HGTV Supports Gays
There was a new TV show scheduled to come out on HGTV starring twin brothers, David and Jason Benham, this fall. However, after a few questionable issues about the brothers surfaced online, HGTV decided to cancel the show before it even aired. Among other things, a right wing web site posted information about David Benham and his anti-gay opinions.
Those plans have changed after the website Right Wing Watch published a post labeling David Benham as an ‘anti-gay, anti-choice extremist.’
The site posted a recording of the twin on a talk show host speaking about ‘homosexuality and its agenda that is attacking the nation’ and also spoke about ‘demonic ideologies’ spreading in colleges and public schools.
There is also a YouTube video of David Benham speaking at the closing of an abortion clinic last year.
This is how the out-spoken twin anti-gay brothers who had the deal of a lifetime in the palm of their hands responded:
‘With all of the grotesque things that can be seen and heard on television today you would think there would be room for two twin brothers who are faithful to our families, committed to biblical principles, and dedicated professionals. If our faith costs us a television show then so be it.’
My only comment is something I’ve said before on the blog more than once. If you are going to do anything in the public eye, and that thing you are doing isn’t political or religious, shut your big mouth on religion and politics or be prepared to suffer the consequences. This isn’t about free speech or gays bullying the poor twin brothers. This is about free trade and good business practices. HGTV is not a government owned business and many of their viewers are women and gays. I’m sure HGTV doesn’t want to alienate a large chunk of their audience. Last I heard, nothing on HGTV is political or religious. So I look at these things from a purely pragmatic POV and I really feel for people in business who don’t. I have seen the exact same thing happen to authors who speak too often and too loudly on politics and religion, and it doesn’t matter which side you’re on. You’re still going to piss a lot of people off. So unless you’re running for public office, or Pope, keep the religion and politics to yourself if you know what’s best for you. And really, don’t we already have enough politics already. When I tune in to watch House Hunters or Property Brothers I only want to hear about real estate.
You can read more here, where there’s a photo of the twin anti-gay brothers who just screwed up the best deal they ever had.
Neil Patrick Harris Naked
Neil Patrick Harris is on the cover of Rolling Stone, and he’s not wearing anything but a bow tie and a top hat over his groin. Whether or not this is actually Harris or it’s been photo shopped remains to be seen.
In an interview to be published on Friday (9 May), Harris shares how coming out publicly in 2006 has actually helped his career rather than hurt it.
‘Some actors don’t get hired because you can’t look into their soul and see what they’re like, because they’re kept guarded,’ he says. ‘Once all the cards were on the table, I got more opportunities than ever.’
I’m not certain other more serious leading-men types would agree with Harris. I think they still have to be careful about coming out if they want to get the big bucks in feature films like the upcoming Fifty Shades of Grey. Just look at what happened to Matt Bomer. It’s still okay for a straight actor to play gayface. We applaud that when Matt Damon does it. But we haven’t worked out all the kinks with gay actors playing straightface. Rock Hudson doesn’t count, even though he should be considered the greatest actor in the history of film just for those scenes with Doris Day.
Michael Sam NFL Draft
This week openly gay football player, Michael Sam, will make history when they start drafting players. I think he’s a huge hero and inspiration to all gay men who have never fallen into the typical gay stereotypes. He shows us that there are many different aspects to being gay. It should be interesting to see how things turn out next week.
‘I’ve been thinking about this moment since junior year of college,’ Sam said in an interview Wednesday with Good Morning America.
‘It’s a very nervous time and a very exciting time. I’m ready for it.’ He added: ‘Where I go doesn’t matter as long as I get to play.’
While Sam is not expected to be a top pick, the league could face a major PR crisis if no teams choose him.
Sam will also receive the well-deserved Arthur Ashe Courage Award this July. He also makes a point of letting us know that he’s not the only gay guy in the NFL and that others are still in the closet.