This is significant for our James family. My book Jesse James Soul Liberty Vol. I describes the court case in 1980 when my cousin, Judge James R. Ross (a great grandson of the iconic outlaw Jesse James) ruled against Disneyland, when Disneyland violated the civil rights of Andrew Exler (now mono-named Crusader) & Shawn Elliott, who were evicted from Disneyland for dancing together. Conservatives in Orange County, California targeted Judge Ross for removal from his bench. Jim’s landmark decision, however, paved the path to remedial legislation. Disney now appears to have come around. Disney’s turnaround, I believe, will be truly effected when Disney introduces and supports a gay cartoon character.

More often than not, progress works in quirky ways, as I personally experienced. Around 1968 my professional acting career was placed on high risk when I accepted to replace Kenneth Nelson in the lead role of Michael in the groundbreaking off-Broadway play about gay life, Boys in the Band. I played in the role for two years in New York, Las Vegas, & Los Angeles. When asked to do the San Francisco production, I replied, “I’ve been queen for two years, but San Francisco deserves a real one.” Why they cast me, a straight, in the lead role, I have yet to figure out.

Feb 9, 2013 at 12:40 pm · @Reply ·