OLD NEWS

Time Magazine Digs Up Its Homophobic Past In 1948 Truman Capote Letter

Truman Capote With His DogWhen you’ve been a leading editorial publication for over 90 years like Time magazinethe opinions and beliefs propagated by the writing staff will naturally evolve with history.

And thank goodness they have. Recent cover stories have included the Transgender Tipping Point featuring Laverne Cox as the first trans person to grace the cover to headlines like “Gay Marriage Already Won.”

But it’s interesting to look back on the magazine’s attitudes that don’t stand the test of time to realize that so much of today’s racist, sexist and homophobic vitriol will be looked back on in the same uncomfortable way.

Yesterday would have been Truman Capote’s 90th birthday, and Time decided to post this reader letter and Time response that were originally published in 1948.

The reader, R. E. Berg (from San Francisco, it should be noted), was upset that the magazine treated homosexuality with such biting disdain. R. E. Berg wrote:

Sir:

You seem to advocate tolerance for the customary things discriminated against: race, color, creed, religion, etc. However, I do not believe you have ever made a reference to homosexuality (a perfectly legitimate psychological condition) without going specially out of your way to make a vicious insinuation, caustic remark, or “dirty dig.”

Your review of Truman Capote‘s Other Voices Other Rooms (Time, Jan. 26) concludes . . . : “For all his novel’s gifted invention and imagery, the distasteful trappings of its homosexual theme overhang it like Spanish moss.”

I have seen a great deal of Spanish moss in a lot of places . . . and I must confess that some of it is quite beautiful. . . .

R. E. BERG
San Francisco, Calif.

The editor’s response? “It gives TIME the creeps. — ED.”

We’re glad Time decided to publish a darker side of its past. Recognizing one’s own evolution is the key to continual growth, whether you’re an iconic publication, the father of a gay kid or even that gay kid herself.

Don't forget to share:

Help make sure LGBTQ+ stories are being told...

We can't rely on mainstream media to tell our stories. That's why we don't lock Queerty articles behind a paywall. Will you support our mission with a contribution today?

Cancel anytime · Proudly LGBTQ+ owned and operated