Just a few months into his tenure as GLAAD’s president, and Jarrett Barrios has already turned the “condemn-applaud” organization into a bigger joke than even we thought possible. Charging itself with policing media to ensure positive representations of queers, GLAAD is now backing ABC’s decision to yank Adam Lambert from its network. And in doing so, Barrios has shown GLAAD to still be the spineless, ineffective Gay Inc. organization that Neil Guiliano left behind.
When Lambert’s same-sex kiss and crotch-in-face American Music Awards performance generated endless headlines filled with the word “controversial,” GLAAD was the go-to organization for the MSM to grab a soundbite. Fine. That’s it’s job.
So after speaking with GLAAD, the network has released these remarks, which sounds familiar:
Given the live nature of the American Music Awards, Adam Lambert’s performance, which differed greatly from his rehearsal, caught many, including the network, off guard. This is not a question of Lambert’s sexual orientation. As is evidenced by GLAAD’s media report card, ABC is at the forefront of positive gay and lesbian portrayal on television. We welcome openly gay performers and look forward to continuing our great work within the LGBT community.
Guess who has ABC’s back and is just fine with that explanation? Mr. Barrios! He responded:
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
It would appear that the kiss between Adam Lambert and his keyboardist did not factor into ABC’s decision. ABC has a history of positive gay and transgender inclusion that includes featuring kisses between gay and lesbian couples on-air. We applaud the visibility of openly gay performers and congratulate Adam Lambert for sharing his story on ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ this week as well as his upcoming appearance on ‘The Jay Leno Show.’
He’s right in one respect: ABC does have a healthy recent history of positive LGBT portrayals. But its treatment of the Lambert saga completely reverses the network’s good will.
And GLAAD — laughably, but predictably — took the bait.
Especially now that it’s not just about the AMA performance, but Lambert’s entire person. Regardless what the network or GLAAD has to say, Lambert has been branded too gay for television. And somehow the very organization responsible for making sure one of our own isn’t lambasted in the media is going along with it.
Meanwhile, ABC canceled his appearances on The Jimmy Kimmel Show and New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. And no surprise here, in a follow up statement, GLAAD once again gave the network a pass, with a minor caveat:
Since his American Music Awards performance occurred GLAAD has consistently advocated that Adam Lambert and openly gay artists not be held to a double standard. As we have expressed publicly, it is disappointing that ABC will not give Lambert a chance to perform at this time. GLAAD’s discussions with ABC focused on confirming that his sexual orientation was not a factor in their decisions. ABC confirmed this is not about a same-sex kiss or his sexual orientation but about being “caught off guard.” GLAAD asked ABC and calls on them for clarification on ‘caught off guard’ so that the community knows why Lambert is being denied the opportunity to perform on the network.
They want ABC to clarify what they meant by “caught off guard”? Perhaps they should’ve asked the first time around — before including ABC’s own remarks in GLAAD’s own statement. The only reason GLAAD is issuing a follow up? Because Lambert’s fans, ABC’s critics, and GLAAD’s own by-standers were incredulous Barrios was giving in so easily.
Preposterous. That’s what this sort of misguided reaction is. Rather than demanding ABC immediately own up to a double standard, GLAAD instead is taking them at their word — despite the network’s willingness to air other, ahem, “controversial” scenes from pop culture. Because ABC “confirmed” their decision to ban Lambert wasn’t because he’s gay, GLAAD is satisfied that’s the real reason? This is the same organization that went after South Park because it used the word “faggot,” but couldn’t take Comedy Central at its word that it didn’t mean to denigrate gays. Instead of helping ABC get off the hook, GLAAD should be taking a leadership role in demanding more concise answers, particularly because ABC continues refusing press interviews about its censorship.
GLAAD’s involvement in the Lambert situation is actually harming the gay community. As our self-appointed representatives, GLAAD is telling America that ABC’s treatment of a gay man is just fine, nothing to see here, move along.
Sit this one out, Barrios. You’re embarrassing yourself. But more regrettably, you’re embarrassing us.
UPDATE: As Michael Petrelis notes, ABC is a proud sponsor of GLAAD. That means money and favors change hands.
UPDATE: A third statement arrives from GLAAD’s Barrios today: “We appreciate ABC’s commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming. However, let us be clear that GLAAD remains steadfast in our assertion that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard by ABC as an openly gay performer. We do not support ABC cancelling Adam Lambert’s past and future performances. We urge the community to reach out to ABC and express their concerns that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard.” (The statement includes the email address of ABC’s top flack.)
Wow, you’re full of steam there, GLAAD! “Steadfast”? Brutal!
Curiously, GLAAD is now acting just like ABC: refusing interviews about its missteps. Yeah, let’s just let this one blow over, shall we? Shhhhh.
naghanenu
GLAAD.
Well, im surprised that this man is supporting ABC. I mean what the hell????
While i admit it was wrong of Adam to rehearse one thing and do another, it is hardly a big deal. Fine he overcooked his first dinner. Fine, there was some mayjah backlash. But you dont lash out at your own in public like that….it aint right.
Disappointing!!!!!
James
I support it, because I think Lambert needs to go away. He does things for shock value, not artistry. Kris Allen is way more of a gay role model, if we’re talking on Idol terms. He’s a liberal, pro-gay Christian, bridging the gap quietly. But I suppose I must be a biased, self-hating gay to think such things and have Kris as my favorite =).
Back to Adam, people don’t realize it has NOTHING to do with the kiss. Extract all but the kiss and nobody would care! (Other than Adam’s voice being horrendously out-of-tune and a complete trainwreck.) It was the crotch-in-face, the coochie-fingering, the middle finger to the audience–all culminated into one clusterfuck of a disastrous, screechy performance.
Oh, and Pink was censored on the West Coast just like Adam was. So there was no bias.
I’m so sick of Adam trying to “grab headlines”. It has nothing to do with him flaunting it–we need more out artists. It’s about his obnoxious persona, and all of his even more batshit fans.
brian
“Caught off guard” is simply code for “you didn’t give us time to censor your performance”.
jason
So a gay man must give due notice of anything that might frighten the horses? Give me a break!
Women get away with much more, so there’s definitely a double standard.
cfrankwolfe
I thought GLAAD fell apart after they moved the LA office to NY and merged with the NY office. NEW YORK? Right in the heart of the television and movie industry.
I’ve been out of touch, but if you would like to write a little history of what has been going on with GLADD, I’d be first on the list to wanted to read it.
SteamPunk
“ABC does have a healthy recent history of positive LGBT portrayals. But its treatment of the Lambert saga completely reverses the network’s good will.”
Really? I’m not pretending the way ABC handled Lambert’s situation was good. (It certainly wasn’t!) But just like that, ABC loses years of goodwill to you?
Maybe I’m missing something, but I actually think ABC’s overall presentation of gays and lesbians on their network is still great.
Qjersey
ABC may have many great LGBT characters, but NONE of them are permitted to get up the same sexual shenanigans that their straight counterparts do on the same shows.
James
Hm…at least on Brothers & Sisters, Kevin and Scotty actually have kissed each other passionately at times.
When did Will Truman ever do that? Never! Haha. Although, as a whole, ABC are Asshats Behind Cockblocking, for cancelling the phenomenal Pushing Daisies. NBC is better because of their Must-See TV Thursday night lineup.
terrwill
ABC has had a pretty good representation of the Gays. I think
society can pretty much accept the Gays kissing like on
Brothers, or even seeing two Gay teens in bed like on DH.
Lambert’s acts were prescripted designed to do just exactaly
what they did: Give him a shit load ‘o publicity. For the
old adage still rings true “there is no such thing as bad
publicity in the entertainment arena”. That being said,
ABC bent down and kissed the ring of the rightwing-nutbag
lunatics who all simply followed the AFA (american facist
associations) basic robo-emails and cancelled him on GMA.
One could consider giving them a pass on that one. Lambert
got what he wanted, a ton of publicity and even more with the
banning from GMA. However, the continued banning of Lambert is setting a real bad precedent because they are giving way too much weight to the AFAs email blasts……..
Pete
Sorry – Lambert is like a bull in a china shop.
Barrios did the right thing.
leanleft
Wow, call me a sparklecow (gag) but what the fuck was GLAAD thinking?
Anyone know how much money GLAAD gets from ABC every year?
Really hate to side with Lambert on this one- but what a lame excuse and GLAAD bought it.
jason
I think that the entertainment industry fears the concept of male bisexuality. Note how all the representations of the male-male interaction on network TV are in the context of the male homosexual identity, and not the male bisexual identity.
Contrast this with the way the female-female interaction is depicted on TV. Nearly all such interactions are in the context of the female bisexual identity, and not the female homosexual identity. Indeed, it’s extremely rare to see a diesel dyke on American network television.
So what we effectively have is a disparate acceptance within the entertainment industry. Male-male is accepted but only so long as it’s in terms of the safe and segregatable “male homosexual” identity. Female-female is accepted but only so long as it’s in terms of the hot-for-straight-guys “female bisexual” identity.
This is where I think that GLAAD has failed in its critiques of the same-sex interaction on TV. GLAAD has fallen for the trap of accepting the double standard I’ve described above, a double standard which plays right into the hands of homophobes.
Scottie
ABC and GLAAD can spin it all they want to but it’s plain as day that there is a huge double standard. Regardless if you like Adam Lambert or not, they have gone completely overboard in cancelling all his appearances/performances. I have seen so many worse things on tv. I guess they’d rather show murders and rapes than a little sexuality.
