Monthly Archives: May 2006

Officials fail to connect gay basher to anyone in Arkansas

Posted on
By Associated Press

Prosecutors suspect man responsible for hatchet attack in Massachusetts gay bar was just passing through state

MOUNTAIN HOME, Ark. The prosecutor investigating the slaying of a police officer by a man wanted for a hatchet attack at a Massachusetts gay bar has ended his investigation, but can’t say why Jacob Robida fled to Arkansas.

Robida, 18, shot and killed Gassville officer Jim Sell, 63, on Feb. 4 after Sell stopped Robida because his license tag didn’t match his car. Sell didn’t know Robida was suspected in a gun and hatchet attack two days before in New Bedford, Mass., in which three men were injured, according to the report by prosecutor Ron Kincaide, released Thursday.

Kincaide said Robida and a woman traveling with him, Jennifer Rena Bailey, 33, of Charleston, W.Va., sped away after the shooting but returned so Robida could retrieve his license.

“‘”‘He (Robida) pulled his driver’s license from Sell’s dead hand to prevent us from knowing who he was,” Kincade said.

When police caught up to Robida after a chase, he fatally shot the woman and then himself as police opened fire on the car, officials said. Kincade said he hasn’t received a ballistics report confirming Robida killed himself, but is “‘”’80 to 90 percent certain” Robida died from the self-inflicted wound.

Robida was likely passing through Arkansas as he fled from the crime, the prosecutor said.

“‘”‘There is no evidence that Robida had any contact with anyone in Arkansas,” Kincade said, adding that Robida was probably avoiding the interstate highways to keep from drawing attention to himself.

Robida switched license plates with an identical car in Kentucky, but the color of the car is listed in the vehicle registration.

“‘”‘The cars were different colors,” Kincade said. “‘”‘That’s how we knew it wasn’t the right plate.”

After Sell’s shooting in Gassville, police ran down Robida’s car about 20 miles away. Robida lost control and crashed in downtown Norfork.

Officers saw Robida and Bailey hug inside the car. Robida then shot Bailey in the head with a 9 mm pistol. Robida then shot himself, according to documents in the case.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Louisiana Senate kills bill protecting gay employees

Posted on
By Staff and Wire Reports

Discrimination now prohibited
by governor’s executive order



Gov. Kathleen Blanco

Members of the Louisiana Senate have killed legislation that would have made it illegal to discriminate against GLBT workers in state employment, according to a report posted Wednesday on the GLBT news website 365Gay.com.

The proposed legislation would have entrenched in law an executive order signed by Gov. Kathleen Blanco in 2004.

The executive order prohibits employment discrimination against gay and lesbian state government employees, bars harassment and requires any business contracting with the state to have a non-discrimination policy covering their lesbian and gay workers.

It is almost identical to the one signed by Gov. Edwin Edwards at the beginning of his last term. But since it is an executive order and not state law, it be rescinded by any future governor who takes office in the state.

Bills to mandate the provisions of the order were introduced in the House and Senate this session to prevent it from being dropped in the future.

The Senate defeated its version of the legislation on a 10-24 vote on Tuesday night.

The measure was defeated in the House earlier this month.

Supporters say they’ll continue to fight for passage of the measure.

But they admit the legislation still needs to receive considerably more support before it has a chance of passage.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Regeneration “‘X’

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Action-packed “‘Last Stand’ won’t disappoint, but queer/mutant metaphor sends wrong message



join the brotherhood AND FIGHT: Magneto (McKellen, right) and his Evil Mutants wage battle over a mutations

Returning to the brevity of the first film in the series (“X2″ was half an hour longer), “X-Men: The Last Stand” also has the complexity and nonstop action of the second, making it great entertainment.

You needn’t be X-obsessive to follow the plot, but a passing acquaintance with The Story So Far will be helpful. “The Last Stand” opens with two flashbacks: one involving an old character, Jean Gray; and the other introducing a new one, Warren Worthington III then an adolescent trying to hide the wings growing out of his back from his father (Michael Murphy), a pharmaceutical mogul.

