PREACH IT! Just for you, ABC, a post about Adam Lambert that is Totally Not Gay

Poor ABC; for the first time in its broadcast history, it has come across a gay male entertainer who isn’t simply gay. He is, to borrow a phrase from a caller on Randi Rhodes’ radio show, gay GAY gay.

Unlike sexually nonthreatening gay performers of yore, such as Elton John in his wonderfully harmless array of colorful sunglasses, or Liberace, who respectfully concealed his gay toolkit behind a family-friendly piano, Adam Lambert isn’t just a singer who’s gay before and after the music ends. He’s there to shake his gay moneymaker in your face and, as the fear-mongering goes, convert the planet into a guy-on-guy orgy of epic proportion. ABC’s reaction: Keep on canceling Lambert’s scheduled performances.

Fathers, lock up your sons.

I’m sure ABC doesn’t mean to come off as cowardly and anti-gay as it has. Even GLAAD seems to think that ABC likes the gays A-OK. So let’s give the network the benefit of the doubt and share with ABC some information about Lambert that shouldn’t offend or disturb their delicate, Victorian sensibilities in the least:

• Lambert is a very popular young man.
• Lambert enjoys singing songs from every genre, including tunes sung by the former partner of a Republican congressman, that cannot possibly be gay in any way.
• Lambert cuts quite a figure in evening attire. He also is respectful enough to wear a jacket and tie at important events.

Now that that’s out of the way, how about a nice Lambert appearance on "The View"? I am sure Elisabeth Hasselbeck would love it.

-- Leslie Gornstein

Photo: Oh, come on, it's just Adam being Adam -- performing in his Glampire costume the weekend before Halloween at the annual Party City Halloween Bash & Industry Awards at Florida's Boca Raton Resort & Club. Credit: Terry Renna / Party City / Associated Press

What, this hit of PREACH IT! isn't enough for you? Click here.

[UPDATE, Dec. 4, 2009, 6:21 p.m.: Show Tracker has an  interview with the president of GLAAD further explaining the organization's recent trio of statements.

The Ministry invites you to explore the glittery land of Adam Lambert -- or you can just follow us on Facebook and Twitter (we're @LATcelebs).

Comments

[bruceben9]

i, personally, am glad he is being cancelled from numerous gigs. the type of performance he did at that awards show or whatever it was should not be shown in prime time. get lost adam. that goes for shows such as family guy and others like that. i am not personally offended by these things but there is a time and a place and prime time is not the appropriate time and place.

[michael hayden]

Get over it America. The times, they are a changing.

[Adam Addict]

As an attorney, this whole "blacklisting" of Adam Lambert stinks of discrimination and just makes ABC and DISNEY smell really bad. Disney might as well go back to putting "black" and "white" drinking fountains at it's theme parks and not allowing women to sit on the rides. They are so ridiculous, backward, and simpleminded. I have already stopped watching ABC, even my favorite shows, I am SO disgusted by it all. I will ONLY watch ABC when Adam is back on being allowed to be himself. And for all of you right-wing Christian groups that bash Adam and Jews, thanks for all of the free press! WE LOVE ADAM EVEN MORE!!!!!

[jandersen]

I can`t believe all of this crap! There is nothing wrong with what Adam did. Look up the Billboards awards 2003 and see Pinks video on YOUTUBE....she sang "GOD is a DJ"...look at the 1:30 to 1:35 minute part...she did EXACTLY what Adam did ,and her dancer even had his tongue in her crotch!! Talk about double standards!!!

[momshell]

he is here to STAY with or without ABC...deal with it!!! Great blog by the way :)

[Mary]

Adam mentioned the FCC the other day. I thought it was ABC and then read that it was Liberty Counsel that reported this to the FCC.They are a far far right group founded by Jerry Falwell . Hey, Liberty I know how to switch channels. I am also a Repub so don't include the many of us in this religious nuthood.