Kurt
Lambert needs to go crash a White House dinner.
JerryH
I refuse to pay for TV every month, and have ABC dictate to me what I can and can not watch….at that time of night bull…I have blocked them from my TV…That is my choice..who do they think they are…
@James.. Kris Allen has nothing to do with this topic, why are you bringing up that lame duck..he STINKS…he can’t sing..
Talented Artist are key here…and Adam has more talent in his little finger than most Artist out there today..This has gotten ridiculous and I for one think ABC owes Adam a HUGE apology..I have seen some of the Bias going on..
James
@JerryH: Bitchplease. Kris Allen has musical skills and a pleasant voice. Aside from the fact I prefer his indiesoul over Adam’s screechy vocal nails-on-a-chalkboard (and that disgusting tongue wagging out of his craterface), music is about more than just singing.
Also, Kris’s single is higher on the charts for a reason ;).
Tina
As a straight 30 something fan of Mr. Lambert I must add that that the Christian right has been after Adam since he first appeared on Idol. Shouting from the pulpit that to vote for Adam on AI was a sin, the Westboro Baptist church sent protesters to several of the Idols Live concerts this summer with signs that said “God hates Fags.” They even cornering (during an autograph session) Allison Iraheta a 17 year old Idol finalist who did a duet with Mr. Lambert’s during the show calling her a “fag enabler”
ABC knew the song was sexy and the basic choreography didn’t differ that much from the actual show including according to some sources the fact that Adam pulled a knelling dancer closer to him.
There is an agenda and ABC and now GLADD have bought right into it.
Jacob
Theyre taking this all out of hand. Considering how many people complained taking into account how many people were in fact watching the AMA’s, its really not a big deal. So why are they canceling all his shows. Theyre just blowing it out of proportion.
Cyndi
Adam has said from now on that he will Only perform what is done in rehearsal and that during rehearsal time is the time to review stuff if anything needs to be discussed as ok or not. So to keep on blackballing him on their shows tells us how Chicken ABC is and really showing themselves to be homophobics!
ted11711
Well…let’s just talk about “moral authority”…like maybe the American Catholic Bishops.
Does ABC have ANY (their lame, but inventive spin acknowledged)?
How about the geldings at GLAAD (sigh)?
Who’s actually speaking?
GLAAD is obviously supported by CORPORATE donations (not monies from anyone who is REALLY gay.) Safe is REALY profitable…no doubt.
ABC is quivering with the prospect of loosing REAL advertising dollars {mucho} ( but would never acknowledge who the blackmailers really are).
So, we’re just worrying about Jerry F and his gang…and gospel truth.
The sad thing is that even the most gifted rocker (IMO…Adam) in the 21st century must acknowledge how primitive we are.
Let’s face it…ABC coerced GLAAD…and, sadly ABC competes with NBC, CBS, FOX, et al.
SO…we’re back to grassroots for the gay community….as indicate by zero influence in gay rights by politicians.
ENOUGH! i am so depressed that we are not unified and of one voice…
Ineffectual (a 10¢ word) and (well, you fill in the rest…
AndTom
ABC only has such a grad because of their white washed representation of gays on television. (excluding day time)Show real Gay Male Sexuality on TV and GLAAD would have no way of scoring it.
James
@Ted11711: For fuck’s sake, Adam is NOT a rocker. He’s an electropop star, end of story. He does not sing rock music. Period. It’s time to educate yourself.
Furthermore, for you to place him above the more incredible acts of the 21st century so far, such as Arctic Monkeys, The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, and so on, shows what questionable taste you have to begin with.
jan lynn
I am shocked by GLAAD’S response. I am a 57 year old white
straight female and absolutely think Mr. Lambert is being “picked on”. I do not know anything about the gay community but it looks as if noone has Adam’s back but his fans
unless I read the article wrong. If so, I apologize ahead of
time. However, at this time, ABC has cx two more appearances
which is totally wrong He is being punished for something that
should be over. If what I am reading is true, the gay community
is just as bad as ABC and I am very disappointed. It looks like
the “straight” community gets it but the gay community doesn’t
want to get involved. That should speak hugh volumes to Adam
who really cares about him. Forgetting gay or straight or black or white or men or women, ADAM LAMBERT, as a human being is being
discriminated against and deserves a HUGH APOLOGY from ABC and
should be allowed to perform on ABC if he wants to. From what
I read about the FCC, they do not monitor shows after 10:00 pm
so what is the answer to blaming the FCC?
If what I am reading is true, Mr. Jarrett Barrios, President of
GLAAD, needs to step down because apparently he doesn’t know
what he is doing. It is so obvious that Mr. Adam Lambert is
being totally discrimated against by ABC, not the FCC, and also
by GLAAD, the community which should be trying to help Adam.
This whole situation has completely been blown out of proportion
and I will continue to not watch or support anyone affiliated
with ABC. Am I angry and upset, YES.
Josh
@James– you are a self hating gay man.
Kris Allen is more of a gay role model than an actual gay man that is not afraid to be out and proud and openly sexual?? Oh Please. I’m tired of gay icons being straight people. We can actually have gay icons that are actually gay.
Adam has tremendous vocal talent and range. Kris’ range is no where near Adams. Adam is a much better showman as well.
Adam doesn’t always do things for shock value but sometimes he does. There is nothing wrong with that.
He doesn’t always “screech” and your use of the word “crater-face” is offensive and unnecessarily mean spirited. I guess you are so superficial that you will stop being a Kris fan when he goes bald??
ted11711
No. 22 · James
Apologies…I should NEVER be swayed by Brian May…or ANYONE else…I should be STRUCK deaf, placed in isolation…and NEVER heard from again
AndrewW
This is what $30 million a year buys you. Enjoy.
ted11711
No. 21 · AndTom
Thanks. ABC middle management (and scapegoats) =whores!
James
@Josh: Hahahaha, I love the self-hating gay bullshit. Why is that the go-to retort? Just because a gay guy doesn’t support a singing gay guy doesn’t make him a self-hating homosexual. If anything, it just proves that I cannot be biased in liking someone only for their sexual orientation.
I don’t give a crap if Kris doesn’t have Adam’s range. Kris is equally talented by objective standards, and more so by my own. Frankly, Kris isn’t one of my favorite artists, just one of the few Idols I can stand, because he has a sense of humor and doesn’t take all this obsessive hoopla seriously. He focuses on music, which is more respectable than headline-grabbing garbage, that is neither artistic, sexy, nor even musically pleasant.
Music is not limited to belters and divas. There’s a vast range, from indie music to hip-hop/funk to electronica, and so forth. Having the more powerful voice NEVER makes someone better; it simply makes them louder.
@Ted: Brian May is washed-up and lacks taste. I mean, he liked “Time for Miracles”, which credible taste experts have deemed an utter stinker.
ted11711
No. 26 · Andrew
I think it does for a few!!
BUT, isn’t MUSIC the only MAGIC we have left!!??!!
Alexis
First of all who cares if Adam is a good singer or not, at this point his talent doesn’t matter. What matters is that he is being blackballed from performances because he is gay and dared to perform “too gay”.
Ross
GLAAD is beyond worthless. Rather than really calling people on the carpet and going after them and REALLY trying to hurt their opponents (like right-wing Christians are masters of), they issue these mamby-pamby statements that don’t amount to a sack of shit, making sure that they won’t alienate anyone famous who will come to their celebrity-whore awards show. The blackballing of Lambert is pure, plain homophobia and caving in to right-wing pressure, nothing more. He has now been cancelled from THREE shows, all because of a simulated blow job (which Pink got away with 4 years ago) and a kiss.
I don’t care if the gay community does or does not like Lambert’s music. If we can’t stand together behind this guy at a time like this, there’s no hope at all for out male performers. Hell, we would do the same for Kathy Griffin, Margaret Cho, or freaking Cher. We should support Lambert and make him a superstar. He has the talent – if he doesn’t make it huge, it’s allowing idiots like ABC to keep yet another gay man in his “place.”
tinytoes
No wonder gays are still huddling in the closet. Talk about eating your young is an understatement. It is clear to the straight community that Adam has no representation in the gay community. GLAAD represents those they approve of. Adam never asked for help from his so call GLAAD reps. Adams fanbase will support him to the bitter end of this RCA fisco, consisting of straight male/female fans. Adam has thier respect and that will
remain throughout his career.
Adam did say he was not a babysitter and did not want to be a poster child for your community, Bravo to Adam, words of wisdom from a hellava young man that has balls to buck the system and not give a crap about corporate dollars. He will survive.
Oh, I have a gay brother and no way in hell, would he ever come out, corporate to, smart cookie.
ted11711
No. 21 · AndTom
FoCUS…please…
LanceK
First that idiot blogger, Michael Petrelis, becomes an apologist for reggae singer Buju Banton – helping to sell concert tickets for a guy who has made a career out of promoting the murder of gay people.
Now we have our leading media watchdog organization excusing the blatantly discriminatory actions of a TV network. Keep it up, GLAAD, and you might compete with the Traditional Values Coalition for donors.
ted11711
No. 29 · ted11711
No. 26 · Andrew
Maybe…why isn’t more pervasive…
Lesley
When I heard GLAAD’s statement yesterday, I was so disappointed. Since I’m a straight female, my friends don’t understand why I didn’t accept their explaination. They actually said, well if GLAAD is ok with it…Ugh.
