Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are...

Anyone who has read my posts, on AfterEllen otherwise, may know that I am very opinionated on whether or not a celebrity has an obligation to come out of the closet. For those unfamiliar: I am pro-choice. We, as individuals, have the right to remain in the closet if we so choose. I'm sure that analogy will not sit well with some, but it serves it's purpose and proves my point in ways which the nay-sayers will never admit.

So, I've been following Mary Cheney's saga. You know, the daughter of the Vice President, who is gay, yet stands by her father. To Dick Cheney's credit he did stand by his daughter when the fact she was gay came into light. I applaud that. He was willing to support her to the degree which he, and his GOP constituents, were comfortable with. That amount, I am quite sure, did not suit our esteemed President, but it was more then I expected.

Mary Cheney, I must say, you are quite the spokesperson for family values. You stood by your father, working for the Bush/Cheney Campaign, as you helped elect the 43rd President of the United States. A President who, unabashed, campaigned to solidify our, your, place as a secondary citizen. I mean, if that's not family values, I'm just not sure what is. Talk about taking one for the team.

I think I rambled off on another tangent again. My apologies. Shit, I do that a lot.

But screw all that. That was years ago! Bush/Cheney can't run for a 3rd term! Time to switch teams!
You're going to take a stand: You're coming out and you've...writing a book! You're doing the talk show circuit! Interviews: Primetime, Daytime, Anytime. I simply cannot wait to see the benefits the gay and lesbian organizations receive from the generous contributions you plan on... Oh, oh shit. Well, I'm embarrassed. Pretend like I didn't insinuate you would contribute anything to our cause. Golly, how embarrassing of me.

I'm Pro-Choice, mind you. These celebrities who are purported to be gay and remain in the closet (and whom I shall not name) - I have nothing but respect for you. Honestly. Those celebrities who are out and proud - I applaud your decision and pray you will face nothing but goodwill and rainbow-colored fanfare. It is true that those who were willing to speak out paved the way for the rest of us. You all are heroes in your own right.

There are so many in our community who bitch and moan that Ellen does not do enough. This irritiates me to no end. I've seen Ellen come out to the world of her own right and will. I've read her book and her mother's book. I've listened to her speak at the Milinnieum March in Washington. I have no doubt she has contributed large sums to various gay and lesbian organizations as well as many other charities. She cares.
I only mention Ellen because I will not point fingers at those who have chosen to remain in the closet and because, well, Ellen seems to be the unfortunate target for some.

Apparently coming out to the world is not enough anymore. Someone needs to enlighten the realists among us of what is to be expected when we come out.

Mary Cheney. Too little, too late.