(Sir Ian) McKellen Breaks Pentagon Gay Policy

[Maven]

All I can say is HA! Sir Ian rocks us all.

Gay actor Sir Ian McKellen has managed to overrule the Pentagon’s Don’t Ask Don’t Tell policy after being made am honorary lieutenant colonel of the national guard.

US military policy dictates that lesbian and gay recruits must keep their sexuality hidden, but the openly gay star was recently given the honour on a trip to Atlanta, Georgia.

Sir Ian, a patron for many gay causes, told the New York Daily News, “I was in Atlanta doing press for The Da Vinci Code - and they wanted to honour me. The governor made me a lieutenant colonel.

...

“So inadvertently, they made me the poster child for having openly gay people in the military." more

Read the article for a fantastic quote by McKellen re: the negative use of the word "gay" in pop culture.

[Benhurst]

1. As a fellow honorary lieutenant colonel of the Georgia national guard

(thanks to Jimmy Carter), I'm glad to have him on-board. The whole policy of Don't Ask Don't Tell is so stupid. But then obviously so is Governor Perdue if he didn't know McKellen is gay. I don't follow such things; but even I knew that, so it must be common knowledge.

How ironic that Sonny Perdue may have made the first appointment of a gay, or at least openly-gay, person to an honorary position in the Georgia National Guard.

:rofl:

[David Zephyr]

3. How ironic, indeed, Benhurst.

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[Mojambo]

2. Rightwing dorks everywhere today...

Gandalf is gay!?!?!

Loving it.

[racaulk]

6. Not only Gandalf, but Magneto too!!!

:P

[TechBear_Seattle]

4. A pity that Sir Ian isn't an American

At the moment, the only openly gay people who are allowed to serve in the military seem to be foreigners, not Americans.

Well, it's a step in the right direction at least.

[dsc]

5. I seriously love McKellen

He has been so out front. I would love to be a fly on the wall of the Georgia Christian Coalition headquarters when they find out Purdue appointed him. In the meantime I hope he enjoys the honor.

[roguevalley]

13. he's wonderful. check out the scarlet pimpernell. first time I really

ever saw him.

[sgxnk]

7. clearly

it's the "gay hobbit" influence

[rosesaylavee]

8. Love this comment too....

Earlier this month, the award winning actor told an audience at the EuroPride Rally in Trafalgar Square, London, “Apparently we cannot call ourselves gay anymore because it means rubbish in the street, why don’t we find a new word, what about gorgeous?”

He's so gorgeous. :) I like that!

[Kailassa]

11. That's beautiful. Now if only enough people become gorgeous,

The Earth's overpopulation problems will be cured.

:headbang:

[zcflint09]

9. I love Ian!

A great actor and he was awesome as Gandalf! Way to go Ian!

[AnnieBW]

10. You Shall Not Pass!

You shall be out in the open! :D Sir Ian is awesome!

[sangfroid]

12. This story justifies my getting up this morning...

Sir Ian has always been a real gent and a marvelous actor, as well as an outstanding advocate for gay rights. Making him an honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Georgia National Guard not only challenges the lunatic "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy, I do believe it will brighten the reputation of the great state of Georgia.

[racaulk]

14. Follow up: According to one source, this story is not true.

Please see the link to the story here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=221x38898