Sigh

An Indiana state Representative, who recently voted for a constitutional amendment that would ban gay marriage, has been accused of using Craigslist to offer an 18-year old male $80 for "a couple hours of your time tonight" plus a tip "for a really good time."

The Indianapolis Star obtained e-mails sent from Rep. Phillip Hinkle's (R) publicly listed personal address, responding to a Craigslist posting by Kameryn Gibson that said "I need a sugga daddy." Gibson told the Star that the post was in the "Casual Encounters" section under m4m, or men for men. He used his sister Megan's e-mail address -- and she later sent the e-mails to the Star.

"Cannot be a long time sugar daddy," says the e-mail response from what is allegedly Hinkle's address, "but can for tonight. Would you be interested in keeping me company for a while tonight?"

"I am an in shape married professional, 5'8", fit 170 lbs, and love getting and staying naked," the e-mail says.

Another e-mail says: "If u want to consider spending night u might tell ur sis so she won't worry. Would have u back before 11 tomorrow. No extra cash just free breakfast and maybe late night snack."
~ from Anti-Gay Marriage State Rep. Accused Of Offering Young Male Money 'For A Really Good Time' by Jillian Rayfield ~

A decade or two ago, a story like this one would be a shocker, but not anymore. It seems that not a year goes by when a conservative "anti-gay" politician or religious figure is caught in one of these "immoral" trysts.

For me, the sad part is that a Republican politician or an evangelical religious figure feels that they can't just be themselves. They can't just be who they are -- gay or bisexual. They must hide it and one of the best ways to do it is to crusade against the part of themselves that they can't accept.

While it is easy to criticize their rampant hypocrisy, I wonder what their internal life must be like. Imagine the stress they must feel between their public persona and their private longings. They must always be on guard that no one discovers the contradiction between the two. Sometimes -- as in this case, IF the allegations are true -- they letdown their guard and all hell breaks loose.

Life, in general, can be difficult. We each face challenges, missteps and unforeseen troubles. But life for a closeted man or woman -- afraid of the repercussions for openly being who they truly are -- must be tantamount to a living hell.

They can thank fundamentalist religion for that!