Then we plunge into “the not too distant future,” where things are pretty good for the fresh-faced students and faculty at Professor Charles Xavier’s (Patrick Stewart) School for Gifted Children (i.e., mutants). Xavier’s former friend turned enemy, Magneto (Ian McKellen), is in exile, assembling a ragtag band of mutant followers, and an ostensibly mutant-friendly President (Josef Sommer) has appointed a mutant, Dr. Hank McCoy/Beast (Kelsey Grammer in blue fur), as Secretary of Mutant Affairs.

Speaking of mutant affairs, Scott/Cyclops (James Marsden) is distraught over the death of Jean Grey/Phoenix (Famke Janssen), which will prove to be temporary. And Bobby Drake/Iceman (Shawn Ashmore), frustrated because it’s not safe to touch Marie/Rogue (Anna Paquin), is drifting toward Kitty Pryde/Shadowcat (Ellen Page).

The real plot begins when Worthington Sr.’s drug company produces a “cure” that can turn mutants into ordinary human beings. Although it’s supposed to be voluntary, the government has developed guns to fire the cure into mutants who refuse to change.

X’s people remain passive and optimistic, although one of them goes in search of the “cure,” and Storm (Halle Berry) questions, “What kind of coward would take it just to fit in?”

Meanwhile Magneto’s forces become ever more militant, protesting the very idea of a cure and generally acting up.

“Will you join my brotherhood and fight,” he asks, “or wait for the inevitable genocide?”

Here is where I have a political problem with “X3.” It could even be the reason gay director Bryan Singer bowed out and Brett Ratner stepped in. The X-Men have always been metaphors for any oppressed minority, and the coming-out scene in “X2″ made it clear that gays and lesbians were being referenced specifically.

“The Last Stand” furthers that line of thinking. To have the mutants opposing the cure be cast as villainous sends the wrong message.

It’s hard to root for the X-ers, who would sit by and be eliminated if Logan/Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) didn’t want to save Jean Gray, her telekinesis out of control, from wreaking havoc on behalf of Magneto. That cure-pushing government forces are wiped out in the ensuing battle is incidental, not part of the X-plan.

If it’s wrong to take away what makes mutants unique kind of like changing one’s skin color, sexual orientation or belief systems to make them conform to society. The characters fighting the cure should be the good guys, not the bad guys. Even if they don’t exactly take the high road.

The amazing cast also includes Shohreh Aghdashloo, R. Lee Ermey, Anthony Heald and Cameron Bright. It’s an embarrassment of riches, some best known for this series but many stars on their own. The screenplay efficiently sets up the plot, letting most characters’ powers speak for themselves and often using only their human names.

McKellen, who provided the only levity in “The Da Vinci Code,” is in Olivier mode here, bringing Shakespearean intensity to a movie that has enough elements of fun. Aside from all the battles and the powers brought to bear therein, the effects highlight comes when Magneto takes the Golden Gate Bridge to Alcatraz literally.

Considering how outrageous some of them are, the effects often seem more organic than those of many other recent films of the genre.

X-MEN: THE LAST STAND B
Director: Brett Ratner
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Halle Berry, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart
Opens May 26 in wide release.
1hr., 44 min. PG-13

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Mama dearest

Posted on
By Gilbert Garcia Pop Music Critic

Club chanteuse Kristine W raises the roof while raising 2 kids



COME TO MAMA: Kristine W belts it out at Station 4,

R&B, soul and pop may still have their own diva in-fights, but on the dance charts, there’s no denying what queer fave Kristine Weitz brings to the game. Performing as Kristine W, the sexy former Miss America contestant has to date banked a record nine consecutive number-one dance hits beating out the seven consecutive chartings from both Janet Jackson and Madonna.

Last year, when Patti LaBelle performed versions of her favorite songs for the “Classic Moments” album, Kristine W’s “Land of the Living” made the cut, with Weitz herself singing on the track. As the Las Vegas-based chanteuse readied for her upcoming Dallas gig on Friday at Station 4, she discussed her roles as a military booster and unlikely mommy figure.

