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Afternoon Greg: White House gestures; Joan Rivers calls Carson a bastard; Perez makes new statement

That I can be this giddy about seeing tonight’s Patti LuPone-Mandy Patinkin concert is embarrassing but I am. But I’m still composed enough to do my afternoon post for you all before heading downtown to the Ahmanson to meet a friend for dinner then the 8 p.m. curtain.

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So what are we to make of the small steps the Obama administration seems to be making in acknowledging that LGBT people and their issues actually exist? What really matters is the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act and Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell, the signing of Hate Crimes legislation and full support of same-sex marriage.

Well, I can dream can’t I?

Giving some same-sex benefits to federal employees is a gesture and one that only came after months of indifference, mounting criticism and an over-the-top legal filing in defense of DOMA.

Here’s another gesture:  The White House will commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall riots – the beginning of the gay rights movement – by hosting an event next Monday and inviting LGBT activists and leaders from around the country to attend. We don’t know exactly who yet.

White House spokesman Shin Inouye said in a statement: “Next Monday’s event is a chance for the White House to recognize the accomplishments of LGBT Americans. Invited guests include families, volunteers and activists, and community leaders. This event was long planned as a way to applaud these individuals during Pride month.”

Okay fine, but how about some real support?

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HEEEEEEEERE’S THE BASTARD! At least according to Joan Rivers that’s what Johnny Carson was. I guess she oughta know since she appeared so often on The Tonight Show with him and was named permanent guest host in the early 80s. When Joan jumped to FOX to headline her own late night chatfest, Carson never spoke her her again … and she’s PISSED!

I don’t blame Joan for not being too fond of Carson after he refused to forgive her. But I’m surprised she would speak ill of him on the day that his longtime sidekick, Ed McMahon, died. He was 86.

In an interview on MSNBC, Joan had nothing but praise for McMahon. But when anchor Contessa Brewer brought up her falling out with Carson, Joan let loose and called him a “bastard” and a “nasty man.” At 76, Joan clearly does not feel the need to hold back – not one little bit!

PEREZ HAS MORE TO SAY: The blogger Perez Hilton is getting it from all corners after calling Will.I.Am. a F****tt in Toronto and he has issued a new statement about it on his site. Here’s the first part of it:

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“Words can hurt. I know that very well, from both sides of the fence. The other night in Toronto, after feeling physically threatened by a verbally abusive Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas, I chose the most hurtful word I know to hurl at him. I was in an out-of-the ordinary situaton and used a word that I would not utter under normal circumstances. My intention – however misguided it may have been – was to stand up for myself and tell this belligerent man that I had enough of his badgering and was not going to continue to let him berate and intimidate me. I wanted to hurt him with the word I chose, not anyone else. Unfortunately, the one who got hurt was me and, subsequently, a lot of other people. I wish none of it had happened. I can’t take it back. I did what I thought was best at the moment to stand up for myself in a non-violent yet still assertive way. Clearly, I am not homophobic. Also, I am not nor have I ever claimed to be a spokesperson for the gay community. I am just speaking for myself, a gay man. One who is labeled “flamboyant” in the media.

Anybody buying it?

Comments

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One Remark

  1. (a) never never never apologize for hearting Patti.

    (b) Perez sure did fashion himself a gay advocate and leader in the Prejean episode. It’s really hard to imagine Will.i.am, who looks totally stoned out of his mind in every interview, being threatening or belligerent unless…gasp!…Perez is also a racist. Hmmm????

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