Is Perez a good example for the gay community

[Briar]

And anyone else with an opinion. I am curious what everyone thinks about Perez Hilton.
First off I am going to full out admit that I am Mormon. I believe that same sex couples deserve the same civil rights as any other couple. I personally believe that it IS a civil issue. I will leave all moral judgement to God. MHO. That being said, I read Perez Hilton's blog and when Prop 8 passed I was very discouraged but I have been watching Perez Hilton wield his odd power as a celebrity gossip blogger to further his agenda. He was very vocal in his disgust with the LDS church. He seemed to think that destroying a book that we consider sacred, harassment, and vandalism a fair reaction to intolerance. Fighting hate with hate seems counter productive, even hypocritical.
Then came the question to Carrie Prejean, at the Miss USA pageant. I felt that she should be allowed to express her opinion and I didn't think she did it in a negative or hateful way. He set about crucifying her on his blog for weeks. His initial reaction directly after the pageant was a hateful video rant on his blog where he called her a b****h and a c***. Classy.
He moved on to Adam Lambert who is obviously gay but had chosen not to come out when Perez felt that he should. I don't think anyone should have to discuss their sexual preferences and people should be able to come out on their own terms and in their own way. He took every opportunity to bash Adam for his choice.
Now he's milking all the attention he can get for getting punched by the manager of the Black Eyed Peas after a disagreement with band members earlier and calling Will.i.am a f***ot. He took the time to make a dramatic plea on Twitter BEFORE calling the cops. While I agree that violence is never the answer nor is it called for, but there are words that are hateful and wrong. They shouldn't be spoken at all. The complete hypocrisy and disgrace of calling someone a homophobic word should not be ignored.
He bashes people for being gay on his blog regularly. Calling Clay Aiken "Gayken", Lindsay Lohan "Lezlo", Samantha Ronson "SaMANtha". He criticizes gay celebrities for not attending the protests. The people who he deems worthy are spared from his acid remarks. He makes his way in the world by dredging up gossip, yet finds nothing wrong with his creepy bordering on pedephilic adoration of the Jonas Brothers and Zac Efron.

This is totally my opinion and I am just asking yours. Is he a good example for the gay community. Is he the best choice to be the face of gay rights?

[doctor_J]

Since you haven't had any responses from the gay community, I'll pitch in mine, FWIW. Perez Hilton is the most vile, disgusting, rude, near illiterate, egotistical, non-talented, self-centered, pompous piece of human flotsam to ever invade cyberspace. I truly don't know how he makes a living doing whatever it is he does. I guess you have to understand the morality vacuum and intellectual black hole that is Hollywood.

I was very disappointed that Donald Trump hired him as a judge and will be even more so if he brings him back. I didn't know he tore up or vandalized a Book of Mormon or the Bible, if that's what you are referring too. I don't visit his site after one trip so he has to make big news for me to hear of him. I'm not a proponent of violence but I must say, I felt some little bit of pleasure on hearing someone slugged him. He needed it soooooo badly. He is not a decent rep for the gays,, I've spoken to a few on line and several in life and they despise him too

I don't know much about Mormon theology but I do know that, in general, they are good hearted, geniune, warm, loving and giving people. I understand the church's opposition to gay marriage, it's not unlike most other churches, protestant or Catholic.. I do not believe that opposition arrises from a place of hate but from a place of love. That's impossible for some to believe but some Christians also feel that God requires that they try to reach out and "save" them from themselves. I don't agree, but I understand.

[doctor_J]

I was shocked when you said the little sleaze used the F****t word. Wow. Such a hypocrite. I shouldn't be surprised. He's so disingenuous. He slurs everyone unless they can do something for him. He's so vile, I wouldn't stand too close to him for fear of being struck by lightning. I was taught to fear blasphemy.