How did a Washington beauty queen end up being a gay icon? The gay community chose me. I went from being a big star in the pageant world to a successful Las Vegas performer. Then I went to Europe to pursue my original music and came back to discover I was a gay icon. I never planned on it happening, but it’s been a great marriage.

You’ve described your life as that of a soccer mom by day, dance diva by night. How do you balance showbiz and raising two kids? I’m blessed to be surrounded by some very supportive people. You can’t raise balanced objective children without a lot of positive people around them. The showbiz part of my life was always second nature to me. And now I share that energy with my children.

Do you bring your kids to your shows? I do depending on the event. And when I feel it’s appropriate.

Any good stories as a soccer mom on the road? I was playing a New Year’s Eve circuit party. From the DJ booth, my daughter Elizabeth said to me, “I’m glad that I’m not down there, because everyone is sweating too much!”
Another time, at Kansas City Pride, I asked my son what he thought of my show. He said, “Mommy, you were great, and everyone was screaming your name. But did you know the lady next to me had a beard?”
He was 4 at the time.

You’ve been a big supporter of the U.S. military. And Memorial Day is just around the corner. If you could play a show for our men and women in uniform, what message would you convey to our closeted gay and lesbian troops? I think that the gay and lesbian troops should know that we are behind them and that they are always in our thoughts. They are our light to freedom and from prejudices of all kind. As for songs, I performed at the American Veterans Awards television special, and I was amazed at how “I’ll Be Your Light” [from Weitz' self-titled 2003 album] resonated with everyone there.

What’s next? I have a new single coming out that was produced by DJ-remixer Tony Moran. It should be a great summer hit. I also just returned from Los Angeles, where I was in the studio completing my new jazz album. And of course, you can expect me to be appearing across the country this summer spending time with the fans that gave me all my hits.

Station 4, 3911 Cedar Springs Road. May 26 at 12:30 a.m. $10 advance, $15 at door. 214-559-0650.

2 FOR THE SHOW


Over the past decade, queer Australian folkies Bluehouse have earned a reputation for impeccable musicianship, stunning harmonies and captivating performances. A group whose rise to prominence depended largely on a grassroots fanbase, they have had the double delight of enjoying a sizeable following without the influence of big labels.

With the recent departure of one of guitarist Sam Harley, the former trio now performs as a duet: Jacqui Walter on bass, and Bernadette Carroll on six-string acoustic. Don’t expect Bluehouse’s performance to be any less impressive because of the recent downsizing. A delight onstage, these folk-pop princesses promise to bring their Down Under charms that should sound quite nice at their Dallas gig on Thursday. Maybe their even whip out their smoldering guitar rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
G. G.

Poor David’s Pub, 1313 S. Lamar. June 1 at 8 p.m. $10. 214-565-1295.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Judge of character

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Leather homeboy Mike Fry breezes into the Windy City to select IML winner



CLOTHES MAKE THE MAN: When it comes to fetish style, Fry says leatherwear should be like a second skin.

This weekend, the hottest leathermen from around the globe make their way to Chicago to attend and compete in the International Mr. Leather contest. Celebrating its 27th anniversary, IML is the grand poobah of leather events. But this year, Texas doesn’t have a contestant.

According to IML organizers Scott Davis (Mr. Texas Leather 2006 and Mr. Dallas Eagle 2006) recently backed out of the contest due to medical reasons.

But the Lone Star State will be prominently represented: Dallas’ Mike Fry and Mark Frazier will sit on the judge’s dais, and Matt Denney will serve as a tally master. Earlier this week, Dallas Voice e-mailed Fry to determine what’s important in selecting the year’s ultimate leather daddy.

Leather nickname: “stallion”

Occupation: Network engineering implementations manager. In other words, a computer geek.

Grew up: I lived in many different towns all over Arkansas. Fortunately, never in Pickles Gap, Ark.

