Atlanta lawmaker steps out of the closet
State Rep. Rashad Taylor, D-Atlanta, has just become the first self-acknowledged gay man in the state Legislature. He stepped out of the closet during a morning press conference.
Georgia Voice has posted the video:
From my AJC colleague Aaron Gould Sheinin:
Taylor, in a news conference at the offices of Georgia Equality, said he felt compelled to make the announcement after an e-mail was circulated to state lawmakers this week accusing Taylor of being gay and of using his position in the Legislature to solicit sexual relationships.
Taylor denied the allegations of improper conduct. The author of the e-mail, who signed his name as “J. Callahan,” hung up on a reporter from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and would not provide proof of his claims. Callahan had been instructed by state officials on how to file an official ethics complaint against Taylor, but no complaint has been filed, House Ethics Committee Chairman Joe Wilkinson, R-Sandy Springs, said.
Taylor said that the man who sent the e-mail is the former partner of the person Taylor is now dating.
“Although this is not the time or the way that I wanted to come out, I feel actually very lucky, thanks to all the support I’ve received,” Taylor said, surrounded by fellow lawmakers, friends and family. “As a black man, it can be a struggle to find acceptance within the community and at times with myself as well. I’m proud of the man my mother has raised, and I make no apologies for who I am.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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224 comments Add your comment
Devil's Advocate
May 27th, 2011
12:50 pm
First?
whygeorgia
May 27th, 2011
12:53 pm
Why does the headline use the word “admits” like he has committed a crime???
LadyinRed
May 27th, 2011
12:54 pm
…and???? so what?
Sandra
May 27th, 2011
12:55 pm
DKNATL- LOL
Nathan Deal
May 27th, 2011
12:56 pm
And I am a poor businessman, no news here. (But congrats to you, Mr. Taylor for your courage)
DKNATL
May 27th, 2011
12:57 pm
And an email had to be circulated to confirm this? PUUUHHHHLLLEEAAASSSEEE. Atlanta Fire Department couldn’t put him out!
green green
May 27th, 2011
12:59 pm
“self-acknowledged”? Are there non-self-acknowledged closet cases at the capitol?
Atlanta Shaniqua
May 27th, 2011
12:59 pm
Who cares? Someday people won’t have to describe their sexual orientation at all.
really??!!
May 27th, 2011
1:01 pm
YOU CALLED A PRESS CONFERENCE FOR THIS??!! EVEN WORSE, THE AJC PRINTED THIS AS A “NEWS” STORY…
Poleesemenses
May 27th, 2011
1:04 pm
Aks him why.
well'swell
May 27th, 2011
1:06 pm
And we are supposed to do WHAT after this “revelation” ?? Oh, I forgot you wanna just “be” and have the world just stay out of your bedroom…that is of course AFTER you have just flung open the doors and sucked it in. (Maybe there is a better way to put that..)
**crickets**
BJE
May 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
I agree with “whygeorgia.” The word “admit” is typically associated with the word “guilt.” “Discloses” may have worked better here.
Elliot Garcia
May 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
I like to do it while my girl wears cowboy boots and nothing else….nobody cares!!
BillS
May 27th, 2011
1:07 pm
This sort of thing still qualifies as a news story? He’s gay, fine. My only concern is what kind of lawmaker is he?
John
May 27th, 2011
1:08 pm
“Taylor, who denied the allegation for a long time…”
Hiding it for a long time suggests he was ashamed that he was doing something wrong. No problem whatsoever with the guy’s lifestyle, but it just detracts a bit from the “courage” theme that he was deceitful about it.
Cissy
May 27th, 2011
1:09 pm
None of our business. Shame on the puerile e-mail circulator. All I care about: Is the man a competent legislator?
Both my boys have gay teachers at their private schools. Every single one of the teachers is competent, compassionate, and popular with the kids, who have declared sexual preference to be a NON-ISSUE.
Will
May 27th, 2011
1:10 pm
Welcome to my club.
Signed Bishop
Momania Hyperbole
May 27th, 2011
1:11 pm
This is not right. They need to do something about that.
Just Me
May 27th, 2011
1:13 pm
Just another politician with little integrity, out for what he can get, while he can get it. So what else is new? I don’t care who you choose to sleep with, or what you do behind closed doors, as long as you and your partner of choice are consenting adults. I do care what you do with the office you are elected to, and what you do with your responsibilities to the general public.
Old Violin
May 27th, 2011
1:14 pm
A persons sexual orientation is their own business as long as it doesn’t effect the work they do or their relationship with fellow employees, but as an elected official I think he has to be honest about it because it is always something that can be used against him/her ! Is this right ? Don’t know ! But I would choose to be up front with it to begin with ! I’m straight, but not homophobic !
Annette
May 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
Big fat hairy deal! And this is news, WHY? What century are we living in? This is ATLANTA, the gay mecca. Ya’ll need to find some real news to report! Seriously!!!
Meh...
May 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
@well’swell With all the homophobic bullying and suicides, people need to have it shoved in their faces that we’re people from all walks of life and backgrounds ourselves. If not to dispell the ignorance of the parents that teach these things to children, to tell those who are abused that they can still make their dreams come true, regardless of who they like in their bed.
The day you stop teaching your children to feel better about themselves by abusing and driving others to suicide over something as silly as who they feel sexually attracted to or the color of their skin is the day we’ll stop “revealing” our sexual preferences at press conferences.
OLARA
May 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
Really! OMG…seriously do Gay folks need to announce they are gay. Who cares. I think us straight folks should make news by announcing our straightness!
The fact is...
May 27th, 2011
1:15 pm
this is not news.
Jamie B
May 27th, 2011
1:16 pm
Hey everybody!!! I’m heterosexual!!!!
Mecah
May 27th, 2011
1:17 pm
That is his business not mine or anyone else’s. If more of us started minding our own business and lived our own lives we could probably solve some real problems around the state (i.e. mass transportation, economy, jobless rate, helping the poor).
Lum
May 27th, 2011
1:17 pm
Why is this even necessary? It isn’t illegal to be a homosexual; it isn’t even very interesting anymore.
Simple Jack
May 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
And in other news of the day, “Fire is Hot”.
For Realz??? He had to tell us??? Hint: Actions speak (and especially in his case) louder than words.
Next week, several congressmen will announce they are afro-americans…. C’mon, give us some real newz.
waiting on the news
May 27th, 2011
1:20 pm
Enter your comments here
Okay, now on with the news. This is not news worthy. So what. He joins millions of others and trillions of us don’t care. Next time a news conference is called let it be about jobs and gas going down. Then perhaps we will get the gist of what news really is.
Bob
May 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
This is the year 2011, this is not news, nor is it newsworthy. Shame on you AJC.
