So now we know that Steve Bannon, the Trump advisor who turned Breitbart into the house organ of the alt-right, doesn’t really care all that much about us one way or another. This is hardly a revelation for someone who gave professional troll Milo Yiannopoulos his prominent and profitable (until recently) perch. But Bannon and Milo are figureheads in a bait-and-switch scheme.
The scheme is this: convincing some of us that the alt-right is okay with homosexuality in order to convert some of us to the white nationalist cause, which can make room for the participation of privileged white gay men. In order to do this, Bannon and Trump must convince us that the real enemy of LGBTQ is Islam, not the alt-right. Remember when Trump, after the Orlando Pulse nightclub massacre, claimed that as president he would do a better job protecting LGBTQs from the threat of “Islamic terrorism?”
Don’t be fooled. The alt-right is a stew of hatred, and homophobia is a huge part of it.
On the surface, it’s easy to think that Bannon and Milo represent a new kind of conservative. And in one sense, they do. They want to blow up the existing order because the existing order is irredeemably tainted by liberal ideas. The world that Bannon and the alt-right have in mind is white nationalism, a world in which “Judeo-Christian values” reign. (Funny, though, how the Judeo part keeps getting lost.)
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Sounds a lot like standard social conservatives, right? But it’s not. Bannon doesn’t really care all that much about the usual culture war –same-sex marriage, abortion–unless they intersect with his belief that political correctness is robbing people–his people–of their liberty. It’s a world in which the oppressed become the oppressor.
Take religious “liberty,” for example. The religious right has taken up this cause because they believe that marriage equality is wrong and that homosexuality is a sin. This isn’t Bannon’s thinking. He doesn’t seem bothered by marriage equality. But when it becomes a political correctness issue involving the rights of homophobic florists, then he cares.
As a result of this crossover belief, a lot of conservatives have been willing to cast their lot with Bannon. They might not agree with his line of reasoning, but they are fine with his conclusions. The fact that some of the worst homophobes are happy to form an alliance with Bannon should be warning flag enough.
Of course, there will always be some gay people so desperate for conservative approval that they will gladly sign on to the Bannon bandwagon. Chris Barron, of the rightfully defunct GOProud, thinks Bannon is a swell fellow. (The fact that Barron is on the Breitbart payroll may help.)
In theory, if homophobia was no longer a core characteristic of American conservatives, there would be a significant number of LGBTQ people who would be willing to identify as conservative. There’s no question a minority of white, gay men lead fairly protected lives. In fact, some like Barron, may even be among the two-thirds of men who believe there actually is something called political correctness and that it goes too far. Who wants to worry about offending someone when things are good, their thinking may go?
Now that the alt-right viewpoint has a powerful perch within the White House, it may be all too easy for some of these privileged men to succumb to the illusion that it’s actually not as bad as it’s been made out to be. Add to that the idea that maybe the leaders are friendly toward us, and it’s a recipe for recruitment.
The problem is that the alt-right isn’t just a conservative movement. It’s a way far-right movement that loves to fan the flames of hatred, so much so that the lines between white nationalism and white supremacy are often blurred beyond recognition. Up until Trump’s election, the alt-right was considered the fringe, a word often properly proceeded by the word “lunatic.”
Putting Bannon and Milo aside, on this issue they are hardly representative of most alt-right followers–young men who aggressively flout their heterosexuality. Their mascot is the vaguely creepy Pepe the Frog, but their memes are a lot worse than that. One popular one is Electric Pence, images of a high-voltage Mike Pence electrocuting gay people to cure them of their homosexuality. Or take a look at the slurs hurled at popular writer Michaelangelo Signorile after he criticized Jimmy Fallon’s softball treatment of then-candidate Trump.
You don’t even have to dig that far to see that even Milo wasn’t immune to their antigay hatred. The Daily Stormer website referred to Milo as a “deplorable kike faggot” who was harming the movement by claiming to represent it.
What the next four years will bring is anyone’s guess. But let’s not fool ourselves into believing that it’s an advance for us because the leader of a hate movement doesn’t automatically despise us. There are plenty of others who are part of that movement and allies of it who do.
