In case you haven’t heard, France is in the throes of an intense presidential campaign between two polar opposites: Emmanuel Macron, a young, pro-LGBTQ liberal, and Marine Le Pen, the antigay daughter of a Nazi sympathizer. The candidates are currently running neck and neck.
This week, Garcon, a bi-monthly magazine that caters to gay men, featured a topless Macron as the cover boy. Underneath him is the headline: “Coming out: a necessary fight.”
Reporter Tristan Barreiros, who writes for Garcon, tells Mashable that the picture was photoshopped and that the decision to run the cover story on “coming out” was meant to be ironic.
39-year-old Macron is straight but he is a longtime supporter of same-sex marriage, which is something his opponents have tried using against him. Throughout the campaign, they have accused him of being closeted, spread rumors that he was having a gay affair, and suggested he is backed by “a very wealthy gay lobby.”
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Macron, who’s been happily married to a woman for ten years, has repeatedly denied the allegations and said he loves his wife “very much.”
Garcon‘s editor-in-chief Christophe Soret says in a statement that the decision to feature Macron was made in an effort to address “the controversy about the possible homosexuality of the candidate” head on.
“[Macron] clearly explained himself by indicating that he loved his wife and had no connection with a man,” Soret says. “We do not revive this false story; we fight it!”
In the statement, Soret also urged voters, particularly LGBTQ voters, to reject candidate Marine Le Pen and the far right-wing Front National, who want to repeal same-sex marriage and roll back protections for LGBTQ people.
He also hopes it reminds the future president, whomever it may be, that the LGBTQ community in France “will continue to fight to defend our right to sexual difference which is not a choice but a fact.”
France will vote for its new president on Sunday.
Related: The Internet is fainting over these photos of young Justin Trudeau
Xzamilloh
The only reason Le Pen is doing so well in the polls is the same reason Trump was doing so well here, and that is because while the right took hard line stances on issues that scared the average person, the left once again proved how out of touch they were and decided they knew better than those voters. Islamic extremism has a lot of French citizens scared and they want something done, and Le Pen has vowed to do that (but really, what the hell is she gonna do?). Quietly gutting the rights of LGBT people is the least of their concerns, although it just shows how once again, they just cannot stop themselves from butting into gay people’s lives.
Giancarlo85
62-38% (Macron leading) is not doing well in the polls and Le Pen got creamed in cities. France doesn’t have the electoral college so that leaves one less backdoor for the far right. The votes in cities actually matter.
Giancarlo85
By the way, Macron has voiced to expand the French gendarmerie and police, as well the intelligence. He also has many top level friends in the elite police units, including a high level administrator.
You see he has actual plans to improve the intelligence agencies as well as the secret police.
Giancarlo85
By the way, the far left and left in Holland got nearly triple the votes of the far right. So there goes your stupid logic. The difference is people actually vote in Europe. Holland had an 85%-90% turnout. America had a 46% turnout. Oh and Trump lost by three million votes. In any other developed country, Hillary would be President now.
James
I humbly submit that many of the people who are “scared and want something done” cannot and will not be reasoned with. They pick people like Le Pen and Trump as their saviors with no evidence that these candidates can or will do anything for them. I can’t speak to Le Pen quite as much (though she seems fairly odious), but Trump has nothing in his character nor his history that indicates he’d be good at the job, or even has the aptitude or interest in it. He’s been a crass, self-promoting blowhard for decades, and his campaign didn’t change a lick of that. They voted for him anyway.
When Hillary said that half of them were deplorable and unreachable, she underestimated. And I suspect the same deal in France. We can lay some blame at the progressives’ feet, of course we can. But sometimes the DO know better. It’s just hard to win when you have an unreceptive audience.
Giancarlo85
The French are a bit more receptive than Americans and have a good ability at seeing through fake news. Trump won because of fake news.
Macron won significant support in urban areas. In Paris, Le Pen only had 4% of the vote in the first round.
No electoral college.
By the way, Trump won 26% of all registered voters (46% of those registered actually voted). Not a majority. The apathy in this nation got us Trump. Along with the two phony third party candidates. Jill Stein had dinner with Putin. Russian plant?
We need proportional representation and elections held on weekends. Voting for Jesse Klaver in Holland was not a wasted vote.
Tobi
@Xzamilloh – The problem has been exacerbated by Merkel, who has welcomed millions of undocumented immigrants to Germany, then expected other countries to take their share without first asking them. Le Pen wants a referendum on the EU and the Euro, for many outside of the cities liberal elites, that’s what they want. With Melenchon refusing to back Macron, there’s a possibility of a Trump style surprise come Sunday. The other issue is that Macron won’t be able to do anything, he doesn’t have anyone in the legislative assembly, so it will be the same moribund scenario, meaning Le Pen will sweep the board in 2022.