JRHD
May 27th, 2011
1:21 pm
I am an UBER conservative, former Marine (couldn’t guess by the handle could you?) and guess what? I don’t care that you are gay Mr. Taylor. Now, go do your job.
Andre
May 27th, 2011
1:23 pm
I knew it, down low brother. Just wait till I tell the folks at Mount Sinai over in Austell. Oh lord, they going to call a prayer vigil.
Tanya
May 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
I always thought somethings up way he walk around with those limp wrists looking like a T-Rex. My friend say, oh hes just metro, uh huh, yeah, right.
Todd
May 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
Couldn’t have used the word “announces?” Shall we find him guilty after his admission?
Jack
May 27th, 2011
1:24 pm
If sexual preference has been declared a NON-ISSUE by our kids, then I think we are in trouble.
Ten Foot Pole
May 27th, 2011
1:26 pm
In other startling news, “Amy Winehouse checks into treatment program”.
Drew
May 27th, 2011
1:26 pm
We live in Atlanta. Homosexuals are everywhere. Another man coming out of the closet is not newsworthy, even if he is a state legislator. Next story please….
Ghostrider
May 27th, 2011
1:26 pm
Anddddddd …… who gives a rats azz, as long as he does his job.
Wow, really?
May 27th, 2011
1:28 pm
In comment to those speaking about the word “Admit”. It is used because he himself “Denied” it for a long time according to the story. Once you have denied something, the only way to “Disclose” it is to “Admit” it.
Dave
May 27th, 2011
1:28 pm
First of all, for those who say this is no big deal, why does he have to come out, apparently you missed the part about an email circulating attempting to harass and intimidate him in part due to his sexual orientation. If it really weren’t that big of a deal, why is someone trying to harass and intimidate him?
While this shouldn’t be a big deal, it is due to the email. The harassment and intimidation appears to have prevented him from performing his job. Now that he is “out” perhaps he will be able to perform the job better.
sam
May 27th, 2011
1:28 pm
good, first step is to admit it. Next, he needs to learn how to face it and defeat it in his life. being gay is not a good thing but its nothing to be ashamed of as long as he is doing something about it.
terry
May 27th, 2011
1:29 pm
Hey Rashad,
I don’t care about your personal life, that doesn’t effect me. You know what does effect me. Your political ideology.
How about doing something positive by spending less of our tax money & lower our property taxes. Obvious we aren’t getting the benefit of the high taxes w/ our pitiful school system.
How about making our state competitive & remove the state income tax.
KA
May 27th, 2011
1:29 pm
I agree with the other “who cares, and why is this news” comments.
Newsflash
May 27th, 2011
1:30 pm
I’m not gay and no one cares about that either. Why do you consider this news?
Hayde
May 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
This is news why??? There are gay people all around us. The are our friends, our family, our coworkers. The world does not stop because you are gay. I am happy for you. Now, can we get back to the business of government – sheesh!!!
JEWFISH
May 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
WOW….Its been reported that atlanta has taken over the gayest city in america title and from the looks of most of these comments i would now agree. This guy is an obomination and should be able to sit in any position of power….wake up sanfranlanta and get these scurges away from your children before its to late.
shelley wynter
May 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
It is not called coming out the closet when you are accused of wrong doing its called being caught.
Flying Tigers
May 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
Jack you are right, we are in BIG trouble, but the left and libs would tell you we are in trouble because we try to raise our children to reflect what the bible teaches and we are wrong for that…yes Jack we are in bigger trouble than you think buddy and all the people with “alternative” lifestyles are always right, if you don’t beleive me just ask one of them.
KSanders
May 27th, 2011
1:31 pm
@Tanya – LMAO, you talking about those T-Rex limp wrists, ooohh, you should be shamed. Funny though.
dmr
May 27th, 2011
1:32 pm
If it somehow is a weight off his shoulders from a personal standpoint to make his personal life public, then good for him. Fact is, the personal life of my law makers is not an issue unless their actions are illegal in some way. I’ll raise my kids, go to work, deal with my family and finances, the same way I did before this revelation hit the internet. All anyone should care about is that our lawmakers, white, black, red, brown, male, female, gay, straight, or whatever are simply honest and do the best they can for the community at large.
So when I say I disagree with a politician on something, rest assured it is about policy and its influence on the Community…nothing more.
Lamar
May 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
The gay issue is so last year people. I’m over it.
j
May 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
KEEP YOUR HEAD UP MUCN LOVE
Wahoo
May 27th, 2011
1:33 pm
Why announce it? One reason may be that a threat of revelation no longer can be an attempt to intimidate or influence him.
Wahoo
May 27th, 2011
1:34 pm
Enter your comments here
southern hope
May 27th, 2011
1:36 pm
it should be noted that the only reason he came out with this news is because an anonymous email was going on about it and trying to blackmail him…so he was getting rid of that threat.
george
May 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
a more interesting question is who originated and circulated an email containing personal attacks on an elected official and why this is regarded as an appropriate use of public resources. how about spending some more time investigating why georgia leads the country in bank failures and why farmers are upset because they may have to pay a higher wage since they have fewer undocumented workers to exploit.
Mama Says
May 27th, 2011
1:40 pm
Typical liberal—–everyday wee are told that sexual orientation and skin color should not matter then the next thing we know the same people hold press confrences or some other format in which to proclaim the very facts that we are suppose to ignore in our quest to treat everyone the same.
If you don’t want your preferences used as a point of conversations stop continually telling us what the are !
Buy the way I am straight—now that you know can I use it against you if you do something to me that I don’t like ? Oh wait that dosen’t work for every other person in the world does it ? Just the “special” people who don’t wish it to be an issue.
Absolute hypocrite
Don’t call me gay, call me a news conference that might help me !
Phat Daddy G
May 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
He a chunky gay man, too! He go bout 300 on da hoof…
Of course he a dumbocrap, just like all the local black politicians in ATL.
Dante
May 27th, 2011
1:41 pm
Who said anything about a glory-hole?
Jay Jay
May 27th, 2011
1:43 pm
Can we see the email please? Also, what happened with the glory-hole? Was that at Capitol, or another location?
Notafraid
May 27th, 2011
1:46 pm
Why is it that we have become so forceful about homosexuality being ok. I have never seen so many ads about the lifestyle on mainstream media in my life. As a high school teacher I see how are teens are experimenting with homosexuality like a fad. Im soory Atlanta gay people should be loved and respected however we do not have to agree with that lifestyle. If it is ok to be gay then is it not ok to cheat on your spouse? We have lost the guidelines for life, we have to submit to some kind of spiritual authority to help lead our lives. Why do we separate church and state so much when so many of our laws are derived from it. Quit convincing our kids that this lifestyle is ok just because it feels right. Well so do drugs!!!! Not a gay hater but we stop with the PSA’s
dre
May 27th, 2011
1:46 pm
Anytime you put your private parts where they’re not supposed to be, you SHOULD admit it.
