Homophobia and Sir Ian McKellen

Crown · Post by **Crown** » 2002-11-13 09:20pm

It sickens me to read and post this stuff, but I only do so because it is a testiment to the magnificant character of Sir Ian McKellen not being afraid of who he is and to stand up for his choices. The following is a commentary taken from Sir McKellen's official website;

http://www.mckellen.com/epost/m021110.htm

Basically he deals with a few 'gay-bashing' morons who somehow believe that it is there right to be able to critisize him about his homosexuality. The interesting part about it, is in the totall manner and style he chooses to respond to them;

Ignorant Homophobe wrote:I just want you to know that when I found out what you were, I was at debate as to whether I was going to see the ''Two Towers.'' I decided I would because I know most of the actors aren't. But I want you to know I have lost respect for Gandalf, even though it is not completely fair, because it's not the character's fault, it's the actor's.

And the responce wich solidified, in my mind, the grace and class of Sir Ian McKellen;

Sir Ian McKellen wrote:I am glad you conquered your prejudice, homophobia, confusion -- it's difficult to give it a pleasant name -- because by accepting that gay actors can succeed in leading roles in big movies, you enter the real world where gay people are everywhere, whether you approve of them or not.

My respect for this talented indavidual has just swelled to enormous levels. There is another one from a supposedly 14 year old Catholic attacking his actions concerning the bible, which I will leave for you all to read fully.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2002-11-13 09:39pm

On the subject of homophobia in general, it is a source of constant amazement to me that so many Christians think the private bedroom activities of total strangers are somehow their business.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-13 09:40pm

Darth Wong wrote:On the subject of homophobia in general, it is a source of constant amazement to me that so many Christians think the private bedroom activities of total strangers are somehow their business.

Strangely enough, Ian McKellen looks exactly like one of my old
Shrinks.....you get three guesses as to what they also shared....

Todd Bowden: Well don't forget, I could walk right in there and pick up that phone!

Kurt Dussander: And do what? Do your really think that I would just stand by and let you turn me in without dragging you under with me? You American's self confidence is so bloated that you have forgotten the reality of the situation. Ninety thousand died at Patin, to the whole world I am a monster. When I am caught, when those reporters stick their microphones in my face, it will be your name I will repeat over, and over again. "Todd Bowden. . .Todd Bowden. Todd Bowden, yes that was his name. For months, almost a year he wanted to know everything. That was how he put it. . .yes. . .everything."

Todd Bowden: Your crazy. They'll never believe you.

Kurt Dussander: It doesn't matter. And besides, lying to judges and reporters isn't as easy as you think. Can you do that? I know I can. And do you know what such a scandal can do? It never goes away. Not for you, not for your parents.

Rhadamanthus · Post by **Rhadamanthus** » 2002-11-13 09:42pm

Darth Wong wrote:On the subject of homophobia in general, it is a source of constant amazement to me that so many Christians think the private bedroom activities of total strangers are somehow their business.

*foams at the mouth* BUT THE BIBLE SAYS WE CAN!!! WE HAVE TO SAVE YOUR CORRUPT SOULS FROM THE EVILS OF EDUCATION AND TOLERANCE OR YOU WILL BURN IN HELL!! CAN'T YOU SEE HOW SUPERIOR WE ARE?? WE ARE JUST TRYING TO HELP YOU!!

[end Christian fundie mode]

Rhadamanthus · Post by **Rhadamanthus** » 2002-11-13 09:42pm

MKSheppard wrote:Strangely enough, Ian McKellen looks exactly like one of my old
Shrinks.....you get three guesses as to what they also shared....

Bad hair?

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-13 09:46pm

Rhadamanthus wrote: Bad hair?

They went to bat for the wrong team.

That incidentially is why I do not buy the whole "Homosexuality is genetic"
stuff......

Einhander Sn0m4n · Post by **Einhander Sn0m4n** » 2002-11-13 09:49pm

Rhadamanthus wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:On the subject of homophobia in general, it is a source of constant amazement to me that so many Christians think the private bedroom activities of total strangers are somehow their business.
*foams at the mouth* BUT THE BIBLE SAYS WE CAN!!! WE HAVE TO SAVE YOUR CORRUPT SOULS FROM THE EVILS OF EDUCATION AND TOLERANCE OR YOU WILL BURN IN HELL!! CAN'T YOU SEE HOW SUPERIOR WE ARE?? WE ARE JUST TRYING TO HELP YOU!!

[end Christian fundie mode]

Holy Shit! That was a good impression of a Fundy Troll! You know if I didn't realize that I would be shooting to kill right now

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2002-11-13 09:53pm

MKSheppard wrote:
Rhadamanthus wrote: Bad hair?
They went to bat for the wrong team.

