Comments on: Gene Simmons tries to mask his homophobia behind ’sensible’ advice â€” he can KISS my ass

By: Daniel Melder

Daniel Melder — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:50:52 +0000

Weren’t posters on these very pages questioning whether or not Adam Lambert’s then-unconfimred homosexuality cost him the victory on American Idol just a few weeks ago? Now, Gene Simmons has basically said that the same thing could happen to Adam Lambert throughout the rest of his career and the same posters are ready to label Gene Simmons a homophobe.

All of you who are making way too much out of what Gene Simmons said have conveniently glossed over the part where he said “I would be the first one to vote for equal rights for gay women and men, and get the church and the state to stop telling everybody how to lead their lives.”

When any person, famous or not, expresses the opinion that people will have a more difficult time in life because of their sexual orientation (I will admit that Gene used the politically incorrect term there), it does not automatically make that person a homophobe. Most of the people who post to this blog spend all of their time doing that very thing.

By: Verity Manumit

Verity Manumit — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 17:56:53 +0000

Sean said: This is why nobody takes our movement seriously. Because we often distort people’s words and thoughts, take comments out of context, and refuse to seek and understand what other people outside of our bubble really feel and believe.

Sean, I agree with you, but our side isn’t the only one guilty of this. Those who are against us do this all the time. It is not a good idea in any situation, but it does happen. Not sure what to do about it though.

By: Shane

Shane — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:11:46 +0000

Geesh…. there’s nothing homophobic in what Gene Simmons said. All he’s doing is giving his opinion based on what’s the reality is.

Have you forgotten what just happened in Fort Worth??!?!?!? It pretty much just proves his point.

By: Sean

Sean — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 03:56:12 +0000

As usual – completely off base here. Simmons’ comments are not in the least homophobic – but accurate. This is why nobody takes our movement seriously. Because we often distort people’s words and thoughts, take comments out of context, and refuse to seek and understand what other people outside of our bubble really feel and believe.

By: Gary

Gary — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:50:42 +0000

Well said Verity.

By: Verity Manumit

Verity Manumit — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 20:23:02 +0000

I’m going to have to agree with some of the comments above, I don’t see Simmons’ remarks as rabidly homophobic. In fact, I see it more of a criticism of homophobia. He basically says that not everyone lives in LA (meaning progressive, used to it, or okay with it), and that coming out would very likely hurt his career. And that is possible in some areas. There are parents out there who won’t let their kids listen to him now that they know he’s gay. And there are some who won’t care or won’t know.

If anything, his remarks could be seen (by some) as out of touch or not really in tune with modern America, and I think his prediction that he has “ruined” his career is a bit extreme (and not likely, per Ellen Degeneres phenomenon), but we all know that there is that potential in many career choices. Who hasn’t experienced some discrimination even in this day and age? Just look at what happened at the Rainbow Lounge? Hard to believe in the 21st C. But there you go!

I think Arnold Jones is getting worked up over nothing.

By: MIckey

MIckey — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:56:14 +0000

Yeah, let Gene say whatever he wants. He is just trying to get publicity for his show; which I have no interest in seeing at all. Gene makes a valid point though. Hell, I’m gay and I can’t even feel comfortable discussing gay issues with my own family. I wish America was at a point where no one from any state had any problems with gays. We still have some work to do to gain full acceptance. Until then, who cares what people like Gene say. Just ignore them and they’ll go away hopefully.

By: Snortles

Snortles — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:56:39 +0000

I admit to a guilty pleasure of getting a few hoots out of Gene Simmon’s Family Jewels. But in perspective who really gives a flip about Gene’s thoughts on this or anything else in the universe.

By: Jack E. Jett

Jack E. Jett — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:23:57 +0000

I thought Gene Simmons was a clown with a local kiddie show in Pittsburgh and did chidlren’s face painting on weekends. I didn’t know he could sing..

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:54:16 +0000

Vince nailed it!