USMC
May 27th, 2011
1:48 pm
Who Cares???
Rashad, GET OVER YOURSELF!
Narcissism 101
flintrock70
May 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
I’m happy for Rashad. All the best!
In His District
May 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
THis guy IS Unethical… we’ve seen nothing change in our area. Who cares if you’re gay…why hold a press conference about your sexuality. Where are the programs in the district, what about the youth, elders, community,… what is going on that you don’t want to have exposed.
Rick
May 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
Admitting the problem is the 1st step and hardest step, now we can work on the rehabilitation process. I call this the healing process. After a few months in my program, he can proudly have a press conference telling everyone that he is a recovering homosexual.
The Ghost of Lester Maddox
May 27th, 2011
1:49 pm
I’m a whole lot more interested in whether he pays his taxes and any ethics penalties….than who he happens to want to sleep with or fall in love with.
If he pays taxes and penalties, then he has one up on a lot of his fellow legislators.
whow!
May 27th, 2011
1:52 pm
we definitely know that to be the truth… and he needs to start doing something for the district.
elaine
May 27th, 2011
1:53 pm
Who csres if he is gay or not as long as he does a good job. These people who try and intimidate him need a life.
HumanBeing
May 27th, 2011
1:53 pm
Guys, I’m a moderate – financial conservative and social moderate – and just even creating an article like this reinforces differences rather than similarities. Is this really a big deal? True acceptance happens when no one takes notice of the differences between us. This article just reinforces them.
Roekest
May 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
Wow! A gay, black dude in Atlanta??? Whoda thunk it?
As far as news goes, this is what’s called scraping the bottom of the barrel. Holidays usually are slow for news…
hsgrad
May 27th, 2011
1:55 pm
Stop the Presses! I Like Antico’s Pizza
4REAL
May 27th, 2011
1:56 pm
THEN WEAR A BRA!
Henry
May 27th, 2011
1:57 pm
Must be a REALLY slow news day. This is not news. This is a big yawn. Who cares expect a bunch of simple little narrow minded fools.
Henry
May 27th, 2011
2:03 pm
@JEWFISH – you are a moron.
You Asked
May 27th, 2011
2:03 pm
So what if he’s openly gay… But this shocker:
“Taylor, who denied the allegation for a long time, was accused of also inappropriately using his office for unethical conduct. He denies that allegation however.”
An Atlanta politician addmitting to being ethical!!! He will lose all credibility with his peers for that.
Last Man Standing
May 27th, 2011
2:04 pm
That was a waste of time and space for a non-story. It is dwarfed, though, by the number of posts trying to decide on how he/she should have worded their “coming out” statement.
Himbo
May 27th, 2011
2:06 pm
I don’t care how he worded his coming out statement as long as he wasn’t speaking with his mouth full.
That would be rude.
john
May 27th, 2011
2:08 pm
His mommy standing next to him was heard saying “Is there a nice Jewish man, maybe a doctor, in the crowd I can adopt that will give me kids that isn’t a Sodomite?”
sloboffthestreet
May 27th, 2011
2:10 pm
And to think I just declared today “NATIONAL HETEROSEXUAL PRIDE DAY.” Sounds like some sort of conspiracy to me!! Leave it to a lawmaker,,,,,
Lady Bug
May 27th, 2011
2:10 pm
yeeks another Gay , they are like roach bugs they just keep coming out
DownLouis
May 27th, 2011
2:17 pm
“The press conference stemmed from an email sent circulated throughout the capitol which accused Taylor of several things, including being gay.”
Accused him of being Gay????? First of all – what does it mean to be accused of being gay? Secondly – who the he!!s business is it anyway?
Kev
May 27th, 2011
2:20 pm
“No problem whatsoever with the guy’s lifestyle, but it just detracts a bit from the “courage” theme that he was deceitful about it”
Is being heterosexual a “lifestyle”? I know all sorts of gay people with all sorts of lifestyles. A lifestyle is if you like to garden, stay at home, ski, etc…
“Not a gay hater but we stop with the PSA’s”
That’s like saying “I’m not prejudiced/racist but…” These people tend to be the biggest haters who are in denial.
reebok
May 27th, 2011
2:21 pm
I couldn’t care less if he’s gay…it’s s total non-issue…but I think it’s a indictment of his character that he denied it for so long. If the above report is accurate, he didn’t avoid the issue or say ‘no comment…’ He lied, which is not such a great thing, IMHO.
Tina
May 27th, 2011
2:21 pm
I mean really, who cares???
jerry
May 27th, 2011
2:23 pm
What a gay does IS their own business. It does not make it any less disgusting to a lot of heterosexuals.
DownLouis
May 27th, 2011
2:28 pm
Have you been in a coma for most of your life JEWFISH? Atlanta has been one of the most “gay friendly” cities for a very long time. Have you ever been to ATL?
dre
May 27th, 2011
2:30 pm
Thank you @jerry
Pragmatist
May 27th, 2011
2:31 pm
I wouldn’t care if ALL Atlanta lawmakers, politicians and council persons were gay if they could do a better job of running the city and state than the current bunch of mostly inept pretenders.
Who cares?
May 27th, 2011
2:31 pm
who cares he is gay? I sure don’t!
DHD
May 27th, 2011
2:33 pm
Slow news day? What’s Lindsay doing? How about Mike Vick? This is all you got? Maybe that’s a good thing.
CARLTON
May 27th, 2011
2:35 pm
gay; yawn. unethical, this I want to know about.
Wow....didn't see that one coming!
May 27th, 2011
2:37 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Goodness it’s NO SUPRISE he is gay! He looks gay! At least he isn’t a hottie! They can have him..hahahahahaha!
dre
May 27th, 2011
2:38 pm
Knowing where he prefers to place his wee_nie helps me understand his agenda and his decision making…sorry, but that’s just the way it is.
Will
May 27th, 2011
2:40 pm
Georgia, stop all this fussing about a gay man and by the way here is your sign: 6th Dumbest State: Georgia
Graduating seniors in Georgia averaged a 1460 on the SATs, placing it in the bottom five nationwide. Approximately 15 percent of the people in the state never graduated from high school, and according to one study in 2008, fewer than half of all students in Atlanta graduated from high school on time. One recent review of state-by-state efforts to reform their education systems did show signs of hope for Georgia, specifically in terms of the quality of its teachers and the level of accountability in the system. However, the state still received terrible marks for the achievements of K-12 students and for school funding.
