Gay Rights Site Runs 'Outing' Ad Aimed at the Hill

[Khephra]

It reads like an ominous threat: "For Years Our Silence Has Protected You. Today That Protection Ends."

The Washington Blade, the area's gay weekly newspaper, today is running a full-page ad, titled "Final Call to Conscience," that helps fuel anxiety on Capitol Hill involving what local gay rights activists call an "outing craze" over the past two weeks.

The $1,400 color ad -- paid for by the Web site DearMary.com (Mary as in Mary Cheney, Vice President Cheney's openly gay daughter) -- is similar to "Call to Conscience," an ad that ran in the Blade in 1996 when Congress was deliberating the Defense of Marriage Act. John Aravosis, national co-chairman of DearMary.com, said yesterday that as with the previous ad, this one seeks to highlight the "hyprocrisy within gays and lesbians on the Hill who work for anti-gay members of Congress."

This time, the legislation in question is the Federal Marriage Amendment, which President Bush endorsed in February, calling on Congress to pass a constitutional amendment "defining and protecting marriage as a union of a man and woman as husband and wife."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A38052-2004Jul8.html

[theHandpuppet]

1. Whoa...

This could prove... interesting.

BTW, Mary Cheney receives a six-figure salary for her work on the Bush/Cheney re-selection campaign. Yet I'll bet you won't see her face until AFTER Nov.

[Khephra]

2. I'm not a big fan of outing, but in this case things are a bit different

Rumors have been around for ages that Orin Hatch is gay. That's one Cheney-face that I wouldn't mind being outed, if it's true.

[Joanne98]

37. What about Lindsey Graham and Rick Perry of Texas

And Rush Limpballs for christsake. I hope they really mean it this time. It would be BIG........

[bushisanidiot]

46. Yeah, I hope Rush "Boil Ass" Get's Outed

he's been hiding waaaaay too long.

[havocmom]

4. Six figure salary from bush/Cheney? Wow, dat$ a lotta hu$h money!

Hey, Mary, who's yer daddy? :evilgrin:

[Raster]

12. before this gig she was the gay "liason" with Coors...

On edit: And you know, I'm not so sure we want mary cheney coming out nationally. After all she is the child of darth crashcart and the wicked witch of the east. The chances are not good that mary is a fine upstanding example of gay citizenry. Gay perhaps, decent human being... hmmm????

[mondo joe]

21. Man was that a waste of Coors money

They used as their gay liason someone who would completely sell out gays and won't even show her face?

THey might as well have used Fred Phelps.

Nice work if you can get it.

[saigon68]

45. AND SPEAKING OF REVEREND FRED

HE'S A NICE REPUBLICAN SUPPORTER OF GEORGE BUSH

[bleedingedge]

47. Why is Howard Stern with them in first pic? n/t

[skrunch]

60. WTF is a "fag enabler"?

The company that makes KY Jelly?

A Bic lighter?

[THUNDER HANDS]

3. Good, out them all

Obviously, if they're working for the GOP they consider themselves Republicans before they consider themselves gay.

Now they can know what it feels like to be both. And then get a real feel for how welcome they are in that party.

[Rockholm]

6. Totally Agree!

[rpannier]

27. It depends

The Arizona Congressman who is openly gay and out. If I knew any of his people were gay and not out, I wouldn't say anything.

[Neshanic]

30. What you mean Mr. Wallpaper? Out them ALL!

[Jade Fox]

32. Wait a minute. Just because they work for the GOP doesn't mean...

they support it.

I happen to work for an organization whose values I don't
support (Right-wing), and for me its just a job. I needed one,
and they hired me. There are also a couple of gay people working
there too. In general I think threatening peoples livings should
be off limits. We all have to do a lot of crap to get by.

With legislators it seems a little different. If they are actively voting
for anti-gay measures and belong to an openly anti-gay party,
I say let the outings begin.

