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September 20, 2005
I don't care much for your flimsy garbage bags anyway . . .
As a proud member of the gay community, I readily support various *progressive and intelligent* (some not so intelligent ones too of course) gay advocacy groups, but GLAAD is another unfortunate member of the Michael Lucas Shit List. See below:
GLAAD likes to believe that they stand for the "fair, accurate and inclusive representation" of gays in the media. Sure, so long as you don't happen to make cock films for a living. Talk about hypocrisy. Would it not be FAIR to acknowledge a penetration king such as myself? Would it not be ACCURATE to embrace the fact that one among you produces top quality films of boys in compromising positions? Would it not be INCLUSIVE to open up your arms to a gay man of my occupation? The smut business is just that - a business.
Well, GLAAD certainly doesn't see it that way. But, oh, what's this? They're more than happy to accept my financial contributions. Sluts.
Here's the basic rundown of events, going all the way back to last year's GLAAD Awards
My dear friend, Will Wikle, asked me to be his guest at the ceremony. This included a little stroll down the red carpet. At the conclusion of the event, a picture of Will and me appeared on GLAAD's Wire Image website - I'm one hot bitch, what can I say? However, these photographs were quickly pulled. It didn't take much research to learn that this was not an accident, but, rather, a deliberate action taken against me, specifically. Apparently, I am an embarrassment to the organization.
Respectfully, I issued GLAAD the following letter:
It's dangerous when an organization dedicated to promoting and ensuring fair, accurate and inclusive representation of gay people starts dictating morality.
As an adult entertainer I have not only been an active member of this community, I have also donated my time and money in an effort to help the gay cause. In the last few years I have been working hard to educate people on the dangers of drug abuse, especially crystal meth, which is plaguing our people. I demand strict drug tests from all my actors before each scene, making it clear that if you do drugs you cannot work for my company. And I have been a major advocate for safe sex in a time when AIDS cases are on the rise.
But XXX days ago, GLAAD, The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation ruled that my industry is an embarrassment to the gay community.
After my photos appeared on their site as part of a red carpet event, they were suddenly pulled off. GLAAD representatives said they were "embarrassed" I showed up in the first place.
I guess they forgot to return the $500 check I donated to the same event. My money seems to be green enough for them
as long as I don't show my face at any of their glitzy events.
I want to say that I take great pride in my work. You may not agree with it, you may not like it (although I suspect many of you do). But it is an honest profession. I go to work every day, and pay my taxes like everyone else.
This is a slippery slope. One day it's the porn industry, who's next?
This is a memo to the organization that's supposed to stop discrimination; stop discriminating.
Photos or no photos, I will continue to contribute to the cause, because like it or not, the porn industry isn't going anywhere. We're here, we're hot, get used to it.
Sincerely,
Michael Lucas
Now, fast forward to just a few days ago when I received an invitation from Media Circle, GLAAD's major donor program, to attend some bullshit cocktail reception where I could observe GLAAD's board of directors co-chair, John Hadity, work a crowd much like one of my actors. They might be wearing fancy suits, but it's still an ass-fuck.
It's clear that while my image on one of their special little websites may not be desirable, my cash is just fine. Well, I'm sick of getting bombarded with these letters and fliers and half-hearted invites. It brings back too many bad memories. So, I've decided to write them a new letter for the entire world to read:
Dear GLAAD Representatives,
I'm publicly asking you to please get the fuck away from my home address, office address, mailbox, inbox, home phone, cell phone and office phone. You'll get your goddamn money one way or another because I care about the gay community. So, save some paper, save some time, and LEAVE ME THE BLOODY-FUCK ALONE!
Yours in Christ,
Michael Lucas
PS- My boyfriend Richard Winger, Ex-President of the Board of GLBT Center of NY, had to give a personal call to the President of GLAAD, Joan Garry, at the time. Under his pressure, the pictures were put back on the site the next day.
Anyway, you can enjoy here:
Click here.
Posted by Michael at September 20, 2005 03:08 PM
Comments
Michael,
I am so proud of you. You are my hero. You are proud of who you are (as you should be) and you don't put up with anybody's bullshit. I wish you continued success in all you do.
Posted by: Donald in Toronto at September 20, 2005 06:47 PM
We're fighting a marriage amendment here in SC and would have no problem with a check from you ~ we get very little money from the national organizations, yet we have raised over 145k since May '05 to stop this constitutional b#llsh!t. E-me if you're interested.
