Republican Comes Out: Thoughts?
Former Republican National Committee chair Ken Mehlman has come out of the closet. In response, there’s been lots of Kumbaya rhetoric from leaders of mainstream gay organizations: everybody comes out at his or her own pace, there’s room in the movement for diverse views, etc. And we’re supposed to be thrilled that Mehlman, along with Mary Cheney, is part of a fundraising committee against Prop 8. Like Auntie Em faced with Miss Gulch taking Toto in “The Wizard of Oz,” I’m trying hard to think charitably about this news. But the fact is that Mehlman was instrumental in helping to re-elect a President, George W. Bush, whose campaign and Administration virulently and cynically attacked LGBT folks. And Mehlman and Ms. Cheney continue to support Republican candidates whose records on human-rights issues are abysmal. I’m glad that Mehlman as a person has come out. But instant absolution? No way!
