One Famous Man Who Rarely Makes a 'Gay List' - But Should

Ok, I give, who?
I clicked the above and got a plain gaynewsblog page with a space to use the search engine

Then I guess I won't bother either.... Merry Christmas evening to you Chas.

It's difficult to find the link to the full story. It's http://opinion.gaynewsblog.net/2007/12/one-fa...

Whats the point? Was he gay?

Jerry Herman is both gay and HIV+.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Herman

Though he wrote the musical version of "La Cage Aux Folles", He also wrote "Mame" and "Hello Dolly" which I think are both superior.

Chas wrote:

Ok, I give, who?
I clicked the above and got a plain gaynewsblog page with a space to use the search engine

Just scroll down the page some. The article is there.

Jason1 wrote:

Jerry Herman is both gay and HIV+.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Herman
Though he wrote the musical version of "La Cage Aux Folles", He also wrote "Mame" and "Hello Dolly" which I think are both superior.

I have seen his work, now what is the importance of his sexuality or it's orientation. Has his work reflected a positive change in the social and political arena's of how homosexuality is perceived? Has this work supported research and development of medical advances towards the treatment, cure or prevention of HIV or other diseases? Or is the recognition for this man to be seen more on "gay listings" more a Hollywood sensationalism like that of Rock Hudson and Liberace? His contribution in the art of theater is noted by its own production, however if there is no redeeming noble social or political contributions other than his capitalist nature in Hollywood and he wasn't open and out as a homosexual in support and as a openly gay role model during the production of his works, I see little point in obligating anyone into inclusion of a "gay list"...For that matter.
It is evident he was not an openly out advocate for or on gay issues. Although I do admire his work and realize its impact on "Gay culture"....

Although I don't know him personally, a good friend of mine does. He told me that Mr. Herman doesn't hide his sexuality at all and never has. And while he doesn't march around, carry pride banners in parades, etc., I get the impression that he is generous with gay and aids charities.
Just, for what it's worth?:)

Jim wrote:

Although I don't know him personally, a good friend of mine does. He told me that Mr. Herman doesn't hide his sexuality at all and never has. And while he doesn't march around, carry pride banners in parades, etc., I get the impression that he is generous with gay and aids charities.
Just, for what it's worth?:)

Thanks Jim!!!

Its the thought that just because he is gay, his inclusion, in or on a "gay List" sounds of the gossipy, no social redeeming quality of knowledge type of mention, not that of an "honorable mention". But if it is the list that shapes him as a "role model" for future generations of aspiring "gay" artists. Excellent list. Just "gay lists" usually sounds like "black listings" of the boycott or "outing" implication. Jerry Hermans work however is not synonymous or widely publicized as the work and achievements of an openly homosexual, yet the work itself is mimicked and lauded in the homosexual pop culture.

Great entertainment. That fact alone should put him on every A-list, but the other little known fact of his success as an openly gay man in the industry should be well circulated in the Youth centers and community centers who counsel and support gay youth as a "Role Model". Does any one know if Mr. Herman does speaking engagements as inspiration and motivation for and as a "role model"?

I am what I am
I am my own special creation.
So come take a look,
Give me the hook or the ovation.
It's my world that I want to take a little pride in,
My world, and it's not a place I have to hide in.
Life's not worth a damn,
'Til you can say, "Hey world, I am what I am."
I am what I am,
I don't want praise, I don't want pity.
I bang my own drum,
Some think it's noise, I think it's pretty.
And so what, if I love each feather and each spangle,
Why not try to see things from a diff'rent angle?
Your life is a sham 'til you can shout out loud
I am what I am!
I am what I am
And what I am needs no excuses.
I deal my own deck
Sometimes the ace, sometimes the deuces.
There's one life, and there's no return and no deposit;
One life, so it's time to open up your closet.
Life's not worth a damn 'til you can say,
"Hey world, I am what I am!"

Thak You so much Michael Y of Chicago, IL... You're Fabulous !

Ooops.. sorry, Thank you Michael Y.

Jason1 wrote:

Jerry Herman is both gay and HIV+.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Herman
Though he wrote the musical version of "La Cage Aux Folles", He also wrote "Mame" and "Hello Dolly" which I think are both superior.