[Occulus]

5. On the one hand, I'm against this,

simply because I was forced out, thrown out of the house, got my college funding yanked, and have been basically estranged from my family for a decade because of it.

On the other hand.... that's exactly what some of these fuckwits in the GOP deserve. Let THEM deal with the treatment their own party's prejudices have engendered.

Hypocritical? Not one little bit.

[ursacorwin]

8. bingo.

i've slept with some of these types (not often!) and they make me crazy. "whine, whine, i hate myself and i don't know what to do about it." just COME OUT you silly person, and stop taking out your self hatred on the rest of us by proxy. little ricky santorum, for example- i wonder about that boy, i really do.

it's war, people. they (the rethug true believers) hate me and want to destroy my life. i say, "go blade!" this is 2004 for christ's sake, it's time DC got with the program and out of the roy cohen age. out them all, every last hypocritical one of them.

[LittleApple81]

17. YOU NEED TO READ the contents of this thread... Mother Jones almost

outed him... HE IS A REPULSIVE PERSON whose hidden desires and guilt feelings makes him do awful stuff to those he secretely wants to be like.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=1912524

[Stuckinthebush]

10. Why would a parent do that???

I am so sorry that you had to go through that. As a parent, I can't think of anything that would make me do that to my child. You hear so many similar stories of children becoming outcasts from their family because of their homosexuality. Are there any stories of children coming out to their parents, and those parents smile, hug them and support them totally?

[Occulus]

26. oohhh, it was SO much worse than that though

here's a thread I started a loooong time ago on what I went through...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=655452

Not to start a pity party or anything. I heard stories about kids being accepted by their families no matter what, but in my case.... every single one of my worst nightmares came true in spades.

[Stuckinthebush]

35. Oh, god....

After reading that I just want to give you a hug. That is some heartless BS that your parents put you through. I'd imagine that they are big proponents of the "family values" line that the GOP spews.

My children are very young (oldest is 7), and I know that if they come to us one day with the information that they are gay then we will have no problem with it and support them 100%. What I do want to know is how can my wife and I develop an atmosphere in our home where my childrens' friends know they can come and be themselves without fear of judgement? I want them to know that they have a place if they are ever kicked out by their parents - a place where they can feel safe.

[Occulus]

38. I can't answer that.

I never had the experience.

[Sunny_Sunshine]

42. You don't hear those stories because what's to tell

My son came out to me when he was 13, shortly after going through the sex ed program at our church (we are UU so homosexuality was covered in a positive light - must be why he's gay, right?) I have always support him, he is who he is, an incredibly wonderful person.

[Stuckinthebush]

48. I just finished teaching that curriculum at our church

One of the many reasons I love being a UU.

[Rowdyboy]

7. I just can't find it in myself to support "outing"

I know the arguments, but I still think its wrong. Maybe its because I was closeted for a very long time.

You could potentially drive a person to suicide or destroy a family. I don't think exposing hypocrisy is worth it. That is, however, just my opinion, and I fully realize that I'm in a minority here on this subject.

[cardlaw]

9. I fully agree.

It's wrong and dangerous.

[theHandpuppet]

13. I'm torn on this issue...

... and still am, but when it comes right down to it, actively supporting and promoting legalized persecution and marginalization of gays has and continues to destroy millions of families, has led to closeting/self-hatred and suicide, and gives tacit approval to hate crimes. Those self-hating closet cases who support the RW agenda don't seem to care about destroying the lives/families and careers of others, do they, as long as their own palms are sufficiently greased.

[Raster]

15. generally outing is bad. Now for the meat of the matter...

...any congressperson that votes FOR the DMA, and is a closeted gay, needs a fucking wakeup call. No more. I am sick of the fundies and wingers beating up on the queers when they're taking it in the shorts.

Memo to kkkarl rrrove:

Take it like a man. Admit it, you guys fucked up, BIG TIME!!! Let's spend the time and energy trying to clean up this mess. Leave the queers alone.