Moved to Big D: In 1985.
Intro to leather scene: It all happened about five years ago with a hot cowboy from Fort Worth. He had a closet full of boots and lots of toys. And he allowed me the freedom to explore our passions together.

Leather credentials: I am International Leatherboy 2005. And I was South Central Leatherboy 2005, representing Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas.
Attendance record: This year will be my second time at IML.
Since IML is an annual event, how do you think the criteria for selecting for a leather spokesperson changed since last year?

The criterion doesn’t really change. However, each of the previous year’s Mr. International Leather puts his own passion into the title and sets a high standard that we look for in the next winner. This is especially true of the 2005 IML, Michael Egdes, who’s from South Africa and has a military background. His passion for life, and how he addresses and simplifies complicated ideas have encouraged the next generation to a better understanding of their own path. A path in which we all must travel together to stand strong.

What defines a leather person? Character. It’s not about how much pain you can take, or how kinky you are. It’s about how leatherwear makes you feel. You should be as comfortable in your own skin was well as your leather skin believing in who you are, both the good and the bad. Learning to accept oneself and others with integrity and honesty.

Biggest misperception about leather scene: That it is all about sex and pain. For some, that’s true. But for most, it’s not. Everyone has a different threshold of pain and idea of what pain is. Our play is not about the pain it’s about the process of letting go and self-discovery. It’s about giving and receiving of power and control.

What’s so great about the Dallas’ scene? The men and women who make Dallas’ leather scene are known throughout the world because of their commitment to helping each other and teaching skills. It’s their consistency and compassion for others.

If you could magically change one of the leather community’s biggest problems, what would it be and how would you do it? I’d eradicate the use of crystal meth and other addicting drugs that are dangerous and impair judgment. We can help by supporting outreach, education and treatment. And also, by setting an example and instilling pride in others to improve their self-image.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Gay male teen in dress turned away from high school prom

Posted on
By Associated Press

Logan, who attended school in women’s clothing all school year,
considering filing discrimination lawsuit against the school



Kevin Logan was not allowed to attend his school prom after he arrived wearing a fuschia gown. He was refunded the $85 he paid for the prom ticket, but said he is still not satisfied.

GARY, Ind. A male high school student who has worn women’s clothes to school all year was turned away from his prom because he was wearing a dress.

Kevin Logan, 18, arrived May 19 at Avalon Manor in Hobart for the West Side High School prom wearing a slinky fuchsia prom dress and heels but was not allowed inside. He believes officials discriminated against him.

“I have no formal pictures, no memories, nothing. You only have one prom,” he said.

Logan, who is gay, is considering filing a complaint with the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana and possible litigation.

Sylvester Rowan, assistant to Gary Schools Superintendent Mary Steele, said the decision to exclude Logan was based on “the dress code, not the student’s homosexuality. That’s his personal preference.”

Rowan said it is school policy that males can’t wear dresses.

Ken Falk, the ACLU of Indiana legal director, said Logan’s First Amendment rights were violated. In 1999, Falk helped an Indianapolis male teen win a court battle to wear a dress to prom.

“All students have First Amendment rights of freedom of expression. Those rights can be overcome for the legitimate needs of the school. For example, you can’t protest. That runs the risk of disrupting instruction,” Falk said. “But the court found at a prom, those risks are lessened. It’s not a scholastic activity.”

Logan said he had spent years defining and exploring his sexuality. This year, he took a major step toward self-identity by dressing as a female every day.

“Last year, I could not be myself,” he said.

He said this year he wore makeup, a hair weave, nails and girls’ fitted jeans to school.

Logan received an $85 refund for his prom ticket on Tuesday but was not satisfied.

His mother, Donnetta Logan, said she was not surprised by what she called the ignorance of school administrators.

“I tell Kevin that in society there will be those who accept him and those who won’t.”

Tyrone Hanley, the youth program coordinator for the Gender Public Advocacy Coalition in Washington, D.C., said he sees cases like this often at high schools and colleges. He called it gender-based discrimination.”

“Prohibiting really short skirts for everyone is a fair dress code; prohibiting them for males is not,” he said.