It’s obvious to me that GLAAD is protecting itself financially from this backlash. All this for only 1500 complaints? Please. ABC isn’t doing itself any favours and just making it worse. I think The View has mentioned it every day this week. It’s probably just a ploy to get us to watch her 10 most fascinating people since Adam is on it now.
Swarm
YES FOCUS. THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH STUPID FAN WARS PEOPLE. UNLESS YOU’RE TROLLING.
ted11711
No. 35 · ted11711
No. 29 · ted11711
No. 26 · Andrew
Maybe…why isn’t more pervasive…
Do you live in a vacuum?
Have you ever seen dominoes knocked over to demonstrate “cause and effect”
Does anything surprise you today?????
Cam
No. 2 · James said..
I support it, because I think Lambert needs to go away. He does things for shock value, not artistry. Kris Allen is way more of a gay role model, if we’re talking on Idol terms. He’s a liberal, pro-gay Christian, bridging the gap quietly. But I suppose I must be a biased, self-hating gay to think such things and have Kris as my favorite =).
_______________________________________
The issue isn’t whether he does or does not do things for shock value, the issue is that Janet Jackson did similar stuff in HER performance and ABC never said a word. As for Kris Allen, the ONLY reason anybody even ASKED him about gay rights was because of Adam Lambert, so good for him that he is supportive, but one more straight Christian professing support, but not speaking out and not voting for us really doesn’t do much.
AndrewW
No kidding. You think GLAAD is worth $30 million a year to make news 5-10 times a year?
edgyguy1426
No. 16 James
Just looked at the Billboard top 200 to see what’s up. Looks like Lambert is in the top 5 for downloaded music and #3 for topp selling albums across all genres. But by your logic for Kris’s single being higher on the charts for a reason – then maybe we should all be Susan Boyle fans.
ted11711
No. 28 · James
Being old…lacking taste…not really congruent.
“Queen” has influenced music for perhaps 30 years. I hazzard to say taste must be part of that in some itsy bitsy tiny weeny way..sorry…not to mock.
I guess I want to say…stop judging and just enjoy music. Perhaps,,,,now JUST…perhaps….your definitions are a BIT NARROW…(but I can see you LOVE….music)……MUSIC makes life tolerable…integrateable (is that a word)…
We all love great music created 100 years ago…we all love great music created last….
Jon
Jarrett Barrios is 100% correct. I support this statement completely.
Lambert is a talentless hack who simply needs to use inflamatory stunts to get publicity. Wait 5 minutes and he’ll go away.
ted11711
No. 26 · Andrew
Maybe…why isn’t more pervasive…
Do you live in a vacuum?
I live here in the great USA.
Some people have a bizzillion dollars.
Others scrape by day by day.
BUT there is no price on listening to music…seeing works of art…being part of the “here and now”…appreciating each other…OMG…there’s someone banging at my front door…smells like ABC
Brian NJ
Blow jobs, harnesses, creepy Road Warrior costumes, big mouth kisses, strange crawling around, out-of-tune screeching. The performance stunk. And he took this dump without warning. He just produced a rocket load of unprofessional bullshit. So why try to sort it out? He just has to be smarter in the future.
ted11711
One last thing…suppose
I am just one of those brain-dead gay viewers who should be outraged that ADAM sang and interpreted the lyrics of his hit song…
AND, god forbid, ADAM was inspired by the moment, and ad-libed a bit as artistic expression.
And, parenthetacally, don’t we Americans suspect that the US Constitution is the most perfect construct in existence for guaranteeing the rights of all (alleged)!
So…ABC says Adam is VERY VERY NAUGHTY. GLAAD agrees, saying that ABC is evaluating ADAM….and yes…he is VERY NAUGHTY.
So…bring it on…what am I missing?
sebastien
Medical insurance for all citizens in USA is not a issue , but Adam Lambert is !
Something is wrong with your country…
seb/london
ted11711
No. 45 · Brian NJ
You seem more disappointed than angry or outraged.
Me too!
I didn’t want ANYTHING to get in the way of his immense talent shining through at the AMC performance.
It wasn’t his intention of “producing a rocket load of unprofessional bullshit”
As he said later… he didn’t want to disrespect anyone… especially his fans who were seeing him for the first time on TV after American Idol. (and his vocals did not live up to HIS standards). He hears us (fans).
ted11711
No. 47 · sebastien
I work in Washington and for health care for all Americans.
I’m glad I don’t judge as fast as Londoners! (etc.)
Janette
I have been followind Adam for this past year and all i see are gays ready to eat their own. Too gay, not gay enough what do people want from him. The gay community, including Glaad, don’t have his back. My 16 yr old son came out to me two months ago and told me yesterday that after watching the support of Adam in his own community that he doesn’t know if he can ever come out comfortably. My Heart stopped. What is wrong with this picture c
irisita69
Thnak God someone spoke!!
I was waiting for some support from the gay comunity all these days,and the came that GLAAD statement…. I was in shock!!!
I don’t belong to the gay comunity, but I could’t stand the ABC- CBA-FCC handling of the situacion since the AMA.
Alexis
I am very dismayed that GLAAD is letting this issue rest based on that comment from ABC. The claim that homophobia was not a part of this decision is blatantly false, the FCC complaint filed by The Liberty Council regarding Lambert’s performance specifically references “homosexual open-mouth kissing” and “homosexual conduct” as reasons the performance should be considered obscene and indecent.
Link to the original complaint filed with the FCC:http://www.lc.org/media/9980/attachments/ltr_fcc_complaint_obscenity_112409.pdf
gem
Count me in as another self-hating gay here. Oh, I forgot homophobe and AT&T text-cheater as well. 😛
Adam broke the rules, plain and simple. He deviated from the script and rehearsal, which he admitted. (ie. the camera and censors were caught offguard). And the fact that AMA was not within a primetime – not all US areas are at past 10 pm during that performance.
And artistic integrity. Literal interpretation is just a whack term for your lack of artistry. So if someone sings “I Make Love to You”, they have to fondle crotch, stimulate BJs? Adam’s actions were crass and tacky. Any porn star could have done those moves. Comparison with people like Britney and Madonna does not hold water as it was done in a more tasteful and worked into a routine, not a rough grab and vagina-fingering (ooh, look how edgy I am..). And at least Brit and Maddy are smarter to do it on cable and not a public network. And oh, with Pink – she got censored and after that she pretty much didnt’ make any TV appearances for a year. Not sure if she got banned for sure, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too.
edgyguy1426
Talentless hack? You mean like Madonna?
AlwaysGay
Once again a gay activist/ gay organization that doesn’t work for gay people. The status quo for gay people is being subservient, docile and perpetually disadvantaged. GLAAD did did that with their agreeable response to ABC’s cancellations of Adam’s performances.
I totally support Adam. No one would still be talking about this performance had it been done by a heterosexual male or female. The reaction against him has been totally generated from anti-gay bigotry.
ted11711
No. 53 · gem
Count me in as another self-hating gay here.
(F**king hate myself…BUT love Adam).
And…I love your genuine passion! Right or wrong, at least you let yourself experience it with out prejudice!!!!
No. 53 · gem, I forgot homophobe and AT&T text-cheater as well. 😛 Adam broke the rules, plain and simple.
I guess a lot of people take this view now.
But as I recall, America is based on people who would not be pushed around, taxed unreasonably by the British, and treated with disrespect.
Should’nt they just “obey the rules”? If this was Germany in the 40s…you bet AND with a BIG smile on your face!!!!
“Double Standard” has no traction now…nor in the imminent future.
“Let’s be realistic…the US will be a “good ‘ole boy’s club” for the next twenty years unless,,,,,,,,,,,
Cam
No. 47 · sebastien said…
Medical insurance for all citizens in USA is not a issue , but Adam Lambert is !
Something is wrong with your country…
_________________________________
What a shock, Sebastian chimes in with another comment about how lousy America is. Well Sebastian, you are reading a gay blog that is focusing on gay issues such as Adam Lambert. Perhaps you should read some of the other news sources coming out of the U.S. and you would see that stories of health care are all over them…but you wouldn’t do that because then you wouldn’t be able to fake an excuse to attack the U.S. again now would you?
Tonyboy
Having worked at ABC for years I think it is funny that so many commenters are criticizing the network for discrimination and homophobia. I worked for the mouse house and it was the gayest environment I have ever worked in. Straight men were the minority with women and gays ruling the roost. It was a fun and productive work enviroment.
Ben
HEADS UP QUEERTY
NOW IT’S OUR JOB TO “CONTACT ABC” 12/04
http://www.glaad.org/Page.aspx?pid=1137
Cam
No. 58 · Tonyboy said…
Having worked at ABC for years I think it is funny that so many commenters are criticizing the network for discrimination and homophobia. I worked for the mouse house and it was the gayest environment I have ever worked in. Straight men were the minority with women and gays ruling the roost. It was a fun and productive work enviroment.
_________________________________
And Jessie Helms and Strom Thurmond had openly gay staffers working for them. Senator McCains Cheif of Staff during the last election, Mark Buse, was openly gay and yet Senator McCain STILL annouced that he did not think gays should be allowed to adopt. Hollywood studios and publicity departments are full of gay people, and yet “Out” actors aren’t given jobs and no mainstream gay movies are produced. Gay Staffers do not ever stop an organization from putting it’s homophobic foot forward in public.
