mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 2764 times:
Most of these are no surprise. As the CEO of the world's most valuable company, Tim Cook is a powerful man, gay or straight and Ellen de Generes is a slam dunk:
But there are some surprises. I was a weensy bit surprised to see Anderson Cooper on the list - powerful, perhaps, but I didn't know he had "embraced the tribe."
And - Matt Drudge? Matt Drudge is gay? Knock me down with a feather.
einsteinboricua From Puerto Rico, joined Apr 2010, 2045 posts, RR: 6 Reply 1, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 23 hours ago) and read 2748 times:
I'm just as surprised to see AC on the list. However, I think this is just trying to get him to say something about his life. If he says he's gay, his days as a journalist are over (not because he'll get fired or damage the image of the channel) but because people will be all over him. If he says he's straight, then tabloids and such will start rumors that because he's single, he's gay, blah blah blah. Not confirming or denying his orientation helps keep these people in check. It only takes one article based on false rumors to destroy a person's reputation.
"You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky."
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7462 posts, RR: 5 Reply 2, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2650 times:
The impressive thing about Tim Cook is that he's recognized as an operational genius without any concern that he's gay. It's a good thing to break stereotypes and might well be a factor in ensuring the ladders are open in other industries.
canoecarrier From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2657 posts, RR: 12 Reply 3, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2641 times:
Quoting mariner (Thread starter): But there are some surprises. I was a weensy bit surprised to see Anderson Cooper on the list - powerful, perhaps, but I didn't know he had "embraced the tribe."
And - Matt Drudge? Matt Drudge is gay? Knock me down with a feather.
An interesting list. I'll throw in the obligatory, "I'm not gay, but I live in Seattle, have lots of gay friends so this interests me". But, I really can't believe Rachel Maddow is that high on the list! If Drudge really is gay, he and Anderson Cooper (who is obviously gay) wield much more influence than Maddow does on MSNBC.
One of my favorite people on this list is Neil Patrick Harris. He's a great actor and has been a great spokesman for his community for some time.
On a local note, Dan Savage us a high profile personality in the community (outside the LGBT) here in Seattle. I personally don't like him or his political tactics. He's part owner of one of the alternative newspapers in the city. What he does isn't journalism or constructive to his community's cause outside of the west coast. One of the most divisive political personalities I can think of.
Maverick623 From United States of America, joined Nov 2006, 4744 posts, RR: 6 Reply 4, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 21 hours ago) and read 2637 times:
Surprised Janet Napolitano wasn't "outed" in that list...
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 5, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 20 hours ago) and read 2614 times:
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 3): On a local note, Dan Savage us a high profile personality in the community (outside the LGBT) here in Seattle. I personally don't like him or his political tactics. He's part owner of one of the alternative newspapers in the city. What he does isn't journalism or constructive to his community's cause outside of the west coast. One of the most divisive political personalities I can think of.
I agree he may be divisive, but as the originator of the "It Gets Better" campaign, I think he has earned a special place and I'll forgive him a very great deal.
The two Mormon videos in that campaign - the BYU students and the welcoming Mormon parents - may have begun a tiny shift in the repressive attitudes of the Mormon church which nothing else has achieved. Of course, it may go nowhere.
canoecarrier From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2657 posts, RR: 12 Reply 6, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2572 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 5): I agree he may be divisive, but as the originator of the "It Gets Better" campaign, I think he has earned a special place and I'll forgive him a very great deal.
The two Mormon videos in that campaign - the BYU students and the welcoming Mormon parents - may have begun a tiny shift in the repressive attitudes of the Mormon church which nothing else has achieved. Of course, it may go nowhere.
Its true that that campaign was worthy toward opening some eyes to the plight of young people that are in the LGBT community. For that he does deserve credit. I'll just add that I do hear him on the radio quite often here, not all of his day to day efforts are nearly as noble.
