“Outing Myself” or “We Now Interrupt This Broadcast”
posted at 2:17 am on February 25, 2010 by Sarjex
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Hey guys,
I feel like I need to poke my head out from my drafting table and out myself a little bit.
Hi, I’m Sarjex and among many things about me, I’m a conservative, I’m female, I grew up in Utah, I now live in San Francisco (which drives me crazy but there’s more work for me here,) I like John Williams (Superman is my favorite soundtrack), Stephen Sondheim (Into the Woods) I love American history, I love drawing, I love cartoons…oh yeah, and I’m gay.
It’s been big fun reading the hilarious comments regarding the “Gay Air” revamp cartoon and was reading them out loud to TLG (The Liberal Girlfriend.) She good naturedly tolerates my wingnuttiness…I tolerate her never hanging up her coat.
I think gays DO have it great in the US. When I hear all the “social justice” queers talking about how hard it is to live in Texas or other places and the US is sooo oppressive I like to snort to them, “Try Iran!” I do not understand why so many gays gravitate so completely to the left when all through history it has been the left who has hung them, stoned them, rounded them up and gassed them except that for a long time the Right on this country made them feel so unwelcome.
The times, they are a changin.’
I knew I was a conservative before I knew I was gay. I come from a family of entrepreneurial rugged individuals and I was *never* one for groupthink. Socialism or anything akin to it always horrified me because I knew it empowered the group over the individual…and the individual could always be ME.
I’ve seen some scorn and some doubt from some regulars at Hot Air about whether or not gays CAN be conservative and if homosexuality is real and/or gays are a bunch of sex crazed sodomites with no business in proper society and that Thomas Jefferson really didn’t mean GAYS when he penned that all men are created equal and life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness were god given rights.
TLG has been dubious at times with my involvement in Hot Air (I’m a regular chatizen during the Ed Morrissey show) once accusing me of basically lying to my friends during the show. She told me they wouldn’t be nearly so accepting if everybody there knew I was gay. Some did, some didn’t, but the day I went off to City Hall to marry her, I made sure everybody knew it…and without exception, everybody wished me well and Ed played “I’m Getting Married in the Mornin’.” I saved the chat and made her read it.
I think there is some serious legitimate debate from both sides ahead over the issues of gay marriage, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and a host of other social issues…but for me, my issues are…and have always been… individual liberty, a restrained government in line with what the framers intended with the constitution, low taxes and national defense. I think I’m not “the only gay in the village” with those views.
So now that I’ve officially outed myself, I’m going to duck down behind my drafting table and get back to work. There’s an Andrew Breitbart cartoon that’s been floating around in the back of my head.
Blowback
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Haha
Yeah, we get some mileage out of that similarity. Totally a coincidence … I swear
Sorax on February 26, 2010 at 7:02 PM
…late to the party. Me and Joe…well put. Thanks for speaking my mind!
LEBA on February 26, 2010 at 7:07 PM
I still have my Palin shirt!
What’s more important than being a gay conservative in CA is simply surviving CA and its (seemingly) bottomless amount of stupidity at the legislative level.
Weebork on February 26, 2010 at 7:08 PM
We love you Sarjex, on TEMS and we love your work.
And we knew you were gay…. we could tell by the way you typed in the chat room…. it showed. ;oP
originalpechanga on February 26, 2010 at 7:12 PM
is it wrong that I want to see what she looks like now?
Kaptain Amerika on February 26, 2010 at 7:15 PM
+1
pugwriter on February 26, 2010 at 7:17 PM
Well, it has been a hot topic of conversation here this week. If it matters at all it may because conservative gays are so in the closet that when they “come out” to their conservative brethren, it’s somewhat of a dog bites man story. Actually, I find it almost more surprising that she’s a San Franciscan and an artist, and a conservative. I’m a graphic designer and I’m always surprised when I find a colleague who shares my political POV. There are more of us than conventional wisdom would have us believe.
NoLeftTurn on February 26, 2010 at 7:19 PM
Hi!
I’m Liam. As you might have seen, I’m quite conservative in my politics, but not so much that I’m unreasonable. I like 80s Rock the most, with a total hate for Disco. I was soooo glad when Punk/New Wave came about.
