Republican Congressman, Responds To Gay Rumors, Anti-Gay Voting Record
GOP Congressman Aaron Schock of Illinois, the subject of persistent gay rumors since he took office in 2009, said on Thursday that questions about his sexual orientation and how it might relate to his antigay voting record and positions are “inappropriate and ridiculous” and not “worthy of further response.” He also stated, “I’ve said that before,” when asked if he is confirming that he is not gay, and added, “You can look it up.”
Schock had in fact stated to Details magazine in 2009 that he is not gay, in a lengthy piece which noted that he is unmarried and had been the subject of rumors as far back as 2004, when he was asked the question by a Chicago newspaper.The rumors, however, have only surfaced again and again since 2009, such as when Schock wore a flamboyant outfit -- which included white jeans, a hot pink gingham shirt and a teal belt -- to the White House picnic in June of 2010, immediately reigniting widespread Internet speculation and discussion about his sexual orientation. (After the online frenzy, Schock tweeted that he had “burned the belt.”)
The rumors blew up again when Schock posed shirtless on the cover of Men’s Healthin May of 2011, showing off his well-defined abs, as well as being photographed in various poses inside the magazine, promoting health and fitness. And it didn’t help quell the rumors when, last week in Tampa, Fla., while he was attending the Republican National Convention, TMZ descended upon Schock as he was walking through the gay neighborhood of the city, complete with rainbow flags in the background as well as stores selling skimpy men’s underwear and what some have said is a local gay bathhouse.
TMZ.com reported that Schock was exiting a Chuck Todd-sponsored event for youth when its interviewer caught up with Schock to ask if he had fashion advice for fit and trim Paul Ryan, who has been criticized by style experts for wearing suits that are too baggy. “I think Paul's in great shape,” Schock told TMZ. “I think a little bit of leaner attire to help accentuate that physique he works so hard to, you know, maintain.”
Asked on the floor of the RNC in an interview for my SiriusXM OutQ radio program to respond to those who’ve believed that Schock is gay and also view his vote against “don’t ask, don’t tell” repeal as a vote against members of his own group, Schock responded, “Those questions are completely ridiculous and inappropriate.” He added, when asked if he is confirming that he is not gay, “I’ve said that before and I don’t think it’s worthy of further response. I think you can look it up.” Schock then walked off, abruptly ending the interview.
On why he voted against DADT repeal, Schock said: “I took the advice of military experts that came before Congress. I think that’s why you have John McCain and others who have a military background. Adam Kinzinger is a close personal friend of mine who’s an active duty member of Congress [in the district] next door to me and so I think that’s why you saw the consistency.”
In an interview with Buzzfeed’s Chris Geidner at “Newt University” in Tampa during the RNC, Schock, who has said he is opposed to gay marriage, also stood by his strong criticism of President Obama and the Department of Justice for not defending the Defense of Marriage Act in federal court. But he hedged on support for a federal marriage amendment that would ban states from allowing gays and lesbians to marry, saying, “I haven’t really thought too much about it. Source
26 comments:
I don't see a problem with this at all. It really isn't anyones business. Sexual orientation is not catchinh and he has the right to his choices. Homephobic are we emerge?
this is so wrong and tabloidish, I thought more of emerge than to put trash like this on.
Hey, I went to Ibor City in Tampa once. OMG I must be gay! Thanks for the heads up!
Today I am homephobic and tabloidish, yesterday I was insensitive to anybody who does not share my skin color. Be sure and tune in tomorrow, I'm anxious to see how you will label me then. Or, you could just keep it moving, since you seem to be constantly offended by what is posted on this blog.Ciao!
It is common for tabloids, etc., to go on "stake-outs", especially if someone is prominently moving up the ladder, SPECIFICALLY to find out if someone is gay or lesbian.
Sexual orientation investigation has been par for the course of tabloids since they first existed. That being said, no one should be surprised by this...look what happened to Leonardo DiCaprio.
When I was working my way through college, every boss I had on campus was either gay or lesbian, and it was never an issue except for one incident.
A true professional never lets personal sexuality, whatever orientation, interfere with work.
And Mr. Schock has done just that.
As far as I can tell from your archives, Emerge, your goal has been to get people to discuss current topics that may affect people, and I do recall reading that the Republican party may be encouraging him to run for governor of Illinois.
For some people, sexual orientation is an issue, for others it's not. For those to whom it is, it MAY present a factor should he run for governor.