AirCanada787 From Canada, joined Nov 2010, 260 posts, RR: 0 Reply 8, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 19 hours ago) and read 2527 times:
Of course any list like this is interesting but its merits can be debated till the end of time.
Quoting Ken777 (Reply 2): The impressive thing about Tim Cook is that he's recognized as an operational genius without any concern that he's gay. It's a good thing to break stereotypes and might well be a factor in ensuring the ladders are open in other industries.
All people should be recognized for their talents first instead of their sexuality.
Quoting mariner (Thread starter): I was a weensy bit surprised to see Anderson Cooper on the list - powerful, perhaps, but I didn't know he had "embraced the tribe."
A few years ago OUT published an article about the 'glass closet' and celebrities who wouldn't come out openly. They featured a model in a suit holding a picture of Anderson Cooper to represent him. Cooper has refused to discuss his private life many times and has actually appeared on this list before, beginning in 2007 when he was ranked second. The question is, if everyone knows and he won't even once publicly acknowledged it then is he bowing down to heteronormativity.
The mind, like a parachute, functions only when open.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16826 posts, RR: 57 Reply 9, posted (1 year 3 weeks 5 days 18 hours ago) and read 2517 times:
Quoting einsteinboricua (Reply 1): I'm just as surprised to see AC on the list. However, I think this is just trying to get him to say something about his life. If he says he's gay, his days as a journalist are over (not because he'll get fired or damage the image of the channel) but because people will be all over him. If he says he's straight, then tabloids and such will start rumors that because he's single, he's gay, blah blah blah. Not confirming or denying his orientation helps keep these people in check. It only takes one article based on false rumors to destroy a person's reputation.
Anderson Cooper makes no secret of his sexuality. I was at a New Year's party with him and he had a cute little Blonde thing with him. Wasn't the first time I ran into him, the prior time he seemed to give me a pretty heavy undressing with his eyes (I was 28). He also doesn't make a big deal of it.
BTW, to clarify, I've only spoken with him for brief pleasantries and shaken his hand. It's not as if I know him.
Ken777 From United States of America, joined Mar 2004, 7462 posts, RR: 5 Reply 10, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 23 hours ago) and read 2289 times:
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 3): But, I really can't believe Rachel Maddow is that high on the list!
I can. She has a national TV show and a book that is #1 on the NYT's list. I bought the book after seeing it in Steve Smiths bookcase and, so far, it could have been written by a conservative who doesn't own shares in defense companies.
Pretty bright gal, but she did get a PhD from Oxford.
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): All people should be recognized for their talents first instead of their sexuality.
That is how it should be, but lots of things in this world are not as they should be.
Quoting DocLightning (Reply 9): Anderson Cooper makes no secret of his sexuality.
I believe the issue is that he keeps it part of his private live, which is probably a good thing in his job. The result is that people take him for the person they see on CNN without worrying about his preferences.
zippyjet From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 4724 posts, RR: 13 Reply 11, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 2253 times:
Matt Drudge is indeed Gay. All the bad guys can't be straight! Soon, you'll see Justin Bieber. Chances are the Bieb's will
do a Ricky Martin and come out of the Canadian closet. I know a lot will say he has a girlfriend hottie Selena Gomez. People, that's all for show. And I'd take a gander at Tommy Tune. Anyone that calls himself Tommy Tune has to be...
If y'all ever do a "50 most influential deceased Gay people you should include:
Richard Nixon (sources say he and Rabeebee Rebozo (not the clown) did the nasty many a time. I guess having Pat as
his wife could you blame Tricky Dick?
Liberace (Denial is a river in Egypt)
Rock Hudson
J. Edgar Hoover (He had major wow factor in 1950's hauteur couture)
Possibly Carol Channing (If she wasn't once a guy I hope she wasn't bullied too much when she was alive)
Charles Nelson Riley
Paul Lynde (Yep, in real life Uncle Arthur would have really loved A'Nets would you hit it? The pink version.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16826 posts, RR: 57 Reply 12, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 2247 times:
Quoting zippyjet (Reply 11):
Matt Drudge is indeed Gay. All the bad guys can't be straight! Soon, you'll see Justin Bieber. Chances are the Bieb's will
do a Ricky Martin and come out of the Canadian closet.
