We didn't know much about it.... but...

Click here: 1983 Congressional page sex scandal - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Growing up in The Bronx, circa WWII (your poster-boy was born in 1933), we didn't know much about homosexuality.

"Gay" was as in "gay divorcee'" a "fairy" was as in "fairy tale," a "dyke" was a wall constructed to keep high waters out of populated areas.

All that has changed.

I have walked with women who whisper to me "that guy was a gay" or "she is a dyke." I noticed nothing.

Homosexuals, of either sex, are not often "gay" in its normal sense. The "coming out" ritual can be painful and heart-rending.

I confess to unease about the matter.

But I am not now a "gay-basher," and never will be. Ever.

I had a close friend --- who was "gay" and later died of HIV/AIDS --- tragically only a couple of years before the advent of the new retro-viral medicines. He was as kind and brilliant a man as I have ever known.

He used to initiate gay-bashing banter. Growing up as I did, I was able to give as good as I got.

What was that all about? I don't believe it was an attempt to "beard" himself.

His friends, and my friends with whom I became productively associated, knew of his condition --- which until fairly recently was categorized as an "illness" by the leading psychological association. But they didn't bother to tell me.

I believe I am a civil libertarian, as are most all members of the scribbler's trade.

So: I (guardedly) approve of "gay marriage."

But I think the "bath-houses" are a public health menace --- worse than smoking or alcoholism --- and should probably be closed down. Strike the "probably."

George F. Will has written about it some graphic columns. I will spare you the details.

Ben