Emerge, this is your blog and you have the freedom to post whatever you want. You're not racist, nor are you homophobic. No one HAS to come to this blog.
I believe at the top of your blog, you have made your mission statement clear. "Pay no attention to the one hiding behind the curtain!" You're losing sight of the "troll".
I'm with you.
If you follow the links shown in the Huffington Post article, you will see that there is a video of Aaron walking through this neighborhood, coming from an event. It is not like he is shopping or hanging out - he is just passing through while being chased by a reporter.
I personally admire Aaron Schock for being driven to succeed. He responds to his constituency and I know many people who have a lot of good things to say about him (including my bestie sister).
It is interesting to watch him maneuver the field of mines, known as politics.
He is a natural and anybody looking to run against him needs to come with a A+ game, because Aaron is at the top of his, right down to his fabulous wardrobe (which is commendable).
I don't think a person needs to be forced to "come out" with anything regarding who/what they choose to lay down with. What TMZ is doing by following him around trying to "catch" him is hurtful and I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
However, the reasoning for trying to "catch" him is because so much of the Republican agenda is based around being "homephobic" and Aaron often votes against what may be in the best interest of those who are LGBT.
It is certainly interesting to see the national media go after a local Congressman and the local media ignore the fact that they are hounding him. IMO, there would be nothing wrong with them covering the story about it - just like there is nothing wrong with this blog covering a story about it.
Thanks for your comments Janet.
The image and encapsulating text at the top is NOT courtesy of HuffPo. The image is from TMZ but not the title or the text. Credit??
Hi Cameron:
Did you notice the word "Source" at the bottom of the post?
... okay, now click on that and it will take you to HuffPo as you say.
I did notice that, and one would assume that HuffPo and/or TMZ was responsible for the image at the top AND the text below that, particularly the text about "To the nearest dick that is". However, they are not. Even TMZ doesn't stoop that low.
No, but apparently you would since that is what you came here looking for. All images in this post came from links on the post, all provided by HuffPo.
I came here based on the title of your thread, conveniently marketed by your friends at peoria.com.
I was surprised to see you had added that portion at the top, for shock factor? And then you play dumb with me. Cute.
"shock factor" LOL
No, it's you that's cute Cameron, but what the heck are you talking about? No don't bother to answer, I don't really care.
Next time try reading the piece, click on the links, follow the source, comment. That's how my blog works . Fini
Love, Aaron! Keep on, keepin on!
and I am male. but if it's no big deal, why doesn't he open the closet door?
Why should he????
I am so done with people's sexual orientation. It is nobody's business. Society has gone too far with this stuff.
Aaron Schock is a good guy, working hard to make this a better country. That is what I need to know when I go to the voting booth.
Well that's kind of a double standard 2 anon. You say it's nobody's business about his sexual orientation, yet Schock actively supports anti-gay bills. Wouldn't that also qualify as "nobody's business", including the government?
Emerge! 2 Anon! Come now! Focus on the REAL point: it's all Yoko Ono's fault!! How many times have I told you this, and you STILL don't give me a response?????:):)
Cameron, if it weren't a bill, nobody would have to vote on it. As it should be to begin with it.
2 Anon, you are exactly right!! Not only is it "Nobody's" business, but "Nobody" shouldn't have to vote on it! Darn that Double-Minded Nobody!!! (Bet "Nobody"s hangin' with Yoko as we speak...)
I really could care less. I'd be more interested on who is taking money/gifts from whom and then compare it to their voting record.
Aaron Schock has consistently voted against equal pay for women and against gay rights, yet he seems to be Peoria's golden boy. I don't care if he's gay or straight, but if it is true that he is gay then he votes against himself, therefore living a lie.
And, frankly, if that blue belt, white pants and gingham shirt isn't proof, I don't know what is. I don't like the idea of someone living a lie voting against things I believe in.
Since when did wearing red, white and blue designate gay, instead of American?
I think that's turquoise, a color not on our flag. Cute though!
Fiddle Faddle is my name.
The dude is gay, what he wearing is gay and there is plenty wrong with it because he is a public figure and that my friends make it our business since you all in the media want to throw gay down our throats. I have nothing against it but don't sit here and think for a minute that no one is going to step back and not say anything because it's Aaron Schock. Dude got nothing else to do but run around and do the do. He sure the hell not doing nothing else.
Not that it matters, but what was Aaron thinking wearing a pink gingham shirt, turquoise belt and white pants. He looked like Ellie May Clampet.....sorry!
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