George Takei on the torments of life in the closet

[n2doc]

Who’d have thought Mr. Sulu would be the member of the “Star Trek” cast who’d be with us the longest?

Start looking for actor George Takei in the culture and you’ll see him everywhere — a pop culture staple by virtue of his inexhaustibility. He’s on Twitter, where he’s amassed over a million followers; on TV and radio talk shows, where he’s game for practically anything; online, where a video he made mocking the homophobia of basketball star Tim Hardaway went viral; and now on movie screens. A documentary, “To Be Takei,” opens in select cities and on VOD and iTunes Aug. 22.

The film is a low-key depiction of Takei’s domestic life with husband Brad Altman, as well as his fairly packed schedule — between “Star Trek” conventions and press interviews, Takei, who began his career on the stage, is at this point more than just an actor. He’s at once a symbol of pop culture’s love of nostalgia and its relentless desire for novelty. We spoke to Takei as he promoted the documentary.

You’re someone with strong opinions about political issues — everything from marriage equality to honoring Japanese-Americans interned during World War II. But you also can go on “Watch What Happens Live” or “Howard Stern” and be, frankly, goofy. Do you feel conflicted that to get attention for your causes, you have to be so outlandish?

Some of the social issues are, to use your word, goofy. It’s silly. The best way to treat silliness is to laugh at that silliness. When Tim Hardaway, the basketball player, came out bald-faced and said, “I’m homophobic, I hate gay people,” that was so outrageous that the only thing you could do was make a mockery of him. Because, I mean, I as a gay man, I like athletes, sweaty athletes, particularly because he’s bald-headed and black. His head is chocolately, smooth, sweaty. And those calf muscles. And that’s the natural reaction of gay people to someone with that kind of physique … When you least expect it, I will have sex with you! And I burst out and guffaw. (When I made the video), that was shared by everybody! And Tim Hardaway’s become an ally.

more

http://www.salon.com/2014/08/18/i_was_going_to_gay_bars_having_affairs_george_takei_on_the_torments_of_life_in_the_closet/

[nightscanner59]

1. Have others noticed how blatantly sexist many of the homophobes can be?

I've had many wince and shudder at even my most subtle, G-rated compliment on another man's looks from the "get back in your closet" sort... that soon as the opportunity to "hubba-hubba-hubba looky them knockers" arises... never miss an opportunity to make total jackasses of themselves. Maybe just my experience with this but I've experienced so many male homophobes who don't miss an opportunity to paint a vivid picture of their copulative fantasies when in male only company, while other of the more accepting sort of heterosexual tend keep the better part of discretion, maybe just elude subtly. It's always far more amusing to me to see someone blush and eyes dilate over someone who they find attractive... but leave it mostly out of the conversation.