Minus Clous
May 27th, 2011
2:41 pm
Who cares Jim, really!!!! D#&M
Eli
May 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
Has the news media ran out of things to consider news. I am a heterosexual man, will you make that a news release… With all the high cost of gas, un-employment and crime, why is this news?
Krazy
May 27th, 2011
2:45 pm
I love popcorn and peanuts! Bloop Bloop Bloop!
4xtra
May 27th, 2011
2:46 pm
Gay in Atlanta? Being gay in ATL is the “new” normal.
In Atlanta, If you are a heterosexual you almost look alike an outsider.
I does not matter if he is gay or not….
Just do you job and we are all cool wit that ….
Andre
May 27th, 2011
2:53 pm
What was in the email alleging him of? This pretty sad he was forced to come out the closet by others acting like school yard bullies.
Reality
May 27th, 2011
2:53 pm
It is important because there are those that still discriminate against gay people. Heck, even the word “gay” has found its way into common speak to mean “bad.” For example, “that’s so gay.”
It is important for folks to see that there really are gay people in all walks of life.
It is important for young gay people to have role models and to realize that they can be successful.
It is important because maybe, just maybe, you will think twice about saying or even thinking something negative about a person JUST because they are gay.
This is all ESPECIALLY true in Georgia, where bigots live “out and proud.”
Ad Naseum
May 27th, 2011
3:15 pm
Taylor was not being blackmailed for being a homosexual, more likely he was going to be exposed for sex acts in a public place which is a crime. GLBT’s want us to stay out of their bedroom, but yet they keep giving us peep shows into their private lives. No one cares if you are homosexual these days, that’s why the lifesyle is no longer taboo or off limits. It’s no wonder that “equal rights” with gays and lesbians will never happen, when you promote it as a lifestyle rather than genetic defect.
Enough already with promoting the gay life!
You Asked
May 27th, 2011
3:16 pm
Be happy you live in Georgia where the bigots are “out and proud”. That way you can spot them from far away and avoid them more easily.
Seriously – “polite” East Coast elites will get right up next to you and stab you in the back and you will never know where it came from.
TDub
May 27th, 2011
3:17 pm
Good for him. Shouldn’t be news, but in this state it certainly is. I’m sure the homophobes will respond in force in this comment stream.
TDub
May 27th, 2011
3:22 pm
Ad Nauseam, we’ve been promoting the bigoted, ignorant redneck life for so long – we really should branch out. And he’s not “promoting the gay life” – he’s simply stating who he is. Don’t be absurd.
Truth Seeker
May 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
Excuse me, but isn’t there someone else in the video who might want to make the same announcement?
Susie Q
May 27th, 2011
3:23 pm
You know what I like best about this? Everyone is treating his being gay as the non-issue it is. Welcome to the 21st century. Hooray! We finally made it!
Left Man Walking
May 27th, 2011
3:24 pm
“This is all ESPECIALLY true in Georgia, where bigots live “out and proud.””
Atleast in GA you know where you stand, most other areas of the country are laughing behind your back as they pretend to be your friend. The liberal elite of America just wants your vote … along with the illegal, immigrant, black, welfare, Senior, etal votes as well.
Al
May 27th, 2011
3:26 pm
WHO GIVES AN EFF? Keep this ish to yourself gay people…straight people…bi people! Nobody cares if you booty bang or not. We don’t want to know. Damn!
What closet?
May 27th, 2011
3:27 pm
EXCUSE me for asking this…but WHAT closet did he come out of? It’s obvious he is gay….I don’t get it! As long as he does his job without stepping on my rights…I’m good
rid28748
May 27th, 2011
3:27 pm
Great, another fudge pounder. If God does not punish this country he owes Sodom and Gomorrah one heck of an apology
Food for thought
May 27th, 2011
3:28 pm
“And he’s not “promoting the gay life” – he’s simply stating who he is.”
He’s saying he prefers hot dogs over cherry pie.
Values
May 27th, 2011
3:29 pm
You all are heathen who are reacting as if this is okay. It is not okay. We need to clean up the moral values and return to a time when people act natural, the way they were made to. All men and women need to refocus their lives and their faith, or else next time, when judgement day really does occur, they will pay the ultimate price.
Eye Roll
May 27th, 2011
3:34 pm
Why don’t we just give the Gay & Lesbian community a “paid for” section in the local newspapers like we do those couples that are getting engaged or married or much like a Birth announcement. Let them have a more discreet way of announcing who they like to have sex with and maybe they’ll STFU with the PSA’s.
What closet?
May 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
well’swell: I agree with all of your posts 1,0000%
well'swell
May 27th, 2011
3:35 pm
@Meh.
You sound REALLY stupid trying to suggest to you have the slightest clue about what I “teach my kids”. From your post you are obviously in the midst of a byytch fit. I have stated no differently than many on this blog. You are only upset because what I said is TRUTH. Most people don’t care about who you desire to rabbit dance with behind closed doors in your personal lives. We do have a problem with your incessantly making a PUBLIC issue about it, ALL WHILE hypocritically attacking others for “being in your bedroom”. If I prefer to have sex with multiple women all at the same time though I am married, I am sure my PUBLIC PROMOTION of such a thing would infuriate the general public and understandably so. So, if I want people to “stay outta my bedroom”, it probably would not be in my best interest to hold a press conference about it….even sponsor yearly parades to flaunt it…or spend time on blogs trying to get people to accept that particular LIFESTYLE, because that IS what it is.
TDub
May 27th, 2011
3:39 pm
Values, you’re wrong. And even if you were right, I’d rather spend eternity with people who believed in living their lives without judging others and being true to themselves than spend eternity with people like you.
MD
May 27th, 2011
3:41 pm
Who cares if you are gay, as long as you are really homosexual and not going through some sort of life change or experiment. There in lies the problem with today’s “Me” society, if it doesn’t feel good you can change who you are. If you are gay, then fine – if not and you are sexually experimenting, seek mental counseling or you are in for one heck of a screwed up adulthood!
ObamaCare will not happen to fix your alternative lifestyle mental cases or diseases.
main style
May 27th, 2011
3:42 pm
does he also like show tunes and the color mauve?
Business Man
May 27th, 2011
3:45 pm
@ Elliot Garcia- They would if your girls name was Bob.
It's all about ME
May 27th, 2011
3:46 pm
being true to themselves = the screwed up ME society that we live in today
Tim James
May 27th, 2011
3:51 pm
I’m betting the voters knew he was a raging Queen when they cast they’re vote for him. So what?
Tim James
May 27th, 2011
3:51 pm
OMG, OMG, OMG, I have the same outfit!!!