DCguy
This is litterally the same thing that was exposed when the memos from the anti-lgbt group NOM were leaked. Their plan was to go on websites and try to drive a wedge between lgbts and minority groups.
We saw it here on Queerty, there were suddenly one or two trolls on every article that would make some racist comment or would try to attack lgbts pretending to be a minority.
Nothing different here. Look, we still have Mo Bro and PNHoffman here doing the same thing.
mhoffman953
When have I made a racist comment? Point me to that comment if you’re going to make that claim about me.
Giancarlo85
The republican drumbeaters will be here in full force defending this absolutely disastrous administration, which is under multiple investigations for corruption and ties to Russia.
The recent budget proposal by this disastrous administration would cause significant damage not just to our community (with severe cuts to health care funding for minorities), but to the entire country and economy.
Gay republicans should just disappear into obscurity and never open their mouths. They wanted us to give Trump a chance and maybe he would pivot. This clearly did not and never will happen.
The Dutch people stood up against this threat of fascism. They know their history and they know that scapegoating minorities never ends well. One would only have to look at the terror that enveloped Europe during the 1930s and 1940s by fascists.
And can we please stop using this ridiculous alt right term. They are neonazis. They are engaging in antisemitic and anti minority attacks. Just look at all the Jewish centers and synagogues receiving threats since the illegitimate loser won the election. The bigot now feels enabled because of the unpopularly elected menace that now illegitimately occupies the White House.
This is a sad time for this country.
Giancarlo85
By the way, when I referred to the Dutch 80% of them voted centrist, center left and far left. Case in point. That is truly a model multiparty democracy. Now 3-4 parties will form a coalition government. The Green party is an increasing possibility. Imagine that… The other parties having a real say and seats in the new government. It will push Mark Ruttes center right government to the center as the opposition progressive parties have a majority of seats.
KaiserVonScheiss
The rise in white nationalism is a result of anti-white identity politics. When you attack white people as an identity, it should be no surprise that you wind up with a white identity movement. That’s what white nationalism is. It’s collectivist identity politics centred around whiteness.
And, no, before some moron calls me a white nationalist, I’m not one. I hate collectivism and identity politics.
Steve Bannon is not a white nationalist. Even people who’ve criticised him have admitted that. Namely, Ben Shapiro, a Jew.
This is nothing more than a paint-everyone-we-don’t-like-as-a-Nazi article. Just more propaganda from the PC-loving, identity-obsessed, anti-liberal left.
There are legitimate reasons to criticise the Trump administration, and probably Steve Bannon.
Giancarlo85
You aren’t a Nazi. You are just a misguided liar, Alistair. Steve Bannon is a white nationalist, and a fascist. Stop powdering over their true intentions.
And there are indeed many reasons to criticize this administration. From their incitement of antisemitic attacks to the blatant corruption. It is like a buffet of criticism.
By the way, I believe in class identity politics. That is the true left. You will see that as a reaction. That is what happened in Holland with two far left parties taking a significant number of seats. You on the right will pay for your lies.
Giancarlo85
BTW, identity politics doesn’t attack white people. Advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities doesn’t attack white people. You are delusional and paranoid.
mhoffman953
@Giancarlo85 When you state, “From their incitement of antisemitic attacks”, can you name a specific instance of this?
If I remember correctly, the person who was arrested for making bomb threats to Jewish community centers was actually a black journalist who is a Democrat and a Black Lives Matter activist and in 2003 he alleges he “loved” Hillary Clinton. http://heavy.com/news/2017/03/juan-thompson-jcc-jewish-community-center-bomb-threats-suspect-arrest-charge-photos-st-louis-new-york/
Giancarlo85
Selective thinking from the liar. You can’t honestly believe those threats all came from one man. But that is what Hoffman does best. Continues being the little liar he is.
mhoffman953
@Giancarlo85 I never said all of the threats of crimes against Jewish community centers or cemeteries came from that one man. I merely pointed out that the first person to be caught and charged with the crime was a Black Lives Matter activist and anti-Trump journalist. I will wait for you to provide evidence showing that the hate crimes against Jewish community centers and cemeteries is because of President Trump.
