There were a couple of thought provoking comments on my post about Royal gays.
From a young age I was very attracted to men in a way I did not initially understand but at puberty it became quite clear but without any kind of physical clarity. I wanted men, but I did not know in what manner and what was involved.
At some point I realised that there was a connection between limp wristed effeminate men on tv to my desires, but that did not seem to be me.
I realised gay sex between men was illegal in most Australian states and was then and is illegal now in many parts of the world.
When I was a young gay man, gay men, and certainly me, were always seeking validation of their sexuality. A public figure coming out as gay was so important. It was a case of 'I'm not the only one in the world. Even famous people can be gay'. Every actor, every musician, every judge, every politician, every sportsperson, every famous person, dead or alive who was gay, gave me a validation for who I am.
And now even in my senior years, I still seek that affirmation that being gay is ok, and there are many of us, even Royal people. Each time I hear someone vaguely famous or extremely well known for high achievements, it further validates my sexuality. Many gay men my age will think like this, and sadly many younger men still will
Even despotic rulers like King Mwanga II of Uganda in the 19th century could be openly gay, stands.
Though perhaps not J Edgar Hoover, once the director the the US FBI. More modern gay people be pretty awful.
Tough gay sportspeople score extra points, for distancing effeminate gay stereotypes from uber masculine men, not that there's anything wrong with effeminate gay men, although I do have my own prejudices by way of 'no one loves a fairy over forty'. You just have to be able to carry it off honey.
A few year ago Australian soccer star Josh Cavallo came out as gay.
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I can certainly understand that need to belong and feel you're in good company. One of the privileges straight people have is that they're not constantly forced into considering their orientation. They think they're the norm! Gay people are so often on alert because of straight prejudice. So yes, the more geniuses, women and men,who are gay the better the company.
ReplyDeleteGo you, Andrewwww!
Your reflection underscores how visibility whether in royalty, sport, or public life has long mattered
ReplyDeleteI'm not far from your age group and I agree -- every person who comes out makes a difference. It's important for everyone to have role models, or at least mentors with whom they can identify, and famous gay people sort of serve that purpose.
ReplyDeleteHere in England, gay men were once camp comedians on the telly or dirty blokes in macs who hung out in public conveniences. Nowadays, there seems to be much more understanding and acceptance, far less prejudice and public figures are able to refer to their gay lives and partners without bringing the wrath of God down upon their heads. That, I think, represents progress.
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