SO PROUD OF ROSIE

I’ve just read Matt Drudge’s scoop on the Rosie O’Donnell interview. This strikes me as a big story. O’Donnell has gone the whole way – explaining in moving, honest, accessible ways how gay people exist, how they threaten no-one, how they want to live lives of dignity and respect, care for their loved ones, bring up their kids with security, and be a full and equal part of society. It’s a big story because she insists, as she should, that being gay isn’t all that she is, but is a central part of who she is. And it’s big because her audience – of middle and lower-middle class women and men – love her and respect her. They will now see a gay person as someone normal, sane, funny, and occasionally dumb. That’s way better than a scary abstraction. I must say I feel bad for having prodded O’Donnell to do this before she was ready. She picked her time and made her case. Perhaps some of the irrational fear and loathing that so many have to deal with even before they get to the starting line in life will now dissipate a little further. I certainly hope so. Now all we need are a few more openly gay men to add to the ranks. It’s lonely out here, guys. How about it?