Two weeks ago on August 9th, LOGO hosted their forum for the Democratic presidential candidates. One by one, each candidate was interviewed by a panel made up of two journalists, Jonathan Capehart and Margaret Carlson; President of the Human Rights Campaign, Joe Solmonese; and musician and singer, Melissa Etheridge.

Six Democratic presidential candidates were in attendance, including Obama, Clinton, and Edwards, as well as Bill Richardson, who slipped up considerably on a question from Etheridge:

"Do you think homosexuality is a choice or is it biological?"

Richardson's reply: "It's a choice, it's..."

Etheridge: "I don't know if you understand the question. Do you think...... a homosexual is born that way, or do you think that around 7th grade we go "oh I want to be gay" ?

Richardson: "You know, uh, I'm not a scientist...."




Anyone with a basic understanding of gay rights should have immediately seen that Richardson had said something he shouldn't have. His answer rightly brought stirs, whispering, and maybe a few odd laughs from the audience as Etheridge appeared very taken aback and gave him a chance to hear the question again to make sure he wasn't confused. He wasn't.

The idea that a person chooses to be homosexual is truly reprehensible. It is offensive to the gay community as a whole to say that we have chosen to be gay because that implies that we could choose to be heterosexual at any time. Following this line of thought, you find the argument that gays shouldn't have equal rights because gay is not something inherent like race or sex, not to mention ridiculous things like Exodus International.

The most perplexing thing about Richardson's answer is his voting record. Like his staff points out in his "Statement Clarifying Answer From HRC Forum" Richardson has supported a slew of very important, powerful pieces of legislation in his home state of New Mexico.

From the press release:

Governor Bill Richardson has an accomplished record fighting for the rights of all Americans. Since taking office, Governor Richardson has:

1. Expanded anti-discrimination laws to include sexual orientation. [Senate Bill SB 28, 2003 Legislature]
   
2. Signed into law the state's first hate crimes legislation for acts including those based on sexual orientation. [SB 38, 2003 Legislature]
   
3. Provided state health insurance for domestic partnerships. [Executive Order 03 010]
   
4. Signed the Billy Griego HIV and AIDS Act, which was designed to ensure that consumers are the focus of the funding and services provided in all the state's HIV and AIDS cases. [Senate Bill 314, 2005 Legislature]
   
5. Created the state's first HIV and AIDS Policy Commission charged with reviewing and making recommendations on state HIV and AIDS policies. The commission also studies and makes recommendations on all factors affecting the availability, quality and accessibility of health services for persons with HIV and AIDS. [Senate Bill 313, 2005 Legislature]
   
6. Called a Special Session of the NM State Legislature to push for Domestic Partnerships Legislation, among other issues, after it failed by one vote in the Senate during the Regular Session. Governor Richardson has pledged to push for the legislation again during the next Legislative Session.
   

Obviously he supports a large number of gay rights issues and should be commended. But there still seems to be a disconnect. Despite a rephrasing of his answer and a press release, it still remains unclear how he feels about that very simple question that Etheridge posed.

Logo has made the entire forum available online, organized by both issue and candidate.

Posted by Zac James

Labels: 2008 Presidential Election, celebrity, television

Queerty is reporting (via AfterElton) that Desperate Housewives will be having a gay couple move into the neighborhood this fall.

From Queerty:

The ABC series' gay creator, Marc Cherry, confirms a queer couple will be moving into the struggling soap. While the actors have yet to be named, Cherry says the gays, who are moving into Alfre Woodard's old digs, will butt heads with Teri Hatcher's character, Susan. Cherry said:

We're going to have the first male desperate housewives. They will move into the old Applewhite house and one of the gay men will just have a fractious, hateful relationship with Teri Hatcher.

I just decided to have them move onto the street and have as many issues as any other couple. And Susan wants to be so politically correct and show how open-minded she is and she puts her foot in her mouth instantly and it goes downhill from there. I'm basing it a little bit on my relationship with my neighbors.

Though Cherry's not leaking any of the juicy details, he promises the show's other gay character - Marcia Cross' evil son, Andrew, played by Shawn Pyfrom - will be back to his old tricks this season.

From AfterElton:

Cherry again promised things will be different this season for the reformed troublemaker who may not be so reformed. "We're not doing much with him at the beginning of the year but in the third episode, we have a fun thing that happens," Cherry explained. Andrew will somehow become involved in Lynette's (Felicity Huffman) cancer storyline and revert to his former evil ways.

Cherry said Andrew's sexuality will not be prominently dealt with in early episodes, especially with the new gay neighbors shaking things up.

Hopefully he gay drama can help boost the show, which faced a ratings slump in its third season. And, even more importantly than stupid ratings, hopefully the gay hubbies are as steamy as their female counterparts. And as bitchy.

Labels: entertainment, television

Labels: discrimination, gay rights, television

Grey's Anatomy star Isaiah Washington is in some hot water again for using the foul anti-gay slur "faggot" in regards to fellow co-star T.R. Knight. Back in October he used the word "faggot" in regards to T.R. Knight--who is openly gay. Then, recently at a post-Golden Globes press conference, when a reporter asked him about it, he denied he ever said it--while again using the word "faggot". Yet in the apology released today by ABC, he fully admits his use of the slur.

Isaiah's statement:

"I apologize to T.R., my colleagues, the fans of the show and especially the lesbian and gay community for using a word that is unacceptable in any context or circumstance. By repeating the word Monday night, I marred what should have been a perfect night for everyone who works on "Grey's Anatomy." I can neither defend nor explain my behavior. I can also no longer deny to myself that there are issues I obviously need to examine within my own soul, and I've asked for help.

I know the power of words, especially those that demean. I realize that by using one filled with disrespect, I have hurt more than T.R. and my colleagues. With one word, I've hurt everyone who has struggled for the respect so many of us take for granted. I welcome the chance to meet with leaders of the gay and lesbian community to apologize in person and to talk about what I can do to heal the wounds I've opened.

T.R.'s courage throughout this entire episode speaks to his tremendous character. I hold his talent, and T.R. as a person, in high esteem. I know a mere apology will not end this, and I intend to let my future actions prove my sincerity."

The news and blogs are going crazy with the story, so here is the round-up including links to blogs and video coverage of the story. Today, Isaiah via ABC (I assume to cover their own ass) released an apology "from Isaiah Washington".

Video of the post-Golden Globes press conference:


Links:

ABC Must Fire Isaiah Washington Over Anti-gay Remarks

Isaiah Washington Apologizes for Anti-Gay Remarks

ABC Taking The Right Steps!

Labels: celebrity, television