14 Aug 2004
Gov. McGreevey comes out
I’m always amazed when people are shocked by the announcement of something widely known as an open secret. I knew for years that Rosie O’Donnell was a lesbian, but middle America still did a spit take.
“My truth is that I am a gay American.” — Gov. James E. McGreevey.
Jeff’s been telling me for months about Jersey’s governor and his “aide,” so it’s been amusing to see all his political colleagues on TV proclaim their shock and surprise.
Like many in the gay community, I’m conflicted about his announcement (congrats on coming out, he shouldn’t step down just because he’s gay, he’s trying to gain sympathy to cover a deeper scandal…). But while some are harping on his use of “My truth” instead of “The truth,”I think the more interesting word choice is “gay American.” Prior to 9/11, I wonder if he would have felt the same need to wrap himself in the flag?
I also cringe at flag-waving. But I don’t think that’s what’s going on. I am gonna guess that he was anticipating the next day’s headlines.
At a news conference, to have just said “I am gay…”, would have been portrayed by the straight media as an admission of guilt.
The phrase “Gay American” takes shame out of the equation. It is more clearly a statement of identity.
It also is unlikely to be interpreted as “I-am-attracted-to-the-same-sex-but-do-not-get-the-gay-lifestyle.”
I think it was a brave, and smart, move.
i. bendito | 14 Aug 2004