Elton John Turns 60, Speaks Out Against Homophobia
Sir Elton John turns 60 on Sunday, and he recently wrote an editorial the British magazine New Statesman, calling on people to speak out against homophobia:
"In December 2005, I was legally bound to the man I love. It's my legal right and my human right. And I wanted everyone to know, I wanted to shout about it. In some countries, my voice would have been drowned out. Maybe even stamped out. Men and women are persecuted and attacked every day all over the world, just because of who they love and who they make love to...My voice has served me pretty well over the years. I hope maybe it can do him some good too. But we need more voices. Whether the bigot is in our local pub or a thousand miles away, we should all stand up and speak out for these basic human rights."
He also praised those who speak out for gay rights, specifically noting El Salvador gay rights activist William Hernandez and his organization Entre Amigos.
Yesterday it was announced that Elton John's entire catalog (30+ albums) will be available digitally for the first time on iTunes. He will celebrate his birthday on Sunday with a party and performance at Madison Square Garden. The performance will also be his 60th. MSG will raise a banner ("Most Performances by a Single Artist") in tribute.
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Perhaps I would give a rat's ass about Elton John speaking out on homophobia if he hadn't shared the stage with gay-basher Eminem a few years ago in a pathetic attempt to ingratiate himself with the younger rap/hip-hop crowd. He's a sell-out.
Posted by: EnigmaticAnswer | Mar 22, 2007 10:03:27 AM
It's sweet that Elton is so supportive of the gay lifestyle these last few years... however i'd be alot more impressed if he stood tall all those years ago when it would've really mattered.
He was the gayest thing since Liberace, so it wouldn't have been a shockeroo to come out of his overstuffed closet showing some spine. He even went so far in the other direction to marry that australian woman just so he could feature a beard. No wonder he eventually sank so low into drugs, acted such a bitch... and began to sing such crap.
Elton lived a life of shame for way too long for me to have much pride in him now.
Posted by: A.J. | Mar 22, 2007 10:35:24 AM
AJ - Elton has plenty of reasons to be proud. He's gotten past his addictions, does great work for AIDS, his recent music is some of his best stuff in years.
So what it took him a long time to figure himself out and come out? He's out now.
Posted by: Steve | Mar 22, 2007 11:10:30 AM
Happy birthday to Elton!
AJ, the gay lifestyle? No, it's life. Every gay person wants that hero that will save them, that is perfect in every way to help bring them their rights. Gay people are like everyone else. They have flaws too. Elton had addictions. He has overcame them. He is ok with me now.
Posted by: Jack! | Mar 22, 2007 3:45:15 PM
AJ I don't mean to make this thread about you, but if you're going to stand on a pedestal to throw your vitriol on other gay men, then I just have to!
My question to you is: what are YOU doing for gay rights to be coming down on Elton John like that? I visited your blog, and it was all but pictures of buffed up surfers, fashion, cars and other sex art. Most of your links were to similar sites...Now there's nothing wrong with those activities (and I enjoy them as well); but the least you can do when you know you don't use your own tribune to inform on gay rights, nor even link to sites which do, is to display a bit of *humility* in face of those who try. Humility always goes a long way..
Steve is right to point out that Elton has every reason to be proud: He's been out of the closet for years, married his husband in a very public and lavish affair, so no apologies there. He's been incredibly supportive of Rufus Wainwright, and has pimped him and other artists from the younger generation at every turn. He's been involved in AIDS fight. And today he's man enough to urge all to speak against homophobia in a magazine; *yet* humble enough to give credit to gay activists like William Hernandez who are dealing with far more dangerous situations than any of us could ever encounter. I think his choice of words speak of his personal character better than any hateful gossip ever will:
``People like William are a lot braver than me. When the bigots shout abuse, they shout back,'' the singer wrote.
``My voice has served me pretty well over the years. I hope maybe it can do him some good too. But we need more voices.
``Whether the bigot is in our local pub or a thousand miles away, we should all stand up and speak out for these basic human rights.''
___________
Point well taken, Elton.
Much love!
Posted by: Da | Mar 22, 2007 3:54:07 PM
There really is no other public figure that even comes close to being as out as EJ. If he sees fit to lend his name to a matter it surely has been well thought out in advance. He really is the 500lb Gorillaz in the room. All things considered EJ has potential for mass acceptance in his ideology which is very humanistic and loving
best of luck Reg
Posted by: Richie | Mar 22, 2007 8:25:04 PM