Your unashamed fans.
Steve 'n Mark
Posted by: Steve'nMark at September 20, 2005 06:57 PM
I've been off of GLAAD for quite some time myself after they proved so idiotic in the face of Ellen's cancellation a few years ago. They've gotten all backwards with message distortions, and so much of their function is being encroached upon by HRC, which is an even more hypocritical organization (if that's possible -- oops, I forgot about the Republican party, so I guess it is possible).
Posted by: Jerry at September 20, 2005 07:57 PM
I think you're right in feeling offended.
As the organization states on its web site (in regard to media coverage of Pride events), "Drag queens and leather-clad community members are present and welcome at Pride events, but media outlets frequently focus all their attention on these images. However, all images of our community should be used in context. It is important to represent the diversity of the LGBT community, including lesbian and gay parents and families, youth, couples, bisexuals, transgender people, people of color, people of faith, teachers, lawyers, mechanics, doctors and the many others who participate in Pride. No single image can or should be put forth as the sole representation of the entire LGBT community, and at GLAAD we hope that pictorial coverage of Pride events intentionally portrays the diversity of our lives."
I agree with GLAAD in that social conservatives tend to fuel their discriminatory efforts with photos and news coverage of scantilly-clad boys and drag queens. They, however, are a part of our community. You, too, are a part of our community. Whether we agree with your viewpoints or your occupation is beside the point. The fact that you are speaking out against crystal meth abuse and deminishing safer-sex practices in our community is commendable, newsworthy, and extremely VITAL. I hope that you are not discouraged by their initial decision, and I hope that they offer you an apology for not truly "representing the diversity of the LBGT community" and for their alleged "embarrassment."
Posted by: Anthony at September 20, 2005 08:59 PM
P.S. I forwarded my comments to GLAAD as well.
Posted by: Anthony at September 20, 2005 09:04 PM
GLAAD does not speak for me. Or apparently, for you.
I already lost any remaining respect for GLAAD after its attacks on Eminem. I see that in addition to not being big fans of rap smack talk about gays, they're not much into films of guys getting fucked et al.
Freedom of speech and expression is just that. Whether it's the choice to use the word fag in a song or fuck one in a film, artistic expression (yes, including porn) is a choice and so is paying to listen to or watch it.
GLAAD wants your money but for you to remain in the background? Fuck that. I for one am thrilled to see you posing next to A-list celebrities and appearing in the mainstream media. GLAAD should be proud too.
Posted by: Brent at September 21, 2005 07:33 AM
Yeah, I've often seen GLAAD as the dorky gay association.
Posted by: Heather at September 21, 2005 10:39 AM
Michael,
Now you know what it feels like to be discriminated against by your own so-called community. You are now feeling what queer Blacks, Latinos and Asians have felt for years. You were naive to think you would be accepted, only to find out that you're not quite good enough, and that our peers can be more cruel than some heterosexuals. Join the club!
Posted by: marc at September 21, 2005 12:39 PM
michael
it comes as no surprise to me how shabbily you have been treated. did you know GLAAD is now presided over by a REPUBLICAN?!! it's true.
and also, I really do feel that so many organisations such as GLAAD that set out to speak out for people like you and me inevitably (in this current political climate) get cold feet and begin to ape all the worst traits of the organisations that they proclaim to be fighting. good for you to call them on it
love from alan x
Posted by: alan cumming at September 21, 2005 10:23 PM
"Yours in Christ"
Priceless. LOL, you are too funny.
Posted by: Richard at September 21, 2005 11:37 PM
Bravo.
Posted by: Michelangelo at September 22, 2005 07:55 AM
Sorry, Michael, for my ignorance. I found out what GLAAD stands for. Hang in there; You have tons of us out here who love you and believe in what you produce and stand for. Don
Posted by: Donald at September 24, 2005 07:18 PM
Odd this whole thing, isn't it? There seems to not have been any objection to a person from BB5? They don't like porn actors that are exclusively for the gay community? But they do like men that get undressed and have sex live on tv and online 24hrs a day? TSSK...TSSK.
OOh...that's what they meant with inclusivity! You have to take your clothes off for everybody, not just for the adult industry!
Marc
Posted by: Marc at September 24, 2005 10:15 PM