KaiserVonScheiss
@Giancarlo85
SJWs attack white people and white identity all the time. They do the same with masculinity.
http://www.salon.com/topic/white_people/
Black Pegasus
This says out loud what some refuse to admit. White gay men are more than willing to identify as conservative republicans if there is a perceived welcome mat from the GOP. Milo Yianoppoulos is an example of the “bait and switch” this article speaks of.
Interesting
Giancarlo85
A welcome mat? More like a floor mat inside a gas station.
mhoffman953
I find it odd that the article puts radical Islamic terror in quotes as if it isn’t a real thing. The pulse nightclub shooting was because of a radicalized Islamic terrorist. It wasn’t because of mental illness, it wasn’t because of suppressed gay feelings, and it wasn’t because of gang violence. The shooter did it because of his hatred for America and American culture – which in this case was the gay American culture.
It would be ignorant to not see this as a potential threat to all Americans. The San Bernardino shooting was because of a radicalized husband and wife who became angry over a Christmas party. There clearly is something going on here that needs to be addressed. To overlook that and somehow blame “white Christians” seems absurd.
Recently someone did a hidden camera experiment which not surprisingly was not picked up by any news outlet. The individual went to Muslim bakeries and asked them if they would be willing to make a cake for his wedding. He reveals when placing the order that he’s marrying a man. Every Muslim bakery refuses to make such a cake and tells the man to leave. Why isn’t there outrage over this?
The left rather play identity politics and at the moment Muslims are their favorite group to pander to in their virtue signaling. No one is saying all Muslims are bad, but as a nation, we should want to be inclusive of those individuals who share our nation’s values and address the issues at hand.
Giancarlo85
Here we go again with the vitriol and lies. The pulse shooting… Don’t even go there. It is obvious you don’t have a clue what happened there. And you right wing a-holes have no right to play politics with those who lost their lives.
The man who committed the attack was a deranged individual, much like the multiple shootings in this country committed by deranged white men.
In fact most gun related crimes in this country, including homicides and mass shootings were done by US citizens and generally white men. Sandy Hook anyone?
Giancarlo85
By the way, if you want to look at actual facts compare the number of murders and mass shootings committed by white men to those of Muslims in the United States. You may find the number extremely disturbing. So do you propose tougher gun laws and to mitigate the gun crazy culture in this country? Of course not.
By the way, there is a Congress bill pushed by Trump and republicans to increase the public availability of silencers. Yes, you heard right… Silencers for guns.
But you are going to cherry pick and not pay attention to the fact that the vast majority of shootings and mass murders were committed by white men.
mhoffman953
@Giancarlo85 You’re using typical leftist techniques in your argument. I will point them out to you.
(1) Deflection: The topic is about Trump and radical Islamic terror (which the author put in quotes as if it doesn’t exist). You are deflecting by bringing up gun related crimes in America. My points were about radicalized Islamic terror within the United States
(2) Acting holier-than-thou: You criticize me for bringing up the Pulse shooting (which was motivated by radicalized Islamic views) and supposedly having no right to politicize a murderer’s motives but then in your final paragraph, you do the same thing you criticize me of doing by politicizing Sandy Hook
(3) Blaming white people: When you cite gun crimes, you seem to want to blame white people for these crimes by overlooking the murderer’s motives. Real statistics show that in gun related crimes, they include suicides done by gun – which increases these statistics. Plus if you look at real statistics of gun homicides by race, you will see that for white people only 23% of gun deaths are from homicide but with black Americans 82% die from homicide due to gang related deaths. However, I’m not going to deflect like you are and turn this into a gun debate.
(4) Name calling: You like to claim that I “don’t know the facts” or “don’t have a clue” about what happened but then you proceed to not correct me if I am wrong. You then resort to calling me an a-hole and an idiot in other responses. If the Pulse shooting wasn’t from radicalized Islamic terror, then what was the motivation?
Back to the focus. If you want to mention Sandy Hook, look at the murderer’s motives. He was a man suffering from severe autism. He was not radicalized by a religious view. Look at radical Islamic terror, they are motivated by a religious ideology. You refuse to even acknowledge that radical Islamic terror exists. Sure, America has a crime problem, but why should we add on another problem in regards to radicalized Islamic terror?
Armiya
The news isn’t recent about the bakeries according to this article by a major news media site…from 2 years ago, so yeah it WAS covered and it took me 2 seconds to find this article and dozens of others. So where does “no one” covering this apply?