Tonyboy
ABC is the same network that had Lance Bass on DANCING WITH THE STARS; Clay Aiken is on GOOD MORNING AMERICA every time he has a new album to peddle; Ellen Degeneres hosted the Oscars; two of their morning anchors are gay; great shows with more interesting and integrated GLBT characters than LOGO with BROTHERS & SISTERS, UGLY BETTY, GREY’S ANATOMY, DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES, MODERN FAMILY, ONE LIFE TO LIVE and ALL MY CHILDREN.
You people need to wake up. ABC isn’t the enemy.
Mike
Lambert’s performance was completely out of line, give it a break. If a woman did something that raunchy on primetime network television, there would be a raucous as well.
Ben
#61 Tonyboy:
“ABC is the same network that had Lance Bass on DANCING WITH THE STARS; Clay Aiken is on GOOD MORNING AMERICA every time he has a new album to peddle; Ellen Degeneres hosted the Oscars; two of their morning anchors are gay.”
You’re kidding right? The bastion of gayness right there, yep. And what’s stopping you from using the NAMES of the illustrious morning anchors. LMAO
How sweet of ABC to keep their gays in check so as to keep Liberty Counsel quiet.
HINT: Give me a call when Lance actually dances with a boy on DWTS.
Swarm
QUEERTY YOU’RE GETTING SCOOPED:
HERE:
12/04/09
Richard Ferraro
Director of Public Relations
(646) 871-8011
[email protected]
GLAAD Urges Community to Contact ABC Over Cancellation
of Adam Lambert’s Performances
“We appreciate ABC’s commitment to gay and transgender inclusion in other programming,” said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. “However, let us be clear that GLAAD remains steadfast in our assertion that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard by ABC as an openly gay performer. We do not support ABC cancelling Adam Lambert’s past and future performances. We urge the community to reach out to ABC and express their concerns that Adam Lambert is being subjected to a double standard.”
ABC Contact Information:
Brad Jamison, Vice President of Corporate Communications, [email protected]
ABC line for viewer concerns: (818) 460-7477
This week ABC announced that Adam Lambert’s performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve were cancelled.
Patrick Preblick, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Publicity: [email protected] / (212) 456-7819
Aime Wolfe, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Publicity: [email protected] / (818) 460-7758
About GLAAD
The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) is dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of people and events in the media as a means of eliminating homophobia and discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. For more information, please visit http://www.glaad.org.
Swarm
p.s. calling them out on the late Friday “press release” like nobody knows it goes unnoticed.
Bianca
James, you’re pathetic.
Leigh
Adam Lambert, as a strongly virile, aggressive gay male, has frightened the beejeesus out of the Falwell crowd. And, besides having the best male voice of his generation, he is handsome and charismatic. He’s a threat to the ideal gay male GLAAD approves of – the milquetoast neutered type presented on ABC programming. (That worked out well in New York and California.) Lambert presents gay sexuality as something else entirely, attracting both men and women. He’s dangerous and must be destroyed before more see that gay love can be just as powerful as hetero.
Ronnie
I am sick to to death of Adam Lambert. The guy can’t sing he only knows how to scream & I don’t need to see porn on regular TV. There is a fine line & he jumped over it & the network had no idea because it didn’t happen during the rehearsal. How is he able to get away with that garbage. He just needs to go away for good.
evelyn0055
I emailed these links to GLAAD yesterday, which basically disputes ABC’s position that they did not know what Adam was going to do. Reporters that saw the rehearsals indicate they knew more then they are admitting. They wanted the ratings, which they got. The highest since 2002.
In the email I suggested they gets their facts straight before they jump into bed with ABC and the Liberty Council. Check out these 2 articles.
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118011769.html?categoryid=2848&cs=1&nid=2562
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/12/even-though-lambert-was-received-well-last-week-for-his-performances-on-the-early-show-and-the-ellen-degeneres-show-abc-has-o.html
read-between-the-lines
COMMENT PRE LAME GLAAD PRESS RELEASE 12/04:
GLAAD, What was the cowardly backroom deal you immediately made with ABC? This tells me it was intentional. Regardless that some LGBT may disagree that the show “deserves” support, the Liberty Counsel agenda is indisputable.
This could go on for years. The least you could have done is pretend to advance LGBT issues within the first ten days. Adam Lambert’s company is correctly not making statements that could interfere with future legal actions. What’s your excuse? Besides being in bed with the adversary.
Any activist/advocate or LAWYER is LMAO at you right now, GLAAD. How much time did you spend on this about 10 minutes?
Common sense 101:
Absent any detailed ABC statement you assume the BLACKBALLING is based on the Complaint. Read the damn complaint. THE CAPTION IS:
Re: Complaint against the American Broadcasting Company for airing ********obscene/indecent homosexual content***** on the American Music Awards
“The Lambert performance featured, among other things, simulated oral sex, suggestive crotch grabbing, simulated digital penetration, sadomasochistic conduct,
*****and homosexual open-mouth kissing*****”
Need to spell it out for ya? H O M O S E X U A L
http://tiny.cc/qXJWv
This will boil down to:
1.) The time of night and duration of each “act” performed. The questionable claim that the show aired outside of the safe harbor zone of 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm. Lambert’s show aired at 10:55 EST. The assertion is there was no censorship for the CST timezone.
Is ABC a neophyte network unable to figure out the US time zones? Oh wait…there was “obscenity” starting at 8:00 with Jackson. Just not H O M O S E X U A L obscenity.
2.) ABC was fully aware of the choreography and FUBAR’D their responsibility of simply following the script that they used and rehearsed. Evidenced by the ERROR OF CENSORING [non offensive] AUDIO DURING THE BJ INSTEAD OF THE VIDEO, OR CHANGING CAMERA SHOTS.
3.) The definition of Community Standards. WTF Way to blow that opportunity, you jackasses.
4). Outside of the FCC matter, ABC’s action to publicly retroactively BLACKBALL, and therefore interfere with the business interests of Adam Lambert with other media outlets.
Way to go joining ABC with the FUBAR of the most significant LGBT event in entertainment history. This will get ugly. And the dirty secrets will come out. Once it becomes a government matter all discovery is much easier. Once it becomes a civil matter, each and every party will be deposed and investigated. This includes YOU. Meanwhile, Lambert’s fans will go to any length to insure his life dream and talent is fully realized.
It would serve you and ABC both to let this go away by simply revoking the BLACKBALL. Do you actually think that Liberty Counsel is going to let up? LMAO.
romeo
@ readbetweenthelines #70: Killer response. My admiration. Did you send that to GLAAD? Hope so.
romeo
Meanwhile, he’s number 3 in album sales across all genres and selling steadily!
TheSpindleshay
@readbetweenthelines #70 – Yowza! I hope you’ll continue to kick some ass with this.
Jurnee
I have written ABC regarding its continued unfair singling out and punishment of Adam Lambert. To me the Lady Gaga performance was the most shocking at the AMAs and I KNOW if Adam’s act had been done by a female we would not even be having this brouhaha. I am fed up with the abuse being heaped on him though he’s handling it all with his usuual class and style.
Please let ABC know how you feel and lets show Adam some support.
ABC Contact Information:
Brad Jamison, Vice President of Corporate Communications, [email protected]
ABC line for viewer concerns: (818) 460-7477
This week ABC announced that Adam Lambert’s performances on Jimmy Kimmel Live and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve were cancelled.
Patrick Preblick, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, Publicity: [email protected] / (212) 456-7819
Aime Wolfe, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Publicity: [email protected] / (818) 460-7758
AndrewW
The manner in which GLAAD handled the ABC/Adam Lambert affair reminds me of the school Principal who brings the young student into his office for pulling hair and says “that wasn’t very nice, but you have good grades … okay, run along.”
Now, because of the response from the community, they issue a Press Release ASKING US TO DO THEIR JOB.
No kidding? For this we contribute $30 million a year?
When will we learn?
STOP contributing to GLAAD. We need something new.
sean
As a 40 year old gay man I rule in favor of ABC and not Adam. I prefer the gay representation I have seen on ABC over the years to Adam’s take on being gay. He is a stereotype that sets the community back decades.
romeo
BTW everybody, ABC has scheduled Adam to appear and perform on The View on the 10th. Hmmmmmmm.
@Seat #76, looks like ABC is ruling in favor of Adam. LOL
not a stereotype
Sean, I think Adam shattered the stereotype. He appeared quite masculine whereas the stereotype for a gay man in the larger society, is quite the opposite. If you don’t support diversity of presentations, you are contributing to a one dimensional view of the gay man. Maybe you have found a comfort zone, but aren’t *comfort zones* and our willingness to stay within these, part of the problem?
Jurnee
I agree “#78 – not a stereotype”.
I think ABC is comfortable when gays are presented as swishy and limp-wristed – like Mark on Ugly Betty and I think that kind of presentation is stereotypical. What makes Adam different is that he does not prance around speaking in a high pitched voice. His sexuality is strong and masculine and appeals to women as much as men. I’m not a gay guy but I’m baffled and upset at the lack of support from gay men for someone who is wildly talented and totally comfortable in his skin. Isn’t the ultimate goal to be free to be EXACTLY who you are?
Tylertime
Adam is masculine??!!!! Ha Ha! I don’t think most would agree with you.
