In his interview with Entertainment Weekly, reprinted in full below, Adam says, "the letter that Aaron wrote is holding us back. Because it’s recognizing the big difference as opposed to letting us all ignore preference and just be people." We're glad he's sees sexuality that way. So do we -- it's why we were so dismayed by his management whose actions reinforced those distinctions rather than erased them. This was never about turning Adam into a political figure, or about whether he should have been on the cover ofRolling Stone first (of course he should have -- what pop star wouldn't want that?). It was, however, about challenging the double standard applied to gay and mainstream media, or to use Adam's words, moving past those distinctions between gay and straight.
As this controversy erupted a young gay man was murdered in Puerto Rico precisely by the kind of people who refuse to see past sexual preferences, and while we know that such hatred offends Adam as much as it does us, we hope his fans will consider the relationship between slurs such as "too gay" and the second class status -- yes, a form of apartheid -- of gays in America. Adam is not required to address this cruel and lethal discrepancy -- he does enough simply by being himself -- but was it too much for us to expect his managers, with or without Adam's consent, to treat Out with the same respect they would treat mainstream media?
Regardless, at this point, we'd like to focus our attention on celebrating Adam's achievements -- and the achievements of all of our 2009 Out 100 honorees -- over the past year and look forward to seeing what 2010 will bring for him and all the gay, lesbian, and trans people who strive to make a positive impact on our lives.]
Entertainment Weekly: Let’s talk about the OUT magazine kerfuffle.
Adam Lambert: Isn’t that fun? [laughs]
We now know the behind-the-scenes dialogue between the
magazine and your management team. The thing I’m curious about is, from
your perspective, how does it feel to have your image managed by
someone other than you? What people don’t realize is, I am managing my image, more than maybe the editor of OUT magazine likes to give anybody credit for. My team is a team. And I really feel fortunate that 19 Management and Simon Fuller said to me, from the get-go, “We want to do what you
want to do. You need to tell us how you want to do things, what
interests you have,” and they’ve been incredibly supportive of me. I
really mean it. I’m not being puppeted around. I didn’t want to jump
onto a gay magazine as my first thing, because I feel like that’s
putting myself in a box and limiting myself. It was my desire to stay
away from talking about certain political and civil rights issues
because I’m not a politician. I’m an entertainer. That is not my area
of expertise. I can talk about relationships and personal experiences
because as an artist those things involve writing lyrics and that part
of my process. But I didn’t feel comfortable talking about the March on
Washington. I didn’t feel comfortable, so I asked my publicist to ask
the interviewer to stay away from the political questions. I take full
responsibility for that. I think that the editor has his agenda and has
his opinions, which I respect, but they’re not necessarily my opinions.
And I wish there was a little respect for that. Not every gay man is
the same gay man.
They’re gonna take away your laminated membership card. Apparently. It’s just sexuality. We’re all very very different, just like all straight people are different.
Who told you that? You know? That’s the thing. But the
funny thing is, in order for us to progress, we need to stop
segregating ourselves. And a letter like that, that viewpoint — the
letter that Aaron wrote is holding us back. Because it’s recognizing
the big difference as opposed to letting us all ignore preference and
just be people. So I think in attempt to champion a cause he’s actually
taking a big step backwards.
With things like the phrase “gay-gay”? That was taken out of context. It
was all taken out of context. And also, the other thing that I feel
about it? If there are things going on behind the scenes with my
management, it has nothing to do with my interview with them. He really crossed a line.
To see the school days–themed 2009 Out 100 portfolio, shot by Jason Bell, featuring Adam Lambert, Cyndi Lauper, Wanda Sykes, Rob Marshall, Dan Choi, Neil Patrick Harris, and more, head to Out.com.
According to Barbara Ann Radnofsky they are. The Houston lawyer and Democratic candidate for attorney general is creating controversy in cattle country by pointing to a 22-word clause in the 2005 constitutional amendment which banned gay marriage in the state and claiming that it actually invalidates heterosexual marriages as well.
"The amendment, approved by the Legislature and overwhelmingly
ratified by voters, declares that 'marriage in this state shall consist
only of the union of one man and one woman.' But the troublemaking
phrase, as Radnofsky sees it, is Subsection B, which declares:
'This
state or a political subdivision of this state may not create or
recognize any legal status identical or similar to marriage.'"