Memo to Orrin Hatch:

If the gossip is true, and you like young men and leather, maybe now is not the time to vote for the DMA. Maybe you need to be in Utah visiting constituents that day. Just a thought.

[eridani]

55. Public figures are different from you and me

Especially public figures who advocate policies harming lesbians and gays.

[union_maid]

57. I"m not gay, but I've thought about this one a lot

I don't like to see someone who's just minding his or her own business, hurting no one, outed. From what I see of the gay people I know, they'd be happier if they were out, but if they're not ready, that's their choice. If, OTOH, you're actively supporting a culture, let alone legislation, nevermind a consti-fucking-tutional amendment that demonizes or further marginalizes gays and their relationships, you need to be outed. Gay kids kill themselves all the time. Families are frequently destroyed when one partner or another has to confront the fact that they're not heterosexual and just can't keep pretending. Those are just a couple of the effects of refusing to accept homosexuality as a fact of life. So, I'm for it as long as no one gets carried away. No witch hunts. No outing anyone without real evidence. No bothering anyone who isn't bothering you.

[Toucano]

11. WAIT until after the vote!

Some of those staffers could help influence the representative's vote.

[theHandpuppet]

14. By the way...

The "DearMary" site is well-worth a visit!

http://DearMary.com/

[David__77]

16. It should make clear only closeted ANTI-GAY homosexuals will be outed.

Those like Mark Foley can be left alone, I suppose. But others, like congressmen in CA and LA, should be outed with forceful evidence. What happened when Jim Kolbe was outed? He became a voice within the fascist party for gay rights. Good things could come from this. We have to use these tools at our disposal to make events conform to our will.

[Dhalgren]

19. I agree.

We have to stop fighting gun battles with pocket knives. These bastards want to play for keeps? Fine, let's play for keeps. You want to make A huge portion of the population second-class citizens? Fine, but we will fight you with every weapon at our disposal. Will we get dirty in the process? Maybe, but they will know that there can be no turning back.

[Neshanic]

33. Oh yes, Kolbe has been a real go getter, especially as the house gay.

[mondo joe]

18. I hope they out every last one of them

If it was anti-choice people getting abortions no one would object to them being outted.

If it was anti-drug people on Oxytocin no one would object to them being outted.

Their policies are harmful to gay Americans, so I have NO QUALMS about the harm it might do to them.

[Dhalgren]

20. Exactly!

[catzies]

59. You meant Oxycontin. Oxytocin induces labor.

:)

[blindpig]

22. Lindsey Graham

boy, would that cause a stir in the SC GOP!

[rpannier]

28. Yeah, but that would distract from his

beating the military over the head for Abu Gharib. At this point, I like Lindsey focused on calling the military and administration on the prison.

[blindpig]

34. but what's he really doing?

Phrases like "dog & pony show" & "good cop/bad cop" come to mind.

[rpannier]

36. At this point it really doesn't matter

The general public have picked it up and are angry about it. That's good enough. It hasn't helped shrub. In fact, polling shows it has hurt shrub. The only repub it has helped in terms of polling has been graham.

[rpannier]

29. delete

[kayell]

56. It's one of those things everyone knows and no one in SC talks about

kinda like Strom's daughter.

[cliss]

23. For the record, I have heard that

Cheney is gay. A repressed gay, nonetheless. Randi Rhodes on Air America Radio has talked about this a few times. Someone mentioned that Karl Rove is gay. A friend of mine told me that Matt Drudge is gay (that's why he has the touchy-kissy photos of Kerry-Edwards).

Please note: I have nothing against gays. I DO object when they squash their own gayness and come out against others. If anyone wants to know more, pick up the book 'Blinded by the Right' by David Brock. He explains the unbelievable hypocrisy of the Right.

[Khephra]

24. I'll second your suggestion

"Blinded by the Right" is the perfect book to read in conjunction with this situation.

