Film highlights hidden lives of gay politicos
Joe Kempkes
Issue date: 5/14/09 Last update: 5/18/09 at 11:21 AM PST
Section: Arts
Documentarian Kirby Dick's new film "Outrage" is a searing indictment of the hypocrisy of closeted gay politicians with appalling gay rights voting records who actively campaign against the very gay community that they secretly belong to.
"Outrage" highlights the hidden lives of some of Washington's most powerful policymakers showing the consequent damage that they've done to millions of gay Americans. Furthermore, the film examines the mainstream media's complicity in keeping the U.S. government's anti-gay agenda secret.
The film begins with a press conference showing Idaho Senator Larry Craig resigning after having been arrested for soliciting sex in an airport restroom. A week later, we see Craig and his wife in their home denying the accusation. Then we see one of Craig's male sex partners alleging that after having had sex with Craig, he was paid money and told, "You were never here and this never happened."
Fortunately, not all politicians operate this way. New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey chose to come out of the closet and resign after revealing that he had a gay affair. Arizona Congress member Jim Kolbe came out and continued to serve in the House. Wisconsin Representative Tammy Baldwin also is openly gay. The third gay member of Congress, of course, is Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank, the first to come out by his own volition.
"Outrage" gains credibility through interviews with ACT-UP activist Larry Kramer, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile and staff members of closeted politicians. After showing 90 minutes of lying closet gay politicians, we see San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk at the film's conclusion urging everyone to come out of the closet. Milk has been dead for over 30 years and very few politicians have taken up his challenge.
Dick's last film, "This Film is Not Rated Yet," got an Academy Award nomination. "Outrage," which is years ahead of the political/social curve, deserves similar recognition.
"Outrage" highlights the hidden lives of some of Washington's most powerful policymakers showing the consequent damage that they've done to millions of gay Americans. Furthermore, the film examines the mainstream media's complicity in keeping the U.S. government's anti-gay agenda secret.
The film begins with a press conference showing Idaho Senator Larry Craig resigning after having been arrested for soliciting sex in an airport restroom. A week later, we see Craig and his wife in their home denying the accusation. Then we see one of Craig's male sex partners alleging that after having had sex with Craig, he was paid money and told, "You were never here and this never happened."
Fortunately, not all politicians operate this way. New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey chose to come out of the closet and resign after revealing that he had a gay affair. Arizona Congress member Jim Kolbe came out and continued to serve in the House. Wisconsin Representative Tammy Baldwin also is openly gay. The third gay member of Congress, of course, is Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank, the first to come out by his own volition.
"Outrage" gains credibility through interviews with ACT-UP activist Larry Kramer, radio personality Michelangelo Signorile and staff members of closeted politicians. After showing 90 minutes of lying closet gay politicians, we see San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk at the film's conclusion urging everyone to come out of the closet. Milk has been dead for over 30 years and very few politicians have taken up his challenge.
Dick's last film, "This Film is Not Rated Yet," got an Academy Award nomination. "Outrage," which is years ahead of the political/social curve, deserves similar recognition.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Reginald James
posted 5/25/09 @ 5:31 AM PST
One such politician who has taken up the challenge is Anthony Woods. He's a Iraq veteran, West Point graduate who is running for Congress.
And he's gay. (Continued…)
Post a Comment