Barack Obama has shocked and disappointed many of us with the news that he will appear with an anti-gay evangelical gospel singer Donnie McClurkin. McClurkin was a favorite of George Bush, during his 2004 campaign. His work promoting anti-gay ballot measures in 2004 mobilized right-wing voters.

America Blog writes: "Funny how Obama is a big supporter of civil rights when blacks are being maligned, but not so much when gays are the victims. Kind of puts his screw up over General Pace's homophobia in a whole new light."

Pams House Blend writes: "McClurkin believes one can pray away the gay, that it is a choice, and, according to Keith Boykin, Donnie McClurkin compares gays and lesbians to liars."

And from Truth Wins Out: "We strongly urge Obama to part ways with this divisive preacher who is clearly singing a different tune than the stated message of the campaign," said Truth Wins Out's Executive Director Wayne Besen. "We can only hope that Obama is unaware of McClurkin's anti-gay history and will swiftly condemn such intolerance. Real leadership includes standing up to those who drive wedges between the American people."

Still, Obama continues to back Donnie McClurkin. He released the following statement on his website:

"I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.

I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin's views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division."

It is hard to grasp why Obama would choose to continue to appear with someone who has a track-record of attacking the LGBT community. Given the General Pace Incident, it's only natural that LGBT community members would be concerned by Obama's decision to stand on stage with an anti-gay minister Donnie McClurkin. Top Democrats have been telling us what we want to hear for years, but actions speak louder than words. And this action is troubling.

Barack Obama is best advised to pull Donnie McClurkin out of the gospel concert lineup. If he insists on moving forward with McClurkin, however, he should make a genuine effort to show the LGBT community that we are welcome.

Unfortunately these kinds of debates often play out as "evangelicals vs. gays" or "African Americans vs. gays". This means that unfortunately, LGBT Christians and LGBT African Americans are left out of the debate.

Let's change that.

Obama can demonstrate that the LGBT community is welcome at this Gospel Concert, by inviting an LGBT Gospel Choir to perform alongside the other performers. I know here in Washington DC, we have an amazing gospel choir at the Washington DC Metropolitan Community Church. I would venture to guess that at least one of the Metropolitan Community Churches in South Carolina has an excellent gospel choir as well.

If Barack insists on keeping Donnie McClurkin at this gospel concert, he must demonstrate that LGBT folks are welcome and part of this event. LGBT community members need a president who will do and say the right things not just at LGBT community forums, but all the time. At this moment, Obama has an opportunity to demonstrate that.