People at the Sankofa discussion forum last night talked about homophobia in the black community, presenting the diversity of opinions that exist on the issue.

Of the topics raised, attendees focused primarily on homophobia as it relates to racism, the role religion plays in people's perceptions of homosexuality and the difference between white and black responses to homosexuality.

There were few things everyone in the room agreed on during the two-and-a-half-hour session, but almost all of the speakers said the struggles against homophobia and racism are similar.

"There must be on both sides a fundamental no tolerance for oppression," Assata Richards (graduate-sociology) said.

She said the fight that homosexuals face is similar to that of blacks, and the two groups should be united in their causes.

"There are very few people I see who cross over on both sides," Richards said, urging lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and ally activists to stand up against racism.

Some discussion members said they have a difficult time being activists for other causes because they are afraid their sexuality will not be accepted. Others said they agreed with Richards, and thought the black community should also be more supportive of LGBT issues.

A large part of the discussion was devoted to the issue of religion and how it shapes the perceptions people have about homosexuality.

Some said they had a difficult time accepting something they were taught was wrong all their lives. Others cited passages from the Old Testament -- which is used in Christianity, Judaism and Islam -- that claim non-heterosexual sex a sin.

Christie Blackman (graduate-biochemistry and molecular biology) said that while there are about five passages in the Bible against homosexuality, there are at least 240 against heterosexual sex.

Other attendees stressed the idea that holy texts have been translated several times into several different languages, and in many instances the original intent has been interpreted to mean different things.

A final question raised at the forum dealt with the difference between the black and white communities in their approaches to homosexuality.

Amy Stipe (junior-elementary education) said she was shocked to learn the attitudes of many members in the black community, considering they are also members of an oppressed group.

"I think I expected people of color to be more accepting of me," Stipe said.