10/24/2007
News: Dennis Kucinich, Garbage Island, Dumbledore, Gary Trudeau
STUDY: Gay men face major discrimination in the workplace: "'It was surprising to see how consistent it was that gay men tended to be more discriminated against in traditionally heterosexual male dominated professions -- blue collar, labor, and management too,' researcher Bruce Elmslie, professor of economics at UNH, told Reuters. The study found that gay men who live together earn 23 percent less than married men, and 9 percent less than unmarried heterosexual men who live with a woman."
OUT begins naming names for this year's Out 100.
Get your gay Dumbledore T-shirts here.
Shirley Maclaine says presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich had a UFO encounter on her property: "Dennis found his encounter extremely moving. The smell of roses drew him out to my balcony where, when he looked up, he saw a gigantic triangular craft, silent, and observing him. It hovered, soundless, for 10 minutes or so, and sped away with a speed he couldn't comprehend. He said he felt a connection in his heart and heard directions in his mind."
Roman Catholic Church facilitating spread of AIDS in Latin America.
Is Rudy Giuliani protecting a Catholic priest who preyed on altar boys? "I know the man; I know who he is, so I support him. We give some of the worst people in our society the presumption of innocence and benefit of the doubt. And, of course, I’m going to give that to one of my closest friends."
Paul Lynde Halloween special now on DVD: "The 1976 'Paul Lynde Halloween Special' (S'more, $15) stars not just 'Bewitched's' belovedly sarcastic Uncle Arthur - one of the gayest not-publicly-gay performers you'll ever see - but also 'Wizard of Oz' witch Margaret Hamilton, 37 years later, in full green-face regalia. And 'H.R. Pufnstuf' standby Witchiepoo (Billie Hayes). And little person Billy Barty. And 'Brady Bunch' mom Florence Henderson warbling a disco version of 'That Old Black Magic.' And Donny & Marie. And Tim Conway, and Betty White, and 'Happy Days' dish Roz 'Pinky Tuscadero' Kelly as a truckstop waitress whose apron emblazons her as Kinky Pinky."
Marie Osmond sees Stars while Dancing.
Cartoonist Gary Trudeau says that while writing his comic strip is no easier now than when he started, attitudes have certainly changed: "Now I can pretty much write about gay issues and not hear from anyone. Certainly popular culture has a role to play in destigmatizing.''
Island-continent of toxic plastic garbage floats between California and Hawaii: "Officially known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, until it can be taxed, U.S. officials will continue to ignore it. I heard of it once many years ago, but it apparently has been growing tenfold each decade since the 1950's, and now consists of 80% plastic. It has also been called Gilligan's Island, from the trashy TV sitcom that won't go away."
Preacher's son talks to Wisconsin crowd about attending Liberty University and coming out as gay.
Posted 3:30 PM EST by Andy in AIDS/HIV, Catholic Church, Dennis Kucinich, Discrimination, Dumbledore, News, Rudy Giuliani, Wisconsin | Permalink
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I'm amazed that someone got a grant to study the fact that we are shat upon in the workplace. I mean, who didn't already know that?
Posted by: shane | Oct 24, 2007 3:37:59 PM
The post above about how gay men are discriminated in the workplace is so true. Here's what has happened to me:
1. On a movie set, I was a production assistant and was told by my boss that someone like me "belongs in the hair and make up department."
2. I've been asked on job interviews "So, do you have a girlfriend, boyfriend... or what?" This was by a woman who did NOT want a gay man working there.
3. A co-worker once said to my friend at work, "My God, he is so GAY!" and he didn't meean it in a positive way.
4. One potential (straight) boss once asked me on an interview, "So... uh, what kind of bars or clubs do you go to?" I later learned he was trying to see if I've ever been to a gay bar. This was for an administrative assistant position.
5. One boss I had said, "You seem kind of effeminate. Are you gay?"
6. Finally, I had another boss who kept asking me if I was gay and that it was "okay" if I was. When I finally came out to him, he told me he thought it was disgusting and repulsive.
To all the gay men out there who say, "No one at my job has a problem with me being gay," please be careful. Be VERY careful.
Posted by: David from L.A. | Oct 24, 2007 3:46:21 PM
OUT magazine has no soul.
Posted by: Mike | Oct 24, 2007 3:49:25 PM
Perez Hilton is a mean-spirited creepy bitch. I'm ashamed that he's gay (or is hey an angry discrete homosexual?).
I won't touch Out magazine with a ten-foot pole for that reason (I'm not claiming I have a ten foot pole...).
I wish his 15 minutes would end already!
David B. (also of L.A., but not David from L.A.)
Posted by: David B. | Oct 24, 2007 3:56:28 PM
Maybe someone should forward that study about gay men's incomes to the National No Longer Gay & Lesbian Task Force Big Cheese Whiz Matt Foreman. Ya know, the guy who's been telling the very people who fund his salary that they should be willing to give up any chance they have of the most minimal of federal gay job protections and telling Dems in Congress to VOTE AGAINST gay job protection. That we have to "burn down the gay village in order to save it."