I actually don't think so. He's a bit underdeveloped, but I don't think he's gay.
September11 From United States of America, joined May 2004, 3623 posts, RR: 23 Reply 15, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 2221 times:
ohhh Justin Bieber in this thread!! I met him earlier this year -- indeed hard to tell! He's so tricky
geezer From United States of America, joined Aug 2010, 1426 posts, RR: 1 Reply 16, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 19 hours ago) and read 2187 times:
Quoting Maverick623 (Reply 4): Surprised Janet Napolitano wasn't "outed" in that list...
Thanks Maverick, I was just gonna say that; also.........how about our last 2 SCOTUS "appointee's" ?
( Not to mention, our "SecState" ?)
In contrast to the "most powerful", let me tell you about 3 of the "least powerful" there are;
We live in a small little village; probably no more than 80 to 100 people all told; but one guy, about 40, (has luekemia) is gay; he also LOVES dogs and cats, takes care of half the cats in town that other people are too damned sorry to "prevent" by getting their female cats "fixed"; he also takes care of our little rat terrier when we go out of town; as far as I'm concerned, anyone who is as kind to animals as ______ is, I like; that's one reason he's my friend.
Also, there are two ladies who are lesbians; they have a goat; ( his name is Huckleberry ); My fiancee' LOVES goats! We stop every time we pass their house and "visit" the goat; got to know them while "visiting" their goat; I like them too! Partly because they are kind to goats, and mostly because.........just because I like them. ( I can't say the same fro A.C. on CNN )
Charley
Stupidity: Doing the same thing over and over and over again and expecting a different result; Albert Einstein
KiwiRob From New Zealand, joined Jun 2005, 5305 posts, RR: 3 Reply 17, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 12 hours ago) and read 2085 times:
Not everyone here is an American citizen right, and not everyone here is officially out, so I'm somewhat surprised that Helen Clark former NZ PM, currently the Head of the UN Development Programme and living in the US with her partner (her beard hubby doesn't live with her) isn't on the list.
TIA From Albania, joined Mar 2006, 520 posts, RR: 2 Reply 18, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 2045 times:
While the list is subjective, it was correct not to include Clark. In her current capacity, she's not involved in American politics or business or media or culture scene. She's a UN official, who happens to live in the US. Other non-Americans on the list like Andrew Sullivan focus predominantly on US issues. That's why it makes perfect sense to have him on a US list and not Clark.
Pellegrine From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1845 posts, RR: 8 Reply 19, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 10 hours ago) and read 2046 times:
This list is stupid. I love Anderson Cooper and I followed his career before he was even an anchor on CNN, remember The Mole anyone? But frankly, I disrespect Anderson Cooper for remaining in the closet when everyone knows he's gay.
How the hell can you be a "Powerful" gay person and be in the closet? No matter how famous you are.
When I see a famous person who could do so much more. I don't like that, and I do not respect that in the least bit.
mbmbos From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2561 posts, RR: 1 Reply 20, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 9 hours ago) and read 2017 times:
Quoting mariner (Reply 5): ...not all of his day to day efforts are nearly as noble.
Would you mind being specific? I'd like to know what, in Dan Savage's day to day efforts, you find to be ignoble.
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 3): What he does isn't journalism or constructive his community's cause...
Actually, he does quite a bit of journalism. And do you speak for "his community's cause"?
Frankly, I'd be curious to see what you take issue with because I find Dan Savage to be, by-and-large, a tremendously positive force in the gay community. I also believe his sex advice column is very impressive; it's sex positive and it paves a way for adults to pursue their sexual interests responsibly, safely and by regarding their sex partners with the highest level of respect.
