Last Word
In this week's GLBT-related headlines: Rep. Kern's son, skater Johnny Weir, REM's Michael Stipe, Pennsylvania, Connecticut
”First of all, no one’s sexuality is anyone’s business. It is not even my mother’s business. I practice celibacy to give to my God.”
— Jesse Aaron Kern, son of Oklahoma state Rep. Sally Kern (R), on rumors that he is gay. His mother made headlines and sparked protests when a recording of a homophobic diatribe she gave to supporters was posted on the Web. (Tulsa World)
”There are some things I keep sacred. My middle name. Who I sleep with. And what kind of hand moisturizer I use.”
— U.S. figure skater Johnny Weir, declining to answer a direct question about his sexual orientation. (New York Times)
”But I see now, of course that’s the case, of course that’s needed. I’d just never felt strongly enough about a particular relationship to say, ‘Yeah, he’s my boyfriend, that is what it is.’ Now I recognize that to have public figures be very open about their sexuality helps some kid somewhere out there.”
— R.E.M. singer Michael Stipe on why he didn’t come out earlier in his career. (Spin)
”Ultimately, it’s the people who must decide whether they want to add this [ban on gay marriage] language to the constitution. There will be plenty of time for the public to debate it.”
— Pennsylvania state Sen. John Gordner (R), on an effort to ban gay marriage and ”the functional equivalent” of marriage. Opponents claim supporters are rushing the effort. The sponsors hope to have the bill passed and ready to promote the public by fall — just before the general election. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)
”The real goal of this bill is to move us closer to the day same-sex marriage is imposed on the state of Connecticut.”
— Peter Wolfgang, executive director of the Family Institute of Connecticut, on the state’s efforts to provide the legal benefits of marriage through civil unions. Wolfgang said, ”At this point, we ought to be wise to their piecemeal incrementationalism.” (Record-Journal)
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