[Adam Rocks]

Because he says he likes cheerleaders that equates that he is lying and hiding that he is gay? I like cheerleaders, am I gay? (straight here) Adam never hid it, he just didnt answer it( the press hounded the poor guy because of it, now that you know he is gay of course anything he said before Idol can be twisted to suit your own perspective) because it shouldn't have made one bit of differnce. He is out now and he still says he finds women pretty?? How is this different? Adam is the best vocalist and entertainer in decades, love his CD, love his attitude, honesty and compassion , he is awesome, can't wait for his tour!!

[Melanie]

Adam's just being Adam. He's a sexually charged performer at times. I wouldn't want him any other way. He just needs to find the right balance. He was nervous that night and got carried away. He's learning how all this works. Give him a break. But don't tell him not be sexy! NO! I want him sexy!! So what if he's gay. Does that mean he doesn't have right to be sexy like the legions of male rocks stars before him? What's so scary about that? That's part of his wonderful appeal. Yes, his vocals are his greatest asset, but man, that guy is totally sexy eye candy and that's part of the fun. Don't ever change Adam!!

[Fabgab]

Um... When he said he "liked the cheerleaders" he didn't mean he "LIKE liked" the cheerleaders. From what I understand (I didn't see it) the cheerleaders were funny and had some dance numbers. The cheerleader comment was just honest-to-a-fault Adam diplomatically trying to say something nice about what was probably an awful movie --not an attempt to closet himself. (Kind of like going to a bad restaurant and saying "Well, the place mats were nice!") He's an expert at making ironic comments that fly over people's heads.

[drwo]

This would be too funny if it hadn't gone from ridiculous to absolutely insane. Adam Lambert is so obviously a sweetie pie with a naughty persona when he gets to "play dress-up," as he puts it. This poor guy just can't believe that there is a segment of the population that thinks HE IS ACTUALLY DANGEROUS. Right~ lock up your sons...I'll tell you what, I'd let Adam Lambert babysit for the kids any damned time. He'd probably take them out and buy them a toy dog and some cute doggie outfits (rhinestone collar and matching leash!). Then they'd all go home, play with the dog and the outfits and sing kareoke. So, let's think about it: Three male pop stars: Eminem. Snoop Dog. Adam Lambert. One of them is going to babysit for you. Think about it.

[CDZ from the Ministry]

Hey, it's Christie D'Zurilla here ... just FYI, Mary, I published your comment because it is thoughtful, but I'd like to point out that although Liberty Counsel has represented Jerry Falwell, it was founded by Mathew D. Staver.

Here's the link: http://www.lc.org/index.cfm?PID=14100&PRID=797

The Ministry may kid around a lot, but we do like to get the facts too.

Thanks to all, for reading and for your amazing comments! Wow!

/cdz

[CDZ from the Ministry]

P.S. This is me speaking as me, not as the Ministry, but thanks for having such interesting, thoughtful comments all around. It's so much better this way, than when folks just spew and/or insult -- you all know what I'm talking about.

If comments are slow to post, it's just because there are a lot of them and one of me.

/cdz

[Lisa]

Another thing many obviously don't know about Adam Lambert is what a kind and generous heart he has. So many fans were giving and sending him gifts during the Idol tour that he asked them to instead make donations to a children's school charity, Donors Choose, which got 100% of the donations. Over a quarter of a million dollars and counting has been raised for that charity because of Adam. He also designed a limited edition pendant for Music Cares, a charity which helps out struggling musicians. The pendant sold out within a few hours, and the company that made them got so many requests for the pendant that they had to make a second run. How many brand new, upcoming artists have you ever heard of doing things so generous and charitable? Adam Lambert is good people. He may have made one mistake with the AMA's, but that's not a good enough reason to keep a good man down as ABC continues to try to do with him.

