Let’s treat the gay community like adults

I thought long and hard last night about whether I should blog about Ken Livingstone. I’ve always been keen to keep my party political views separate from my blog, and with that in mind I decided against it.

I’ve always had the greatest of respect for Attitude magazine for seemingly doing the same; keeping party political leanings out of their editorial style. Particularly in the lead up to 2010’s general election, when they featured interviews with all three party leaders, I was proud that the UK had a gay magazine willing to treat me like an adult, capable of making up his own mind.

So what has this got to do with Ken? Well, this morning I’m disappointed that while the magazine remains politically balanced, the companion twitter feed seems not to be. Yes, they decided to weigh in on Ken:

Ken Livingstone is probably the most longstanding pro gay UK politician in history. Don’t believe the twisting of his bad choice of words

I for the record am willing to admit Ken’s pro gay record. At the same time, I’m willing to express my concerns at his association with Yusuf al Qaradawi and his support for Lutfur Rahman, and I think any balanced commentary would be wise to point out the good as well as the bad.

More than that, I believe that words matter. The journey towards LGB equality is about just that now: the debate over the use of the word marriage; the unacceptability of using the word ‘gay’ as a playground insult. To dismiss Ken’s ‘bad choice of words’ without expecting an apology is party political.

We read time and again about the damage done by words that aren’t intended to be homophobic; about tragic suicides that result from homophobia, whether it’s intended or not. That more than anything shows what effect words can have.

I don’t want the young LGBT population of London to be able to read that word riddled, without knowing that Ken has put his hands up and apologised.

Before my comments descend into a mass of quotations of Boris, I want to say this. Yes, what he said in 2001 was foolish and thoughtless, but he has now become unashamedly pro gay marriage. That for me is enough to show that he believes he was wrong to think how he once did and to send that message to Londoners.

I hope I’ve successfully walked a tightrope this morning and treated my readers like adults who are capable of making up their own minds. I’m disappointed that Attitude didn’t seem to even bother trying last night.