West Side students said a girl was allowed to attend the prom in a tuxedo.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Mayor backing anti-discrimination

Posted on
By Associated Press

CARLISLE, Pa. Mayor Kirk Wilson said he will ask the borough council to pass a resolution in June or July that could, if the community agrees, lead to an ordinance banning discrimination based on sexual orientation.

A ban on discrimination against people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender would come only after community meetings and a review by the borough’s legal staff, Wilson said.

“The resolution would be first,” Wilson said. “That’s what this whole process is about, to determine what the community feels it needs.”

Supporters say economic development would be hampered if the community is not seen as inclusive. Harrisburg barred workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1983, one of the first cities of its size to do so.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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“‘Cowboys!’ gets it right in the end

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NEW YORK Set in 1940s Texas, and brimming with cowboy hats and shirtless wranglers, the off-off-off-Broadway “Cowboys!” is a gay musical comedy that played at Dallas’ now-defunct Pegasus Theatre in 2001. The action takes place at the Straight Arrow dude ranch, which, of course, is replete with gay cowpokes.

Packed with plot turns, “injuns” and campy quips, like “It’s just a flesh wound,” and everyone’s favorite, “I wish I knew how to quit you.” “Cowboys!” is amateurish but in the best possible way.

The bankrupt ranch is run by Aunt Rosie (the charismatic Brynn Neal). About to go into foreclosure for owing $300 in back taxes, Rosie corrals her “boys of the pastel persuasion,” and they decide to harness their natural talents: sewing, set decorating and dancing. They’re going to put on a show to raise money. Yee-haw!

But little do they know, city slickers are trying swindle the land and thwart the show. Straight Arrow is secretly full of black gold, and it could blow a load at any time.

“Cowboys!” is like “Waiting for Guffman” meets “Gunsmoke.” Except this show has a sexy sheriff and two Miss Kittys who can really, really sing.
Although it had a few too many fleshed out subplots and the accompanying long-winded campfire ballads, the enthusiasm and sincerity of the unpaid cast cannot be overstated.

The “Hey gang, let’s put on a show!” feel makes up for every way-too-long song or oh-so-faux knife fight.

Houston homeboy Brian Ogilvie plays Rick, the Texas Ranger. His authentic accent as a swaggering lawman compliments a charming performance.
Jennifer Fagundes is especially talented as Lilly Luscious. And David Tacheny has a great turn as the villainous Boston Bart Black.

Also worth noting is the two-stepping, cotton-eyed-joe finale “Cloggin’ onto Broadway,” in which choreographer Kate Swan hits a high note and the entire cast shines. And finally, the bad-drag showstopper “Girl from

Texarkana” (performed by Stephen Cabral) had the audience slapping their thighs.
T. R.

Wings Theatre, 154 Christopher St. Through May 27. Performances at 8 p.m. 212-627-2961.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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NATIONAL BRIEFS

Posted on

New York appeals court to broadcast
gay marriage hearing on Internet

The New York State Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments for appeals in four cases dealing with same-sex marriage on Wednesday at 2 p.m. EST.
Due to vast public interest in the hearing and limited space available in the Court of Appeals Hall, the hearing will be broadcast live on the Internet, officials announced this week.

An archived version of the proceedings will remain on the website for several months, according to a statement released by the court on Monday.

The website is at www.courts.state.ny.us /ctapps.

Lauper set to perform at closing
ceremonies of Gay Games in July

Chicago organizers of the Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival announced Wednesday that singer Cyndi Lauper will perform at the Games’ closing ceremonies on July 22 at Wrigley Field.

Lauper will join a slate of more than 60 music, television, arts, culture and sports celebrities from around the world slated to perform in either opening or closing ceremonies for the Gay Games, organizers said.

“I feel like this is becoming sort of a tradition for me since I performed last time the Gay Games were in the United States, in New York City in 1994,” Lauper said. “I am thrilled to be a part of the 2006 Gay Games in Chicago.”

Tickets range from $50 to $90 and are available at
tickets.GayGamesChicago.org.