As for Mark on UGLY BETTY he is one character out of a slew of ABC characters. Talk about diversity. Kyle and Fish on ONE LIFE TO LIVE, Kevin and Scotty on BROS & SIS, the couple on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES and the hot lesbians on GREY’S. All of these characters are more fleshed out than Lambert. Lambert is a gay cartoon taking us back to the 1970s.
Ben
#80 TYLERTIME
Congratulations. I don’t believe I’ve ever heard an actual real life person called “fleshed out” and compared to a fictional character.
Another Adam Lambert induced “first”.
John from England(used to be just John but there are other John's)
@ Ben
Exactly lol!
Robert212
From what I have seen of Adam Lambert I don’t believe him to be “real”. Every move he makes is calculated and his over the top look isn’t him being true to who he is, but seems more about hiding his true self and marketing an image that he has created.
Good luck to him. I don’t think a year or two from now anyone will even know who he is. His album was beaten by another reality show winner and she is in her 50s. When Susan Boyle beats a “youngster” you have to wonder how long of a career Adam will have.
Swarm
# 83 Robert212
While we’ve moved onto the political…just fyi.
Best not to speak from a position of cluelessness. You “have to wonder” how someone with zero knowledge of a subject in discussion is so interested in writing authoritative opinion. Since Subo was number ONE on the entire Billboard Chart your prediction would apply to every single album on the ALL GENRE chart.
Since you admit not having seen much…want REAL? Pick one the kid’s got endless professional performances of all types for 17 years… Spend some time on utube, here’s some highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5t0V1YqbRA8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXvSA6QL7Ac
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJYyqzUr6jU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kw1fznPBu6U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kq7OVHBc8ZA
Swarm
Here’s a few if you’re the religious sort:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lvwcJUhIa0U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s-tXCr91xnU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dASxLjtIBE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bf4s2nW6nYY&feature=related
a readder...
No one is mentioning that the shocking, scandalous sexual act occurred in the latter part of the ten o’clock hour, pre-empting Brothers and Sisters in which men kissing each other is a common event; the networks reaction to an organized phone-campaign is pathetic, and however they couch it, they should be ashamed at their own spinelessness, especially in the face of their usual bold rejection of the kooks.
A few years back, I produced a TV project with a gay plot. After accepting a gay love scene, the network (not necessarily ABC) that agreed to run the scene balked when their sales department voiced fear about the scene not being advertiser friendly and the network decided to cut the scene. While there was still time, I went to GLAAD in hopes they would help. Instead I was told that the GLAAD Board of Directors had representatives of the network on it and they couldn’t really afford to get involved as a result. This is a while back and I’m certain all the players have changed; however GLAAD is in bed with the networks (and I understand the political need for the network to be perceived as allied with GLAAD for the greater good), but this event is certainly one for which everyone, especially GLAAD ought to be ashamed.
alan brickman
JOBRIATH WOULD HAVE DONE IT BETTER…
Sue Denym
I’m not sure where some of you are getting your information, but GLAAD has nowhere near a $30 million budget. Due to its mismanagement of funds and overpaid executives, GLAAD’s finances are in dire straits, and has reduced its budget to between 8-9 million.
GLAAD is in a death spiral, losing staff, money, and credibility faster than imaginable. Their shoddy work on this story is just another indicator that GLAAD is no longer even trying to meet its mission, preferring instead to pander to its corporate sponsors. It’s a shame, and a disservice to the movement. GLAAD does more harm than good.
Swarm
#88 Sue Denym, funny you mention that. Today I’ve been looking at GLAAD’s IRS 990 form and yes it’s a mess from a donor’s perspective. I admit I haven’t studied it for a long time.
The current 990 reflects a 14 M revenue for 2008. But that’s double every prior year.
They reflect a total of 43 million over 5 years.
This 2008 number is most likely the election year factor.
The salaries are there of course, as is the large list of “board members”. IDK what’s up with that.
What bugs me is, they fail to list any detailed Program Service Accomplishments and they should. (it’s not really totally uncommon but you’re expected to)
When you comb thru the expenses the “media awards and events” line item sticks out like a sore thumb as the only detailed expense allocated that a donor would be interested in seeing (versus, say office management which is interesting but not a motivator for donors lol) Media Awards is 2.5 Mil.
For a 501C3 they seem to not get the point. IRS guidance says to list your Program Service Accomplishments for donor’s to evaluate your “worth” and to know of course where the money went.
Here’s the Guidestar link it requires an email addy for free registration. The PDF can be downloaded.
Anyone interested should contrast PETA’s 990 Program Accomplishments which is HOW a 501C3 990 should be structured so you can see where the money went.
I have alot of experience using these 990’s in my animal rights job and was going to post about GLAAD’s when I managed to get the energy and got my brain wrapped around it LOL.
PETA:
*see pages 23 for Program Accomplishments Part III and
*35 for Schedule of Donations Part II Line 22b
to see the proper accounting of where money went:
PETA:http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments//2008/521/218/2008-521218336-04c031c4-9.pdf
GLAAD: http://www.guidestar.org/FinDocuments//2008/133/384/2008-133384027-054cd59f-9.pdf
I don’t know this business as well as the animal thing, but as a donor I’d probably pass without a better understanding of the detail that’s missing. Perhaps they send donors something yearly I don’t know.
WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING THOUGH, IN EACH “PROGRAM”/”BUCKET”?
If their main mission is to say, monitor tv where is that listed and by whom? For example. Just rhetorical questions…
Cailtin
Adam sucks! and i don’t mean cock. he isn’t original at all and will be singing on cruise ships in no time.
Swarm
#86 @ A READDER…WHOA ok…I just read this post in detail..
.”I went to GLAAD in hopes they would help. Instead I was told that the GLAAD Board of Directors had representatives of the network on it”
So I noted that GLAAD’S 990 had a pretty big list of board members. LMAO
Someone needs to go through those names and research them. If you care. I really cannot I have way too much shock and awe in the animal abuse world. That would be like PETA having KFC board members jointly serving on PETA’s board. omg.
I think the element that’s missing here is the take no prisoners unequivocal aggressive passionate stance that’s needed to scare the crap out of the “advocates” and the guilty parties. I know it’s easier said than done and the Obama phenomenon only makes things worse…but just sayin…
No zoo is a good thing whether it be for 4 legged or 2 legged individuals. No matter how “nicely” you decorate it.
/deranting now
mark
GLAAD lost any respect from me sponsoring Queer Lounge in Utah at Sundance….after prop 8.
There are those who fight oppression, and those who are willingly complicant in their own oppression.
GLAAD is the latter.
Robert, NYC
Well, aside from ABC’s supposed support of gay people in the media, why does it permit sleazy, two bit whores like Carrie Prejean to appear on The View and promote her book knowing that there are several sexually provocative videos out there with her in them. They didn’t exactly cancel her appearance did they? What about all the straight sexual romps in daytime soaps, nobody complains about that either, and that’s during daytime. Adam’s performance was at 11 p.m. so what’s all the fuss about. This is a case of the double standard, no question about it. Had Adam been a straight female doing the same to a guy, I doubt if there would have been such a public uproar over it given the time of day. As far as I know, the FCC never made a sound about Lambert’s performance. So Barabara Walter’s weak comment that ABC was afraid it could face prosecution was a load of bullshit.
romeo
Hey, Swarm, I can’t believe you’re making me do income tax forms this early on a Sunday morning! LOL
Speaking of zoos, if you really want to go cross-eyed, when you’re in Rome check out their zoo. Over the main gate is an elaborate bas relief of a Gladiator using sword and spear to make hamburger out of lions and tigers, etc.. Laughed and laughed when I saw it the first time. Nothing like not getting the big picture. LOL
PootieTang
What’s an Adam lambert? what’s gladd?
Swarm
#94 @Romeo ha ha right? No bb, Sundays are for brunch and broadway.
“Nothing like not getting the big picture.” See, this is why I heart you!
I had no idea…k, going to scrub my brain now with photos from being 21, dangling off our little hotel terraza drooling over the hella cute boys at Piazza di Spagna. LOL Our Brindisi to Corfu trip went on the back burner for awhile.
Enjoy your day!
LMP
“…so that the community knows why Lambert is being denied the opportunity to perform on the network.”
Because he’s a flaming queen who has no business being the face of gay men everywhere.
romeo
Stuff a sock in it, LMP. Gay men are a lot of different things, just like straight men, only we’re a lot more colorful. Adam doesn’t want to be “the face of gay men everywhere.” He wants to be a performer, and he’s a performer that the world is interested in. There are and always were a lot of awesome gay men, in every field imaginable. But this society has a stake in making sure that gay people are never taken seriously, that what happens to us is not seen as serious. Adam, and his guts, are helping to change that. Show a little courtesy.
Keith Kimmel
The boycott of ABC continues… now approaching 8-0-0 members…
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=184007987035
Be sure to check out the take action forum, we have all the contact info for ABC and associates as well as a sponsor list.
Greg G.
Jarrett Barrios is so full of himself. I’m from MA where he served. This is the same guy who proposed in all seriousness to formerly Ban the Fluffernutter sandwich in kids’ school snacks. He’s got a hair across his ass and loves to speak out to hear himself talk.
Horrible choice for GLAAD
DragonScorpion
This article is completely misguided; yet another knee-jerk reaction because a homosexual was criticized and possibly censored for being over-the-top. There is nothing in Adam Lambert’s behavior to defend here. But in doing so, some voices in our community are playing right into the narrative that we are an oversexed, anything goes, radical minority which has zero respect for decency.