Majority Minority
May 27th, 2011
4:02 pm
Since gay seem to be coming out of the closet in record numbers, heterosexuals will soon be the minority (or so it appears by the numbers). I say it’s high time we have Straight Pride Week in the ATL. It may be somewhat boring, but as the soon sexual minority we deserve our week to show the metro area who we are! We’re great, we’re straight … get used to it!
NDIrish65
May 27th, 2011
4:04 pm
Sam, Jewfish, and Flying Tigers: Just keep on spouting your hate and ignorance as long as you can. We need to be able to identify you easily so that everyone knoww you are not to be taken seriously.
Now get together and do what you do behind closed doors. (Those who protest the loudest are often the “closet dweller” themselves. Does the Name Larry Craig come to mind?)
I'Joni
May 27th, 2011
4:10 pm
Hetrosexual people in the public eye don’t feel the need to do a press conference to tell their constituents they are straight. So why do these homosexual public figures feel the need to do a press conference, interview, tell-all book, etc. to inform the whole world their gay?! This was information he could have kept to himself, because I doubt anyone really cares. At the end of the day, I want a politician capable of handling the job. I don’t need to know about or care to hear about your sexual orientation.
Clinton "Skink" Tyree
May 27th, 2011
4:11 pm
I have no interest in R. Taylor’s sexual orientation. However, I’d like to have a little meeting with this J. Callahan fella. He may need to learn how to mind his own business.
MIWolverine69
May 27th, 2011
4:13 pm
“Those who protest the loudest are often the “closet dweller” themselves”
More proof that being gay is more of a lifestyle choice than ever.
Name than Tune
May 27th, 2011
4:16 pm
“Does the Name Larry Craig come to mind?”
2 first names like Billy Joe and Bobby Sue, two young lovers with nothing better to do!
NDIrish65
May 27th, 2011
4:21 pm
MIWolverine69, that’s what is called a non-sequiter, but I doubt if you can see it.
There is ample proof that homosexuality is genetically induced. Being in the closet is not a change in that behavior, it is just hiding it, which is unhealthy, but often done conciously.
Being in the “closet” and persecuting those who are out is aggressive hypocrisy.
Being so prejudiced that you deny the scientific facts is prideful ignorance.
sloboffthestreet
May 27th, 2011
4:23 pm
,,,,,,,,and that’s why the color yellow makes me sad,,,,,
tar and feathers party
May 27th, 2011
4:24 pm
Thanks, now I know who NOT to vote for, can you label them all for me?
old biker
May 27th, 2011
4:38 pm
@NDIrish…and in the animal kingdom, weak, sick and otherwise faulty specimens are ushered out of the pack and left to die…and we call ourseleves the superior species. get a grip-we’re sick of gays expecting something more from us all because they like to slurp sausage….gay is sick. period. now back to your regularly scheduled ajc crapola.
NDIrish65
May 27th, 2011
4:41 pm
Old Biker, obviously the gay lifestyle has survived all the attempts to stop it by those whose own sexuality is threatened by it.
Join the human race and think before persecuting.
Kiki LaBlink
May 27th, 2011
4:47 pm
Who cares…….who’s gonna sleep with Big Willy……YUCK……
Doris M
May 27th, 2011
4:51 pm
Why do we need to know if someone is gay or not? What he’s doing for his voting community is the main thing along with ethics. He didn’t misappropriate or misuse any money, did he?
Samson
May 27th, 2011
4:51 pm
Hey listen, I read these article about people coming out the closet, the den… whatever.. who cares about who you are doing. I am straight and you dont see me getting a bunch of my buddies for ‘Straight Pride Day’ at Piedmont Park.
Imma tell you why they come the whateva.. they are fighting demons… they are caught up in a world of ‘what should I do’ and all along they know what to do. But they choose other wise. They are confuse.
Again if thats what you want to do ‘Just do it’, Dont ask for society’s approval.
And you know whats so funny, imma have all these replies saying I dont know what what I am talking about. Shoot… just may have this comment flagged.
This I do know.
If I get up tomorrow and want to be gay, I can.
If I get up tomorrow and wanna do whateva I wanna do I can…
Best believe I gotta deal with whateva society do to me…
Rocky
May 27th, 2011
5:05 pm
Is this false representation. What if his voters would not of wanted to vote for a gay man….people have to start coming out before they want votes….
NDIrish65
May 27th, 2011
5:12 pm
Id vote for a gay man of principles, but not a straight one that lies to his wife about his girlfriend/s. If you lie to your wife, you’ll lie to anyone.
James
May 27th, 2011
5:14 pm
Non issue..
chamblee54
May 27th, 2011
5:16 pm
“”He’s saying he prefers hot dogs over cherry pie.” The man is not a picky eater.
Is it a coincidence that this story “comes out” on the same holiday weekend as the Eddie Long payoff?
chamblee54
MRS. JACKSON
May 27th, 2011
5:27 pm
WHO CARES???? YOU NOT THE FIST, AND WONT BE THE LAST.. NEXT!!!!!!!!!
ST
May 27th, 2011
5:28 pm
wow- im really surprised so many hets (dont get why this is a big dela- for HIM, if not anybody that not sleeping with him…)- granted- i really frankly would often rather not know what those, ugly, soft, unattarctive suits are doing in their respective bedroom- but to equate being gay and coming out as the same as being straight…… REALLY, people…?? do u NOT see the stories of brothers and sisters getting beaten, hounded, harassed, beaten and KILLED for even the slightest infraction against the ‘no homo’ rule of conduct…???!!! Do u really not believe that- despite how boring YOU may find it- he still probably faces WAAAAAY more fallout than your silly declaration of “Im heterosexual…” REALLY…???!!! u cant be serious… trust me- PERSONALLY- i fell it’s no big deal- but seriously people- us who feel that way are NOT- i repeat- are NOT the majority…… ESPECIALLY in the south… c’mon, peeps… be for REAL…
Mike Hunt
May 27th, 2011
5:34 pm
WHY is this even worthy of a news article?
Kev
May 27th, 2011
5:37 pm
“I say it’s high time we have Straight Pride Week in the ATL.”
EVERY week is Straight Pride Week.
“I don’t need to know about or care to hear about your sexual orientation.”
So the next time a straight politician shows off their wife/girlfriend I’ll have the right to bitch about them flaunting their heterosexual “lifestyle”.
Tim Cairl
May 27th, 2011
5:50 pm
very proud of Rep. Taylor!
Under the circumstances this was not an easy thing to do, and he did so under great pressure and with great grace and calm.
MRS. JACKSON
May 27th, 2011
5:54 pm
IM WITH YOU KEV
MRS. JACKSON
May 27th, 2011
5:57 pm
@ ST, WHAT IS THE NEED FOR HIM COMING OUT TO THE PUBLIC? IF ITS FLOATING AROUND THE OFFICE THEN HANDLE IT THERE……
RGB
May 27th, 2011
6:10 pm
“As a black man, it can be a struggle…..”