[Briar]

I believe it was the Road Manager for TBEPs. He actually turned himself in. We live in a society that has a lot of people who can't change their minds. Old School. I was actually very impressed with Jon Huntsman (R-Gov of Utah and LDS) when he said that while you may never agree you need to soften your opinions in this changing world. There are atrocities in our country and across the world. It's time to prioritize. More tolerance is in order and I don't think Perez should be hit, I think he should be approached by people who have worked for gay rights their whole lives for fair treatment. In a dignified and classy way. They need to plead with him to shut up. He's not helping anyone. He's actually embarrassing.

[Briar]

I see on HuffPo that Perez is now going to sue:

The celebrity blogger sued the Peas' manager in Los Angeles on Wednesday for battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking unspecified damages in excess of $25,000.

[justaguy]

as a gay person, i echo any and all sentiments from above posters that are NEGATIVE towards perez. i find him to be a vile,vindictive rumor-monger. and i dont understand how he has so much airplay. i understand why he gets "respect" ie he has power and contacts and is the first to bring someone down..so people fear him. but that is no reason to have him on cable shows and grant him legitimacy. i would much rather see dan savage.

[Briar]

I think may just be the straw to break the camel's back. He doesn't think before he reacts. He's going back to retract things he's said to others on their racist remarks (notably Isaiah Washington). He's issued another apology with definite exceptions: He's NOT sorry for GLAAD nor is he sorry to The Black Eyed Peas. He will be suing Polo Molina, the manager that popped him, and all proceeds go to the Matthew Shepard Foundation. Unfortunately I'm not sure this is truly an act of charity or contrition. The whole incident is filmed and Perez was very aggressive. I doubt that a Canadian judge will award him the $25,000 he is asking for for emotional distress. The cost to Canadian taxpayers will likely be larger than any award.
On the bright side, he has vowed not to ever say the f-word ever again and challenges everyone not to say the racist n-word. Of course he is talking about the homophobic f-word he called will.i.am not the other one that he drops in every other word as he rants at his target of the moment. He's very self righteous. Verbal abuse is no less painful and that's his bread and butter. I hope people keep this in mind. His 15 minutes are fading fast. People who are serious about furthering tolerance are going to have to be patient with ignorant mistakes. It's going to take time.

[SKARDYKAT]

I kind of wish the title of the thread was more like - what does everyone think of PH? or "is this a rotten guy or what?". Get my point?
The lead in for gay and lesbian members seemed rather nonsensical. Because PH is gay, I'm sure you do not have to be gay or anything else to have an opinion. Why should GLT's be obligated to "shut him up?"
Since you asked, I think he is a boring, histrionic, narrow-minded blogger. I just don't think he is all that important. He has his own opinions and the right to express them.

p.s. Athena2 - well put!

[Details]

...This is totally my opinion and I am just asking yours. Is he a good example for the gay community. Is he the best choice to be the face of gay rights?No one chose him to be the face of gay rights. He is - just like you, just like anyone else, one person saying what they think. I don't agree with him nor his tactics - but he's not been 'appointed' as the face of gay rights.

However - it's been long a common method of trying to deny rights to use the most ridiculous member of that group - whether gay, black, female, or Mormon - as an example of why that group is awful. Whether it's someone using black radicals who talked of violence, feminists who say marriage is the same as slavery, or Mormon rhetoric about black people being unequal - it's a common tactic. Not one I'm saying in any way you are using - but when we think of a group, we have to remember that it's nothing but a bunch of individuals, and you cannot judge them by any one member of that group.

He's just one person - nothing more, nothing less. He's a silly celebrity who has gotten attention by saying really stupid things and really extreme things - like many other celebrities, like Paris Hilton and her sex tapes (she's not the face of heterosexuals, right?), like so many others.

