The Week in Gay: Dan Choi Eats!
Lt. Dan Choi chose life this week by putting an end to his "dignity fast." Choi explains that his fast was a success because people were educated about the political history of hunger strikes. But, I think his change in plans had a bit more to do with what he learned: "...we have learned a great deal about the proper planning involved in fasting." Maybe he could no longer resist the double down. 
Well, the good news is, Lt. Dan Choi can probably fit back in his old uniform now...
Choi has been faced with some harsh criticism from gays (and lesbians) concerned that he appears "petulant and petty," and is not sufficiently grateful for the perceived repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell. Like that flaccid piece of crap is something to be grateful about.
Even the San Francisco Chronicle exhibits cynicism toward the proposed delay in the repeal until the military completes a study: "The study will cover much of the same ground as an exhaustive Rand study commissioned by the Pentagon in 1993." The Chronicle is hardly a radical rag and even they detect obstruction.
Still, there are uptight gays out there and they have decided that Dan Choi and GetEqual are going to ruin everything if they don't start bending over and taking it from the Democratic Party. To these hand-wringers, Choi was starving his body but feeding his ego. And even though there were whispers about GetEqual distancing itself from Choi over the fast, its previous associations were enough to give ambitious bloggers ammunition.
Nearly two weeks ago, Michael Petrelis raised the issue of GetEqual's finances by posting a Q&A session he held with Kip Williams and Robin McGeehee. Coincidentally (or not?), a week later, the Advocate ran a lengthy piece on GetEqual that provides much more information and background on the organization than was previously made available. A number of bloggers picked up on the article and added their praise, including Pam's House Blend and Truth Wins Out. I can't help wondering if the Advocate article was a PR moment borne from Petrelis' muckraking. I don't suppose we'll ever know for sure, but capitalizing on the potential for ennui gave the folks at Bilerico Project a woody. 
In the words of vice president Joe Biden, this is a big fucking deal!
Bil Browning wrote a three-part (!) pseudo-expose on GetEqual based mostly on the Advocate article and his opinions. Each post earned scores of comments and a rebuttal from Pam Spaulding. Why not pour some accelerant on the kindling of public discourse - especially if there is an audience to exploit and attention to be gained? The comments at the posts sound like a desperate attempt to tie conspiracy and scandal to a group that has been in existence for three months.
Anyhow, Pride Month has officially commenced, and the Democrats have wasted no time in sliding their hand down the front of our pants. President Obama issued a proclamation christening June as LGBT Pride month, which is a real thrill except that it's not very thrilling. He also issued a memo extending a few more crumbs to same-sex partners of federal employees. Now domestically partnered gays (where that is available) can be reimbursed for relocation expenses. They are so fucking LUCKY! Who needs health insurance?
Also announced this week: Nancy Pelosi will address the San Francisco gays gathered in Civic Center plaza via jumbotron on the day of the parade with a pre-recorded message. Maybe she'll be sprawled nude on a rainbow-striped bedspread showing everyone her died-pink pubic triangle. Hey - this fall is the mid-term election. Nancy's gotta get out the vote.
The gays have been upset for months now and there has been much more agitation than fawning. The Democrats know that. They also know how easy it is to make desperate fags happy - and it doesn't really cost them a thing: show up at Pride, tell a gay you think gays are swell, and make a promise you have no intention of keeping.
If the empty promises aren't producing results, some enterprising gay will come along and fart in the elevator. The fart will draw attention away from the deceit of our "allies" while helping to feather the farter's nest. Quid pro quo!
Patrick Connors is an Uppity Fag that has a Pride proclamation for you - right here. Follow him on Twitter at @UppityFag and @SFWeekly
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