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/5/video-puts-muslim-bakeries-florists-in-gay-rights-/
mhoffman953
@Armiya Yeah, the Washington Times covered that instance by Steven Crowder, there were other instances which happened recently posted to Twitter which I was referring to in my post. Although, the Washington Times is more right leaning. My point is that no left leaning publications covered the story. Did Queerty cover it (you think they would since the only agenda they have is the gay one, according to the tagline)? Did CNN, MSNBC, ABC, Huffington Post, Washington Post, New York Times, Slate, Vox, and other left leaning news sources cover it?
Was there a call to shut down the Muslim run bakeries because of it the same way there was a call to the Christian owned Memories Pizza in Indiana because they wouldn’t cater a gay wedding?
Mo Bro
Ho-ly SHIT this is some paranoid bulldooky . . . even for THIS communistic site.
(but my god, it’s also so hilarious to watch the left desperately trying to scare the gullible masses away from independent thought . . . as good propagandists have a tendency of doing)
Giancarlo85
Independent thought lmao. The last time you had one of those was back in the 1970s. Now you just repeat what you are told by Brietbart and the fascist right.
You are the ultimate example of a drone. Keep it up with the comedy!
When the left wing class based backlash occurs, you will be wishing Hillary won instead. Holland is just the beginning of the end for your kind of political demagoguery.
natekerchel
Oh dear. Have we upset Mo Bro and mhoffman again? Good. It is amazing these people keep going on about Pulse. Nobody would be anything other than repulsed and saddened by such a terrible event. But people like mhoffman and Mo Bro use it as a weapon to spread heir Islamophobia. Shame on you both. This was he act of a confused mentally ill young man – not an 11/11 type of attack. I notice you don’t ever mention all the many many many massacres carried out by white Americans. Oh and how about McVey? is he a Muslim?
Mo Bro – ‘communistic site’? I think for you lot anyone left of Atilla The Hun is a communist. Maybe you should go live in North Korea and see what a ‘communistic’ place really feels like.
As for the original article – I have come across gay men who are ‘homophobic’ and support extreme right wing political parties or individuals. It seems to me that it is about self-loathing and perhaps internalised masochism. It is not logical to support an individual or organisation who are clearly bent on your destruction. There is Freud’s ‘death wish’ theory of course. My own opinion is that gay men should stay well away from anyone connected with the usurper. I think that the the overwhelming feeling on this site is right – this is about divide and conquer. White supremacy is the real goal. I also don’t believe that it will be limited to religious targets like Muslims – they are just the easiest to scapegoat at the moment.
Giancarlo85
I agree with you, but I am very much far left now. North Korea is not the type of place we on the far left envisioned.
I’m absolutely moved by the likes of Jesse Klaver. Klaver makes Bernie look like a moderate. Klaver will be the future Dutch Prime Minister I believe. When the socialists, the Democrats 66 and Greonlinks merge… It will be a truly great event.
Giancarlo85
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/16/populism-stopped-dutch-greenleft-leader-jess-jessiah-klaver-netherlands-poll-pro-refugee-coalition-deal
““What I would say to all my leftwing friends in Europe: don’t try to fake the populace,” he said. “Stand for your principles. Be straight. Be pro-refugee. Be pro-European. We’re gaining momentum in the polls. You can stop populism.” – Jesse Klaver
—-
We have been fighting fascism in Europe since the 1920s, and we will continue to do it.
He looks a lot like Justin Trudeau I must add.
Heywood Jablowme
I’ve been to Holland twice and I love it, and it’s great that Wilders didn’t do well in the election, but you’re getting a little carried away with “tulip-mania” so to speak.
In the 20th century the Dutch ruled the world’s largest majority-Muslim empire. They weren’t very benevolent about it:
https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2017/03/netherlands-geert-wilders-islam-election-empire/519648/
Giancarlo85
I know that, but the people of today are standing up for what is right. And the election result was one that shows most believe all people should be respected regardless of their background.