Actually, Mack And Mabel, though not as widely known, is often cited as his best work But La Cage will always be one of my favorite shows of all times for the forthright expression of gay sensibility and love. And don't forget the accurate characterization of the right-wing politicos who long to be fabulous but are too afraid of their shadows. For the openness and popularity of La Cage, Jerry deserves to be on the list. By the way, how has Sondheim or any other great composer contributed to the community? I can't recall any musicals that celebrate the love of gay families at all, let alone as compellingly as La Cage.

edensasp wrote:

<quoted text>I have seen his work, now what is the importance of his sexuality or it's orientation. Has his work reflected a positive change in the social and political arena's of how homosexuality is perceived?

When La Cage opened in 1983 it was a huge risk. The AIDS crisis was in it's early years, and public fear about the disease and the perception that gay men were dangerous fueled homophobia.

What the musical did was take an audience from apprehension to identification with a gay couple, their love for one another, and their role as parents.

While he may not have been marching or giving speeches, Jerry Herman certainly has moved audiences to a greater understanding of gay men as people.

edensasp wrote:

<quoted text>... if there is no redeeming noble social or political contributions other than his capitalist nature in Hollywood and he wasn't open and out as a homosexual in support and as a openly gay role model during the production of his works, I see little point in obligating anyone into inclusion of a "gay list"...For that matter.
It is evident he was not an openly out advocate for or on gay issues. Although I do admire his work and realize its impact on "Gay culture"....

I don't agree. A gay list is a list of people who are or were gay, no more, no less. You are welcome, of course, to start a list of gay people supportive of the community.

Mr. Herman has been outspoken in his support of the gay community, though I don't know for a certainty of financial support he has given it. My understanding is he did support it and continues to do so.

Sondheim, in contrast, though he is certainly out, hasn't even written an unambiguously gay character into any of his musical works. In fact, the 1973 film, "The Last of Sheila", he wrote with Anthony Perkins (Yes, the gay or bi actor who eventually died of AIDS!!!) is said to be somewhat homophobic.

Though I give Herman's "La Cage" an A+ for nobility of purpose, I'm still not convinced that it's as good as "Mame" or "Dolly".

Herman, I do recall, protested the cynical use of his song "The Best of Times is Now" from "Cage", at the notoriously homophobic Republican National Convention of 2004 (I think.).

Jason1 wrote:

<quoted text>
I don't agree. A gay list is a list of people who are or were gay, no more, no less. You are welcome, of course, to start a list of gay people supportive of the community.
Mr. Herman has been outspoken in his support of the gay community, though I don't know for a certainty of financial support he has given it. My understanding is he did support it and continues to do so.
Sondheim, in contrast, though he is certainly out, hasn't even written an unambiguously gay character into any of his musical works. In fact, the 1973 film, "The Last of Sheila", he wrote with Anthony Perkins (Yes, the gay or bi actor who eventually died of AIDS!!!) is said to be somewhat homophobic.
Though I give Herman's "La Cage" an A+ for nobility of purpose, I'm still not convinced that it's as good as "Mame" or "Dolly".
Herman, I do recall, protested the cynical use of his song "The Best of Times is Now" from "Cage", at the notoriously homophobic Republican National Convention of 2004 (I think.).

Mame is wonderful (Roslind Russell of course NOT Lucille Ball) but I've never understood the draw of Dolly other than the fantastic Carol Channing.

lndychick wrote:

<quoted text>
Mame is wonderful (Roslind Russell of course NOT Lucille Ball) but I've never understood the draw of Dolly other than the fantastic Carol Channing.

Roz did the movie of "Auntie Mame" but I think Angela originated the musical version on Broadway. Lucy, they said was terrible as Mame, but I think Babs was a mistake in the movie version of Dolly. You don't play Dolly when you are 27 or 28 and Carol should have done it in the film I think.

Russell did do Wonderful Town on Broadway but the songs had to be tailored to her limited vocal range.

Tonight,(New Year's Eve) there will be a special on our local PBS station (Channel 13) at least on Jerry Herman called "Words and Music by Jerry Herman". I don't know if it's a new program or a repeat but it's probably new.

Carol Channing, Angela Lansbury and Michael Feinstein (also gay!) will be on.

As they say, "check your local listings for exact time and station"!

Sorry. Should have mentioned local time is 10-11:30.