[Briar]

Skardykat. My choice of thread title was deliberate because I am not gay but I definitely have a strong opinion and was curious about the feelings of people who sincerely and peacefully protest for their civil rights. I feel he's a detriment and wanted comments from the gay and lesbian community here on my opinion. I also invited any other opinions, which I have appreciated. I realize Perez is self appointed, but he's so over the top that I can't help but think he is too reactionary to be an asset. He has managed to climb into some degree of celebrity banking on celebrity gossip.
Details you are so correct. No group of people are perfect. There are always mistakes. But becoming more sensitive to people's right to live, love or worship as they choose is a fragile and slow journey at times. Perez has been a speed bump. I am also so ready for racial inequality to be over (I am a proud campaigner, supporter and voter of our current President). I'm tired of Mormon misconceptions as well, but I truly would love to see people stand up to Perez and say "You are not helping our cause. You are hurting." And to sign his rambling apologies in his real name.

[Briar]

Wow. Censorship.

[Lyvia]

Briar, I am not gay, but I do work as a gay rights activist. I can honestly say that among the many GLBT friends I have, I have yet to hear anything positive about Perez Hilton. And the only people I ever hear that try to link him to gay rights causes (suggesting he's a gay rights leader or something when he is nothing of the sort) are some on the right who are against gay marriage. He's a self-promoting opportunist, imo. Who happens to be gay.

Is Fred Phelps a good example of a Christian? (I am not saying he is; just making a point that asking if Perez Hilton is a good example for the gay community is similar to asking what I just did).

[justaguy]

Skardykat. My choice of thread title was deliberate because I am not gay but I definitely have a strong opinion and was curious about the feelings of people who sincerely and peacefully protest for their civil rights. I feel he's a detriment and wanted comments from the gay and lesbian community here on my opinion. I also invited any other opinions, which I have appreciated. I realize Perez is self appointed, but he's so over the top that I can't help but think he is too reactionary to be an asset. He has managed to climb into some degree of celebrity banking on celebrity gossip.
Details you are so correct. No group of people are perfect. There are always mistakes. But becoming more sensitive to people's right to live, love or worship as they choose is a fragile and slow journey at times. Perez has been a speed bump. I am also so ready for racial inequality to be over (I am a proud campaigner, supporter and voter of our current President). I'm tired of Mormon misconceptions as well, but I truly would love to see people stand up to Perez and say "You are not helping our cause. You are hurting." And to sign his rambling apologies in his real name.

i don't keep up with his doings..and who he offends or mistreats daily...but until the ms california controversy, i doubt many straight americans would have any idea who he is. so...the idea that he could be a spokesperson kinda dies there. to be in front of a ...movement,cause or group and have any effect, the public needs to be aware of you. i agree with the poster that addressed the subject of him,taking his sexuality out of it. andrew sullivan and dan savage are much more visible in real media and actually have some import.

[Tracian]

Briar, I am not gay, but I do work as a gay rights activist. I can honestly say that among the many GLBT friends I have, I have yet to hear anything positive about Perez Hilton. And the only people I ever hear that try to link him to gay rights causes (suggesting he's a gay rights leader or something when he is nothing of the sort) are some on the right who are against gay marriage. He's a self-promoting opportunist, imo. Who happens to be gay.

Is Fred Phelps a good example of a Christian? (I am not saying he is; just making a point that asking if Perez Hilton is a good example for the gay community is similar to asking what I just did).



I was going to post, but you said it all...ITA.:thumbsup:

[ABC]

Never hear of Perez until the Ms California controversy and after that very unflattering picture of him circulating on the net, I would quess Perez's fifteen minutes is up.

[lunchlady]

I think Perez is a jerk and is probably really abrasive in real life. But in spite of that he gets the goods on celebs and posts things online that folks want to see. Its a free country and people vote with their dollars and their clicks, which turn into dollars. Perez seems to be getting himself into more and more trouble and can't put away his nastiness in public. He should probably not be doing public appearances. His clumsy attempts to promote gay rights or gay politics or whatever are groanworthy. If you want Perez to go away make sure you don't click on his website and tell everyone you know to do the same. But he thrives on outrageousness, so its going to be tough to starve him out. He's just another American boy making a buck by working hard and providing something people want.