[elehhhhna]

25. rampant rumours abound about

James R. Thompson (ex-Gov., IL & member of the 911 commission) and Texas' own Gov. Rick (Goodhair) Perry.

[Chicago Democrat]

41. Gays can also be evil and immoral and that has nothing to do with sex.

Actually some of the cruelest, most heartless, most selfish people on this earth can be gay; letsee Alexander the Great and Roy Cohn. Also some of the best, most loving, most equananimous people can be gay; like me! (haha) The bottom line is that I don't think God cares who you loved, its more about who you hate and how. I think there will be plenty of them in both Heaven and Hell.

With regards to outing, if their politics are Anti-Gay, and they're a public figure, then outing is legitimate.

[colonel odis]

31. James Thompson, Orrin Hatch, Karl Rove,

Rick Santorum
Lindsey Graham
Rick Perry

who else?

[Joanne98]

39. Don't forget Jeff Christy (Rush)

[Stephanie]

49. Karl Rove

.

[Dookus]

51. David Dreier

[bbmykel]

40. Out them all!

There is nothing to be ashamed of and hiding it just perpetuates that mindset.

If they are actively working to oppress gay people, I can't even imagine why there is a debate.

[Lex]

43. Agreed. Everyone who stays in the closet is helping perpetuate

myths and stereotypes that lead to oppression of ALL gay people.

Watch the Oscar-winning documentary called "The Times of Harvey Milk" and listen to what he says about coming out.

[TexasProgressive]

44. BRING 'EM ALL OUT!

I am so fucking angry over this, my head is gonna explode. Sorry to ramble. I hope this makes sense.

Gay men and women know better than anyone that the actual numbers of people who are gay are NOT represented by the numbers of people who SAY they are gay.

Remarkably, gays are by and large a tolerant and forgiving lot. We do NOT go around outing others. For God's sake, we ALL are aware of the closeted pople around us - at work, at church, in public places, etc.

But Goddamn, this whole exercise is BULLSHIT. There will be no passing of the FMA - not a chance in hell. It is ugly, cynical, election-year politics. And it's on the backs of gay men and women.

So, to anyone in the closet who is using this issue for political points, GO FUCK YOURSELF.

Rick Perry? Orrin Hatch? Rush Limabaugh? Hell, that would be a lovely start. But there are SO MANY more...

[truthisfreedom]

50. hypocrisy of work? excuse me, but there's something going wrong with the

logic in this tactic. how is it hypocritical to keep a job where you are valiantly endeavoring to change a bigot's mind... that of your boss, perhaps? a person who has power, who can help change the state of things?

frankly, i don't see how this is any different from the very very dark tactics used by rove himself. i'm deeply disturbed by this. and frankly, i'm not gay.

on edit: if this is the result of a rovian "divide and conquer" tactic, it is working.

[tom_paine]

52. GOOD! Out those many closeted Republican Homosexuals

How much you want to bet Rick Santorum is high on that list?

[pinto]

53. I'm gay and unequivocally against the Blade's "staffer outing" campaign.

Using Hill staffers as a means to an end is misguided at best.

What will the Blade accomplish in real legislative terms by outing gay staffers?

Does the Blade expect to see votes changed or legislative agendas dropped once they make good on their promise to push reluctant employees out of the closet?

The Blade will get some publicity for our opposition to discriminatory legislation. But at what cost?

And, using the closeted Hill staffers' presumed fear of public disclosure as a tool is just plain unethical.

There are other options to promote gay equality in Congress.

I urge the Blade to take a second look at their proposal.

[cap]

54. this could screw up campaigns for re-election

if all the staffers have to resign or be accounted for somehow.

[dsc]

58. Will I be on Social Security before we stop using outing as a weapon?

The worst thing about this is that it often perpetuatates anti gay stereotypes as well as anti gay shame. It is really hard to not be totally fed up by this.