Keep holding onto that crutch, man. It’s a moneymaker.
Last Man Standing
May 27th, 2011
6:17 pm
I just know there must be a “gay pride parade” in the offing after this stunning announcement.
WHO CARES? Not Me...
May 27th, 2011
6:18 pm
Seriously????
WHO CARES????
Why are we giving this man’s personal business SOOOO much attention?? There are more important things to focus on, right now!
I am SOOO sick of the media giving people’s personal lives SOOO much attention. It’s not like this man cheated on a spouse, stole blue jeans in the middle of the night or is responsible for moving the Threashers from Atlanta…
Good grief, Charlie Brown – let this man do his job as a public official and stay out of his BEDROOM!
Last Man Standing
May 27th, 2011
6:19 pm
RGB:
Now, that’s funny
Tired of the Narrow Minded Bigots
May 27th, 2011
6:32 pm
Really wish you guys would keep your hate filled religion in the closet. I would much rather live/work/interact with just about anyone else beside you your self righteous hate.
M.
May 27th, 2011
6:52 pm
Kudos to you Mr. Taylor. I wish you the best.
Sarah P.
May 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
I’m really thinking about buying some steaks to BBQ this weekend — so should I also hold a press conference, too?
Really -people! It’s a very sad day when we must hold press conferences to talk about what happens in our bedrooms between two consenting adults!
Shame on the person who tried to blackmail this man!
Tired of Narrow Minded Bigots II
May 27th, 2011
6:59 pm
“Really wish you guys would keep your hate filled religion in the closet. I would much rather live/work/interact with just about anyone else beside you your self righteous hate.”
I am tired of narrow minded bigots that spew hate and ignornace towards religion!
Tolerance IS a two way street!
Andrea
May 27th, 2011
7:03 pm
*
LOL @ Sarah P……you are too funny.
Allan
May 27th, 2011
7:04 pm
Being gay shouldn’t be shameful, but we have a lot going on in this world (unemployment, financial crisis, high gas prices, too long to list) and coming out is the BIG news. Where are our priorities? Brother, I’m happy for you and I know this is a huge weight (no pun) off your shoulders. Now you and your partner go and enjoy life, each other, and don’t allow others to make your life miserable. Congratulations. Now let’s get back to the real news.
ATL Pride
May 27th, 2011
7:04 pm
“Shame on the person who tried to blackmail this man!”
If he was being blackmailed, the LAW is on his side as long as he has proof. Seriously have doubts any blackmail was involved. He most likely was caught with his pants down and wanted to come out before it was made public. All PR is good when you are a politician – especially a gay one!
John John
May 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
It’s not just the rednecks, the black community has been very, very unkind to the gay lifestyle. Bunch of hypocrite “Civil Rights” bigots.
rod
May 27th, 2011
7:06 pm
First of all, who cares what happens in the bedroom God Bless Him. It does not matter to me.
Second, who couldnt tell?
MRS. JACKSON
May 27th, 2011
7:10 pm
@ WHO CARES NOT ME….. “AND LET THE CHURCH SAY…..”
Crazy
May 27th, 2011
7:45 pm
That an email was circular about his gay life style, that he use his office to solicite for sex. he acknowledge his gay style and denied sex soliciting means he is a liar, he accepted being gay and was secretly using his little dirty secret to bey for gay sex to me is true. what i am saying is that he use he knew he was(is) gay, folks supected him him of being gay, why now accepting being gay and denying soliciting for gay sex at work. hypocrite. sent him away from that work site. he is jumping the gun, that it will be use as a political game. why not? let suck my ass and digg.
Atlanta lawmaker steps out of the closet | Conservative GA
May 27th, 2011
7:48 pm
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Big stommy
May 27th, 2011
7:49 pm
why can’nt he work on his protruding big fat stomuch first
Bardes, Shelley, and Schmiitd
May 27th, 2011
7:49 pm
Crucified him
midtownguy
May 27th, 2011
7:59 pm
The email came from his current boyfriends ex. Looks like “hell hath no fury like a wo-man scorned” is still true. It was refreshing to see a gay man so confident and strong.
This on the same weekend Eddie Long agreed to pay out millions to the teens he used for sex and descend even deeper into the christian closet.
Brother
May 27th, 2011
8:01 pm
If I see him in my church, I will walk out
Brother
May 27th, 2011
8:01 pm
He must be democrate
Obama
May 27th, 2011
8:02 pm
The majority of Afro-American men are gay. However, the majority of African men are not. The reason. The weak gay guys were the easiest slaves to capture. The straight up dudes put up more of a fight and remained in Africa.
God Help Us
May 27th, 2011
8:21 pm
Why are we pushing this lifestyle on others….if homosexuality is ok what do you tell your daughters…what is happening to our black men?…Where the fathers there?….were they sexually abused….what is going on with our men this time!!!????….Its always something….get it together black men…Look into the eyes of your sisters and daughters before you THINK its ok…it is not that is why you hide…God loves you but your LIFESTYLE is an abomination in his eyes….Roman 1
kbpneetroppypfv
May 27th, 2011
8:23 pm
You made a number of fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found mainly persons will have the same opinion with your blog.
Danny X
May 27th, 2011
8:24 pm
Not an issue. We Sodomites have to stick together, especially in the morning after a long night of pillow-biting action.
Cornholio
May 27th, 2011
8:29 pm
For the life of me, I can’t understand how any man would want to stick his thang in the nasty stinkhole of another man. The bristly backhair alone would cause me to lose it.
MrLiberty
May 27th, 2011
9:08 pm
The citizens of GA have been taking it up the a** from the state legislature for decades. This revelation should come as no surprise to anyone.
David
May 27th, 2011
9:09 pm
To comment on an earlier post: The reason why the article characterized the admission as an admission is because the gentleman is do something wrong. While being gay is not a crime it is however morally wrong and being like that should not be an option.
Straight Pride
May 27th, 2011
9:11 pm
Why do gay people have to make such a big deal that they’re gay? So what! Some folks wear it like some badge of honor and courage because other stupid people persecute them. But gee, lets make everybody suffer their soapbox and suffer thier insufferable gayness to the maximum until it annoys the crap out of us to the point that when something really happens to someone in the gay community we just about ignore it!
C’mon straight people! Maybe we should start advertising our straightness and start annoying the crap out of the gay people! Maybe then they’ll shut up about it!
Coming out is a big experience for a lot of gay folks. They wanna make sure everybody knows it so they can their special allocation of gay attention.