But please, I'd like to hear more about why you take such a dim view of Dan.
fxramper From United States of America, joined Dec 2005, 7027 posts, RR: 93 Reply 21, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 6 hours ago) and read 1938 times:
Shepard Smith from FNC is gay? A google search says he is allegedly sick from HIV and missed work a lot now. He does look ill when I see him on the news. Thoughts?
type-rated From United States of America, joined Sep 1999, 4355 posts, RR: 20 Reply 22, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days 4 hours ago) and read 1905 times:
If you remember the scandal that broke out when Ellen Degeneris came out it seemed nobody was interested in her for any reason. She kind of dropped out of sight and just did her club act for awhile to let things "cool down" and when she came back she was then "acceptable". I think with Ellen her trump card is her humor, everyone can relate to it.
As for Anderson Cooper, have you ever heard him laugh really hard? Like a little schoolgirl.
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): All people should be recognized for their talents first instead of their sexuality.
Exactly!!
Fly North Central Airlines..The route of the Northliners!
Maverick623 From United States of America, joined Nov 2006, 4744 posts, RR: 6 Reply 24, posted (1 year 3 weeks 4 days ago) and read 1817 times:
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): The question is, if everyone knows and he won't even once publicly acknowledged it then is he bowing down to heteronormativity.
Um, no. He's like 95% of other newscasters out there: keeping his personal sex life personal. Being gay doesn't mean you have to announce it to the world.
I never understood why people should care about such silly things as "heteronormativity".
Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 19):
How the hell can you be a "Powerful" gay person and be in the closet?
Closet implies that you're presenting yourself as straight, which given Doc's experience with Cooper, is not the case here.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8226 posts, RR: 28 Reply 25, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 1803 times:
AIRLINERS.NET CREW PHOTO SCREENER
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): A few years ago OUT published an article about the 'glass closet' and celebrities who wouldn't come out openly. They featured a model in a suit holding a picture of Anderson Cooper to represent him. Cooper has refused to discuss his private life many times and has actually appeared on this list before, beginning in 2007 when he was ranked second. The question is, if everyone knows and he won't even once publicly acknowledged it then is he bowing down to heteronormativity.
Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 19):
When I see a famous person who could do so much more. I don't like that, and I do not respect that in the least bit.
Frankly, I can't, and won't, get angry with a celebrity (or anyone, for that matter), who refuses to acknowledge their sexual orientation.
I've seen the same thing when I was in college - some big push to have all gay people come out on "national coming-out day" or whatever. While I'm certainly not anti-coming out, I can't support pressuring people to do so.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9832 posts, RR: 17 Reply 26, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 18 hours ago) and read 1769 times:
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): All people should be recognized for their talents first instead of their sexuality.
THANK YOU!!! This should also include people of all races as well.
Quoting AirCanada787 (Reply 8): if everyone knows and he won't even once publicly acknowledged it then is he bowing down to heteronormativity.
If he is not breaking the law (see: George Michael) why does it matter who he is doing behind closed doors?
Quoting DocLightning (Reply 12): I actually don't think so. He's a bit underdeveloped, but I don't think he's gay.
I think she might end up being trans. She already wears her BFFs jeans... I don't think there is anything special about Bieber. Less than mediocre voice and can't write songs. I just don't get it.
EA CO AS From United States of America, joined Nov 2001, 12562 posts, RR: 64 Reply 27, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 1779 times:
Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 19): frankly, I disrespect Anderson Cooper for remaining in the closet when everyone knows he's gay.
Why? Straight people don't make a point of announcing "I'm straight!" so why should anyone in the LGBT community make some public announcement of their orientation? And why or how is the lack of an announcement offensive to you?
"In this present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem - government IS the problem." - Ronald Reagan
boeingfever777 From United States of America, joined Jul 2009, 409 posts, RR: 57 Reply 28, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days 17 hours ago) and read 1769 times:
Rich Ross? Disney Chairman?