The thing I like about him is that he doesn't fawn over celebrities and helps tarnish their fabulousness. Some of these celebs are so ridiculously overhyped by their PR people and the magazines they are in close cahoots with that I'm glad to see them have non-flattering photos and stories posted online. A lot of these overhyped celebs seem even more unappealing to me than Perez so I don't really care if they don't like their media exposure. The print tabloids are following suit. The internet is something the PR industry can't control, which I think is great.

The appetite for non-flattering photos and news is huge. Who wants to see another highly manufactured photo shoot image of Britney Spears and read her official statements about her troubles? Who wants to look at her pot belly and her muffin top bulging over her shorts? The trend is definitely towards the latter and the paparazzi know it.

[Briar]

Thank you for your post Lyvia. I think it's amazingly arrogant thing for people to appoint themselves the voice of certain groups of people. I've always thought it was a bit strange that people who use African American slurs have to make the pilgrimage to Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton to being their repentance. Apologize to the people you have wronged. It's like this all has to be played out by the sensational media. There's a better and more effective way. I have read your posts for a very long time Lyvia and I haven't always agreed but I DO know that you are an activist for gay rights. I remember you talked about opposing legislature trying to overturn gay rights in Massachusetts. I admire your dedication.

[Briar]

Slightly off topic, but Perez's unfortunate post yesterday saying that Michael Jackson was probably not really sick, just faking to get out of his upcoming tour isn't doing him any good either. I see he's becoming public enemy #1.

[justaguy]

Perez is not a good example for any community.

imo i think thats all that needs to be said. any community, any race,any gender , any persuasion, any solar system.

[ABC]

Slightly off topic, but Perez's unfortunate post yesterday saying that Michael Jackson was probably not really sick, just faking to get out of his upcoming tour isn't doing him any good either. I see he's becoming public enemy #1.

Thats awful. Perez, who I never heard of before Carrie, is tearing his own tinfoil. Just looking at Michael, anyone can see he was frail little guy.

[Briar]

Who is Perez Hilton and when did s/he become an example of me???

not again,
the point of my post was exactly that: he seems to be setting himself as the face of a LOT of things. He's been very vocal in gay rights and I felt that he's not an asset at all. The name of my post was changed. It wasn't what I originally asked at all.
ABC,
I agree and I am sad to see all of these people coming out with "tell all" statements. I don't think it was secret that he had problems, but no one thinks of the kids :sad:

[justaguy]

not again,
the point of my post was exactly that: he seems to be setting himself as the face of a LOT of things. He's been very vocal in gay rights and I felt that he's not an asset at all. The name of my post was changed. It wasn't what I originally asked at all.
ABC,
I agree and I am sad to see all of these people coming out with "tell all" statements. I don't think it was secret that he had problems, but no one thinks of the kids :sad: HI briar. i didnt particularly like the framing of this. PH covers all media and entertainment...and IMO in a disgusting way. he happend to get some coverage cuz of the miss california thing. but i honestly dont know ONE gay person that considers him a leader..more of a spectacle. I think the question should be..why is he getting coverage at all? in general. joan river has said many meanspirited things about those in entertainment...noone is asking is she speaks for the straight community, or for women.

[Briar]

Hi Justaguy,

Again, the title of my post was changed. I don't think the comparison to Joan Rivers is apt. As PH's 'celebrity' status or popularity grows, he veers from Hollywood gossip and becomes more about HIS causes. He advertises gay protests and rallies then berates gay celebrities that didn't attend. He harasses people for differing opinions, for not being openly gay, for not following his gay rules, and making homosexual slurs. Until it's him.
I agree 100% about him being a spectacle and IMO a bad example of just about everything he claims he stands for. His every move for the gay community, in particular, is self serving and embarrassing.