Yes, there were headlines filled with the words “controversial”, that’s because simulating sexual acts, particularly exotic acts like oral sex IS controversial! And don’t kid yourselves, this sort of blatant sexualized behavior on TV has been controversial in the past and it would would have been this time had Adam been Brittany, et al.
It’s stunts like Mr. Lambert that continues to perpetuate stereotypes about us. And for what, because he can? Sure, that’s mature. Until we realize that this kind of stuff isn’t ‘just being like everyone else’, and link this to our argument that deep down we’re really just like everyone else, little is going to change. Fight, rant, scream, invoke bigotry and double-standards all you want — you’re just making a spectacle out of us and garnering more hostility that we’ll all pay for.
If we want to be treated like everyone else then we need to earn it, show the world that we ARE like everyone else. We’re more alike than different.
Now the non-conformist types will likely be all over me for this. Which is just fine, I know the difference between being independent vs. being a self-absorbed narcissist who craves attention and has no sense of respect for others.
We can’t control what Adam Lambert and Perez Hilton do, but we can choose whether or not we condone their behavior. Shall we take the high road and show the content of our character or shall we act like spoiled children in desperate need of recognition for our antics?
I know where I stand, I will point out bigotry and hypocrisy when I see it, but I will not toe-the-line and cry foul every time someone from our community is criticized for outrageous behavior.
James & James
@LMP: “Because he’s a flaming queen who has no business being the face of gay men everywhere.”
Sorry, but comments like this really annoy me.
If you don’t want Adam to be the ‘face of gay men everywhere’ then you should be fighting for MANY MORE and diverse representations of gay men, rather than trying to censor the one particular gay man you don’t like.
It’s unhelpful to take the attitude that no gay man should achieve visibility/fame unless he is ‘the perfect gay’, whatever the hell that is.
Swarm
#101 DragonScorpion You’re so far behind this story, by simply relying on your “opinion” of the performance and only reading the Queerty story here, you’ve missed the entire point.
If you don’t read the facts about the show, rehearsals and subsequent GLAAD/ABC FAIL your post is out of touch.
You do realize this is about the FCC guidelines on what can and can’t be shown on TV right? And nothing to do with the public’s personal reviews of the show.
Go watch Gaga in London last night ON XFACTOR. SHE slapped a dancer’s face and pulled his head into her groin and the camera cut upward.
ABC FUBAR’D AND BLACKBALLING ADAM IS NEITHER AN EFFECTIVE NOR PROPER RESPONSE.
Swarm
#103 WHOOPS TYPO:
“You do realize this is about the FCC guidelines on what can and can’t be shown on TV right?”
Should have said:
“You do realize this is about the FCC guidelines that virtually ANYTHING can be shown on t.v. after 10:00 pm and this only showed at 9:55 CST due to ABC’s incomptence.”
DragonScorpion
To Swarm:
First off, I’ll have you know that I didn’t just take my awareness of this incident from this website, I’ve read about it and reactions to it from other websites including the Daily Beast where I’ve also posted about it. Secondly, I don’t follow Adam Lambert nor the AMA and I’m not in the habit of forming legal defenses for lewd conduct on TV so I haven’t committed the legal details to memory, but then these details are irrelevant to the issue that I AM concerned about.
So actually, no, I don’t realize this is about the FCC and what is allowed on TV at 10 o’clock or 2 o’clock because frankly, that’s not my concern in the least.
What I am concerned about are two things, one) the increasing hedonism of our society, general decline in decency and the media’s glamorization of sex, two) what ordinary folks think about stunts like this and what their perceptions of us are because of it.
I can tell you what most of these people are NOT worried about. They’re not worried about what the FCC guidelines are. They’re not worried about whether this near-pornographic performance took place at 9:55pm or 10:00pm or 3 o’clock in the morning. They’re not the least bit interested in what the rehearsal was like. Go read some moderate blogs on non-homosexual websites and you’ll start to get more clarity about this.
Some of them are disgusted because of the homosexual nature of the incident. They can go straight to hell as far as I’m concerned, but other folks were disgusted because it was so blatantly sexual, disrespectful; just another sign of the times in declining values. And these people, which you can belittle if you like for being uptight, make up the majority of this country and they vote. And they are the ones who are ultimately deciding whether or not to allow or revoke the civil rights of people like you and I.
While you may not like this reality, it is a reality which exists nonetheless. When average folks who don’t have an anti-homosexual agenda but also don’t have a pro-homosexual agenda see behavior like this, they find it incredibly difficult to relate to us. Even more difficult to understand how this sort of thing is acceptable to other people.
While some of us run around screaming about rights being violated because ABC had decided to cancel some of this guy’s shows — regardless the legal details, this is the perception — these middle-of-the-road folks are looking for someone willing to condemn this stuff as outrageous. Who does that leave? The very same anti-gay conservative bigots who are trying to convince the country that, ‘oh, and by the way, the gays are trying to destroy our most hallowed traditions’..
So what’s a moderate to do? Side with us? We who demand boycotts because a guy has a ‘right’ to simulate oral sex at a major music awards event as part of his ‘art’ or to make some sort of ‘statement’? Not hardly.
This is what I’m concerned about. This is MY point which YOU missed and one that our community ignores at our peril. We will never earn legitimate respect if we’re not willing to call out impropriety, most especially that in our own community.
Now you or others may say that you don’t care what the outraged people think of this incident — I’ve found it to be an all too typical reaction these days — but if you care at all about advancing equality for us then I suggest you start caring.
The article claims that GLAAD’s stance is “harming the gay community” and “embarrassing”. For what? Quite the contrary, this article’s defense of conduct (which they are doing by default) that is in no way defensible is harming our image and it is quite embarrassing.
romeo
@ Dragon Scorpion: I wasn’t going to bother to respond to your post because it is so off point. But I suspect you did not even see the AMA performance. It was nowhere near pornographic. It was, however, in line with the other performers that night in that it was sexual in nature. No complaints were made about their performances. The point here is that Adam’s performance had male on male gay elements. There was a double standard applied to him that has been the lot of gay people for too long.
I suspect you are not gay. However, if you wish to grovel to a, frankly, failed straight society for a few crumbs, go right ahead. Those that are destined to accept us won’t care that our pop performances are on a par with contemporary standards, namely a little sleazy sometimes. That’s what most people like.
As for the people YOU want to please, well they’re not going to like you no matter what you do. That’s the truth of the matter. And they’re just playing gay people on that score. We’re a perfectly decent bunch on the whole. Probably better behaved than most straights. I for one don’t appreciate your condescending tone.
jamie
I’m so, so glad i don’t have television.
staciegirlie
@James&James: Did you just say Adam has no business being the face of gay men?
See, this attitude is why you can’t get anywhere. Who is this Gladd spokesperson really? Is he really a friend? I’d say not. You’re no friend to yourselves either. You need to stop bickering among each other. I keep telling you that, but it’s like trying to tell a drunk not to drink.
Adam has the RIGHT to do WHATEVER he wants. The last time I checked, we lived in America. Adam is a FIERCE rock star who isn’t afraid to push the boundaries. Adam isn’t a stereotype. Neil Patrick Harris is more of a stereotype than Adam. Adam’s a free spirit who isn’t afraid to live his life based on what he wants to do instead of “Well, here’s the way I better act because I’m gay and I’m afraid of the way people will perceive me.” He’s actually doing you a favor (not purposely on his part.) I think he’s doing all human-kind a favor. I hear a lot of straight people who say that they’re glad Adam came along because they didn’t realize gays were treated this badly and are now on board with helping to promote equal rights.
staciegirlie
And yes, you also hear the conservatives who are trying to push back, but they’ve been plotting against everyone who doesn’t fit into their mold since the very day they set foot in Jamestown, VA.
DragonScorpion
I’m not sure whether this one will go through or not… I posted a response to Romeo last night. Twice, in fact, but it was never posted. I see now that it is still not here. I contacted Queerty about this but I haven’t received a response.
I just wanted to let everyone know that 1) I did attempt to respond to Romeo’s remark, and 2) that Queerty may be in the habit of censoring posts for no justifiable reason as there was nothing offensive in it.
romeo
DragonScorpion: Sorry your post did not go through. Suspect that Queerty wasn’t censoring you, though. Have you seen some of the stuff that gets on here? LOL Maybe your server was overloaded last night.
Robert, NYC
Romeo, maybe Queerty had nothing to do with it, but what it should do is block so called “straight” anti equality haters who troll this site. Just exactly why Queerty allows these neanderthals to come on here and rail against us makes no sense, in fact its irresponsible to give these bigots a platform, its bad enough we have more than enough of them representing us, or in the case of those who vote against us, not representing us while we pay more than enough taxes and religious cults get away without paying at our expense. Time for that equation to change.
romeo
Good points, Robert. Especially about them NOT paying taxes at our expense. Nothing like getting bashed AND robbed.
Dragon Scorpion apparently wants to be an arbiter of good taste. Good luck on that. LOL America has NEVER been a tasteful or moral society, but always a hypocritical one, especially when it came to us. The only thing different about today vs. the “good old days” is that we talk about stuff in the open now. Saw a book about pornography during the Victorian era. WOW! those guys could teach the modern S&M sites a thing or two. LOL
DragonScorpion
@Romeo
I don’t know what happened. It’s very odd. I have seen some of the comments on these forums so I know there is no way my post would have been censored for being offensive.