Disney announced that Iger will become chairman following John Pepper's retirement from the board in March 2012.
Neil Patrick Harris? He is an actor on "How I Meet Your Mother" Far from Powerful.
Tammy Baldwin... a rep in a bankrupt state... yeah ok.
Perez Hilton? A blogger... right.
Jane Lync? Again... B actor.
IMO 90% of this list is a joke... Unless your Cook or Ellen don't bother to put them on the list. Eitherway eye opening and informative.
BTW whoever wrote this article is a moron... Where is John Berry? The man is only the highest ranking openly gay official in US government. Also i'd put John Waters above half these clowns.
airportugal310 From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 3070 posts, RR: 2 Reply 30, posted (1 year 3 weeks 3 days ago) and read 1641 times:
Quoting EA CO AS (Reply 27): Why? Straight people don't make a point of announcing "I'm straight!" so why should anyone in the LGBT community make some public announcement of their orientation? And why or how is the lack of an announcement offensive to you?
Have to agree here...should NOT matter at all. You can say you are all for "LGBT rights" etc, but until you just don't care period or give it a single second thought...
777222LR From United States of America, joined Feb 2012, 108 posts, RR: 1 Reply 33, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 21 hours ago) and read 1588 times:
Quoting vegetables2001 (Reply 31): What a boring thing list to compile, in the 2010's who cares? what next......?
Anytime a minority breaks the usual societal boundaries set upon them, they deserved to be recognized, whether you want to read it or not. Whether you wish to acknowledge it, openly gay individuals tend to have to jump through a lot more hoops to get anywhere in society. It should be recognized.
Of course, being an openly gay man myself, I would have some interest in reading the article, however, I'm not going to rush to the website or magazine stand to read it. I guess you have the option, as well, of just not reading it.
kiwiinoz From New Zealand, joined Oct 2005, 2029 posts, RR: 5 Reply 34, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1570 times:
I think the dissapointing thing is how strongly entertainment celebrities make up this list.
Is it because?:
a: The celebrity culture in the US leads people to believe that these people are actually powerful when in fact all they do is entertain us?
b: That gay people are over-represented within the entertainment population compared to their typical distribution on other jobs?
Possibly a little of both. In any case, I have no doubt that there are hundreds of gay people out in the world that we know little of, that possess more power than most of the people on this list.
NASCARAirforce From United States of America, joined Feb 2005, 3084 posts, RR: 5 Reply 35, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 20 hours ago) and read 1569 times:
I knew Anderson Cooper was, but I guess I was kind of surprised by Sheppard Smith being he works for the Right Wing Network Fox, but now I can see it.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16826 posts, RR: 57 Reply 38, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 4 hours ago) and read 1443 times:
Quoting EA CO AS (Reply 27): Why? Straight people don't make a point of announcing "I'm straight!" so why should anyone in the LGBT community make some public announcement of their orientation? And why or how is the lack of an announcement offensive to you?
Besides, why is it even necessary for him to announce anything? He does exist off of TV screens and he's often accompanied by some cute young (male) thing. It's WELL-KNOWN that he's gay for anyone who cares to ask.
Everyone in my office knows I'm gay because they know I have a husband. I never said "I'm gay." But at some point someone asked me about my wife and got an answer.
That said, NONE of my patients know because my personal life is absolutely irrelevant to anything that gets discussed in an exam room. I'm not hiding anything from them; I just have no reason to tell them.
boeingfever777 From United States of America, joined Jul 2009, 409 posts, RR: 57 Reply 39, posted (1 year 3 weeks 2 days 2 hours ago) and read 1404 times:
I'm not gay, I support the rights and work for 1 of 6 US companies giving same sex benefits and I work for 1 of 2 US companies that give full retirement and death in that case.
Isn't Goldman Sachs, CEO gay? Lloyd Blankfein gay?
travelin man From United States of America, joined Mar 2000, 3313 posts, RR: 0 Reply 40, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1357 times:
Quoting Mudboy (Reply 37): Sheppard Smith???????? WHAT??????????? HE IS GAY??????????? Get out of here??????