Oops.
"You do not have to have a fancy law degree to read
this and understand what it plainly says," said Radnofsky, who blames the state's current attorney general, Republican Greg Abbott, for the error. Radnofsky is demanding Abbott acknowledge the issue and apologize, and is calling for another constitutional amendment to fix the problem.
Abbott stands by the amendment and Kelly Shackelford, president of the Liberty Legal Institute in Plano says, "it’s a silly argument." He adds that any lawsuit attacking the amendment based on the 22-word clause would have "about one chance in a trillion" of winning in court.
Still, Radnofsky isn't backing down. "This breeds unneeded arguments, lawsuits and expense which could
have been avoided by good lawyering," she said. "Yes, I believe
the clear language of B bans all marriages, and this is indeed a huge
mistake. Whoever vetted the language in B must have been asleep at the wheel."
Gay marriage -- and divorce -- were hot topics last month in Texas when Dallas District Judge Tena Callahan ruled that the state's same-sex-marriage
ban is unconstitutional because it makes gay divorce impossible. Predictably, Abbott is appealing the ruling, which came as the result of a divorce petition involving two men who were married in Massachusetts in 2006.
So many mixed emotions. Titillated, because I get to use the "politics" and "porn" tags for the first time, and it's not like that combination comes up often these days, right?; but also numb, disheartened, lost, and confused. It's been reported that Levi Johnston's people, and by people we mean The Tank, have denied Playgirl full-frontal shots of the Young Republican Sperm Bank, and I just feel so cheated. The would-be cumshot heard round the world the minute those photos leaked will now be but a silent shrug.
But more than that, this is a hockey stick that's already made headlines for some very public, electoral-timed high sticking, so shouldn't we finally see the culprit that has spurred so much chatter? Ironic that it's only now that Levi Johnston has learned to use the pull-out method.
But we will make it through, and to help me weather this new winter of our discontent, I turned to an old friend, Tinsley Mortimer, that starry-eyed Sailor Moon of a socialite, whose voice of reason was as comforting as a warm cup of Earl Grey whiskey and a new Louis Vuitton bag made fresh by indiscernible foreign children. She said "In times of need I turn to what I believe scholars are calling the most heralded religious text of our generation." So I did.
It is simple -- Muslims should not be allowed to serve in the military. You can not rightly be in the U.S. military and also believe in the Koran. What the US military is called to defend and what the Koran prescribes are based on contradictory sets of beliefs...Israel does not allow Muslims to serve in the army, which is a sensible move on their part. However, the Israeli army does allow gays to openly serve and here in the U.S. we don’t. We allow these barbarians to serve but not gays and it’s the exact opposite in Israel. Who do you think is making the smarter decision?
-- An excerpt from a blog posting by porn king Michael Lucas regarding the recent tragedy at Fort Hood. To read the full post, click here.
Why is it so difficult for people to walk the walk and not just talk the talk? If you’re a politician trying to keep the gays down, shouldn’t you be, you know, NOT gay? If you preach Christianity, shouldn’t you be a good Christian? It wasn’t long after news broke that Carrie Prejean and the Miss California Organization had settled their lawsuits out of court that the reason for the sudden settlement made headlines. Seems the Queen of Christian Values had a sex tape, which she wanted to keep hush-hush, so she walked away from a million dollar claim with nothing. Sex tapes are no big deal, but if you’re going to come out in support of “traditional marriage,” shouldn’t that include sex only within said marriage? It’s not that you’re a plasticated whore, honey, it’s that you’re a hypocrite. The funny thing is, it appears there are no buyers for the tape. Surprisingly few people want to see a good girl going bad.
Memoirs of a Former Jenny Craig Spokeswoman
So Kirstie Alley is set to be in a reality show on A&E. About weight loss. No surprise there. Is there anything else she’s famous for anymore? But do people really want to spend time with this self-proclaimed "Fat Actress"? (I’d add "abrasive" to that too.) Do you care about her weight problems? Seriously, people. Discuss.