Giancarlo85
Also I love Macron and how he recognizes the wrongs committed by France towards Algeria. France committed horrible atrocities… And he has the guts to say that. Pisses off the right, but he is fast gaining support over Fillon and certainly Le Pen.
natekerchel
It is certainly in Europe that we are seeing the fight back against the right wing taking place. A glimmer of hope came in the Austrian Presidential election, and its rerun, when the right failed to win the Presidency. Now we have more substantial evidence coming from the Dutch election. I believe the trend will continue in France and Germany in the coming weeks. Despite trying to reposition herself Le Pen has fooled no one. It is only in the USA and the UK – of the Western Liberal Democracies – that we see a continuing right wing dominance. Of course there is the manic currently terrorising the Philippines – but I think he is just deranged rather than having any particular agenda.
natekerchel
maniac in the Philippines
natekerchel
mhoffman – you cannot divorce the huge number of gun crimes in the USA from the lack of gun control. Looking at countries where there is very tight gun control, homicides and other gun related crimes are minuscule compared to the USA. Yet the extreme right wing refuse to acknowledge this FACT. They then scream from the roof tops when yet another massacre takes place. In reality, the number of ‘Islamic’ murders or other attacks pale into insignificance beside those carried out by Christian extremists within the USA. However, to be fair, people who carry out such atrocities are responsible for their own actions – and that principle applies to all. There is no kind of belief that would make me carry out the murder of innocent people – I have a moral compass. Those people who do carry out those crimes are hiding behind ‘religion’ to excuse their lack of humanity. So we should be seeing those things for what they are – disgusting acts carried out by people who chose to carry them out due to their own lack of humanity and ethical compass. Lack of effective gun control only adds to the likelihood of those things continuing to happen.
mhoffman953
@natekerchel I know you’re trying to devolve this topic into a gun control debate but gun ownership is protected by the Constitution in the United States. Countries which have stricter gun laws have done nothing to stop radical Islamic terror. Look at France and the Bataclan shooting by Muslim extremists; their guns were obtained illegally and stricter gun laws did not stop them. Look at Brussels with the subway bombings from Muslim extremists, look at the Muslims who ran down innocent people with a truck in France and Germany, look at the sex crimes happening throughout Germany and Sweden from migrants, look at the acid attacks in London from extremists, look at the nanny in Russia who beheaded a 4 year old girl, and many other radical Islamic terror attacks.
I’m unaware of any Christian extremists who yell “praise God” before cutting off someone’s head in America. Yet in every case of Muslim extremism they will yell “allahu akbar” before beheading someone or killing tons of people. The extremists do the same in their country of origin. In their home countries, they will do female genital mutilation, stone women to death for learning, throw gays off of rooftops, behead people for not following the Quran. I’d like you to show me where any of that happens on a wide scale in America aside from one cherry picked story of some guy suffering from schizophrenia.
And if you want to get on the topic of gun control. How many gun related homicides are from legally obtained guns versus illegally obtained guns? You will find some staggering numbers. If criminals aren’t following the current laws, what makes you think they’ll follow new ones? Why not enforce the current laws on the books instead of creating more which only punish law abiding citizens? Do you recommend we abolish the second amendment? If we start abolishing amendments, why stop at the second?
Armiya
The comment about “no one” in the media covering the Muslim bakery incidents that happened 2 years ago…wow. It’s really amazing what an google search unearths before stupid blanket statements are refuted. Try a better argument next time. Mainstream media coverage too.
http://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2015/apr/5/video-puts-muslim-bakeries-florists-in-gay-rights-/
mhoffman953
See my response above since you double posted this. When I stated “no one”, I was referencing left leaning news publications. Did Queerty cover it?
Armiya
Fair enough, but you DID say no one covered it. And if you’re expecting Queerty to have a broad range of what is happening in the world, good luck with that. If you notice what is more important the editors: multiple articles on Grindr, today we see Colton has pushed his boyfriend into a pool, a flight attendant and his Britney lip synch, someone took their shirt off…wow. Deep stuff. Once in awhile, something honestly newsworthy and important like the above article is brought into the equation to break up the vapid articles (of which you aren’t really allowed to complain about because they’ll put your comments on approval status if you call them out on it, unlike a real news website).
