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Christopher says that his attitude towards gay people was "an evolution once I got to NY. I gained a greater understanding of what it means to be human, regardless of the labels" (Apr 13 2000). Chris says that it's "not a big deal" that men are attracted to him (Dec 27 1999). When asked how he feels about having a gay following, he says that he's "appreciative and thankful" that what he does for a living makes people happy and continues, "I guess I don't know what to say, because, being straight, I have no connection to that feeling. There's no sexual turn-on or repulsion. I just feel a good, positive vibe" (Dec 27 1999). He also says that he would take on a specifically gay-themed role, if it were a good one (Jan 3 2000). In Chris's opinion, people oppose gays because of "fear, ignorance and religion" (Jan 4 2001). When asked what issues gay folks have fought for that Chris takes an interest in, he responded, "Same-sex marriage, etc. - basically, having the same rights and privileges as others" (Feb 13 2003). Many of the fan questions raising gay issues revolve around Christopher's work on Oz. Chris says there's a double standard when it comes to seeing gay male interaction on-screen versus lesbian interaction on-screen because "men run the world. Eighty-five to 90 percent of men are straight. Thus, most sexual fantasies are coming from that point of view. The male to male thing for straights is about fear - fear of losing the status quo, change, fear of people's own desires and boundaries, ignorance, the Bible, the Pope, Dr. Laura, entrenched view points of right and wrong. I equate homosexuality with male relationships because homo is Latin for man" (Sept 11 2000). A fan commented that the media are often criticized for "portraying homosexuals as deviants" and wondered whether television is ready to see chemistry in same-sex relationships (as was demonstrated between Keller and Beecher on Oz) on other shows, such as Will & Grace. Chris replied, "Well...first, I didn't know the media were criticized for that. Will & Grace is a comedy; I don't think people tune in primarily for the sex (think Seinfeld characters and sex...not very appealing is it?) or things 'compelling.' Television IS ready! Now can it make money for anyone? THAT IS the question" (Jan 4 2001). On a more humourous note, one fan commented that the Keller-Beecher relationship continued "to make us homos all over the U.S. happy for the Wednesday night eye candy." Chris responded, "Homos should be happy on Wednesdays" (May 22 2000). On the difference between kissing a man versus kissing a woman: "The difference is, one gives me an erection and the other does not. Um…I think whatever way yer wired, give it up fully, passionately, respectfully" (June 9 2000). In response to whether he ever considered in his "wildest dreams" that he would have "really great on-screen chemistry" with another man, Chris answered, "My wildest dreams don't include men (but that's just me). In my career, never thought about it" (Apr 26 2000). A fan asked whether he's more "open-minded than before about the lifestyle" and his "own feeling towards other men" after having worked on Oz. Chris responded, "'Lifestyle' sounds Swinging 60s to me, baby, and little clubbish. I'm not a big fan of organizations - however loosely defined...er, right, anyway I am more open minded...my feelings about men? Sexually? I have none. Fer me, chicks is where it's at. It's my choice, it's...my lifestyle, baby" (Feb 17 2001). When asked whether his closeness to Lee Tergesen on Oz changed his views toward homosexuals, Chris said, "No...I don't know if I view homosexuals in any way. I hope I view people on their abilities, honesty and energy. What's better - to be around a gay person who's a liar or one that's intolerant?" (Feb 17 2001) Chris also said, about being that close to Lee on Oz, "I love being close to, and showing affection to, those I love - that is not gender-specific" (Feb 17 2001). Chris couldn't answer a question relating to whom he would choose to be with, if he were homosexual: "Well, since I don't have sexual feelings towards men, how can I say? I mean, for the most part, I like to be alone, so why hang out with a guy? You basing this on looks or on popularity? Tom Cruise or Larry Bud Melman? You pick" (Nov 3 2001). Another fan asked whether Chris has ever said, "Wow, that guy is attractive." Chris replied, "Attractive…? I've seen good-looking guys, but I don't find them seductive or alluring…and I've never prefaced the observation with a 'Wow'" (Nov 14 2000). However, when someone asked if he would date Lee Tergesen (if both men were gay), Chris responded, "Who wouldn't? I'm not crazy" (Dec 19 2001). When asked what his connection to the gay community would be after leaving Oz, Chris said, "I know I speak for all of the gay community when I say, 'I wear the mantle of gay spokesperson proudly.' Um...I don't know what my connection will be. I'm not too political, but I do know there is an inherent value (for myself and for whatever organization) in lending one's celebrity (how I dislike that word) profile to causes or events" (Aug 20 2000). However, he doesn't yet consider himself to be a gay icon: "When they hoist a statute of me aloft in San Francisco or Chelsea, NYC, then maybe" (Sept 28 2003). Chris was a presenter at the 11th Annual Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Media Awards in New York on his 39th birthday and locked lips with Lee a number of times there (Mar 28 2000). Chris says they were just "playing with the paparazzi" and reveals that, although the script for the evening required the two actors to share one kiss, they decided to ad-lib another two kisses for the cameras (Aug 13 2000). If Chris were advising kids who are considering coming out, he would say, "Truth is the toughest road and the most rewarding and the most difficult sometimes to even find, let alone stay on." His advice to a gay kid or teen contemplating suicide is that "death is a bore" (Feb 12 2001). On whether a performer coming out of the closet is beneficial, Chris has said, "If it gives the person who's closet-walking peace - that's the only benefit that counts." However, when it comes to whether performers' sexual orientation should be made public, Chris said, "Who cares. Grow up, America, and focus on what's really important - like my varied hairdos" (Feb 12 2002). And the last word on the subject came in response to someone who asked if Chris is really gay: "Does it fucking matter? You love me? So love me. Love ya!" (Sept 8 2004) Last updated: March 04/06 | |