So you’re gay? I couldn’t care less. If you were a guy and gay, I couldn’t care less about that, either. Between you and me, and at risk of seeming like a jerk, we have one thing in common: women. I don’t know your taste, but I find the actress AJ Cook about as perfect as only a woman can be.
That said, glad to have you among us! You make good sense any time I’ve seen your posts, which is how I define you as a person, as an American.
Don’t care if you’re gay. It’s not an issue in the greater scheme of things, so I have a problem with people who feel need to define themselves by their sexuality. There’s so much to a person than what they find physically attractive. It’s that, to me, sexual matters are a non sequiter.
The other things about aren’t only the icing on the cake, but the whole cake itself.
Again, glad to be reading you!
Regards,
Liam
Liam on February 26, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Heh, ABC has tried this with their “What Would You Do?” Primetime specials. They’ll plop a pair of gay men down on a busy street in Birmingham or whatever and have then kiss and cuddle and what have you. You know the liberal producers of the show are just salivating at the idea of catching some redneck in the act of intolerance, but it never happens. A few people raised their eyebrows at it, but no one said anything negative, and at least a few people struck up a conversation with them. One woman told them, “Y’all are so cute!” The South is a lot more tolerant than the Northeast and West Coast Establishment gives it credit for IMO.
NoLeftTurn on February 26, 2010 at 7:25 PM
Sarjex – You are a fellow citizen that cares about our Nation.
That is what matters.
I have the right to be scandalized by my neighbors and to scandalize them, in turn… and it takes a damn lot to scandalize me. But then I am a jaded recluse of ill health, and I make no fuss about that.
Nation first, we can argue about all else after that is secured as that is the way we secure our liberty. Together.
ajacksonian on February 26, 2010 at 7:32 PM
I grew up a loyal Superman fan. I found a lot to criticize back in 1980 when I watched the first Superman movie, but the soundtrack is fantastic. Thanks for reminding me I need to get it.
I appreciate Superman the movie a lot more now; actually ever since I sat through Superman 3…
Dork B. on February 26, 2010 at 7:38 PM
Here’s an article that brings up a point that Ed and AP, who were at CPAC, somehow missed.
http://www.rightsidenews.com/201002228786/editorial/the-gay-infiltration-of-the-conservative-movement.html
And the specific point I speak of?
But what many people don’t realize is that Sorba’s “outburst” was provoked by a speaker who preceded him, Alexander McCobin of Students For Liberty (SFL).
pugwriter on February 26, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Sarjex, you think you are not the only gay in the village with those views.
I can tell you, you are right. I am not worried about what the response here will be. I have known for some time that true tolerance is found on the conservative side. It’s built in to the definition of conservatism.
Over the years, I’ve learned that it is easier and safer for me to be gay around conservatives and Republicans than it is for me to be conservative around liberal Democrats and gays.
I have spent much time in San Francisco on business. You are quite brave and must have superhuman patience. I know I could never stand it.
Glad to have you here
azkag on February 26, 2010 at 7:50 PM
OK. Now where’s the Breitbart cartoon?
WarEagle01 on February 26, 2010 at 7:53 PM
I have a nephew who is gay.
I am a conservative but as I approached 50, which I have now become, I have become less judegmental toward people who are gay or lesbian. I still harbor funny jokes inside me (the Canadian Womens Hockey team, smoking cigars and drinking beer looked hot, but I figured half of them were lesbians, but what the hell, I thought it was HOT), but what the hell, we all have problems and all I can focus on are my own and my kids.
And…er…I collect Superman and Justice League Action figures…sooo….your okay with me kid.
And when they get the next Superman right, and play that soundtrack…the goosebumps will be there.
Scoreboard44 on February 26, 2010 at 7:54 PM
This is totally shocking. And I am horribly offended by this post.
Where is the link to your Deviant Art site?! Where can we see the drawings?!
Is your style anime or traditional?!!
We need answers to the important questions.
