Subscribe to Breaking NewsWithers: Harry Potter is the man and the Queen is not talking
Today is a “show bidness” day. First there is Daniel Radcliffe who grew up under the fame glare but from all accounts seems like a decent fellow (similar to his other Harry Potter stars). The young British actor donated money to the Trevor Project. In a press release, Radcliffe makes a point not enough young gays and lesbians hear.
“I deeply hope my support can raise the organization’s visibility so even more despondent youth become aware of The Trevor Helpline’s highly trained counselors and Trevor’s many other resources. It’s vitally important that young people understand they are not alone and, perhaps even more important, that their young lives have real value.”
I’m old enough to remember certain young stars from back in the day (Leif Garrett anyone?) and it’s hard to imagine someone on the small and big screens doing something this gay positive and not having his/her manager jump in front of the Acela. Sure some cranky fundies will yelp, but the Potter juggernaut will continue and the British actor will still get work after his wand is put away.
On this side of the pond, Queen Latifah made the gossip pages recently because she was seen at a club’s lesbian night. Apparently the Queen is a regular–been to the same club, on the same night, twice–and likes to drink the fancy bubbly with a few biscuits (old man phrase for someone who is a looker). The rapper/actress has always been silent when the topic of her love life has come. For a few this is a problem. Meh.
I understand the culture we live in. Celebrity life is a business and we participate in it daily. However, I agree with Dave Chappelle. The alms at the altar of the acclaimed are fool’s gold, and the answers we are looking for are not going to be found trying to decide if a star likes men, women, or a little bit of both.
Good for Daniel. So what about Latifah? Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t. If she would have made a big deal about going to a gay establishment, some would have accused her of self-aggrandizement. She certainly has never shied away from working with or associating with gays. She would have never made “Hairspray” were that the case. (Anyone else ever notice that her civil rights power ballad “I Know Where I’ve Been” could just as easily be about gay rights, save for one line? With Adam Shankman and Marc Shaiman at the helm, that’s no big surprise. Insert Zac Efron comment here _____ .)
As for Radcliffe, he seems like a nice young man who can help show that inclusiveness is mainstream and centrist. Valuing people for their personhood is not a radical trait. I can’t find the quote now, but he was asked about doing the nude scene in Equus and how women and some men might come just to see him naked. He made some remark about hoping that none of them is disappointed, but that they notice his performance with his clothes on too. My brother and I took my boyfriend to see him on Broadway and his performance – clothed and un – was fantastic. Kate Mulgrew could have been replaced with a robot.
I’m not sure about his orientation, but I sort of hope that he is not gay and using this as part of his coming out process. It would be nice to see straight celebs doing more to show they value their GLBT colleagues and friends.
But being gay and coming out is much more of a political subject now a days. We are fighting SO hard for political equality at this point that we need ever single ounce of support and normalcy. During the women’s rights movement, it would have been upsetting to hear that women were dressing as men. They would have been hiding who they are. You shouldn’t hide who you are. It is the business of this equal rights movement to know who is with us and who isn’t. Now whether Queen Latifa uses a huge dildo in the bedroom or not, THAT is none of my business. But being gay, as political stance, that is our business.
I don’t mean to offend anyone at all. But I am in total agreement with the late and very great Harvey Milk – “On this anniversary of Stonewall, I ask my gay sisters and brothers to make the commitment to fight. For themselves, for their freedom, for their country … We will not win our rights by staying quietly in our closets … We are coming out to fight the lies, the myths, the distortions. We are coming out to tell the truths about gays, for I am tired of the conspiracy of silence, so I’m going to talk about it. And I want you to talk about it. You must come out. Come out to your parents, your relatives.”
I think a couple of different people have points here. Queen Latifa’s sexuality is her own business, and if she’s a lesbian and wants to come out, more power to her. She isn’t being hypocritical or attacking the gay community.
Celebrities are under much scrutiny because they’re in the public eye, and are the avatars of the entertainment industry. I think celebrities definitely have to think about their careers when it comes to being openly gay. There are many homophobic people who wouldn’t see a movie or buy an album just because it featured a gay artist.
I do think that it is brave and courageous to be an openly gay celebrity; and I think it’s cool that (especially) gay youth can look at such people as an example or role model. H
However, a celebrity’s own life comes first and it is his/her decision as to whether or not to be openly gay and it’s really no one else’s business.
Yes, Ameber, you’re right to some extent. I hate some of these terms “admit” to being gay, or we “suspect” he or she is gay or lesbian. It makes it sound like it’s an accusation against someone for a crime! It’s possible Queen Latifah is just keeping her private life private. However, if she is keeping it private only because she likes women, that is shame for being gay.
Thanks Mario Lavandeira. Everyone loves juicy gossip. Which lesbian club? So I know to avoid it as they cater to breeders.
atta boywithered … now your a gosip columnist….LOL
try not to screw this up too!
For all anyone knows, Queen Latifah went to a club’s lesbian night to be supportive of a friend. She may like the club’s atmosphere. It may simply be the case that she has a fan base at the club. Her appearance in a gay or lesbian establishment is no more an indicator of her sexual identity, than showing up at a synagogue on Saturday makes her Jewish.
As for Daniel Radcliffe, the man is generous and benevolent to the gay community. If only more actors and celebs would be as generous.
Who the hell thinks Queen Latifah is straight anyhow? I mean, who besides Dana Owens?
Amber said: If you don’t admit to something you are either ashamed or embarrassed by it.
I think there are a few more options for why people don’t admit to things. I don’t admit to my coworkers how much $ I make, does that mean I’m embarrassed or ashamed, or just that I don’t think it’s their business?
Staying in the closet doesn’t mean I think there’s something wrong, it may mean I think others may believe there’s something wrong.
I’m with Gerry and JarinAmin. This is Queen Latifah’s business and her business alone.
The only reason someone should be “Outed” is if they are hypocritical and seek to do harm against others that are gay.
If she’s gay, great. If she’s str8, great. I love her work all the same.
Amber, no that is not the case at all. Simply put her sexuality, mine or yours is nobodys business. I came out along time ago, to my family and friends. That was my choice to make. Although it makes no difference to me what they think of it. I chose to do it, but it doesnt mean im proud of being gay (not that im ashamed of it in any way). Its just something that I am. Like my hair color (colored to hide the grays). It makes no difference.
But isn’t staying in the closet the same as admitting there is something wrong with being homosexual?
I think so… If you don’t admit to something you are either ashamed or embarrassed by it.
She is a performer. Her sexuality has nothing to do with her job. Her s/o it none of our business and no one has the right to tell her she should come out.
While it is her option to define when/if she comes out, it would be extremely helpful for her to join the ranks of Wanda Sykes to assist in the gradual acceptable of gay/lesbian life in the African American subculture.
>The rapper/actress has always been silent when the topic of her love life has come. For a few this is a problem. Meh.
As long as she doesn’t fake heterosexuality or attack our community (and she hasn’t), then I’m cool with it.