[ianaleah]

Adam Lambert's name gets used to get business, so does his image, smokin hot! He is more than his sexuality, he is a truly gutsy guy,honest,articulate, naive, intelligent,personable, talented, creative, and the most mystifying intriguing independent man, gay or straight or bi-curious ever to captivate us . Totally radiant magnetic. high light energy.Those who love him are addicted to him. Those who hate him are obsessed with him.Adam Lambert channels his spirit of freedom, and for those who have only been spitting out what they were taught in childhood what to think ,believe, and feel are confused by his honoring his own emotions, thinking for himself. He is living his life, allows everyone to live theirs and that is too much responsibilty for people. They don't like that he uses his mind, has enlightened perspectives, because they can't keep up, so they try to tear him down. Albert Einstein said"Great Spirits always encounter violent opposition from mediocre minds." Exactly. And Helen Keller said"Live is an adventure or nothing." Live, and let live-get started on the adventure or 50 years or so from now, you might die without ever having lived.

[Aquarius11]

Thank you for a humorous and refreshing take on a matter that could have been handled with a great deal more professionalism and integrity than ABC has demonstrated. It's a true disappointment to watch ABC/Disney promoting censorship, and even more disheartening that they're continued actions are promoting intolerance.

The performance wasn't my thing but it doesn't mean I won't continue to enjoy Adam's talent and charisma, he's a very charming young man with a great deal of compassion. In the days now weeks following the AMA performance Adam has demonstrated a remarkable level of integrity, he's even defended ABC on more than one occasion. Instead of black listing him ABC/Disney needs to be taking lessons from him.

[Andy]

I, for one, thanked ABC for their ridiculous cancellations...it has been, in a way,although probably hard for him, a great PR week for Adam Lambert. Whether it's homophobia, reacting to the 1500 negative comments, the Liberty Jerry Falwell folks, or advertisers, ABC has put this handsome, sexy, spectacular voice in the forefront of entertainment news. Everywhere I look, there he is. I'm delighted...he's gorgeous to look at. The CD is one of the best I've heard in a long time. He'll be fine, but I continue to be amazed at how small-minded people really are. Simply put, Adam, Rock On!!!

[adamdevotee]

Terrific article. We're kindred spirits, in that we both speak fluent sarcasm. It's the only way to get through this insanity without getting depressed.
http://www.adamofficial.com/us/node/1020789

[Rita]

Thank you for this wonderful article about Adam. I got teary eyed reading these positive and supportive comments about him. Adam has captured my soul and I have felt personal pain for him in the past several days. I was so happy to see his performances on Letterman and Ellen because it was then that I knew he was okay. When Ellen and Adam hugged, I did cry. Adam is so inspiring to me and I absolutely love his CD, every song is a hit in my opinion. I support this young, beautiful, talented man 100%.

[Adam Fan]

If you take notice my e-mail account is aptly named “unlikelyfan” because for all practical purposes I fit the demographic that would be most expected to disapprove of Adam Lambert. I’m a Christian, I listen to mostly Christian and classical music, I’m a mother, I’m a straight female, I’m conservative, I’m an advocate for bringing up children with strong ethical values, and I’ve never displayed fan like behavior or interest in entertainment gossip. Nonetheless, I am an Adam Lambert fan and supporter.

I won’t disagree with ABC that the AMA performance went too far, especially if it veered from rehearsals as dramatically as Adam himself has claimed. Adam experienced an unquestionable lapse in judgment and professionalism, something he himself has also taken responsibility for. I can also say that the performance wasn’t to my liking, it was a disappointment. Adam has acknowledged that he understands his performance made many people feel like they were being disrespected and that disrespecting anyone is something he would never do intentionally. Adam has even defended ABC for being angry with him.

What Adam hasn’t done is issue a formal apology; this too speaks highly of his integrity. To apologize for the content of the performance would be equivalent to apologizing for being gay. I may not understand what it is to be gay, but I do know it’s something a person should never feel the need to apologize for. If Adam were to apologize he would be sending a message to every homosexual, every misfit, and every less than “perfect” person that they too need to apologize for being who they are.

Adam’s AMA performance didn’t harm anyone. He didn’t beat his girlfriend, he didn’t cheat on his spouse, and he didn’t violate the law. He didn’t wave a sign around telling people that they need to think like him and become gay too, and Adam committed no crime that even mildly warrants the need to be blacklisted by ABC.

