McKellan Blasts Art Council’s Sexual Inquiries
Britain’s got some angry artists on its hands after the Arts Council asked recent applicants to declare their sexuality.
The Council claims they want to make sure grants go to a diverse pool, but creative types are crying “foul!” Actor Ian McKellan spoke out against the queer addition, saying, “It sounds extraordinary, It shouldn’t be on a form. It’s quite inappropriate.” Gallerist and curator Julian Spalding, meanwhile, couldn’t find the words to describe his disbelief, “I’m speechless. I can’t see what relevance it’s got. It’s a horrible invasion into one’s personal and private life.”
Perhaps actress Vanessa Redgrave offered the most humorous response, “Everyone should put down ‘trisexual’ whoever you are. Britain has become the world’s leading population of trisexuals.” Well, you know those artsy types…
The 1950′s called. They want their sexual McCarthyism back.
I think the word is spelled “try”sexual. Try it all.
It raises the question of how private someone’s romantic life is. It’s assumed for heterosexuals wherever they go – by everyone.
Perhaps we should make a distinction between a person’s romantic life and sex life. One being public information and the other private.
The same argument is used by the right when they say gay people should stay in the closet. It is a “private” matter.
Its kind of a catch-22. Some gays would want applicants’ sexuality listed–so the council would be sure to help fund queer arts initiatives. There is a box for race on most college applications so universities can try to diversify their campuses. Personally, I dont like any of it