Oh and about you being gay, pfft. Big deal.
tlclark on February 26, 2010 at 8:04 PM
Don’t know why gays can’t be conservative. The smart, free thinking ones often are. My bet is that you’re far more accepted here than you would be as an open conservative in SF. As for the perception of sex crazed monsters, the Folsom Street Fair folks, or the ones who barge into St Patrick’s mass and raise hell, are largely responsible for that imgage. Best of luck to you and TLG.
bikermailman on February 26, 2010 at 8:11 PM
Keep up the good work.
unlisted on February 26, 2010 at 8:11 PM
And I love John Williams. “Schindler’s List” is probably my favorite movie score of all time.
NoLeftTurn on February 26, 2010 at 8:16 PM
No offence taken. But to answer your question, there is research suggesting being gay may be a by-product of genes relating to increased fecundity in women. See http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,368541,00.html. Consequently, you would expect a continuation of about the same percentage of gay people.
Dr. Charles G. Waugh on February 26, 2010 at 8:18 PM
Where she’s concerned? Probably. Where you and I are concerned? Nope!
bikermailman on February 26, 2010 at 8:18 PM
A must for any John Williams fan. The Superman theme makes an appearance.
beancounter on February 26, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Not unglued; I’ve seen the “experiment.” A sociology professor merely asked me to speak up less in class, which might or might not be discrimination (to be fair, I wasn’t enrolled, just auditing), but isn’t exactly “unglued.” Election results are what get them unglued. And my hippyish professor’s most recent graduate was a die-hard Mormon conservative. They spoke very respectfully about their views, even though they often disagreed. Life isn’t like on the cable networks. People of a certain age and a certain social station – professors – usually know better than to make fools of themselves by directly attacking an ideological opponent. However, combine their indoctrination with a student’s inexperience, and that’s when you get fireworks.
calbear on February 26, 2010 at 8:38 PM
Welcome Sarjex!
Lots of people said lots of good stuff here, and I don’t get much time on the PC to read all of it.
But this was one that said enough well that I wanted to repeat it!
All the best to you and LGF, God Bless you
Minorcan Maven on February 26, 2010 at 8:40 PM
When Jerry Falwell died the “intolerant” religious right died too. RIP Jerry but your time of dividing the right has now passed.
Sexuality is not a line in the sand to divide anymore. Now it is too much of any type of government, both in the bedroom and the wallet.
tjexcite on February 26, 2010 at 8:41 PM
~lol~ Sarjex, for a few minutes there, I thought you meant Don William’s song “I Believe in You” and I got all excited someone else had such a strong affection for the “Superman” song from my childhood. Oh well. You’re good. No worries.
twitter.com/lavidaChicobay
TWG78 on February 26, 2010 at 8:42 PM
That’s your business. Cheers from a fellow conservative.
ddrintn on February 26, 2010 at 8:43 PM
Thank you for saying what I tried to say. You said it well.
As long as people can agree to disagree and still get along. That’s ok by me.
I realize this thread is almost done and no one will read this probably but you Sarjex. I know I’ve posted some strong comments here about homosexuality. Maybe you’ve read them, maybe not.
I am Christian and I believe the Bible. I do get a little hot about it because I get angry when I watch videos of Christians walking silently down sidewalks surrounded by mobs of homosexuals. I get angry when I’m called a bigot for expressing my disgust with gay activists pushing their agendas in our schools.
Other than that, I really do not care what goes on in someones personal life. It is not an issue with me.
JellyToast on February 26, 2010 at 8:51 PM
Sarjex- I don’t think what I have to say about tolerance applies much to you since I sense that you’re not overly intolerant. But I was born in California and have lived my whole life here. Most of my adult life has been lived in or near Long Beach and Laguna Beach. Most gays know that both of these cities have large gay populations. It has been my experience that gays tend to be at least as intolerant of nongays as they often accuse straights of being. We nongays are fortunate that the gays lack the population size to put their intolerance into laws. American society has spent a few years now focused on intolerance from nongays. Let’s strike a balance and spend a few years putting the microscope on gay intolerance of straights if we are not going to discuss intolerance on both sides at once. I mainly point this out because the badge of being a target of intolerance is part of the currency of progressive claptrap that they are attempting to use through emotional blackmail and Alinsky tactics to replace the equality that is part of our heritage from our Constitution.
snaggletoothie on February 26, 2010 at 9:17 PM
Having a lesbian niece whom I adore, I strongly support gay marriage rights regardless of my other hard-right inclinations. I would still support it if I didn’t have a lesbian niece because I think it’s a matter of fundamental freedom. And yet, I’m opposed to legislation which codifies this right. Cognitive dissonance?
