So last night there was a star-studded reading of Dustin Lance Black’s 8 on Broadway. The play, of course, is a dramatization of the Prop 8 trial, based on the actual transcripts. Andy Towle reports that Maggie Gallagher showed up for some unknown reason. She, of course, was a part of the trial and knew what happened. Perhaps she’s not aware how much she embarrassed herself during the real thing and wanted to see it play out again on stage. Andy’s got a full report with tons more pictures, but this is the part that just made me laugh:
[S]he obviously knew she was coming for a show. My friends Phil and Ronald sat directly in front of her. You can see Ronald in the top photo. They had a hard time listening to the show because along with her nerve, Ms. Gallagher brought a large plastic bag of loud food, which she rustled and munched throughout the production (she’s still got it on the way out). Perhaps she thought it was a popcorn flick she was going to. In any case, someone should have told her that it’s rude, perhaps even against the rules, to eat in the theatre. But we already know what Gallagher and her organization think of rules.
The one bright spot is that Gallagher, who presumably purchased her ticket, is now officially a supporter of the American Foundation for Equal Rights.
I would never have expected any of our opponents to have any sense of decorum, so this is not really surprising. It still makes me laugh though. Maybe she’s just taking the acronym for her hate organization a little bit too literally.
He represents what is right with the LGBT community. He is talented, smart, easy on the eyes, and fights for equality.
That said, I take issue with his attack today on the Human Rights Campaign. The award-winning screen-writer of Milk inexplicably teamed up with the Log Cabin Republicans to berate HRC for its plan to turn the late Harvey Milk’s camera shop into a retail store and Action Center. According to Black in a joint statement with the (gag) Log Cabin Republicans:
“Harvey Milk spent the last years of his life fighting not only for rights for gays and lesbians across the nation, but also against the idea that the only way to achieve those rights is to lobby the government and financially support so-called ‘straight allies’. Harvey believed the best way to secure our rights was through grassroots action, coalition building and the election of LGBT people to office at all levels of government. He encouraged people to come out of the closet and be vocal about who they were and why they deserved full equality, not partial equality or crumbs. For the HRC leadership, which still advocates a piecemeal, wait-and-see approach to try and co-opt and profit from Harvey’s legacy is an outrage.”
It is disappointing to watch Black throw a petty little tantrum that is unworthy of his honorable reputation. If he does not like HRC that is his prerogative. However, the answer is to start an organization of his own, not take underhanded swipes at our nation’s largest LGBT group.
As Black must know, real estate is quite pricey on San Francisco’s Castro Street. The alternative to HRC running this store is to have a bland chain outlet take over the space that offers no value to the LGBT community. At least HRC has an action center, where people can make a difference by reaching out to their elected officials.
Black’s cheap shot was made worse by his teaming up with the Log Cabin Republicans. Here is what the Log Cabinites said in a press release:
“HRC has proven time and again that its main goal is not to advance rights for LGBT Americans but to raise funds amongst the LGBT community for Democratic candidates,” stated LCRSF president Dan Brown. ”Harvey Milk supported both Republican and Democratic candidates throughout his life, and continually sought to reach consensus on both sides of the aisle for the benefit of us all. He tried to get everyone involved in fighting for their rights, whether by volunteering, lobbying, protesting, running for office, talking to friends, coworkers and family, and yes, even fundraising. If HRC, as the largest LGBT rights organization by funding, took a page from Harvey’s book rather than relying on empty promises from elected officials that rarely materialize, then we would be much closer to full equality than we currently are.”
This statement is offensive and factually inaccurate. The Human Rights Campaign has endorsed many Republicans over the years, even at the price of alienating much of its liberal base. The only reason that HRC has not embraced more members of the GOP is that they are so crappy on LGBT rights that they are not worthy of support. Since the Log Cabin Republicans were formed, the GOP has lurched right and embraced extremists from Pat Buchanan to Sarah Palin. What the hell has this group done to shift the overall direction of the Republican Party so its candidates can be supported by HRC?
Wake up call: The leading Republican presidential candidates so far are Newt Gingrich, Tim Pawlenty, Mike Huckabee, Sarah Palin and Mitt Romney. I would love the Log Cabin Republicans to explain exactly how their wonderful party came to support such wing-nuts and exactly how a sane group like HRC is expected to endorse these “conservative” clowns.
