Outing: Socially Responsible or Socially Reprehensible? Part I

is one of the few minority groups whose members can, for the most part, pass ourselves off as being non-minorities (i.e., heterosexual). For every woman like Leslie Feinberg (Stone Butch Blues) or every man like Quentin Crisp (The Naked Civil Servant), there are a hundred or more lesbigay people like me, who can, if they choose, live their lives with the majority of people assuming they are heterosexual. Unfortunately, the closet is a luxury we can ill afford if we want to win full acceptance in society. People who use outing to increase the visibility of our community usually focus on celebrities, those who, as the argument goes, are financially and socially secure and don’t need to worry as much about losing their jobs, homes, etc. if their sexual orientation becomes known.

Often, and possibly closer to the heart of the matter than any real political motive, one can hear more than a note of resentment in these outings. (E.g., “I work at a conservative company and I risk my job every day as an out lesbian. __________ (fill in your favorite rumored dyke) makes about a million dollars a week and is set for life even if she never works another day, and she won’t come out. How dare she?”)

SUMMARY These arguments, then, form the reasons and justifications for outing. Tune in next month to hear the arguments against outing and to look at some ethical alternatives to outing.

In the meantime, vote in the poll and feel free to weigh in with your own opinions and comments.

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