+1
Whhaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Usually my gaydar is good. Maybe he's one of those "Larry Craig" Republican gays...
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16826 posts, RR: 57 Reply 41, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 22 hours ago) and read 1354 times:
Quoting travelin man (Reply 40): Sheppard Smith???????? WHAT??????????? HE IS GAY??????????? Get out of here??????
canoecarrier From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2657 posts, RR: 12 Reply 42, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 1327 times:
Quoting mbmbos (Reply 20): Frankly, I'd be curious to see what you take issue with because I find Dan Savage to be, by-and-large, a tremendously positive force in the gay community.
Savage organized a movement about ending bullying and uses bullying tactics everytime he gets in front of a microphone.
I'm not a flaming Christian but I think what he did last month at a high school journalism conference here in Seattle is bullying. And, to be honest it's not the first time he's done that.
Dan Savage, Seattle's reigning journalist provocateur, has again stumbled into the cross hairs of political conservatives, this time for a speech involving the Bible, gays and what he called a "pansy-assed" protest by high-school students.
So, a few teenagers walked out on his speech because he used it to further his views then called them "pansy-assed" for leaving. A grown man shouldn't do that to teenagers.
seb146 From United States of America, joined Nov 1999, 9832 posts, RR: 17 Reply 43, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 1301 times:
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 42): Savage organized a movement about ending bullying and uses bullying tactics everytime he gets in front of a microphone.
I can not stand the gay talking-heads because they are bullies themselves. We have to be attracted to 18 year old looking things and if we do not look 18, we are not to be given the time of day.
Quoting NASCARAirforce (Reply 35): I guess I was kind of surprised by Sheppard Smith being he works for the Right Wing
Network Fox,
He is the only one on that network I can stand. I knew there was a reason for it!
Pellegrine From United States of America, joined Mar 2007, 1845 posts, RR: 8 Reply 44, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 12 hours ago) and read 1266 times:
I knew people would take offense to what I wrote, even though I didn't mean it that way.
Quoting Maverick623 (Reply 24): Closet implies that you're presenting yourself as straight, which given Doc's experience with Cooper, is not the case here.
Ok. This is the "Most Powerful Gay People", and the list includes someone who is not "out" (of the closet) publicly? Anderson Cooper is not "out". Listen, I think he's a wonderful guy, and I partly understand all that journalistic neutrality bullshit. But. You are not one of the "Most Powerful Gay Persons" when you are still publicly not out. Sorry. Even if gay people look up to you.
Quoting vikkyvik (Reply 25): Frankly, I can't, and won't, get angry with a celebrity (or anyone, for that matter), who refuses to acknowledge their sexual orientation.
I've seen the same thing when I was in college - some big push to have all gay people come out on "national coming-out day" or whatever. While I'm certainly not anti-coming out, I can't support pressuring people to do so.
Cool. Gay people go through their lives and careers all day every day around the world without announcing to the world that, "I'm Gay!" Cool, personal decision to do that. But. You are not a "Most Powerful Gay Person" if you are not publicly out.
Quoting EA CO AS (Reply 27): Why? Straight people don't make a point of announcing "I'm straight!" so why should anyone in the LGBT community make some public announcement of their orientation? And why or how is the lack of an announcement offensive to you?
Straights and gays are different because straights are the default. Lack of an announcement and thenceforth support of the overall GBLT community to me is requisite for anyone who is a "Powerful Gay Person".
Quoting type-rated (Reply 22): As for Anderson Cooper, have you ever heard him laugh really hard? Like a little schoolgirl.
slider From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 6518 posts, RR: 37 Reply 45, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 11 hours ago) and read 1257 times:
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 42): Savage organized a movement about ending bullying and uses bullying tactics everytime he gets in front of a microphone.
