I just found out that Barney Frank is gay in the most wonderful way

[tavalon]

He referenced to Jon Stewart that his boyfriend was backstage and there was some genuine banter between them. The thing that struck me was the way it wasn't any real part of what they were talking about, just like it would have been nothing for him to reference his girlfriend if he was hetero. It was such a thrill to have that not be a big deal. One step closer to people not even noticing such things.

Totally cool.

[endarkenment]

1. Uh - Barney has been WAY OUT for decades. nt

[tavalon]

2. And I never knew until today

We all miss things and it wasn't that I found out that was cool. It was the offhand way it came up. That's what I want in the future for GLBT and poly folks, that the people that we choose to love are just a part of who we are, not the defining characteristic - in other words, the way it's been for hetero folks since forever.

[qb]

3. It would have been even cooler if he'd said 'my husband'

[dsc]

4. I don't think they are married

and that is presumedly by choice (they live in MA)

[TheWraith]

5. Um, you didn't know Barney Frank is gay?

No offense, but did you just fly in from Neptune? ;)

[donheld]

6. What rock have you been hiding under

please tell me you know Elton John is gay.

[MuseRider]

7. I have known that for a long time

however when I heard that and saw that banter between them my heart soared for a second or two. I am such a mush, I had tears in my eyes. It was an easy thing to say for him it seemed and there was no reaction from Stewart (as expected since he seems to be very much on the side of equality) and it just went on as a natural and normal conversation (it is!). It reminded me of the banter I have with my friend when he lives with us for 4 months during the legislative session. He and I compare situations with our husbands and I always remember how unusual that is in many places. I feel blessed. Back to your thread, it was lovely. It was so natural. It was the way it should always have been.

The more this happens, the more people talk about their friend and his husband or her wife, the more normal it will seem to people who may be on the fence. That is when we win. Screw the Talibornagain, they may never come around but they don't have to as long as the rest of the country does. All they have to do is STFU when the law makes it as it is for everyone else.

Thanks for this thread. It made me smile again and remember how wonderful that exchange felt to me. I was in this Topic Forum to find out the dates of the October White House get together :) and saw this. How wonderful to remember.