I’ll try again and call it done.
You spoke of condescension before. I didn’t appreciate yours in assuming since I don’t toe-the-line and jump on the oh-woe-is-us-because-we-can’t-be-as-raunchy-as-the-heteros bandwagon, that means that I’m probably not gay. Nothing could be further from the truth. I’m homosexual not homogeneous.
Obviously some want to disown those of us who advocate for moderation or what I consider a more sensible approach. Yes, how dare one of us advocate for raising our standards as a community…
As for my bona fides as a non-groveler, for many years now, from my small, mid-western, bible-belt community I’ve strongly advocated for same-sex MARRIAGE even as much of the gay establishment was suggesting we settle for ‘separate but equal’ civil unions. So, I’d appreciate it if you (and others) would not assume that I’m an advocate for settling because I’m not.
What I argue is not about groveling nor settling, it’s about what is decent and what isn’t and possessing the common sense to know that if you want to be respected, be seen on par with others, then you have to earn that.
At the heart of our movement is the notion that people should be judged by the content of their character. Some of the behaviors promoted by our most public figures, Adam Lambert for instance, is not what I or most folks in this country consider in good character.
I can knock down most any argument against civil equality for homosexuals and same-sex couples, but there is one in particular that is quite vexing — why is OUR media and many of our most outspoken members so overtly-sexualized, crude and hedonistic in nature? Why don’t we condemn thuggery amongst some of us? Especially if such things are not reflective of the majority of us.
To those who are cynical or unsure of us I’d like to provide more examples of where we as a community do call out our own for being over-the-top or where we condemn certain unhealthy practices in our community, but they are few and far in between. Instead, we seem to have this built-in defensive mechanism, ready to pounce on anyone who would offer any criticism of anything that can remotely be tied to our community or to sex in general. It’s as if there is this crippling paranoia about appearing judgmental. What’s wrong with having sensible judgment?
It seems most of us would rather blame the system, claim discrimination and then wonder why the non-homophobic majority aren’t more sympathetic to our cause.
Some folks obviously believe in lowering standards. I don’t. In fact, I don’t think we should be falling back on ‘well, the straights get to do it, so should we’. Let’s aim a little higher than what the heterosexuals do with their “Girls Gone Wild” videos and their 50% divorce rate.
You mentioned I was off topic here. When does this topic ever come up? There is plenty of outrage that ABC might have canceled Mr. Lambert’s shows and that GLAAD might accept ABC’s explanation of why they canceled them, but where is the outrage about his performance? Where is the outrage at what passes for entertainment these days? Where is the outrage that while we NEED a more positive portrayal of gays and lesbians in the media, instead we get performances like that in question?
So, I saw this article, & I thought it was completely misguided. You can call it off-topic, I think I got to what should be the main discussion about this incident.
DragonScorpion
Eureka, it works!
@Robert, NYC
I find it unfortunate that some in our community (it’s certainly not exclusive to us) advocate for censorship.
It’s bizarre how some people think simulating sex acts on TV awards shows are some kind of ‘right’ while exchanging ideas and debate should be blocked in the spirit of political correctness. A peculiar sense of priorities to say the least.
Maybe Queerty allow those with dissenting views, including trolls, because they value the principle of free speech even if they don’t technically have to observe it by law. You know, just like some liberals like to troll conservative websites.
While I would argue that flaming a thread (no pun intended) doesn’t add to civil discourse, at the same time, I for one wouldn’t want to be the arbiter of what qualifies as heated discussion and inciting hostility.
By the way, surely you weren’t suggesting that I’m one of these anti-equality haters. You are seriously so far off base if you were. First of all, just because I don’t toe-the-line and take the usual defensive position of any and all things supposedly gay, doesn’t mean I’m a heterosexual.
Second, I don’t engage in trolling, I share my ideas, I make suggestions, challenge mainstream thought sometimes, but I don’t pop in just to agitate people. In fact, I rarely ever respond to trolls because if you feed them they come back. A point I’d like to make to you is that just because you don’t agree with someone doesn’t make them a troll and in my case it damn sure doesn’t make me a “straight” advocate for anti-equality, either.
Now I don’t really care whether you believe this or not, but for those genuinely curious out there, I’m petty easy to find online. My username is all over the place. While I’m not a “liberal”, you still might find that you agree with me on most important issues.
romeo
DragonScorpion, I can appreciate what you’re saying, and I can also agree with much of it. But what you’re saying is still off point on this matter. Also, I think you’re very unrealistic about what is going to advance our cause. We can set our standards higher than the most escetic religious order, and we’ll still be screwed by the people who want to hold society to such standards, which are hypocritical at best anyway.
And really now, DS, have you ever read Shakespeare? Do you know how dirty it gets? LOL What standards are you talking about? Being buried alive in oatmeal? Life makes noise. It gets raunchy. Live a little, DS. Don’t worry about what the straights think. The ones you worry about, like I said, are not going to be moved in any case. AND they’re a much smaller minority than you think. A lot of people are voting our way, and the young are really going to change things even more. You mentioned living in a small, bible belt community. How representative do you think that is?
As I said, I appreciate what you’re saying, I’ve lived in a small conservative town myself growing up. But, in truth, those towns, and their attitudes, are less and less relevant to America.
romeo
BTW, DS, lest you think I’m advocating barbarism, I’m not. Just realism. Most straight people know gay people now, at least peripherally. They know we’re not rabid dogs.
And incidentally, Adam Lambert’s performances are quite standard and unoffensive in the main. He performed that particular song in the manner that the lyrics dictate. And, again, it was on a par with other material performed that night by straights. If you’re a performer, you have to compete with the standards of public taste. And like it or not, that’s the sort of thing the public wants. His record sales shot up after that show. Why should we be held back from competing?
And besides, we can’t all be Mother Theresa. I’m pretty decent all in all. I treat people fairly and always try to see things from other people’s perspective, but I’m no saint. And I can change my mind about things if new information warrants it. But yours is an old argument, and it doesn’t move me. Sorry. And did you know that even Mother Theresa, saintly and devoted as she was, lost her faith in the end and doubted the existence of God? She wrote about it in detail in her diaries which were published after her death. The Vatican had a conniption.
Life is more complex and more colorful than what goes down in those small towns.
DragonScorpion
@Romeo
I don’t believe you’re advocating barbarism, you don’t appear to be. But I certainly think you are more permissive than I am and more than we, as a society, probably should be.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not suggesting that we use Mother Teresa as our example to follow, not at all. In fact, given the extensive writings from Christopher Hitchens about Mother Teresa, she wouldn’t be all that ideal an example to follow, really…
By the way, just in case your mention of Mother Teresa was due to some misconception about me, I’m not religious. Agnostic at best. And I’m no saint, either. I don’t claim to be. I’m not attempting to usher in an era of Leave it to Beaver, but I’m not at all comfortable with the path to Caligula either.
I don’t understand why there is such an extreme aversion to embracing a bit more respect, more reverence for relationships and sexual expression. I don’t see why, as a culture, we should embrace promiscuity as an ‘enlightened’ lifestyle.
Unfortunately that seems to be general consensus these days, particularly among our community, and I think that’s what is driving a lot of the backlash among moderates. It’s certainly holding them back from being more open to our cause.
You asked how representative I thought the small, bible-belt communities are of the majority of the country. Unfortunately, more so than a lot of people are willing to admit. Maybe this will become more clear after the next election cycle.
But don’t reduce this to small towns just because I happen to live in one. Conservatives and moderates make up the overwhelming majority of this country, and you can find them in every town and every city. Not just here in flyover country. Need more proof of this, take a look at where same-sex marriage has been repealed by popular vote. It isn’t just the backwater, bible-belt towns that are rallying against us, it’s otherwise progressive, heavily populated areas.
Really, it’s a bit irritating that you and others are completely misunderstanding what sort of people I’m saying we need to win the hearts and minds of. I’m not trying to appeal to the ultra-conservative bigots who are hell bent on denying us equality and will stop at nothing to accomplish this. You are correct that they are indeed a small minority, and there is little chance on ever swaying their perspectives (though former-fundamentalists like Frank Schaeffer should give us some cautious optimism).
No, the moderates I’m referring to are people who generally don’t have a problem with us, they don’t agree with discriminating against us in regards to most issues, and they’ve had some positive experience with gays but they’re still a little uncertain about what sort of unforeseen changes could come from breaking with “tradition” and giving us a more prominent place in society.
They probably think most of us are a good lot, but often wonder about our sense of values. This point has certainly been made to me numerous times. So they have some trepidation on some issues, particularly same-sex marriage and adoption.
We ignore these sort of people at our own peril. We can thumb our noses at them, say to hell with their core values, wait a few decades for the coots to die off, and for the young generation which is much more permissive of just about everything under the sun to give us the recognition we deserve. Or we can show them that we share many of the same values and get to some real equality sooner.
Personally, I see no reason in resigning ourselves to waiting, and I see no benefit in doing so just because we can say we’re living some sort of sexually liberated, post-modern idealism.
DragonScorpion
@Romeo
You brought up Shakespeare as if to suggest that since there was promiscuity in earlier times then we don’t have much legitimacy in trying to raise our standards today.
I’m not calling upon some golden age of virtues as it doesn’t really exist. All eras have had their debauchery. But this is no case against a society promoting healthier, more meaningful relationships.