Indeed, the biggest problem the LGBT movement currently has is that we have absolutely no leverage with Democrats. Why are we in this conundrum? Clearly, it is because the Republican Party is so abominable that we rarely have but one choice on the ballot — the Democrat.
Before I hear the Log Cabin Republicans whine about HRC, I want to see these Uncle Marys pave the way by making the Republican Party more friendly towards LGBT Equality. When Log Cabin recruits and puts forth viable candidates that can actually be endorsed, we can begin an honest discussion. Until then, they are just blowing smoke where the sun don’t shine.
As for Black, he ought to pick his fights and friends more carefully. Right now he is a hero. I would hate to see his moral authority erode by getting bogged down in community infighting when he ought to keep his eye on the ball by battling our real enemies — most of whom happen to be Republicans.
HRC should be applauded for their brilliant marketing move, as well as keeping the Harvey Milk store in the hands of LGBT activists.
Let’s analyze the Atlantic Magazine story about the coming out of former Republican National Committee Chairman, Ken Mehlman, and discuss what steps he must take to redeem himself with the gay community:
“It’s taken me 43 years to get comfortable with this part of my life,” said Mehlman, now an executive vice-president with the New York City-based private equity firm, KKR. “Everybody has their own path to travel, their own journey, and for me, over the past few months, I’ve told my family, friends, former colleagues, and current colleagues, and they’ve been wonderful and supportive. The process has been something that’s made me a happier and better person. It’s something I wish I had done years ago.”
Perhaps, if he had not worked for a party that used LGBT people as a wedge issue, he would have accepted himself 10 or 20 years earlier. In a sense, he helped construct his own stifling closet. I can respect that he had his own path, but Mehlman cannot deny that his abhorrent actions negatively affected the paths of so many other people. His odious work led to broken families, gay teenagers committing suicide, LGBT couples who were not able to marry, broken people joining silly “ex-gay” programs and individuals who lost their jobs or were hate crime victims. Mehlman should own up to his hideous mistake and offer a heartfelt apology. Yes, he will be forgiven, but first he must make amends. So far, his coming out has been all about himself, without acknowledging the extent of his toxic legacy.
He insisted, too, that President Bush “was no homophobe.”
It is probably true that George W. Bush was not homophobic and he always seemed somewhat comfortable around gay people. However, this is not comforting, because it means that the former president’s anti-gay policies were nothing more than a cynical and amoral attempt to divide America for the sake of political power. Ken Mehlman played along with this tragic game. He willingly demonized marriage equality. He orchestrated some of the most vile anti-gay campaigns in history and profited handsomely from the wreckage. Did Mehlman intervene or speak up in 2006 when Bush brought so-called “ex-gay” activists from Exodus International to the White House to lobby for the Federal Marriage Amendment?
He often wondered why gay voters never formed common cause with Republican opponents of Islamic jihad, which he called “the greatest anti-gay force in the world right now.”
Like most people, the vast majority of LGBT individuals oppose Islamic jihad. However, the GOP proposed replacing Islamic fundamentalism with a form of Christian fundamentalism. Quite frankly, neither vision is particularly appealing. Living in America, a Republican-led theocracy was always a much greater threat than Islamic jihad. Furthermore, most LGBT voters were rightfully skeptical of the cooked-up “intelligence” that railroaded us into the quagmire of Iraq. The policies of the Bush administration made us less safe, not more secure.
Mehlman’s leadership positions in the GOP came at a time when the party was stepping up its anti-gay activities — such as the distribution in West Virginia in 2006 of literature linking homosexuality to atheism, or the less-than-subtle, coded language in the party’s platform (“Attempts to redefine marriage in a single state or city could have serious consequences throughout the country…”). Mehlman said at the time that he could not, as an individual Republican, go against the party consensus. He was aware that Karl Rove, President Bush’s chief strategic adviser, had been working with Republicans to make sure that anti-gay initiatives and referenda would appear on November ballots in 2004 and 2006 to help Republicans. Mehlman acknowledges that if he had publicly declared his sexuality sooner, he might have played a role in keeping the party from pushing an anti-gay agenda.