ATLPeach
May 27th, 2011
9:50 pm
First, watching him speak, I really wonder who didn’t know he was gay? It’s pretty obvious. It’s kinda like him announcing he’s black? Uh, duh! Secondly, who cares? Oh, and it’s not just the black community that doesn’t want to accept homosexuality, it’s all ethnic groups. If that wasn’t the case then we wouldn’t see teens of all races committing suicide due to their confusion over being homosexual.
I don’t get the need to tell the world your sexual preference, but if it makes him feel better, oh well.
hind tit
May 27th, 2011
10:00 pm
Yeah he’s a lucky man!
j callahan
May 27th, 2011
10:12 pm
who would want to do THIS guy? damn.
FanOfObamasComment
May 27th, 2011
11:02 pm
@Obama, that’s right on my man. I’m starting to like you.
Charlie Brown minus The Cabaret
May 27th, 2011
11:11 pm
Oh No girl, he remind me of some tired old queen that we would find hanging around the upstairs bathroom of Backstreet Atlanta. Don’t nobody want none to do with this tired ole Queen. Any man that want’s to take on the responsibility of his gots to be out they head. Just consider what Queenie gonna do to yo’ health insurance premiums, he’s might be dealing with some kind of diabetes or colitis or some kind of mess that heavy set black men be dealing with. And all this be off the record, I don’t know nothing it’s all hear say that the sistas be talking bout at church in Austell.
Clinton - I lied too so what?
May 27th, 2011
11:15 pm
Perverts, perverts everywhere. Just like roaches they are everywhere in Atlanta. Can’t understand a preacher wearing golden or red shoes. any man that lets another man penetrate his rear end or mouth with his penis is one sick puppy. At least Monica was a female. that should count for something. What’s that you say hillary? ouch ouch
@ straight pride
May 27th, 2011
11:19 pm
If I took a long hard one up my chute or gobbled a mouthfull of goo, I’d be proud or at least want credit for it. I mean- come on. It can’t be easy. They definitely see it as a badge of honor.
Ewwwww.
Proud Black Man
May 27th, 2011
11:21 pm
As a black man, if often ponder the quextion do it be better to be born black or be born gay. After many thoughts about this, I say it better to be born black because at least if don’t have to tell my parents.
Cornholio @proud Black Man
May 27th, 2011
11:29 pm
Nothing wrong with being black, my friend.
Michelle Obama
May 27th, 2011
11:31 pm
Hey- I take long hard ones up my backside and swallow goo all the time (and I do mean all the time), but I don’t see it as something to be proud of. It’s something that I do to keep Joe Biden happy.
Ralph
May 27th, 2011
11:33 pm
He is to be pitied.
Harold
May 27th, 2011
11:57 pm
This guy looks like he could pack a lot of fudge….
Proud Black Man
May 28th, 2011
12:03 am
@cornholio – Yes, there is a lot wrong with it. I fought in Vietnam. Do you know how many of my fellow black servicemen died because the got up and danced when the Sargent said: “Get down!” So don’t give me that bigoted white person crap that it’s easy in the country to be black, because it’s not, it’s difficult.
Also, we get the bad end of the deal with every sport. Hockey your slappin a black puck around. Pool you have a white ball trying to knock you in a hole. The only thing we have is bowling, where you have a black ball trying to knock down a bunch of rednecks.
Proud Black Man
May 28th, 2011
12:10 am
@Harold – LOL – If there was a prize for one liners you’d win 1st place. Good one!
Eddie Long
May 28th, 2011
12:27 am
He should be fired if he is using his position to obtain sexual favors.What was he thinking!
Clint
May 28th, 2011
12:29 am
Another gay guy that was raised without a strong father figure in his life.They’re gonna get that acceptance from a man somewhere………..
BP
May 28th, 2011
12:45 am
Hey Rick @ 1:49
You so bad in bed he probably WILL wish he were strait.
Concerned
May 28th, 2011
1:44 am
“I’m proud of the man my mother has raised, and I make no apologies for who I am.”
Mr. Taylor, I hope and trust that your mother did NOT intend to raise a man who would become a homosexual. Sir, understand these few things: God did NOT create to engage in this lifestyle, He is NOT pleased with your ‘learned” and abominable behavior, because He loves you so much you can be DELIVERED you from this lifestyle so that you become the TRUE man for which you were created and subsequently make your mother proud. It’s sad to know that you will miss Heaven because you failed to repent because refuse to feel any guilt or shame for your actions. I’ll pray for you.
Making this announcement may have been a misuse of taxpayers’ resources, however, it provided an opportunity to witness for the Lord.
Level Head
May 28th, 2011
2:12 am
Yes, this IS news. We need more LGBT individuals in elected office. As the closet doors get flung open then we might see some actual change and LGBT people might actually start to get some of the same rights enjoyed by the rest of the population. I’m sorry to hear that Rep. Taylor was forced out, as coming out should be a personal decision. But I’m glad that he is going about it in a positive way and I hope his constituents embrace him.
Level Head
May 28th, 2011
2:15 am
Oh, Clint. I’m a gay guy with a very good relationship with my dad and had wonderful grandfathers and other men in my life as well. Your armchair psychology might have played well 30 years ago, but it just doesn’t hold water.
shaking my head
May 28th, 2011
4:53 am
More and more you see black woman thinking that they can raise their sons with the Father being around. What we see here is a direct result of the absence of a strong black man in the household. This sort of behavior is becoming more acceptable in our society, but lets get this straight….said behavior (being gay) is WRONG. I’m sure his pastor told him that.
kwy
May 28th, 2011
4:58 am
Actually, what is telling here is that one gay used another gay man’s sexuality to try to harm him. If what Mr. Taylor says is true, then Mr. Callahan is a person of questionable character and any other gay man that might consider getting involved with HIM should probably rethink that situation. No one, politician or otherwise, should be forced to “come out” if they don’t want to or don’t feel comfortable doing so for whatever reason. That is a personal choice. Why the American public thinks that what goes on in a public person’s bedroom is essential for them to know is totally beyond me. Heck, if you can reduce taxes, help make me, my family and my friends safe from crime and terrorism and help provide me with good reliable services that I think that I deserve as a taxpaying citizen then I don’t care if you do it dressed as Little Bo Peep on a stage in the Georgia Dome in front of thousands of spectators with the consenting person or persons of your choice dressed as a flock of sheep!
Clint
May 28th, 2011
6:51 am
He can’t help being black but he doesn’t have to be gay…………….
Honest Ingine
May 28th, 2011
7:01 am
So now the legislatures who sent those emails are going to be fined for making “Gay Slur’s”?
Real men please stand up
May 28th, 2011
8:37 am
Being Black isn’t a sin or a choice. The whole “gay” thing it’s NOT the same thing as Blacks fighting for civil rights.