Queerty is one of many websites catered to “us” as a “community” (very lightly) where vapid rules and shirtless reigns. Shallow like a gay bar? You bet. But it also is what it is. And unless a new editorial board comes on, it’ll remain so. I don’t come here for anything of major depth, that’s like going to McDonalds and being pissed everything isn’t organic.
It’s lighter and liberal fare here. I often wonder why you keep coming back here at all, if everyone is so wrong for being liberal and not in some mania panic because of religious fundamentalism every time they see someone wearing a scarf. You seem to bring up Pulse often, but McVeigh killed more than Pulse (contrast in skin tone) and we have had plenty of Americans do awful shit on our own soil, yet we seem to give them a free pass here.
If you hate liberal people so much, why is it your daily source of arguing, this site?
mhoffman953
@Armiya I understand that Queerty posts fluff stories here and there and there’s nothing wrong with that. My point was that they’ll bring up about some Christian person who refuses to bake a cake or cater a wedding (a search of this site found over 30 articles within a few seconds) BUT when a Muslim bakery, pizza shop, or florist does the exact same thing, you’ll hear crickets on this site and left-leaning websites.
I merely point out hypocrisy. Both can be considered wrong of the businesses owners and we shouldn’t display bias when presenting the information by giving one group a pass.
Additionally, I’m open to all viewpoints and will listen to both sides of an argument. I’m not sure why you feel I should leave because I may think differently than you. I thought the left preaches for diversity? Clearly you don’t want to hear diversity of opinion and rather live in an echo chamber without being challenged in an intelligent way with your views and to think critically rather than spouting talking points.
I brought up Pulse as well as many other acts of Islamic terror such as what’s going on in France, Germany, Sweden, London, and even the work shooting in San Bernardino. I never stated that Timothy McVeigh gets a pass for his actions, if I did then point to where I said that. Anyone committing violent acts of terror on any group of people should be executed, same goes for Timothy McVeigh.
When I point out the acts of terrorism, you have to look at the motivations. Clearly in regards to Islamic terror, it is from a political / religious ideology and not from a clinically diagnosed mental illness. As you have stated, America has enough problems that we need to fix. So why should we throw in an increasing threat of Islamic terror on our home soil with the multitude of issues we have?
Armiya
In no way was I implying you should leave here or not comment or not have a different viewpoint, or not come to the site. That’s hilarious as that’s your own fantasy, because I also didn’t say anything of the sort. Comment away, it’s a free country and that’s my being inclusive.
Fundamentalism is fundamentalism and comes in all shades. Christianity has killed more people than all “radical Islam” combined.
Armiya
And news sites have reported on religious bias. I recall quite clearly when Islamic cab drivers here in Portland have denied lesbians taxicab rides and the driver lost their job because he discriminated against them. Just because media isn’t reporting on it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening, maybe they don’t know. They have tip lines, use them!
Armiya
All I merely asked is why you constantly come here to argue and personally insult. No talking points, just me asking you a simple question and the I’m blasted as being accused of not wanting a differing viewpoint…when in actuality I am asking you a question, not telling you to leave.
mhoffman953
@Armiya I come here to read various news because I’m a gay guy. If there is a story or comment where I feel the urge to speak up then I’ll express myself, that’s why. I get news from all sources. When you say, “Comment away, it’s a free country and that’s my being inclusive” then a few comments later you ask “why you constantly come here to argue and personally insult” it seems contradictory. I’ve never questioned why anyone comes here. Rather than discussing an opinion you seem to question my intentions of coming here. Do you see how that doesn’t sound inclusive? I’m not sure why you are the person whom I have to explain to as to why I’m here. As you stated before that I’m entitled to my opinion but it seems odd that when my opinion is expressed (which you seem to disagree with) the first response you have is to ask why am I here.
Then you claim I come here to personally insult others. Where have I done that? I don’t see any comments were I called anyone a name. I may have stated that a person is misinformed or is expressing falsehoods to which I then provide sources proving as such. I never called anyone here a loser, stupid, or a swear word. In contrast, I have been called all of those and many swear words on here for expressing my opinion but I don’t remember you commenting to those people asking them why they feel the need to personally insult me.
Armiya
Sorry you believed I was being contradictory and fine here I’ll ask everyone : Queerty ,why are you being mean to mhoffman? Why do you insult him?
Better?