Giancarlo85
Le Pen won’t sweep the board in 2022. She will see her slight popularity fade. Macron has deals with the major parties that now see it in their interest to govern with him. Please look up the facts before you post fake news.
Oh and Merkel will win… and she is very popular in Germany. Martin Schulz is proving a challenge but he may come up short. And you are from the UK? Schulz is the last man you want to deal with for your Brexit stupidity.
The left will sweep in 2020-2022. In some cases, the far left. You fools on the right made a big mistake going extremist.
Giancarlo85
My point about Martin Schulz was not complete. He will win either this election or the next one. And he is the leader of the left leaning SPD. He is vocally pro-EU and will give Britain some real shock therapy for their Brexit error. Not a guy you want to deal with.
Tobi
Oh, run along Miss Carini, the grown-ups are talking.
http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/staggers/2017/04/marine-le-pens-best-hope-victory-may-be-2022
Xzamilloh
@Tobi These other countries were paying attention to crapfest that was Germany, and in Paris, and in Sweden where these Islamist attacks are happening far too often for the tastes of the citizens. Le Pen knows how to appeal to the masses currently, although both she and Macron are as establishment as they get, which is why the left might want to calm the hell down in saying that this has already been decided, because it was already decided here and yet Agent Orange is the oval office. This is the result of letting the far left and the far right dictate things… we have two candidates with terrible trade-offs.
Tobi
@Xzamilloh. Exactly. Oh, and if you want to see why Brexit happened and why we’re about to have a decade of right wing government in the UK, have a look at the opposition. It would be hysterical, if it wasn’t so ****ing tragic.
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/may/02/diane-abbott-has-several-numbers-on-police-costs-sadly-they-are-all-wrong
Giancarlo85
You are a bore. Melenchon could see his best opportunity in 2020. Le Pen has no support in cities and won’t in 2020. Cities are what drive elections in France. And nice op/ed article. Considering I have background and degrees in political science, I am more of an adult than you.
Giancarlo85
Zamilo, nobody is saying it is decided. Your faux logic is amusing. You calm down please. Le Pen isn’t establishment. She is a complete nut and wouldn’t surprise me if Macron wins 71-74% of the vote.
Giancarlo85
Your claim about attacks happening far too often seem influenced by Fox News. How about the attack Trump claimed happened in Sweden that didn’t happen? Sweden has seen minimal attacks. Meanwhile in America, some white dude shoots seven people while holding a bottle of beer. Don’t see you crying about that.
Xzamilloh
@Tobi, these regressive leftists can’t help themselves… the right wing absolutely decimated us at the elections to control all of Congress and the White House, practically guaranteeing that they can strong arm any legislation they want… hell, they strong armed Gorsuch onto the Supreme Court. Obviously, I’m hoping Macron wins because Le Pen is as archaic as they come, but much like Hillary Clinton — who I wanted to win more than Trump but did not vote for and do not regret it one bit — he is little consolation prize for the French working class. But ultimately, it boils down to a hardlined approach on Islamist extremism (Le Pen) and a “This is just a fact of life for us now” soft approach (Macron).
calabrazy99
Marcon poses shirtless to attract gay votes. That’s LOW
Matthew Rettenmund
Read the post, you right-wing tool — he DIDN’T pose. It’s Photoshopped.
Giancarlo85
The right wing neo fascists on here don’t know to read much at all. Don’t expect much from right wing gays. They hate themselves and are willing to lose all their rights in the name of fake security.
Tobi
I’m surprised you didn’t mention that Macron declared his love for his married-with-three-kids school teacher when he was 15, dated her at 16, married her despite his parents objections the moment she got a divorce, and they’re still happy together, him now 39, her 64. Teacher’s Pet !!
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/emmanuel-macron-brigitte-trogneux-partner-affair-teacher-kiss-on-cheek-sixteen-school-play-a7710561.html
Giancarlo85
Another right wing tool. He was an adult at that age in France. If it was an old man like Trump dating a girl you would be silent, but you probably voted for that old Grinch who once said ten year old girls in a beauty pageant were sexy. Sickening.
Then again, your double standard is obvious enough.
Tobi
ROFLMAO to see Miss Hypocrite Carini bending over backwards regarding the age of consent to suit her narrative. I’m sure we’re all looking forward to your next hilarious melt-down, which given past experience, will probably happen in 3… 2… 1… 😀
Giancarlo85
I’m yawning. You are the same one who said 14 year old boys should be able to meet up with 40 year old men. The hypocrite here is you. Little right wing neonazi.
Giancarlo85
So why are you such a right wing hypocrite? And Trump hitting on ten year old girls is acceptable in your eyes? Macron was legally an adult in France when he married her for your information. I follow the law.