Mehlman was an adult and a very powerful man in Washington. He had a clear choice to make, and he elected to embrace unadulterated greed over integrity. He willfully abandoned the LGBT community (including suicidal teens) for the sake of privilege, power and money. His choice was one of cowardice and self-interest. As a direct result of his decision, he became famous, well-connected and earned enough money to buy a multi-million dollar condo in New York’s gay Chelsea district. Many people are faced with such choices every day and act with dignity and good character. What Ken Mehlman should have done, was demand that the GOP not use LGBT people as a wedge issue. If Karl Rove refused, Mehlman should have resigned.
“It’s a legitimate question and one I understand,” Mehlman said. “I can’t change the fact that I wasn’t in this place personally when I was in politics, and I genuinely regret that. It was very hard, personally.” He asks of those who doubt his sincerity: “If they can’t offer support, at least offer understanding.”
What can reasonably be offered, given the circumstances, is a pragmatic acceptance of Mehlman. It is important to include him in order to make it easier for the next 10, 20 or 100 Ken Mehlman’s to come out of the closet, so we can end anti-gay prejudice for future generations. This is about the greater good and the future — rather than wallowing in the sordid past. But, Mehlman would be wise not to attempt to whitewash history. The LGBT community in not as gullible as the rubes he used to trick with divisive social issues.
“What I do regret, and think a lot about, is that one of the things I talked a lot about in politics was how I tried to expand the party into neighborhoods where the message wasn’t always heard. I didn’t do this in the gay community at all.”
Come on, Ken. Stop the spin. The GOP was not going to be able to walk through Chelsea or San Francisco’s Castro district knocking on doors to promote the Federal Marriage Amendment. If Mehlman wants to be accepted, honesty will be his greatest ally.
“I wish I was where I am today 20 years ago. The process of not being able to say who I am in public life was very difficult. No one else knew this except me. My family didn’t know. My friends didn’t know. Anyone who watched me knew I was a guy who was clearly uncomfortable with the topic,” he said.
Would it truly have made a difference? Would Mehlman really have traded his access to power, wealth and fame just to live out and proud? Only he can answer this question. But, one point is undeniable. If he had come out 20 years ago, he never would have become the chairman of the GOP or a key player on the Bush team, because the Republican Party had long cast its lot with religious extremists.
Ed Gillespie, a former RNC chairman and long-time friend of Mehlman acknowledged that the party had been inhospitable to gays in the past, and said that he hopes Mehlman’s decision to come out leads the party to be “more respectful and civil in our discourse” when it comes to gays.
For openly LGBT people to have a place of influence and distinction in the Republican Party, the GOP must decide it will no longer be hostage to social conservatives. This party’s alleged “big tent” is simply not large enough to hold both the Family Research Council’s Tony Perkins and Ken Mehlman. The agendas of these two men are incongruous. Who is the GOP going to choose? (If the line-up of Republican backed Tea Bagger candidates is any indication, they are still on-board with anti-gay activists)
Mehlman said that his formal coming-out process began earlier this year.
Formal coming out process? Huh? Did he buy a tuxedo for the occasion? I don’t care what Mehlman says. He is 43 years old and must have known he was gay for decades before he started professionally gay bashing for the GOP. What he was really trying to say was, now that he is rich, successful, lives in Chelsea and no longer shills for the Republican Party, he felt safe enough to come out of the closet.
Chad Griffin, the California-based political strategist who organized opposition to Proposition 8, said that Mehlman’s quiet contributions to the American Foundation for Equal Rights are “tremendous,” adding that “when we achieve equal equality, he will be one of the people to thank for it.”
Dustin Lance Black, the Academy Award winning writer of “Milk,” said, ”Ken represents an incredible coup for the American Foundation for Equal Rights. We believe that our mission of equal rights under the law is one that should resonate with every American. As a victorious former presidential campaign manager and head of the Republican Party, Ken has the proven experience and expertise to help us communicate with people across each of the 50 states.”
Let’s cut Griffin and Black a little slack. They are trying to strategically move forward with LGBT equality as a bipartisan issue. If their opportunistic use of Mehlman leads to more Republicans openly backing our efforts, we will be much better off. To do so, would further relegate anti-gay activists to the fringe and make our uphill struggle a downhill victory march.
To sumarize, Mehlman has three steps to take before he is warmly welcomed:
1) Repent for past sins
2) Be honest with the LGBT community
3) Work tirelessly to undo the damage and propel the LGBT towards equality
It is an odd time to be gay in America. Whether you are celebrated or despised depends on where you stand at any given moment.
