Charlie Perez, the former WPLG news anchor in Miami who last year was demoted and then pushed out, he believes, for being “too gay,” is back on the scene with a new book. It’s called Confessions of a Gay Anchorman. Ooh, sounds naughty!
I’m assuming there must be at least a handful of juicy details, given that his ex was a crazy person and Charlie almost uprooted his life to take off for Connecticut (but canceling those plans after a death in the family). But Perez — who is now Charlie Rinehard, after legally taking the surname of his husband, whom he adopted a daughter with in Kansas — insists he’s “satisfactorily resolved all my differences with” his former employer, which sounds like there was a settlement reached and a non-disclosure agreement signed. Boo!
So what’s this book all about? Says Perez:
The book was an amazingly cathartic experience for me. From the day I went on the air in 1994 through my last day on the anchor desk at Channel 10 in Miami, I was always trying to balance the “gay” me with the professional me. I don’t think straight people on camera have to do that. This is that story, and a call to end what I call the double standard that goes along with being gay on TV. Meaning, you can be gay if you’re the side-kick, the clown, the stereotype, the design guru. But, if you’re the main guy – the serious guy – the non-stereotypical guy – the anchorman… it’s a different story. The book is filled with cameos from Anderson Cooper to Sam Champion to Ricki Lake. Hopefully it’s not only a good read, but will open up a conversation that’ll push us a bit more into the future. I hope so.
Back up there. Anderson and Sam? The two most homosexual closet inspectors on television? Don’t make me actually read this thing, Charlie! (
[Confessions of a Gay Anchorman comes out Feb. 1.]
GayEP
This is really such b.s… I’ve worked a long time in Miami tv, and let me tell you, there’s no such thing as too gay for TV down here… When main anchor craig stevens at WSVN is the grand Marshall of the aids walk.. The station proudly promotes him… Hes not closteted on the air, nor is their main female anchor belkys– an out lesbian. And the daytime anchor charles billi is as gay as Christmas.. Not to mention Wsvn anchor reed cowan, who’s documentary “Prop 8: the Mormon proposition” got in to Sundance and was produced with the blessing of his tv news bosses… Bottom line– stop whining that people think you’re too gay… Nobody thinks that… Perez was just a crappy anchor. Fin.
justiceontherocks
coming soon to the $.99 book bins everywhere.
Jeff R
@GayEP: Thank you for highlighting the fact that WSVN is so lgbt friendly and has been for years – many of their other on air talents are also out lgbt individuals. The ultimmate irony is that it is a Fox affiliate and years ago employed Rick Sanchez as an anchor. I’ve been told that the local CBS affiliate also has a good reputation but I have heard decidely mixed reviews and allegations regarding WPLG (ABC) and a lot of negative allegations regarding the NBC affiliate. Is there any truth to said rumors/allegations? Best, JeffR