I'm not a flaming Christian but I think what he did last month at a high school journalism conference here in Seattle is bullying. And, to be honest it's not the first time he's done that.
Dan Savage, Seattle's reigning journalist provocateur, has again stumbled into the cross hairs of political conservatives, this time for a speech involving the Bible, gays and what he called a "pansy-assed" protest by high-school students.
So, a few teenagers walked out on his speech because he used it to further his views then called them "pansy-assed" for leaving. A grown man shouldn't do that to teenagers.
I think he's a total a-hole actually. Which means he's due to have his own show on MSNBC I'm sure any minute now.
SW733 From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 6072 posts, RR: 10 Reply 49, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 1194 times:
Quoting KiwiRob (Reply 47): What about Bob the trainer from the biggest loser, he's got to have at least as much swing as Neil Patrick Harris, especially with fat gay people!
NPH is a vastly superior celebrity...and he's still one of the best characters in TV comedy history.
I agree with you he shouldn't brow beat teenagers. And Savage does too, as he apologized for his comments.
But the bigger point about him always bullying at these conferences? Really? Can you define bullying? Because most of the time Dan is speaking to power. For example, if you want to classify what he did to Santorum as bullying then I'll laugh at you. Santorum was a powerful senator with nearly unlimited access to mainstream media when he campaigned against the Supreme Court's decision to strike down state anti-sodomy laws, comparing homosexuality to man-on-dog sex. He deserved what he got for his offensive comments. He deserved ridicule. That isn't bullying. Santorum ain't no victim.
And by the way, if Christianists want to cite the Bible in their war on homosexuality, then they can answer a simple and direct question as to why they don't adhere to the many other codes in the very same chapters in the bible where they cite "God's" views on homosexuality. Getting up and stomping out of a room is no answer. And frankly, I have yet to hear a reasonable defense of the cherry picking that goes on with regard to biblical law. Frankly I haven't heard a Christianist even attempt it. They just get up, stomp out of the room and pretend they're victims even though they represent a huge plurality here in the U.S.
Quoting seb146 (Reply 43): I can not stand the gay talking-heads because they are bullies themselves. We have to be attracted to 18 year old looking things and if we do not look 18, we are not to be given the time of day.
I really don't think you can pin this on Savage. He doesn't enforce any such stereotype that gay people can only be accepted if they're young and beautiful. And if you feel the gay community only sees things this way, you need to get out of the clubs and head for the burbs. The majority of gay men and women are average in every sense of the word; slightly overweight, middle aged, settled down, tax paying, 9 to 5 kind of folks. Anything else is simply more stereotyping.
canoecarrier From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 2657 posts, RR: 12 Reply 52, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 1161 times:
Quoting mbmbos (Reply 50): I agree with you he shouldn't brow beat teenagers. And Savage does too, as he apologized for his comments.
Saying, "I'm sorry" with the word "but" anywhere in the sentence you use to apologize to them is not an apology. The kids quietly walked out and he used the opportunity to shame them after they weren't even in the room. That's bullying.
Quoting mbmbos (Reply 50): But the bigger point about him always bullying at these conferences? Really? Can you define bullying? Because most of the time Dan is speaking to power. For example, if you want to classify what he did to Santorum as bullying then I'll laugh at you. Santorum was a powerful senator with nearly unlimited access to mainstream media when he campaigned against the Supreme Court's decision to strike down state anti-sodomy laws, comparing homosexuality to man-on-dog sex. He deserved what he got for his offensive comments. He deserved ridicule. That isn't bullying. Santorum ain't no victim.
Why is that the bigger point? You asked me why I didn't think Dan should be on the list and asked me to give an example of why he wasn't so noble in his everyday activities. I gave you an example but it appears that's not good enough for you. I think he defined what bullying is himself when he browbeat a bunch of teenagers that didn't want to hear his profanity laced tirade on their faith.
vikkyvik From United States of America, joined Jul 2003, 8226 posts, RR: 28 Reply 53, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 1155 times:
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Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 44): Cool. Gay people go through their lives and careers all day every day around the world without announcing to the world that, "I'm Gay!" Cool, personal decision to do that. But. You are not a "Most Powerful Gay Person" if you are not publicly out.