30 states still do not have any job protections for gays and lesbians but Foreman, like virtually all of the organizational heads of the herd-like ENDA Insane er United, lives and works where he is legally protected from job discrimination should he ever go into the private, non-gay run sector. And, wherever the rest work, as employees of LGBT groups THEY don't have to worry, but are telling the millions who don't that they must sacrifice any hope for job security in the name of ideology.
Posted by: Leland Frances | Oct 24, 2007 4:13:50 PM
Every time I see a picture of Perez Hilton, I want to punch him in the cunt.
Posted by: crispy | Oct 24, 2007 4:23:48 PM
I like Perez.
I'm glad he's on our team.
Davey(not David B or David from L.A. but Davey from Midtown Manhattan)
Posted by: Davey | Oct 24, 2007 4:29:10 PM
David from LA:
Thanks for the insight(s). All the anecdotes were probably more degrading when they happened, but the message of discrimination still came through loudly. When you work on a university campus where half the faculty is gay (or should be) I forget what it must be like in private industry. I could come in here wearing a black sequined gown, and I'd get treated like shit, but no one could fire me...not because of the gown. They'd get me for being on the blogs all day long.
Posted by: Derrick from philly | Oct 24, 2007 4:31:21 PM
Re: Paul Lynde's Halloween Special-
I watched this a few years ago with a friend while tripping - NOT a good idea. I'm still scarred from the experience. Picture Paul Lynde and Tim Conway having a 'butch-off' contest while competing for the affections of Pinky Tuskadero (did I mention Paul is dressed as The Rhinestone Trucker?) - not to mention the whole 'Florence of Arabia' sketch... and Florence's version of 'That Old Black Magic' is... well, you have to hear it to believe it. .
Watch at your own risk.
Posted by: Roy | Oct 24, 2007 4:42:52 PM
Thanks for sharing David from LA. I got my own stories to tell, too numerous to mention. But I've faced discrimination from gay employers and other gays; once in West Hollywood of all places. That must tell you how gay I am.
".... queen. Does not that derisive epithet suggest primacy and dominion?" From Myra Breckinridge by Gore Vidal
Posted by: queen | Oct 24, 2007 4:44:33 PM
Perez Hilton makes me homophobic - - and I'm gay.
Posted by: Matilda | Oct 24, 2007 4:47:23 PM
Gays are definitely discriminated against in the workplace, I have a friend going through something terrible at the moment.
I do think that a possible exlanation for salary discrepancy to some degree could be that partnered gay men, with two significant incomes do not feel the financial pressure that straight married men do to earn more and support a family on one income. It is entirely possibly that to a degree, the gay partnered men stay in jobs where they have other priorities, like job satisfaction and fondness of co-workers rather than to try to jump to any job that will pay a dollar more. My partner and I both feel this way. There are jobs that pay more, but we are happy with our current ones and very comfortable in the financial lifestyle that a two-headed household affords us.
Posted by: Dan B | Oct 24, 2007 5:09:19 PM
RE: Trudeau
I remember a Doonesbury series back in the 70s or early 80s. Joanie had a crush on Andy and was pushing their friendship. Finally Andy told her he was gay. Her reply was "Are they sure?" Andy said "I'm sure."
Yea, back then a strip like that was a big deal.
Posted by: scioto | Oct 24, 2007 5:35:32 PM
I think I have to see the Paul Lynde show. I remember the only time I saw Kroft (sp?) Super Stars was when Witchiepoo and Pufnstuf were running against each other for mayor. My brother and I have had the song running through our heads ever since---and that was 30 years ago.
On discrimination, I think Dan B has a point, but I think it's also a point that employers pay more to men with children. My brother got an unprecedented raise right after his wife gave birth. "Family men" tend to be in positions of power, and watch out for each other.
Posted by: Paul | Oct 24, 2007 6:21:09 PM
I just dont understand why anybody gives a crap about Perez Hilton. His site sucks, his writing sucks and his "jokes" are beyond lame.
there are hundreds, no thousands of better blogs. I feel stupid just giving him the little attention it takes to post this.
Posted by: jacknasty | Oct 24, 2007 9:23:33 PM
I agree with David from LA.
Be very careful. I would actually go as far as to advise 99% of people to not come out in the workplace. If you're financially independent that's one thing but if it's between peace of mind/political statement and food on the table make the smart choice.
I will also advise against forming a "gay team" at the office. The company I worked for hired a Louis Vuitton gossip queen for a temp position and it nearly cost me my management spot from all the flack.
As far as gay life goes in the office no matter if it's not true about you it's what others can sell each other around the water cooler. Office gab is what most people call a life.
Posted by: NotForYou | Oct 24, 2007 11:18:01 PM