Tobi
That’s right, Miss Carini, the age of consent is 15 in France, and 14 throughout many countries in Europe. I remember you telling us here at QUEERTY that you were molested by a priest whilst serving in Iraq. I’m afraid none of us can help the fact that you’re hung about about sex, that you think it should be reserved for over 21s, that it’s something degrading and disgusting. I’m afraid that’s just the way you’ve experienced it. For the rest of of us, it isn’t a bad thing like smoking or taking drugs, just a very natural, enjoyable pleasure!!
Giancarlo85
You are a bore. Can you come up with anything original and not some insult you used a year ago? Broken record.
Giancarlo85
By the way, 16 is actually the age of consent in several European countries. So a man that is 40+ diddling a 13 or 14 year old boy is committing a crime.
And I like sex. With a guy my age.
Tobi
It’s just so great to see you endorsing a women for First Lady of France who in a position of authority as his school teacher groomed a 15 year old boy. You’re finally evolving!!!
Tobi
Oh, and in your “condition”, you should be grateful if the guy you’re having sex with is still warm.
Giancarlo85
Lame old insults that were recycled from years past. Get something new please.
He BGB
God I hope the French have seen America’s “mistake” and do not vote for Le Pen. Why they would consider the daughter of a Nazi, after what Germany did to France and England in the war? Just because the new guy was a rich businessman does not mean he knows how to lead when it comes to government because business is built on the backs people who work there cheap. The owner is just looking for ways to benefit himself not the employees so how does that translate to him doing anything benefiting citizens. Cut the taxes for himself and do nothing for the middle class yet they continue to support him.
Giancarlo85
Tobi, what happened to your little love interest, Milo Yiannopoulos? Lol
Tobi
Aw, bless, you’re as infantile as ever!!!
Giancarlo85
So if you aren’t hung up on sex, why did you make such a big idiotic deal about Macron’s personal life?
Hyppppoooocrrriiittteeee!
Tobi
Want me to link to all your comments about Trump and his sex life? We all know who the delusional hypocrite here is, Miss Carini, yes it’s you!!
Giancarlo85
Go ahead. I think talking about ten year olds in a sexual manner is wrong. So is sexually assaulting women as Trump did. But thats just me.
You can repost/link to this comment. Lol.
Tobi
Aw, but you’re fine with a married women grooming Macron, a 15 year old pupil in her classroom, who was two years younger than her son?! I think we can spot the hypocrite here, huh? Yes, again, it’s you, Miss Carini.
Giancarlo85
You are a liar and a pedophile. So what else is there to say? You are boring. You know nothing about the situation in France or in other countries in Europe. Go back to Brietbart please.
Tobi
“You are a bore. Can you come up with anything original and not some insult you used a year ago? Broken record.”
Pot. Kettle. Black.
Giancarlo85
*yawn*
Tobi
LOL, you’ve even managed to bore yourself !!
natekerchel
Having lived in Europe for a year now and looked at how the world of politics operates it is clear to me -and most opinion polls and commentators say – that Le Pen has no chance of winning. This is not a situation comparable with trump. The mechanics are very different and the voters are very different. She has tried very hard to distance herself from her odious, Nazi-defending father, but it has not helped much. Now she tries another tack by ‘stepping aside’ from her extremist party in an effort to be seen an ‘independent’. Unlike 64 million voters in the USA, the French will not be fooled. There is no anachronistic electoral college to let her sneak in unfairly – unlike trump of course. One person one vote constitutes democracy. Again, unlike many ‘religiously focused’ Americans, the French will not be shocked by any kind of sexual ‘scandal’ and trying to ‘smear’ Macron with allegations of being gay will have no effect at all. Any attempt by the right wing to suggest try the alternative smear of pedophilia is something that will not be taken seriously. The comparisons between a possible Le Pen victory and trump getting into the White House are misleading.
chuck
I was hoping by the location of the print “coming out” they were talking about his penis.
Stilinski26
Marine Le Pen is pro LGBT and same sex marriage. She is getting tons of LGBT votes. Her party is the only one in the french election who has gay people working for her. The right wing in Europe is different from right wingers in America. Marine would be considered a Liberal or centrist in USA
Tobi
It’s the same in the UK, our last right-wing Prime Minister, David Cameron, got us marriage equality, whereas left-wing Tony Blair and Gordon Brown insisted civil partnerships were “good enough” for us.
Alexis
@Stilinski26 Apparently you haven’t done your research well. She’s not pro same sex marriage…
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4228540/Marine-Le-Pen-pledges-end-sex-marriage.html
But then again, who gets married in France nowadays? Most couples just live together, and that’s enough.
batesmotel
Topless? He’s not a girl. Don’t you mean shirtless.
mz.sam
FAKE PHOTO COVER…and probably fake French news article. Why? New western global media reports on sudden latest hacking of Emmanuel Macron’s campaign pointing to the same Russian hacking group done on Clinton’s campaign last year. French media latest reporting was immediately shut down by the French government minutes AFTER the release of the hacking.