Proverbial reverend Al Sharpton insists he did not out Anderson Cooper.
Sharpton appeared on Cooper's CNN show Wednesday to discuss James Dobson's attack on Barack Obama, who Dobson claims is "distorting" the bible. Arguing against Dobson, Sharpton said, "I may have some very conservative personal feelings, but I feel you have the right to live your life differently. I may think that what you do Anderson is gonna put you in Hell, but I'm gonna defend your right to get there." Loads of people took this to be an unintentional "outing."
Sharpton, however, claims he's clueless to Cooper's carnality.
Sharpton, unaware of the controversy, told Gay City News, "I have no idea of his sexuality. I was not talking about him as an individual anyway. It could have been anybody." He said any thoughts he might have about things that condemn people wouldn't include homosexuality. "I support same-sex marriage and have been lambasted by the right for it," he said.More than a decade ago, this reporter [Andy Humm] asked Sharpton at a party if his support extended to performing same-sex marriages as a minister. "Step outside," he shot back. "I'll do you right now."
Oh, Al!
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Who knows of Sharpton knows which way Cooper leans (I suspect he does), but let's make clear: Sharpton is a friend of the gays.
He supports ENDA. He supports gay marriage. He supports hate crime legislation. He supports gay immigration. He supports gay adoption. He supports a repeal on Don't Ask Don't Tell.
He's gone on the record with his support of these issues, and has made no secret of his want to rid homophobia from churches.
A simplified breakdown here:
http://lesbianlife.about.com/c.....arpton.htm
Yep, Al Sharton is a fantastic ally for gay people. When he was asked if he supported gay marriage, he gave one of the strongest responses I've ever heard@ "It's like asking do I support black marriage or white marriage… The inference of the question is that gays are not like other human beings"
To the issue of whether he outed Cooper or not; he very obviously did not, he was just remarking on how everybody has sinned, or making a joke about how all journalists are sinners. It was that simple.
Just like I said when I first saw this initial story, we have become overly sensitive due to the abuse of the last seven years. Rev. Sharpton has always been an ally even in spaces not so friendly to the idea of inclusion. In regards to Anderson, we really need to let this go. Anderson is a grown man. He is free to be or not to be out. It is his right and we should respect it. He is not speaking ill of our community, so leave him alone.
I think Sharpton is also empathetic because his sister is a lesbian so it's personal on one level.
The fact of the matter is, nobody could be in a room with teeny tiny effete little Andy Cooper and NOT know that he was gay. Then again, I don't really care if Sharpton DID out him. It's not as if CNN would fire the guy, and with Gloria vanderbilt for a mom I suspect he has enough money in the bank to sue if they did.
I think Al rocks! Maybe Obama ought to pick him for V.P., it would work for me!
"teeny tiny effete little Andy Cooper"
effete: Lacking strength or vitality; feeble, powerless, infertile.
You must be a black supremacist.
Where the fuck do you get that? You must be a white moron.
haha
Love him.
I hate Al Sharpton. He's about to get indicted for income tax evasion or something similar. Remember Twanna Brawley? What an asshole. Likely to be revealed as acting on the DL, too……..
RPCV, why are you so damn stupid? What the fuck does that add to this conversation? You can't even name the charge. How pathetic. Go away!
JerseyGirl226: Honey, if you want a conversation, then turn off the computer and call/visit a friend. Which brings me to another point - why do the same 12-15 commenters (e.g., Fredo777, Churchy, Afro…, Citizen… - you know who you are) appear daily? Don't you all have lives outside the blogosphere? Ya'll act like this is your little, private "social" club…. No friends??? Sad…….
Hello pot, this is kettle…
You rock, Al. You rock!
I love Al Sharpton, but I don't think he'll be right for VP, that's where his strength comes from his not a politician so he can say whatever he wants.
I don't think he outed him, I mean I use the person I'm talking to as a reference all the time.