Rue the Day
Golden Girl Rue McClanahan was due to be feted next week in San Francisco, but had to pull out because of heart bypass surgery. Golden: A Gala Tribute to Rue McClanahan was set for November 14 at the Castro Theatre, with clips, a theme-song sing-along, and a look-a-like contest. The erstwhile Blanche Devereaux said she was devastated at having to pull out of the event, adding, “Trust me, I’d much rather be in San Francisco having fun and being adored by all of you.” I think she knows she’s adored wherever she is.
Maine Event
Some kid posted on YouTube this video of people lip synching to the Lily Allen song “Fuck You.” Heartened me after the defeat in Maine. Maybe it will hearten you too.
Yesterday voters repealed a state law passed in May that legalized gay marriage in Maine. With 53 percent opposed to the law, Maine now has the dubious honor of joining 30 other states in which gay marriage has lost when put to a popular vote. As the news broke early this morning, acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner offered this exclusive comment to Out:
The news from Maine doesn’t make me depressed, but it does make me angry. I’m angry that bigots, cretins and theocrats get to vote on whether or not their fellow citizens are entitled to equality under the law. Our basic right to equal treatment is guaranteed by the US Constitution and should not be subject to state referendums. I’m angry that the Catholic Church and the Mormons, tax exempt under the increasingly laughable pretext that they have something to do with God, pump millions upon millions of dollars into this wicked campaign to promote bigotry and perpetuate human suffering, while supporters of LGBT equality pay taxes for the privilege of continuing to be not-fully enfranchised sub-citizens. I’m very angry that we’re being forced to fight for equality on a state-by-state basis. We are American citizens and we are entitled to 14th Amendment protection in every aspect of our lives, in every state in the union. I have no doubt whatsoever that LGBT people will soon accomplish this, but I’m angry at the setbacks, of course, in Maine, in California, which do nothing but hurt real human beings and gain no one anything that any sane human being could possibly want. And I guess I should add that I’m angry at the LGBT community’s lack of effective national political leadership, our lack of a coordinated national strategy, but there are signs that maybe this is beginning to change. And I guess I should add that I’m angry at myself: I didn’t send money or help out in Maine, so who have I got to be angry at, really, other than myself? On the other hand: 47% for marriage equality is a number that should hearten us and dishearten the bigots, cretins and theocrats. So let’s get back to work.
For all the latest news on the gay marriage repeal in Maine, visit Advocate.com.
As we continue to roll out the honorees from our 2009 "School Days"–themed Out 100 -- the latest in our annual look at the 100 gay, lesbian, and trans people who have made an impact in their communities and in mainstream culture -- today we present James Neiley, who we voted "Most Fearless."
What began as a volunteer position at the queer youth center and advocacy organization Outright Vermont during high school quickly became a crash course -- and burgeoning career -- in activism for Neiley. In March the 17-year-old was tapped to deliver a speech in front of state legislators who would decide the fate of gay marriage. His impassioned plea went viral on the Internet and, three weeks later, Vermont became the fourth state to give gay nuptials the green light.
We'll continue to roll out more honorees in the coming days leading up to the full reveal of the 2009 Out 100 portfolio, shot by renowned photographer Jason Bell, in mid-November.
Here is an exclusive first look at the 2009 Out 100: our collection of the 100 gay men, women, and trans people who have made 2009 a year to remember. In the coming days we'll reveal the rest of the honorees, including the directors, writers, Broadway producers, musicians and stars who have shaped popular art and culture; the bravest young voices, the dedicated campaigners, the openly gay politicians and lobbyists who've brought us this far; and the ordinary LGBT people who have inspired us with their extraordinary actions.
This year's theme is a gentle nod to the days that shaped, delighted, and terrified us all and made us who we are today -- school days. We've dubbed Chaz Bono (above, shot by Jason Bell) "Most Likely To Reinvent." The only child of Cher and Sonny Bono, Chaz has a long history in queer activism. After coming out in the April 1995 issue of The Advocate, he went on to write for the magazine, serve as a high-profile spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign, became entertainment media director for the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, and penned two books centered on LGBT issues. After several years under the radar, Bono broke news in June that he had begun FTM gender reassignment surgery.
Thursday evening, October 29, Entertainment Tonight will begin airing Bono's first interview since he revealed he is transitioning. After you've watched the preview here, check your local listings for channels and times to catch Mary Hart's full chat with Chaz.
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