Equality California PAC endorses 4
candidates for state’s Assembly

Officials for Equality California’s Political Action Committee has announced that the organization is endorsing four candidates for California State Assembly.

The candidates are Julia Brownley in the 41st District, Abbe Land in the 42nd Assembly District, Anthony Portantino in the 44th District and Warren Furutani in the 55th District. The four join 50 other candidates, including gubernatorial candidate Steve Westly, endorsed by the PAC.

Seth Kilbourn, political director for Equality California said the four candidates are “rock solid in their support for LGBT equality and will be leaders for the community in Sacramento.”

Kilbourn said electing LGBT-supportive candidates is a top priority for his organization.

“The outcome of the June 6 primary could determine if we can pass a marriage bill and other critical legislation in 2007,” he said. “We need the LGBT community and our allies to get involved in these campaigns and turn out to vote in record numbers in order to win.”

Lambda Legal enters discrimination
lawsuit against Qwest Communications

Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund has entered a lawsuit filed against Qwest Communications by The Center’s Legal Initiative Project in the District Court of Denver County in Colorado, on behalf of a former employee who said he had to leave his job because of severe anti-gay harassment by his former coworkers.

Donald Moreau, 46, began working for Qwest in 1999 as a customer service representative. The harassment began in 2001 after Moreau was transferred to another department. Even though Moreau reported the harassment to his supervisors, company managers did nothing to address the situation, a violation of the company’s own policies.

Moreau eventually filed a complaint with the Denver Anti-Discrimination Office, which determined that Moreau’s workplace was hostile and that his work group should undergo training on sexual orientation harassment. When Qwest had failed to act on the anti-discrimination office’s recommendation within a year, Moreau was forced to leave his job, the lawsuit claims.

John C. Hummel, legal director for the Legal Initiative Project, said that Moreau filed his lawsuit only after “working with Qwest over a number of years, hoping that they would do the right thing and walk the walk they put forward in their harassment-free workplace policies.”

Lang to emcee June 12 event
benefiting Point Foundation

Singer K.D. Lang will emcee an event on June 12 at The Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles featuring a live reading of “Save Me” by Judith Light, Chad Allen and Robert Gant to benefit the Point Foundation, an organization providing financial support and mentoring for GLBT students.

“Save Me” is the story of a young gay man who checks into a Christian-run ex-gay ministry hoping to be “cured” of his homosexuality. He winds up confronting the truth of his orientation after he falls in love with another man.

Lesbian judge advances to general
election for Oregon Supreme Court

Judge Virginia Linder, a lesbian candidate for Oregon’s Supreme Court, has advanced to the November general election after getting 39 percent of the vote in the primary election held May 16, according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund.

Linder now faces Jack Roberts in the general election. Roberts, who received 42 percent of the primary vote, is a conservative who received $150,000 – about half of his total campaign contributions – from the American Justice Partnership, a national group working for limits on civil lawsuits, according to a Victory Fund spokesperson. Roberts received nearly $30,000 from Oregon Right to Life and anti-gay groups, the spokesperson said.

Out in America announces partnership with national gay radio program

The Out in America Cities Network this week announced a new partnership with the This Way Out gay and lesbian radio program, according to a statement released Monday by Gregg McConnell, CFO for Out in America.

The partnership grants Out in America exclusive GLBT online distribution of weekly This Way Out radio broadcasts. The agreement provides stability for the radio program, which found itself faced with increasing financial uncertainty when PlanetOut Network canceled its contract the program after broadcasting This Way Out online for 11 years, McConnell said.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

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Still psycho after all these years

Posted on
By J.S. Hall Contributing Writer

Reissued, revised Anthony Perkins bio flings open Hollywood closet.



“Anthony Perkins: Split Image,” by Charles Winecoff; foreword by Michael Musto. (Advocate Books-Alyson, 2006) 472 pp., $16.95.
When “Split Image,” Charles Winecoff’s tell-all biography of late actor Anthony Perkins, first hit shelves in 1996, “many people dismissed it as a hatchet job designed to disparage the Perkins marriage and reclaim Tony as a gay icon,” Winecoff writes. “In fact, I had hoped to explore Tony’s life both as a gay man in the Hollywood of the 1950s and ’60s and as a husband and father.”