I agree with Clint, and shaking my head and others. Rashad Taylor, Don Lemon this week; who’s next? (I offered some names but JC didn’t post my comment.)
BuckheadBill
May 28th, 2011
10:06 am
I am so happy to hear that he is happy!
Hide-n-seek
May 28th, 2011
11:30 am
Okay, everyone that is heterosexual can make their announcement now. Are you kidding me? This is news?
Recognize: this is perversion
May 28th, 2011
11:53 am
Our society is so perverse these days. There is NO way the Creator made so many folks to be same-sex oriented. It defies nature, so it is NOT natural, people. Get some help! I feel sorry for today’s youth;they are so screwed up and options for suitable marriage partners dwindle further every day. Young women need to stop making babies without fathers in the home. The public distractions with internet, drugs, experimentation are too much for these brains in the past 20 years. Sad times.
joop
May 28th, 2011
12:10 pm
Jim Galloway admits he’s a dummy.
Furious Styles
May 28th, 2011
12:10 pm
Black, Democrat and Gay in Georgia. Oh my, my , my……The postings on this article need popcorn to go with them.
Let's Tell the Truth
May 28th, 2011
12:42 pm
All this means is that Mr. Taylor has certain feelings and behavior. The culture says that if you feel something: (1) it is good, and (2) you were born that way. This is absurd. Shoplifters, golfers, etc., were not born to do what they do. “Divine Command” ethics is the only stable, enduring basis for morality. Everything else reduces to subjectivity. As a Christian, my message to Mr. Taylor is that the path you are on is destructive and makes you much less than you can be. (Even apart from Divine Command ethics, you were not made to do what you’re doing. Under Darwinianism, you certainly were not “made” to do this.) I pray that you will escape this lifestyle. I think you can through faith in Christ.
Skinny Dip
May 28th, 2011
1:19 pm
I heart Skink…
Bumblin' Derper
May 28th, 2011
1:20 pm
It’s not news to me b/c I hate everyone. But if I were part of a group who had to fight for acceptance every day, it would be news to me. I guess that makes me a d’bag. Fortunately this town is full of ‘em.
Bumblin' Derper
May 28th, 2011
1:21 pm
Oh, yeah, and . . . Jesus freaks have to be the dumbest people on Earth.
Ron Hyatt
May 28th, 2011
1:30 pm
knew he was fat black and a demorat without having to see a vid.
Obama
May 28th, 2011
1:42 pm
I’m going to work on this problem just as soon as I possibly can. At this time, however, I am focused like a laser beam on unemployment.
Alabama Communist
May 28th, 2011
2:59 pm
More Breaking News On Gay Law Rep…………. Members of the Republican Tea Party in the state Legislature said they knew something was wrong when Gay Rep went into Women’s restroom at the Capital 14 times in one day…
Gern Blanston
May 28th, 2011
3:02 pm
I am a flaming heterosexual, but I’m glad that gay prejudice is starting to fade away. In another generation, it will be virtually gone.
meatcleaver
May 28th, 2011
4:23 pm
Like everyone is saying so far on this blog no one care and to add to that you can’t expected people to accept or tolerate you as and individual. Realized this not everyone is going to accept you because are a man, woman, child, black, white, asian, jew, gay lesbian, religous, atheist or however you identify yourself. You be able to deal with the people that don’t accept you the same way you deal with people who do not everyone is going to like you. For example, I don’t care for most politician simple because they never seem to solve any problems and only push them forward. Now you would be considered a triple minority black, gay, and obese.
d
May 28th, 2011
5:09 pm
..as a man of color, i am tired of the poor quality of role models in our community…just another in a long line of spineless shemen that dot the ‘celebrity’, political, corporate landscape…gays are tolerated never respected…we need men of integrity, men secure in their identity, men that have substance..people dont care how much the media will embrace these weak kneed populists..at the end of the day…no respect…the AIDS rate is a direct result of DOWNLOW shemen like Taylor..understand this…GAYS ARE TOLERATED NEVER RESPECTED..this will be clearly demonstrated by his constituents come the next election..
d
May 28th, 2011
5:17 pm
..is he a top or bottom? In 5 yrs hes going to be wearing Depends…who in this world would mess with that greaseball…men will fck anything it seems…comletely disgusted here..I mean vomit level…
scott
May 28th, 2011
7:04 pm
The difference is that nobody needs to come out as male, female, black, white, asian, etc. and fortunately, we have a constitution that prohibits discrimination, public policy (and practice) because of one of these racial, ethnic, gender, age differences. Homosexuality is still acceptable to persecute, discriminate and otherwise treat as a second class citizen. For all of you who have indicated you oppose the “choice” for homosexuality, I would like to ask whether you know anyone who is openly gay. If you don’t, then I would wonder whether you actually know what you’re talking about. You can have an opinion but it may be based on ignorance.
We draw analogies to black discrimination because the arguments are the same. A generation ago, there were many reasons to prohibit blacks (and others) from full inclusion in society. That is what we’re fighting when we ask for equality for GLBTQ citizens. To accept the argument that being gay is a choice, we need to accept that all heterosexuals could also choose to be gay/lesbian AND BE HAPPY. That’s obviously not the case. You’re born one way or another. Because it’s ok to beat up gays, it’s important to have positive role models. From what I’ve seen from Mr. Taylor, he has brought more to his constituents than his predecessor, Mable Thomas. That has nothing to do with his orientation but everything to do with his ability to function as a legislator.
If you follow kinsey, there are some who are extremely gay and those who are extremely straight. For most of humankind, we’re somewhere on the spectrum. That is not a conscious choice. Because it is still acceptable to persecute gays, being forcibly outed is a threat for all closeted individuals. Coming out for some means to put your job, family, lodging, life on the line. The fact that Mr. Taylor came out in response to a threat is unfortunately. Hopefully he’ll find strength through this and will show others that it’s ok to be gay.
missmollie
May 28th, 2011
8:37 pm
Well, well, well!!! Now that’s a deep subject.. Go read Soddom and Gomorrah again.
Where have all of the statesmen gone???….Rhetorical…..
Jezel
May 29th, 2011
7:26 pm
Excellent speech. It takes courage to be who you are. Some people never find that courage and live a miserable life…hating…judging others..and often in the name of God. You may be fooling yourself_ but doubt if you are fooling everyone.
Atlanta Lawmaker Announces That He is Gay |
May 30th, 2011
5:35 pm
[...] more at AJC.com. Watch video of the announcement [...]
Atlanta Lawmaker Announces That He is Gay « MGN: Miami Gay News
May 31st, 2011
3:30 am
[...] more at AJC.com. Watch video of the announcement [...]
Lisa
June 1st, 2011
12:55 am
No news. Sorry some jerk tried to use it against him.