Not really. My concern about a gay marriage law is rooted in my well-founded cynicism that such a law would be intelligently (i.e., narrowly) crafted with the potential for unexpected consequences taken into account by the law makers. Just look at the Americans with Disabilities Act and its ensuing cluster fark and you’ll know what I mean.
Obviously this is ultimately unfair to gays and lesbians who want to marry, and I feel badly for them. But we don’t need a statute that inadvertently legalizes marriage to children, dead people, animals, and home appliances either, and that is almost surely what we’d get. The way I see it, Democrats’ general support for this issue is correct, but they are too naive (or just stupid) to get the law right. Republicans’ general opposition is wrong, but at least they would be careful enough to craft it with care (or so I’d hope, at least).
JayI on February 26, 2010 at 9:39 PM
Count me as a fan. I will look for your blogs!
RobCon on February 27, 2010 at 12:30 AM
Classic liberalism/libertarianism/”economic conservatism” is the only viable opposition against socialism/progressivism/fake liberalism. It Republicans let themselves get suckered into the a conservatives vs liberal contest in 2012, they are going to lose. They have to run on individual liberty.
modifiedcontent on February 27, 2010 at 10:10 AM
Oh okay. I have met basically two kinds of gay folks in my life. The “Southern Decadence” type who flaunt the what are you going to do about and alienate almost everyone around them with their Borderline (like) Personality disorder and then there is the regular everyday person type who does not try to constantly thrust their lifestyle (a rather normal one at that) in my face like some rabid religious nutcase.
Kermit on February 27, 2010 at 1:46 PM
Wow! How fascinating. Let’s see, we should care because… Good grief what is it with gays. Why is that so important for everyone to know who you sleep with.
Mormon Doc on February 28, 2010 at 1:50 AM
First, I did not know you were female either. Second, thank you for writing this. It was beautifully written and engaging. As an ex-liberal, I still struggle with reconciling some of my old ways and beliefs with my new world. My father was gay and it was important for the family that he came out to us. It allowed for a richer experience for us and him because there were no secrets, silent shame or phony memories. The good, bad and ugly were lived with him being loved for who he was and not who he thought we wanted him to be.
Thank you again, I have seen that Conservatives are good people and that I lot of this rhetoric is designed to keep us fighting and as fodder for the left.
Anita MonCrief on March 1, 2010 at 10:19 AM
Sargex,
The only thing that worries me about the whole gay thing is the birth rate in this country. If you look at Europe, their birth rate is in the dumpster along with their economy. The US is the only western nation with a positive birth rate, most of which comes from immigrants. Mark Steyn had an article about Greece where he brings this up. Now maybe science can take over where Nature leaves off, but if it doesn’t, simple math will tell you that our demise as a nation will follow the current Greek model. Of course, that has really nothing to do with you personally, but more to do with making homosexuality a viable choice. Nature tells us that if you cannot procreate, your genes will not be passed on. If enough of that happens, there will be no more humans. I haven’t the vaguest idea where I’m going with this but it seems to me that there is a larger issue that is not being discussed..actual survival. Maybe there will never be enough gays to threaten man as a species for the reasons I’ve laid out. Or maybe our country will cease to exist as it is today. Who knows? I do know we should at least think about it. And before anyone starts a flame war, I should tell you that I don’t go to church, I don’t care whether or not gays are recognised by the state, and I hope that everyone treats them as anyone would like to be treated, with civility, kindness, and respect. By the way, I love your cartoons and I think you’re very brave for “outing yourself”.
gordo on March 3, 2010 at 12:24 PM
SarJex,
This hetero has come to agree with Morrissey that government shoould get out of the marriage license business and issue civil union contracts to all interested. Let churches or JP’s or judges or best friends, whomever, perform “marriage” ceremonies for whomever. If people want to consider themselves married (hetero or homo) and request family, friends, and co-workers to do the same, okay by me.
But, echoing gordo some, there is something essential in the ability to procreate, to “be fruitful and multiply”. While regarded the same as persons, in that we can never be equal.
exdeadhead on March 12, 2010 at 7:57 AM
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