However, Perkins’ widow, Berry Berenson, ultimately declined to participate with Winecoff. Many of her late husband’s friends and family members followed suit. As a result, “Split Image” came across as one-sided and was both praised and criticized for dwelling on Perkins’ sordid sexual practices.
Much has changed in the decade since the bio’s release, and this is reflected in Advocate Books’ 10-year anniversary reissue, now titled “Anthony Perkins: Split Image.” For example, now that fellow actor Tab Hunter revealed his homosexuality and his relationship with Perkins, Winecoff is freer to discuss and corroborate matters. And Berry Berenson’s death on 9/11, almost nine years to the day after her husband died of AIDS she was on board the first plane steered into the World Trade Center adds another layer of tragedy to their complicated tale.

As Winecoff amply chronicles, Anthony Perkins lived a surprisingly open gay life in the ’50s and ’60s. His relationship with Tab Hunter was an open secret. Those “in the know” often smirked at the actors’ attempts to cover their tracks.

For six years, Perkins and actor/choreographer Grover Dale lived as a couple, but in the early ’70s the two men married women within two weeks of other. Always a big believer in psychoanalysis, Perkins felt he was ready for a
heterosexual lifestyle, thanks to the “help” of longtime analyst Mildred Newman. With little fanfare, he wed photographer/socialite Berry Berenson, a devoted fan who’d kept a scrapbook of the actor since she was a teenager. The couple had two sons, Osgood and Elvis, and superficially all seemed well, but Perkins kept showing up in adult bookstores and had numerous same-sex flings while acting abroad and on tour.

Equally interesting are the other women in Perkins’ life. Although he claimed in 1983 that his mother was “unnaturally close” to him, little supporting evidence of this exists, and Winecoff considers it to be publicity material for “Psycho II.”

Forward thinking and self-sufficient, Janet Perkins largely raised Tony as a single mother when her husband, noted actor Osgood Perkins, died suddenly of heart failure at 45. While she shipped her son off to Massachusetts boarding schools, “Jane” may have been struggling with her own sexual identity. She ended up living with a younger woman, writer Michaela O’Harra, for 20 years, and was never very supportive of her son.

On screen, women posed a problem for Perkins, too. After the success of “Psycho” (which forever altered Tony’s burgeoning image as a romantic lead), his career began its inexorable downslide. Sophia Loren and Audrey Hepburn overwhelmed his performances in “Desire Under the Elms” and “Green
Mansions,” respectively. Acting successes like the baseball movie “Fear Strikes Out” came at great personal cost and rarely equaled box office success. Fed up with Hollywood, he increasingly looked to Broadway and lower-quality European films to escape portraying endless versions of Norman Bates.

“Split Image” also contains a fair amount of dirt on Perkins’ private life, although most of the divulgers lurk behind pseudonyms. And there’s nothing quite like some of the allegations about Perkins’ sexual habits to spice up a flagging chapter. While a lot of Tony’s turn-ons centered on voyeurism, his arrival at his alma mater (for an honorary degree) in the company of a young blond hunk whom onlookers dubbed “the Palomino Stallion.” The two men stayed in a hotel room “strewn with leather wear and a variety of kinky sexual aids.”

By the end of this book, readers will undoubtedly wish that Anthony Perkins had laid the specter of Norman Bates to rest and found more fulfillment in both his career and personal life.

Charles Winecoff certainly succeeds in showing Perkins as a conflicted, passive-aggressive, highly intellectual introvert who sought control by undermining others’ poise and self-assurance. “Split Image” is a biography that flings wide open a Hollywood closet left ajar. One cannot fault Winecoff’s meticulous (bordering on obsessive) research and relentless desire to understand the man he regarded as “my doppelganger my scary familiar.”

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, May 26, 2006.

—  admin