"Some Christians and Muslims have long used their religions to justify their hatred of bisexuals, transgender people, lesbians and gays, but the Voodoo faith embraces sexual diversity," said Charles Henri Marcelin, speaking at an interfaith meeting at the University of Miami. The tall, dark-skinned, athletic, handsome and well-dressed Haitian American businessman knew that he was not what most people expected when they imagined a practitioner of the Voodoo faith. There's something to be said about a man who defies expectations...
When most people thought of Voodoo adherents, they thought of half-naked savages dancing around a campfire. Charles, a proud scion of the Haitian American community of Miami, Florida, wanted to dismantle the stereotypes about the Voodoo faith. Voodoo, which comprises elements of modern Christianity as well as African Paganism, was created for black liberation. Charles knew that his Haitian ancestors felt empowered by the Voodoo faith when they fought against the French Colonial armies on the Island of Saint Domingue centuries ago. Charles couldn't be prouder of his faith...
Charles knew he surprised people due to his good looks, and the fact that he had an MBA from the University of Miami. The stereotypes about Voodoo followers did not match the image which Charles presented to the world. The brother was just getting started. Inspired by Mademoiselle Jacmel, the gorgeous Haitian transgender woman who was the Grand Dame of Miami's Haitian LGBT scene, Charles recently opened the Marcelin Cultural Center, also known as the Voodoo House among the locals. Charles opened up the Bisexual Library, which he filled with books, DVDs and artifacts reflecting bisexual identities around the world. No shame in this brother's game...
"Thank you, Mr. Marcelin," said Hodan Aden, and the six-foot-tall, Hijab-wearing and curvaceous young Somali Muslim woman took the mike from her Haitian counterpart. Smiling at Hodan, Charles nodded before walking away. Hodan then spoke to the audience about her experience as a native of Somalia living in the City of Miami, Florida. The sunshine state is quite diverse, but there are still some who have a dislike of Muslims. Hodan, a graduate student in the anthropology department at the University of Miami, simply would not be silenced. The young Somali American Muslim woman believes in speaking truth to power...
Charles returned to his seat, and his partner and frequent collaborator Alexander Cosgrove clapped his shoulder. Tall and chubby, with dark brown skin and a smooth shaved head, the Jamaican-born Alexander resembled Tommy from the TV series Martin, and Charles never let him forget it. As Alexander congratulated him, Charles grinned but otherwise remained silent. All around them, the dozens of men and women attending the interfaith discussion inside the University of Miami auditorium watched with rapt attention as Hodan shared her tale. Hodan held nothing back as she shared her tale of woe and triumph. Charles winced as Hodan told them about an incident which took place in Fort Lauderdale not too long ago...
"An angry young white man tried to snatch my Hijab while I was visiting my aunt Salima in Fort Lauderdale, he was surprised when I fought back, but I know Krav Maga," Hodan said with a smile. The crowd went wild as Hodan described, in vivid detail, how she repelled her attacker, who retreated with his tail between his legs. Charles and Alexander applauded with the best of them as the audience cheered Hodan's fearlessness and determination.
"Charles, your speech was good, but Hodan is on fire," Alexander said, and Charles nodded in agreement. Hodan stood there, smiling as folks applauded her, and then she gently bowed her head. Like a flawless performer, Hodan left the podium but not before handing the mike to a young black woman named Viola. Hmm, this Viola lady had her work cut out for her since Hodan was a tough act to follow. Hodan returned to her seat, which happened to be right next to Charles and Alexander. The two handsome, well-dressed black gentlemen made space for their lovely colleague.
"Alright, fellas, how was I?" Hodan asked, and Charles grinned while Alexander beamed at her. Charles complimented Hodan on a job well done while Alexander ranted and raved about her performance. Hodan beamed at Alexander, touched by his praise, and kissed him on the lips. Alexander kissed Hodan back passionately, and winked at her when they came up for air. When Alexander saw the look Charles gave him, he shrugged and kissed him on the lips as well. Hodan laughed like the tart that she was, amused by Charles apparent jealousy. The three friends had known each other for a long time.
Five years ago, Charles, Hodan and Alexander met in the University of Miami library. The business student, the civil engineer and the women's studies major somehow struck a friendship which endured for a very long time. Hodan, who came from a deeply conservative Somali Muslim family, surprised Charles and Alexander by being okay with their bisexuality. Back in the day, while having his manly fun with Alexander, a deeply closeted Charles also dated a white chick named Simone. In the end, Simone dumped Charles, who began dating Alexander, and the two of them remained close friends with Hodan.
After the speeches ended, Hodan, Alexander and Charles stuck around to speak with the audience and the academics who organized the whole shebang. There are lots of black students and black academics at the University of Miami, and they were the ones who invited black scholars and black businesspeople to discuss the impact of religion in the lives of modern black Americans. When all was said and done, the three friends headed to Maison Soleil, a chic Haitian restaurant located within walking distance of the University of Miami campus.
"Hmm, nothing like Haitian food," Alexander said, and he smiled at Hodan and Charles as he took a bite out of his plate of white rice, brown bean sauce and fried goat meat. Charles nodded and smiled, amused by Alexander's fondness for Haitian food. The tall, handsome and beefy, openly bisexual Jamaican American stud had become addicted to Haitian food, and now spoke Creole fluently thanks to Charles taking the time to teach him. Charles took a sip of lemonade, and raised his cup to his partner Alexander and their good friend Hodan.