That incidentially is why I do not buy the whole "Homosexuality is genetic"
stuff......

Huh? I don't see a point.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-13 09:54pm

Frank Hipper wrote: Huh? I don't see a point.

Before my shrink changed teams, he was married with a wife and kids...

Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi · Post by **Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi** » 2002-11-13 09:55pm

I don't kow why people say homosexuality is a genetic trait anyway. To me, that's like saying religion is genetic, or personality is genetic.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2002-11-13 09:55pm

He never changed "teams", he was a bi-sexual.

Post by **haas mark** » 2002-11-13 09:56pm

Frank Hipper wrote:He never changed "teams", he was a bi-sexual.

Or a long-term closet-case

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-13 09:57pm

verilon wrote: Or a long-term closet-case

Eitther way, he really hid his disgust long enough to knock up a chick.....

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2002-11-13 09:58pm

Asst. Asst. Lt. Cmdr. Smi wrote:I don't kow why people say homosexuality is a genetic trait anyway. To me, that's like saying religion is genetic, or personality is genetic.

Genetic, maybe not. But unlike religion, it is NOT a choice. Unless you have personal experience in the matter, you can't really know.

Einhander Sn0m4n · Post by **Einhander Sn0m4n** » 2002-11-13 09:58pm

MKSheppard wrote:
verilon wrote: Or a long-term closet-case
Eitther way, he really hid his disgust long enough to knock up a chick.....

ROFL!

Post by **Kuja** » 2002-11-13 09:59pm

Wow. This guy handles the shit they throw with a grace I could never manage in a hundred years.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2002-11-13 10:00pm

MKSheppard wrote:
verilon wrote: Or a long-term closet-case
Eitther way, he really hid his disgust long enough to knock up a chick.....

Ever try stuffing a marshmallow in a toaster? If the basic attraction isn't there, the plumbing just doesn't work.

Frank Hipper · Post by **Frank Hipper** » 2002-11-13 10:01pm

IG-88E wrote:Wow. This guy handles the shit they throw with a grace I could never manage in a hundred years.

He really is too fucking cool...

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2002-11-13 10:03pm

MKSheppard wrote:
verilon wrote: Or a long-term closet-case
Eitther way, he really hid his disgust long enough to knock up a chick.....

So he was bi, then. Big deal.

It is irrelevant whether homosexuality is genetic or caused by some other factor such as upbringing, pre-natal conditions, etc; the point is that it is obviously not a voluntary choice.

Did you consciously decide to find women attractive, Shep? (perhaps I'm asking the wrong guy; Shep never seems to talk about women, does he? Hmmmmm ...)

In any case, I never made a conscious choice to find women attractive. It just happened. And I have no reason whatsoever to believe that it's any different for gays, particularly since our society is so hostile toward gays that nobody would ever choose it of their own free will.

MKSheppard · Post by **MKSheppard** » 2002-11-13 10:09pm

Einhander Sn0m4n wrote: ROFL!

I'll take yer opinion at a higher rank than Mike or Hipper's.......

Heh Heh Heh.....

Funniest thing about the guy was that his kid wrote the script for
the Disney Movie AIR BUD (the first one)

Post by **haas mark** » 2002-11-13 10:13pm

MKSheppard wrote:
verilon wrote: Or a long-term closet-case
Eitther way, he really hid his disgust long enough to knock up a chick.....

truie...

Darth Yoshi · Post by **Darth Yoshi** » 2002-11-13 10:36pm

Wow. My respect for Ian McKellen has just grown.

Stormbringer · Post by **Stormbringer** » 2002-11-13 10:39pm

Darth Yoshi wrote:Wow. My respect for Ian McKellen has just grown.

Indeed, the man is a real class act all around.

Stravo · Post by **Stravo** » 2002-11-13 11:15pm

I saw the NY premiere of Fellowship of the Ring and Ian McKlellan was there to introduce the movie. The crowd LOVED him, they cheered, they called him Gandalf. Then he says, very casually, "My boyfriend and I flew in from London only a few hours ago and this is the last stop on my whirlwind world tour for this fantastis film."

SILENCE

Stony fucking silence. The balcony where I sat you could hear the collective gasp from many of the folks. I never knew or even guessed that he was gay until that point and you know what? I didn't give a shit. Obviously alot of people were confused and then of course there was a ghetto fabulous group behind us that just started laughing innanely and one of the kids says "Gandalf is a faggot!"

Mr. McKlellan handled it all with a wink and a smile...pure unadulterated class. I've been a fan of his work since.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2002-11-13 11:18pm

I actually liked him more as Magneto than as Gandalf.

"You homo sapiens and your guns ..."