The most dramatic example of this dichotomy occurred on Sunday evening at the Academy Awards. To attend the glamorous event, one had to drive past anti-gay protesters shouting vile condemnations of homosexuality. Once inside, guests were treated to perhaps the most pro-gay Oscar extravaganza in history.
First, openly gay Dustin Lance Black won Best Original Screenplay for “Milk”. Black gave a moving acceptance speech to thunderous applause and told GLBT youth that they were “beautiful, wonderful creatures of value…no matter what anyone tells you.”
The icing on the cake was superstar Sean Penn’ remarks after winning an Oscar for his role as Harvey Milk.
“For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, and, I think that it is a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect and anticipate their great shame and the shame in their grandchildren’ eyes if they continue that way of support.”
The GLBT community has come a long way. It is now acceptable for top tier straight men to play gay roles without it negatively impacting their careers. This is no small achievement and we should be quite grateful to have obliterated this barrier that once seemed insurmountable. (Let’ not forget Tom Hanks who played a gay man with AIDS in Philadelphia.)
Before we sip the Champagne, we should remember that there is still an ongoing taboo against openly gay actors playing leading men in Hollywood. On the morning of the Oscars, the New York Times Magazine wrote a profile on actor Rupert Everett discussing the obstacles he faced as a result of coming out. The article spoke of the time he was turned down for a major movie role because of his sexual orientation. An MGM executive told his agent, “to all intents and purposes, a homosexual was a pervert in the eyes of America.”
Clearly, some glass ceilings still need to be shattered. It should be a major priority among GLBT activists to make sure this breakthrough in Hollywood comes to fruition.
Equally jarring was my experience in Charlotte, North Carolina this past week. My organization, Truth Wins Out, traveled there to counter Focus on the Family’ “Love Won Out” conference, where they teach people to “pray away the gay.”
On a beautiful Saturday morning, I broke away from our protest group to attend a seminar at Love Won Out. It was heartbreaking to see more young people than I ever had before at this traveling “ex-gay” road show. There was a cardboard sign that read “Youth Track”, and several teenagers — some that appeared not much older than 13 — were being taken inside by their desperate and confused parents.
Outside the conference were many dedicated local activists, such as Matt Comer, who organized our protest. Counter-protesters from Operation Save America greeted us. They preached that in 1973 the Lord turned against America. In this year, they said, God was angered by Roe v. Wade, the American Psychiatric Association removing homosexuality from its list of mental disorders and Israel’ war with the Arabs. Yeah — this is a bizarre conclusion to draw, but one that compelled about one dozen troglodytes to bring signs calling us “whoremongers.”
On the other side of town, the Human Rights Campaign held its annual North Carolina dinner. Much like those who attended the Academy Awards, attendees were greeted by belligerent Bible-thumpers who shouted Scripture into megaphones.
The dinner itself was an elegant affair that featured an excellent motivational speech by HRC Executive Director Joe Solmonese and a keynote address by Sen. Kay Hagen (D-NC). It was truly inspiring to hear Sen. Hagen, who occupied the seat once held by the notorious Jesse Helms. (R-NC).
The week ended with a hateful ad by The Policy Council of West Virginia, which compares same-sex marriage supporters to snipers targeting families. The more we progress, it seems the more our opponents regress and resort to shrill and bombastic attacks.
At any given moment, GLBT people are portrayed as either wonderful or wicked. While it is still painful to be put down, I can’t help but notice that when it counts — whether in Hollywood or Charlotte — it is we who are increasingly on the inside. While our opponents could win Oscars for their dramatic protest performances, they certainly can’t like the way the script is unfolding.
With a gift of $35 to Truth Wins Out, you can receive an autographed copy of "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth."
So last night there was a star-studded reading of Dustin Lance Black’s 8 on Broadway. The play, of course, is a dramatization of the Prop 8 trial, based on the actual transcripts. Andy Towle reports that Maggie Gallagher showed up for some unknown reason. She, of course, was a part of the trial and knew what happened. Perhaps she’s not aware how much she embarrassed herself during the real thing and wanted to see it play out again on stage. Andy’s got a full report with tons more pictures, but this is the part that just made me laugh:
I am a fan of Dustin Lance Black.
