions," Brockman said, "because very few of those people know a member of the LGBT community."
Brockman stood on the North Carolina House floor and apologized to gay and lesbian couples after the House voted to override Gov. Pat McCrory's veto of Senate Bill 2. House Speaker Tim Moore abruptly silenced his outcry with the gavel.
"I always felt that I tried to stick up for the LGBT community, even when I wasn't 'out,'‰" Brockman said. "I want to do more of my part, to be stronger and admit to the world that I'm actually a member of this community as well."
Brockman is replacing state Rep. Chris Sgro in the 2017-2018 General Assembly following his exit from the House, where he completed the term of the late Ralph Johnson. Sgro currently leads the LGBT advocacy group Equality N.C.
Prior to becoming a legislator, Brockman served as an aide to openly gay lawmaker Rep. Marcus Brandon.
"I've heard what people say about LGBT people when they think they're talking to a room full of straight people," Brockman said. "I saw the things Marcus went through, and that made me even more fearful of what the reaction might be for me."
Regardless of the reaction from his peers and the press, Brockman said he wasn't a one-trick pony.
"I hope my work will speak for itself," Brockman said. "I don't want to be judged on my sexuality, but for the work I've done for my community."
Brockman has always taken comfort in his religion.
"I grew up in a single parent household, raised by my mother who taught me how to sacrifice for others," Brockman said. "I attended Greater First United Baptist Church where my Pastor, Tacuma Johnson, became an influential spiritual guide and male role model for me."
Brockman shared his reasoning for coming out publicly and becoming a role model—and a target—for North Carolina citizens.
"I want people to recognize that members of the LGBT community are your sons and your daughters, your aunts and uncles," Brockman said. "You can't turn away from those members of the community. It's important for me as a Black person to stand up for the Black community, as well as stand up for the LGBT community. I'm a part of both communities, and I want to push my community to be more tolerant and accepting."
With a Donald J. Trump presidency looming on the horizon, Brockman reminded his constituents that there was still work to be done to move the ball forward.
"Our state's reputation has been severely damaged by laws like H.B. 2. It is time we reject the harmful ideology that is dividing us and being to work together for a better North Carolina."
Now, he is not so quietly keeping his colleagues on note.
"It's important to tell the folks down in Raleigh, you are serving with members of the LGBT community and elected members you serve with can potentially be harmed by your legislation," Brockman said. "I hope it opens people's eyes to realize that the work we do affects real people's lives."
[Note: Brockman sent Windy City Times a separate statement about the lack of a repeal for House Bill 2. He said, "I am extremely disappointed by the failure of General Assembly Republicans to follow through on their end of the deal to fully repeal H.B. 2. This harmful and discriminatory law has been a disaster for North Carolina, damaging both our economy and reputation on the national stage. Instead of showing that North Carolina is open for business, Republicans decided to play games and wasted our time and taxpayers' money.
"I will continue to speak out against H.B. 2 and push for statewide non-discrimination protection for the LGBT community. We have North Carolinians who are marginalized and vulnerable; it is well past time that we act to help those most in need."]
Read more about Rep. Cecil Brockman on the General Assembly website: www.ncleg.net/gascripts/members/viewMember.pl .
