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Kevin Naff is editor of the Washington Blade and can be reached at knaff@washblade.com.
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Let them march
It’s all about visibility, so either applaud marchers' passion or get out of their way
Let them march
It’s all about visibility, so either applaud marchers' passion or get out of their way
Inaugural shots
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HOME > VIEWPOINT > EDITORIAL
By: KEVIN NAFF COMMENTS
 
A new administration brings a new energy, vibe and influx of faces to Washington. As President-elect Barack Obama’s team, along with many new members of Congress arrive in the coming weeks, it’s important they familiarize themselves with the new expectations regarding honesty in dealing with sexual orientation.
Essentially, those rules dictate that we not enable another Mark Foley or Larry Craig. No more senior staffers, members of Congress and the like socializing at JR.’s and Halo, then retreating to the closet. No more wild nights at Town, with the understanding that fellow revelers will keep your dirty little secret. No more restroom quickies before heading home to the wife and kids in Georgetown or Bethesda.
Jared Polis (D-Colo.) isn’t the only new gay member of Congress headed to D.C. next month, but he is the only one who’s out. So a few words of advice to those newly elected, closeted politicians: come out on your terms now and spare yourselves the inevitable embarrassment of becoming the next Foley or Craig. Voters generally don’t reward liars and they will ultimately look more favorably on those who deal honestly with their constituents. Foley resigned in disgrace; Craig is a laughingstock. But gay Reps. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) and Barney Frank (D-Mass.) are influential and widely respected on the Hill. Do yourselves a favor and follow their example. Besides, the dating world is much more appealing outside the restroom stall.
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