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GLAAD: We Were Lied
To
Scott Seomin of GLAAD responds to the
called-off wedding of pro wrestlers Billy and Chuck:
We supported the representation of Billy &
Chuck, NOT the called-off wedding. The WWE lied to us two months ago
when they promised that Billy & Chuck would come out and wed on the
air. In fact, I was told (lied to) the day after the show was taped in
Minneapolis that the wedding took place and all was well.
The WWE also lied to The Today Show, the New York Times and other
media outlets. Many have contacted me to express their disdain for a
the WWE's unprofessional marketing machine.
Before the wedding, Billy and Chuck were a welcomed departure from the
stereotypical, often-victimized gay wrestlers of the past. Instead of
yelling anti-gay epithets at the handsome couple, audiences cheered
their engagement. Their television appearances, while entertaining,
also enlightened viewers: Closeted gay teenagers across the country
could feel less alone when they watch 'Smackdown!' and potential gay
bashers could learn that we are everywhere.
GLAAD even congratulated Billy & Chuck on their wedding and Matt Lauer
presented them (on behalf of GLAAD) with a gravy boat from Pottery
Barn for the occasion. (They were not registered there, as the
Outsports story originally said. It was simply my idea to send them a
wedding gift).
Following the news of what really happened, we released the following
statement:
"If their behavior is any indication, Billy and Chuck are in denial
about who they really are -- two gay men who love each other. The
couple's actions of affection speak louder than their words of denial.
At GLAAD, we know how hard it is for people in the spot light to come
out -- but when Billy and Chuck are ready to let themselves be who
they really are, we'll be there to support them."
Sept.
13, 2002
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