Okay, anti-gays. Pack it in. It’s all over. Here’s definitive proof that you’ve lost: Weird Al Yankovic supports marriage equality. And as the old political saying goes, “as go the song parodyists, so goes the nation.”
Al was cornered at a book signing by YouTuber (and frequent Queerty commenter) Jeff4 Justice, and peppered with questions about gays, intellectual property and dating. To his credit, Weird Al is a picture of patience and kindness. Also, he has apparently done some kind of deal with the lady in Death Becomes Her because he really does not look much older than the guy in UHF. (In related news: UHF came out 24 years ago, good lord.)
“Are you a supporter of marriage equality?” asks Jeff. “Yeah,” says Weird Al, and there you have it. There’s also a brief reference to Weird Al’s charitable work with HRC.
So, what a great guy. We actually went through a brief period of resenting Weird Al, due to the (untrue) rumor that he had created a kinda-homophobic parody song called “Which Backstreet Boy is Gay.” This is a good opportunity to spread the word that, in fact, he had nothing to do with it, so go ahead and buy his albums without remorse.
Also we do highly recommend this little NPR profile on Weird Al from 2011. Would you believe us if we told you that Al is unexpectedly sensitive, thoughtful, and genuine? Top that, Dr. Demento.
hyhybt
For some reason, until this article, that he could possibly be on the other side never entered my head.
Merv
For some reason I thought he was a Christian. It’s good to hear he’s not.
jimbryant
I think Weird Al is fake. Wake up, gays. You’re being manipulated by those in the entertainment industry. Stop being the useful idiots.
Scribe38
@jimbryant: <<<<<<<<<<Useless Idiot
Elloreigh
@Merv: ??? Where was it stated that he’s not a Christian? It’s my understanding that he does identify as such.
boring
Weird Al always gets bonus points – he was there throughout my childhood and while I might not listen to much of his music anymore (there comes a point when you realise his original songs are better than the parodies), he just seems like the nicest, most sincere dude on the planet. The fact that he always seems game to play with the UCB/Alt Comedy crowd just pleases me so much.
And UHF is still the funniest thing ever.
Merv
@Elloreigh: By supporting marriage equality he indicated he is not a Christian. Hatred of gay people is one of the defining characteristics of Christianity. Have you not been paying attention public discourse on homosexuality at any time in the last 50 years (at least)?
hyhybt
@Merv: Nonsense. The defining point of Christianity is faith in Christ. Many Christians and antitheists like to promote the lie that being anti-gay is a fundamental tenet, but the obvious existence of Christians who aren’t proves it untrue.
Merv
@hyhybt: Sorry, “love the sinner hate the sin” doesn’t count as being pro-gay.
Ruhlmann
@hyhybt: The United Church Of Canada.
http://activehistory.ca/2013/07/11577/
hyhybt
T@Merv: Of course not. You know full well that’s not what I meant.
Elloreigh
@Merv: “By supporting marriage equality he indicated he is not a Christian.”
I take it you’ve never heard of the Metropolitan Community Church. Some United Church of Christ and Quaker congregations also support same-sex marriage. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Episcopal Church of the USA also bless same-sex unions (though they don’t call them marriage).
“Hatred of gay people is one of the defining characteristics of Christianity.”
It’s not, though I can understand why it might seem that way to anyone unfamiliar with the diversity that exists within Christianity, or whose sole experience with Christians have been with the hating kind.
Just to be clear, I don’t presently have any religious affiliation or beliefs – haven’t for many years. But I am an “ex-Christian”. Many do judge and hate, but many do not. It’s unfortunate that the haters give the rest such a bad name.
jeff4justice
At a book signing it’s not often the celeb will do more than sign a book so it was very nice of Al to take time for questions – it also helps I always go last at a book signing to increase the odds the celeb will make time to sign.
I’ve interviewed a number of notable people (including Matt Baume http://youtu.be/ShnRUfd-t_E?t=3m22s) and Weird Al is certainly one of the nicest people I’ve met.
Regarding the people commenting here skepticism about Al not really being LGBT friendly, what evidence do you have? In the vid he clearly states his support for marriage equality, he’s donated to HRC (bless his misguided heart), he attended Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Tie The Knot event, and posed for a NOH8 photo. Even if he’s a Christian he’s still a supporter of equality.