And it is definitely a misconception that in treating sex and relationships with more dignity, one must adopt archaic notions about the subservience of woman and homosexuality being an abomination.
I also want to make it clear that I’m not singling us out, I disapprove of the sort of performances that heterosexual entertainers are engaging in as well. But I figure the heteros can work on their own community, I’m more concerned about ours. And here’s the key difference between us and them, they’re not fighting for equality, we are. Heterosexuals on the whole are not misunderstood, plagued by stereotypes and seen as an assault on culture and tradition, we are. And we should keep that in mind in our endeavors to be as permissive and defiant about it as we want to be.
Frankly, your ‘competition’ argument is weak. First of all, keeping up with others has never been a valid excuse for one’s behavior, second, many pop entertainers do not rely on the sort of raunchy content that you’re defending as ‘mainstream’, and neither does Adam Lambert.
He can do what he wants, but he’s doing us no favors and in fact a disservice when he does the sort of thing he did at the AMA. It turns more of those on the fence against us and it perpetuates stereotypes. You’d have to be delusional not to see this taking place right now.
You are correct that this is what a segment of the public seems to want, and no I don’t like it. Hence, when I’m cautioning against it. For this, I’m being urged to ‘live a little’…
Well, if by “living” you mean embracing promiscuous sex, shunning monogamy, and depicting relationships as if they involve leading people around on leashes, no thanks. Anything goes doesn’t fly with me.
Lastly, I think we got off to a bad start. I appreciate your comments, I understand where you are coming from in many respects, I disagree with some of your viewpoints on this matter, but you seem like an intelligent person.
Swarm
#118 DS “Really, it’s a bit irritating that you and others are completely misunderstanding what sort of people I’m saying we need to win the hearts and minds of.”
You’re irritated because you’re mistaking disagreement for “misunderstanding”. There is no misunderstanding; you’re not the first person to hold that view and won’t be the last.
Which takes me back to the actual point. Community Standards. The FCC is the arbiter of Community Standards in the media and all actions on t.v. deemed as falling outside of said standards will be ruled on by individual cases as opportunities are presented. Which is why I doubt the FCC will act on this complaint since they’d be taking on a boatload of issues that would just cause mayhem. Starting with the poorly written COMPLAINT citing H O M O S E X U A L acts.
Also why GLAAD missed the boat and any trial attorney worth their fee could have come out of the gate like gangbusters against Liberty Counsel in their sleep.
Try and get this point. You argue your strongest winning position not flail around equivocating and making excuses for your Achilles heel. It goes on all day long in every courtroom and political backroom in America.
Regarding your missing posts, it’s a glitch here, nothing specific to you.
Kinda ironic that when it happens to me I get all “Hell, Queerty fix the damn server” and you get all “OMG I’m being censored here”. THAT’s a good illustration of the variance in Community Standards.
Next time copy your post with your mouse before hitting submit.
DragonScorpion
~You’re irritated because you’re mistaking disagreement for “misunderstanding”. There is no misunderstanding; you’re not the first person to hold that view and won’t be the last.” ~ Swarm
No, actually, I’m irritated that when I refer to mainstream, moderate Americans who are indifferent to homosexuals and are generally supportive of many efforts to grant us equality under the law, this is construed as meaning ultra-conservative, homophobic bigots who are determined to strip of us of civil rights. Distortions are BS, disagreement, that’s easy. Obviously, some people need to work on their reading comprehension.
~“Which takes me back to the actual point. Community Standards. The FCC is the arbiter of Community Standards in the media and all actions on t.v. deemed as falling outside of said standards will be ruled on by individual cases as opportunities are presented.”~ Swarm
I am well aware of who determines what passes on public electronic communications, but thanks for the public service announcement. Nonetheless, I don’t recall disputing this and I don’t know what bearing it has to my point in this issue. By all means, point out where I advocated the FCC should intervene and smite your hero Adam Lambert. As someone who strongly opposes government censorship, you’ll have your work cut out for you in finding an example where I have advocated for it.
If you can’t point this out then I suppose that leaves you with a great deal of explaining to do.
~“Also why GLAAD missed the boat and any trial attorney worth their fee could have come out of the gate like gangbusters against Liberty Counsel in their sleep.” ~
Take this matter up with GLAAD, I’m not their spokesman.
~“Try and get this point. You argue your strongest winning position not flail around equivocating and making excuses for your Achilles heel. It goes on all day long in every courtroom and political backroom in America.” ~ Swarm
I think there are a few commas missing in there… Even compensating for those I still don’t get it. Nope, I’m afraid you’ll have to try again, I missed that one and how it applies to me.
~“Regarding your missing posts, it’s a glitch here, nothing specific to you.” ~ Swarm
That could be, I admit, I’m new. It is working now. But I have had similar incidents at other blogs, and while I assumed it was a glitch at first, after a few more attempts at posting and those didn’t work, but yet posts that I made at other articles here at the site did, well, I had what I think is a reasonable suspicion. Afterall, my critique was, in part, directed at the writer at Queerty. And, in my experience, some blogs just can’t handle that. My mistake. I have significantly more trust in the site now.
~“Kinda ironic that when it happens to me I get all “Hell, Queerty fix the damn server” and you get all “OMG I’m being censored here”. THAT’s a good illustration of the variance in Community Standards.
Next time copy your post with your mouse before hitting submit.”~
I did… That’s why I reposted it 2, or was it 3 times…..? Anyway, yeah, I tend to save my posts for that very reason, things happen, but thanks anyway for the advice.
And next time, don’t be a liar and put quotes around words that I did NOT write. Or are you not capable of honesty? Perhaps you were you just trying to do a little character assassination; score points because your social standards are in the gutter…?
If so, don’t waste your time, I’m not an amateur.
romeo
No, you’re not an amateur, DS, you’re quite well spoken. And, as I said, I’m not in total disagreement with some of your points. I think maybe it’s a matter of degrees. However, we do differ in our world views, so perhaps we should simply agree to disagree. I envy you your optimism and idealism about “moderates.” During the Prop. 8 campaign here in California, we had a media blitz with all manner of positive GLBT family images and commendations. And we won with the moderates here. It was the black vote teamed with the far right that sunk us. Nothing could sway them. And, I suspect, nothing will. However, we lost with only a few percentage points this time.
As for the promiscuity, etc., well, DS, I think you’re battling the biology of the male psyche. Regardless of orientation, guys are guys. And sorry to tell you, when idealists do battle with biology, biology always wins eventually. Read Gibbon. LOL
As for poor Mother Theresa, not familiar with the author you mentioned, but I’m sure after those diaries were published, there’s all manner of criticism of that icon springing up. Fact remains, she had a decades long up-close and personal relationship with a real world that I think is pretty unimaginable to us, and that was her conclusion. But I guess we both share her doubts as well.
I’ve enjoyed this discussion, and I wish you well. Thanks for thinking that I seemed intelligent. Actually, I have two graduate degrees, but I’ve been unemployed for the last six months due to the general failure of the economic structure, particularly severe here in California. I’m getting a little worried, and I probably spend more time than I should pissing on various websites. LOL
Hi, Swarm!!!
How’s it hangin’? LOL We’re unusually cold here. Kind of hard to display some glambulge when you’re junk is up around your larynx trying to keep warm.
My friend told me there was another meltdown at AO when some gay guys tried to “liberate” the joint. LMAO ! I went in to take a look, but I didn’t see anything. But you know I don’t actually go into the forums. God help the guys that go in there is all I can say. LOL
DragonScorpion
@Romeo
I should say, very intelligent. Thanks for the well wishes, the same to you. I sincerely wish you well on finding new employment. It’s a terrible situation out there.
I did enjoy our conversation. I’m glad we kept it civil. That can be a challenge sometimes. I certainly agree to disagree.
As for the war between ideology and biology, I’ll answer that by quoting Sean Penn’s portrayal of Harvey Milk when asked if gays can procreate, “No, but God knows we keep trying.”
Enjoy your evening.
Swarm
#122 @Romeo, Hey bb…well that’d never work with the smiley faced speedo then…was it for Kimmel or the ADL event tonight? HA
**************************
Twitter ADL attendee reporting:
Adam sang beautifully. He received standing ovation from every table
Steven Spielberg just said that @adamlambert is one of his heroes.
He also said that his kids will be most impressed that he met @adamlambert tonight
Steven Spielberg thanked Adam for singing tonight and said that @adamlambert has an amazing gift.
**************************
AO – Funny, “liberate” ha ha. They probably came out of there with the same cold weather junk type situation!
One more thing, IDK if you’re in the mood for Rent but Jai Rodriguez is doing 10 shows in Long Beach starting this weekend. Alisan Porter choreo’d it (Adam’s friend).
http://www.musical.org/
Take care!
The Duke
just take a look at the guy, man. he’s a total pansy. although, in the long run, taking abc’s money, saving it to then be able to tell em to shove it down the road doesnt seem like such a bad idea.
The Duke
also, i feel like shouting ‘screw abc’ just because i can. for centuries blacks have been playing the discrimination card and so have the jews. i think its just about our time to get away with whatever the hell we want. its only fair. unless adam was sucking dick on air (which im sure he would probably not be opposed to doing) i dont see a problem with it. sure his performance was crap but either way, its not like he pulled a kanye. its a performance. and if they want to see they want an entertainer that doesnt push the shock value they’re lying. because then they’d never book him again. this got adam publicity and it also got abc publicity. there are no losers here. just ones with the short end of the stick.