OUTING TARGET HOLLYWWOD : The Ethics of Exposing Celebrities’ Sexual Orientations

Right-wing homophobes notwithstanding, the public is probably a lot more tolerant than a fearful Hollywood imagines. A 1989 Newsweek poll reported that 50% of America would not object to a homosexual serving as President. A performer who came out with dignity might well earn a measure of respect. At very least, he, or she, would preempt lurid tabloid hedlines.

The real obstacle that gay performers face is the industry’s own timidity. Fifty years ago, studio executives insisted Jewish actors change their names and hide their ethnic and religious heritage so as not to alienate a presumably narrow-minded public. Gay actors, in misguided efforts to protect careers, are now being told to do something similar. Hopefully, their charade will soon prove equally unnecessary.

GREGG KILDAY

Los Angeles