Dear Friends,
I want to tell you about a film coming to a Boise theater with a unique connection to Idaho. Kirby Dick’s documentary, Outrage tells the stories of closeted gay politicians who vote against gay rights. The film “outs” a number of politicians, many of whom you may recognize.
Outrage plays at The Flicks starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 24th. It features an interview with Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey. He was researching the allegations against Senator Craig before his arrest. You may remember, Dan appeared on the panel discussion after the Boise premiere of THE FALL OF ‘55, where he shared his insights into the Boise community. Dan will also appear in a panel interview after the Boise screening of Outrage.
The Boston Globe had a fascinating story about the film written by Richard Leiby. Here are a few excerpts, including Director Kirby Dick’s feelings about the arrest and prosecution of Idaho Senator Larry Craig:
[T]here is a special place in his heart for one particular conservative lawmaker: Larry Craig, the former senator from Idaho, who was famously busted in 2007 on suspicion of lewd behavior in a Minneapolis airport men’s room.
“He never should have been arrested,” Dick says. “It’s a form of entrapment… I don’t think that the police should be in that bathroom entrapping people.”
Craig was a victim of societal homophobia, “and I feel empathy for him,” [Dick] says…
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The closet, he points out, forces those who engage in homosexual acts to lead lives of elaborate deception, to betray their spouses, to seek anonymous sex. Conservative public officials who are gay, the film argues, adopt protective camouflage by opposing any legislation – HIV/AIDS funding, benefits for unmarried partners, same-sex marriage – that might identify them as pro-gay. It’s a tactic that sets up an interior war against their essential selves.
“The psychology of these people who would, in exchange for a political career, lead a double life – that’s almost a Shakespearean character,” Dick says.
His last quote resonated with me because of my own interest in politics. My life could have taken the same path. When I was younger, I followed Republican politics very closely, going so far as volunteering for the local Republican party in ninth grade. Had I not come out, my life possibly could have taken the path of the men featured in Outrage. I’m thankful I make films instead.
The clips of Outrage are very interesting. You can check them out below, along with several interviews.
Talk soon,
Seth
TRAILER OF THE FILM:
INTERVIEW WITH CNN’S DON LEMON – SHORT
INTERVIEW WITH CNN’S DON LEMON – LONG