This week the Carl DeMaio campaign and the Log Cabin Republicans were up in arms because Congressman Scott Peters published a blog written by John Aravosis, a national openly gay blogger. In the blog Aravosis uses the term “Mary” to refer to DeMaio. The Log Cabin Republicans say that term is a “slur.” Where do I begin?
Many African Americans use the N word because we can. We have captured the word and many use it in different contexts. I won’t even begin to mention the number of songs on the radio that have used the term, albeit on some stations the term is bleeped.
So here is how Aravosis used the term in his blog:
“I’ve found more tolerance, acceptance and inclusion from social conservative groups who have to reconcile that I’m a Republican who happens to be gay … versus the intolerance the LGBT leaders see me as a gay man who happens to be a Republican,” DeMaio said. Oh Mary, it is so hard to be you.
Aravosis then continues to explain why DeMaio is not supported by the LGBT community. The Aravosis argument echoes what I have been saying for years and the San Diego LGBT community knows oh so well. So what does DeMaio do, he creates a false gay scandal. Oh my goodness, Congressman Peters staff reposted an article by a gay blogger that used the term Mary. I can’t wait to hear what the San Diego LGBT community leaders will have to say. Many of whom I have heard use the same term quite frequently. The national leadership of the Log Cabin Republicans (LCR) is outraged, yet they are not outraged by the following:
• Lorie Zapf saying LGBT people should not serve in public office
• A candidate for the Republican National Committee who said gays should be purged from the party
I could go on but is it necessary? Hypocrisy, thy name is the Log Cabin Republicans and San Diego in particular. Congressman Peters did not use the word, Aravosis did; a member of our community. Congressman Peters took the high road and removed the post with an apology that his staffer did not know the term “Mary” is offensive. Guess what, I don’t think the LGBT leadership in San Diego knows either.
DeMaio, if this is how you hope to paint yourself as a gay victim, it is not working. First you complain that the conservative right is attacking you, now it is the liberal left? Oh yeah, the liberal left whose platform says “gay” rights are civil rights.
DeMaio, we all know this story is much ado about nothing.
STAMPP CORBIN
PUBLISHER
San Diego LGBT Weekly
