How did we miss this? New York Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr.—the arch-conservative anti-gay Pentecostal minister from the Bronx who is the leading opponent of marriage equality in the state—has not one but two gay brothers. Oh and Liza Minelli's voice can bring him to tears, reports New York.
"Over the Christmas holiday, Christopher Lynn, a former top Giuliani
aide and founding member of the gay and lesbian Stonewall Democratic
Club in New York City, took one of his closest friends, a Democratic
state senator, to a performance of Liza Minnelli's Broadway show, Liza's at the Palace ... !
During the poignant rendition of Charles Aznavour's drag-queen ballad,
"What Makes a Man a Man?", Lynn turned to his friend and saw that he was
choked up. 'Diaz was in tears,' says Lynn. Yes, that Diaz—Bronx
senator Ruben Diaz Sr., the Pentecostal Puerto Rican minister and
scourge of gay marriage. ... Diaz, who has not one but two gay brothers, says, 'I'm not
homophobic. I have a problem with gay marriage. I have no problem with
gays.' "
Perhaps that last statement explains why Diaz Sr. once claimed the Gay Games would lead to "an increase in AIDS and homosexuality in young people."
A marriage bill will reportedly be "very first bill" to be considered in today's special Senate session called by Gov. David Paterson. Diaz Sr. promises to do something "big" to prevent the vote from happening.
i8 suppose the gay family member is 21st century equivalent of "some of my best friends"..
Posted by: Saadiq | 24 June 2009 at 11:14
That's a fine way of showing your family members you care for them. With family like that...
And then the "man of god" rants against them at church. smh
Posted by: Kobe | 24 June 2009 at 11:58
what a hypocrite!
thanks for exposing him rod!
he may not have completely dodged that strong gay gene within his siblings...
as always,the most rabid gaybashers are gay
maybe we can look for him in
"outrage II"...
Posted by: alicia banks | 24 June 2009 at 12:43
One day he'll get exposed too.
Posted by: Ravenback | 24 June 2009 at 14:35
No vote on gay marriage today. NY Senate adjourned without taking up the bill. GOP refused to attend, say they want binding arbitration on June 8 coup. Gov. Paterson said to be smoke-from-the-ears fuming. So am I.
Posted by: Nathan James | 24 June 2009 at 14:46
@ Nathan:
Yeah, I saw that. I expected as much, which is why I didnt push the story. -RM
Posted by: Rod Mc | 24 June 2009 at 14:53
During the poignant rendition of Charles Aznavour's drag-queen ballad, "What Makes a Man a Man?", Lynn turned to his friend and saw that he was choked up. 'Diaz was in tears,'
I think that says it all!!!
Thanks Rod
Posted by: DW Jazzlover | 24 June 2009 at 15:00
I'd hate to see how he'd react to "New York, New York"!!
Posted by: CA | 24 June 2009 at 15:20
I would like to hear the two gay brothers speak truthfully about whether Sen. Diaz is homophobic or not.
Posted by: elg | 24 June 2009 at 17:45