I agree, but that's not what you said, and what I was responding to:
Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 19): When I see a famous person who could do so much more. I don't like that, and I do not respect that in the least bit.
"Two and a Half Men" was filmed in front of a live ostrich.
DocLightning From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 16826 posts, RR: 57 Reply 54, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 6 hours ago) and read 1163 times:
Quoting Pellegrine (Reply 44): Ok. This is the "Most Powerful Gay People", and the list includes someone who is not "out" (of the closet) publicly? Anderson Cooper is not "out". Listen, I think he's a wonderful guy, and I partly understand all that journalistic neutrality bullshit. But. You are not one of the "Most Powerful Gay Persons" when you are still publicly not out.
He is publicly out. He just does not feel a need to make an announcement.
mbmbos From United States of America, joined May 2000, 2561 posts, RR: 1 Reply 55, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 5 hours ago) and read 1151 times:
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 52): Saying, "I'm sorry" with the word "but" anywhere in the sentence you use to apologize to them is not an apology. The kids quietly walked out and he used the opportunity to shame them after they weren't even in the room. That's bullying.
He apologized later in a column.
Quoting canoecarrier (Reply 52): Why is that the bigger point? You asked me why I didn't think Dan should be on the list and asked me to give an example of why he wasn't so noble in his everyday activities. I gave you an example but it appears that's not good enough for you. I think he defined what bullying is himself when he browbeat a bunch of teenagers that didn't want to hear his profanity laced tirade on their faith.
Yes, I saw the video. Thank you for asking. And I don't like the way Savage handled the crowd, which I acknowledged in my first post. But your implication is this is what Savage does all the time. Not so. Certainly not to teenagers.
I am most impressed with the body of Savage's work and I think he's done a whole lot of good, primarily in the arena of promoting healthy sexual relations for all people, liberating healthy sexual attitudes from the shaming that occurred and continues to occur among those who possess a 19th century Victorian mindset. And for gay people as well.
mariner From New Zealand, joined Nov 2001, 22725 posts, RR: 88 Reply 56, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 3 hours ago) and read 1123 times:
Quoting mbmbos (Reply 55): I am most impressed with the body of Savage's work and I think he's done a whole lot of good, primarily in the arena of promoting healthy sexual relations for all people, liberating healthy sexual attitudes from the shaming that occurred and continues to occur among those who possess a 19th century Victorian mindset. And for gay people as well.
Did he go "too far" with the pansy ass comment? Probably. But I'm sure glad someone said it.
When I see what is being said in, say, North Carolina, with the Bible as the armor, someone has to stand up and yell.
Quoting mbmbos (Reply 50): Frankly I haven't heard a Christianist even attempt it. They just get up, stomp out of the room and pretend they're victims even though they represent a huge plurality here in the U.S.
zippyjet From United States of America, joined Sep 2001, 4724 posts, RR: 13 Reply 57, posted (1 year 3 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 1105 times:
Though he's no longer with us, you'd have to add Michael Jackson to that list. It's now actually coming out (of the closet)(lol) that Charles Thorsen Liberace's former squeeze (ex) had an affair with the King/Queen of pop. And of course throw in Liberace.
(R)Jack Kemp (no longer with us)
(R) Former Congressman Bob Bauman (Maryland Eastern Shore)
Richard Simmons
Tim Gunn (Make It Work People)
Anandra (Trans Gender Amazon from that Expeida commercial featuring Tim Gunn)
Tele Tubbies-Tinky Winky
"Flame" Male Flight Attendant from Cinematic Epic "Soul Plane"
Jim Parsons starring as Nerd Extroidinaire Sheldon Cooper "Big Bang Theory"
Oprah
Ricky "La Vita Loca" Martin
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