Here's the email Manhunt founder Larry Basile sent to Towleroad:
***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE
"There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.
"I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say 'Obama for President', as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak (sic) is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.
"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.
"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile."
***END***
3 comments:
I have to say that I find this quite disturbing. I'm definitely not a gay Republican (I actually make Obama look positively right wing), but I don't like the idea of someone being fired for their political views. The exception to this, of course, is if they try to force their views on their subordinates. This doesn't appear to be the case here.
If, say, Walmart were to fire an employee for making a donation to the Obama campaign, we'd all be up in arms. I don't see much of a difference here.
Of course, everyone has the right to cancel their Manhunt membership over the donation to the McCain campaign, even though it was a private donation. However, how do we know that the owner of the local grocery store doesn't donate to the GOP too? Are we going to look for campaign donations for everyone we do business with?
In general, I think we need to learn to respect each other's opinions. That's part of living in a democracy. While I do think Obama is the better choice for the gay community, others may disagree and it's their right to do so. That doesn't make them bad people.
McCain has given the money back.
Or is about to.
At any rate, I promise I do have a life. It's not like I am sitting at home on a Saturday night monitoring this slow-breaking situation.
Seriously.
I'm not.
I'm about to go shower so I can head to the bar with my friend Joy. I promise.
And as for N (above)...I don't think I need to respect the opinion of a man who has made his fortune off of gay people and is willing to sell us out to someone who has ZERO respect for us.
The difference is that the local grocery store owner hasn't made his/her living off of gay people (and a minority of 'straight' people looking for experiments) exclusively.
And yes...supporting a Republican does make someone a bad person. It's America and I'm entitled to that opinion.
I have deleted my Manhunt profile, and I encourage others to do the same. Jonathon Crutchley is still a homophobe, and he is still a co-owner of that company.
They deceived us by pretending to be pro-gay and should be held accountable for it.
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