What I can’t support is the lack of professionalism on the part of ABC in response to disapproval of Adam’s AMA performance. What I do not agree with is ABC’s on-going acts of discrimination, intolerance, and demonstration of behavioral double standards. ABC you are setting a very poor example for our children and for the world, enough small-mindedness and hatred exists already. Your actions are no better than those found in the entertainment industry when anyone that didn’t conform or fit in was labeled a communist. ABC you may not owe Adam Lambert an apology but you do owe one to the public.

Adam is teaching people to feel good about whom they are, to love themselves as they are. ABC your teaching people that it’s not ok to be different, that it’s not ok to make a mistake, and if a mistake is made your teaching that it’s ok for others to turn against you and throw stones. He made a single mistake, ABC you’ve shown us the true flaw in your character.

I may choose to not disclose my identity, but I am standing behind my belief that ABC is doing the country and world more of an injustice than Adam Lambert could ever think of. As much as I enjoy a wide variety of ABC and Disney programming I can not in all good conscience continue to be a viewer. ABC’s promotion of good deeds and community service are all meaningless now, nothing more than a marketing ploy. How can any of that be sincere if you can so easily turn your back on a person who made a mistake, nothing more? Shame on you ABC.

In short, it’s you ABC that needs to take notice and learn from Adam Lambert. If I weren't an Adam Lambert fan before I would be now. I'd also be proud to say that's my child, he's an amazingly kind and giving person.

[Lil_LA]

Thank you! You just reaffirmed my believe in the LA Times. The rest of us "got it" long time ago, and now is your time :-) Way to go Adam! Saving money for your tour next year!

[kravitz]

the irony of all this is ABC Daytime has been featuring a storyline about gay marriage, two gay men falling in love, and a hate crime gaybashing on "One Life To Live" at this very same period. The Kimmel thing was stupid - prime audience matchup, and it's on tape - not shown live! All Lambert has to do is prove he can control himself, and the lawyers who made the cancellations can change out of their sweaty clothes.

[CDZ from the Ministry]

Hey all ... Christie D'Zurilla again, blah blah blah ... news breaking at Show Tracker about Adam Lambert getting booked on "The View" next week ... the Ministry will have the news up shortly about that and also Adam on Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People of 2009" special ... stay tuned!

Show Tracker post is here: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2009/12/adam-lambert-to-appear-on-the-view-next-thursday.html

/cdz

[CDZ from the Ministry]

Hey Celle? It's Christie D'Zurilla Your reply was great except I can't publish those words about Ms. Hasselbeck ... and I can't edit your comment. Resubmit w/o the descriptives and I'll be happy to make it live. / cdz

[Deb]

Hey Me-Adam did not hide his sexuality during Idol, he just did not make a deal out of it, you didn't see Kris Allen or any of the other performers say "Hey I'm ____, and I'm heterosexual did ya? Why should Adam have been any different? What does sexual preference have to do with whether one has talent or not? He was there to prove he could sing and perform, and he did just that, and did it with class, and is still showing class despite all of the heat he is taking. Did I like his AMA performance, no, not really, but I still think he is phenomenally talented, I don't care if he is gay, straight, or androgenous, I will support him by watching his performances, and buying his CDs. But that is just my opinion, and we are all entitled to them.

[Chance]

Elizabeth Hasselbeck is a tool. Adam Lambert is a fantastic singer/entertainer. He is going to change the way we listen to music. This kid has style and grace. Look at the way he has handled himself throughout thru this entire aftermath of the AMAs. Many others would have been yelling and screaming and putting ABC to shame. Adam Lambert continually stood up for ABC and even told his fans not to blame ABC. Adam in interviews said he doesn't blame them, they have to do what they have to do. That is class. Adam admitted his adrenaline got the best of him and who hasn't been in a situation where they did something and it got the best of them. He is an honest kid. Everyone makes mistakes. Adam Lambert has tweeted he is learning. I for one want to give him another chance. He keeps me entertained and I love to watch him dance, sing, act and hopefully we will see more of him on ABC.