Midler Laments Film Choices, Lohan

Tod, in that specific interview (March, 08) she speaks about it even more in depth. Due to a limited amount of space here in the comment section, I couldn't post the entire conversation. Check it out if you'd like. Bette Midler certainly isn't someone you want to pick on... out of all the people in the world, lets focus our energies on people who are out there really trying to stifle us.

Paul: Well, I guess my memory didn't serve me. I've been a long-term subscriber to the Advocate (read it cover to cover) and must have seen her follow-up (what you posted) to her original comment that offended everyone. Perhaps, I didn't believe it then and even reading it now, I'm still not sure it's heartfelt. But that is my opinion only. I was going from memory and felt no need to do research. However, I stand corrected. She did do something to follow-up. It'll be alright.

Paul, thanks for reminding us of Bette's namby-pamby attempt to back-peddle in that Advocate interview. The fact that she owes the gay community for her very existence as an entertainer should place her at the forefront of the marriage equality support. Has she attended any rallies? Has she donated any money or time to the cause? Has she expressed any opinion in a public forum regarding Proposition 8? Not that I can find anywhere on the internet. Her pathetic give it time and it will happen statement is hardly an endorsement. As I said earlier, entertainers and other public figures whose careers would flourish without the support of the LGBT community have made much stronger statements. When will Bette come front and center on the issue???

Bette, if you're so sure Sister Act was a missed opportunity, there's the musical... As for gay marriage-While there are concerns among some in the gay community that marriage is an assimilation measure, the issue is that of choice and opportunity. I point you to Bayard Rustin. He was a pacifist, even serving time for not fighting, but he did work on a march to address discrimination in the military. (It was canceled because Roosevelt issued an order to end racial discrimination). Equality means opportunities, a more level playing field. No American uses all the rights available to them, but it is their availability that is the important thing. Not every woman may agree or choose abortion, but the implication of it being illegal will mean a doctor performing them (if not the women getting it) could be arrested for murder. This is what it means to be an adult- to consider other groups and others in your own group who may not see things the same way as you. It comes down to equal access.

She has since spoken about her stance on gay marriage, quite elaborately actually and it took place in an Advocate article back in March of 2008 with Anne Stockwell (a quick google search of "Bette Midler gay marriage" and I found it... do your research guys). Here are a few comments: Advocate: Let's talk about same-sex marriage. How are you feeling about the issue now? Because there have been hurt feelings--people feeling you weren't on their side. Bette: It's interesting. I have some gay friends who are for it, some gay friends who are against it. And I just feel like it's evolving and it's probably going to come to fruition, and it's probably going to be just fine. I think it's going to be fine. I think people should be able to commit themselves to the people that they love. I have no problem with it whatsoever. Advocate: It's great to hear you say that.

Because she has done nothing to correct her comments, I can't help but feel betrayed by her lack of support when asked about marriage. Apparently we fulfilled her need for adulation and greenback. We served to bolster her career and little more. But the word on the street is that Bette is only for Bette, everything is only about her and she is incredibly difficult, almost psychotic, to work with and be around. Really how hard would it have been for her to say, "I support same-gender marriage and equality." Make her grovel before we lend her any kind words. Just turn the other way.

Bette LOVES her gays. She made comments in the nineties (I believe to Larry King) about being around when the AIDS crisis first hit and how she practically lost everyone she started out with to AIDS. Practically every interview she does she talks about starting out in the Continental bathhouse and how it launched her career. She's never shied away from that incredible fun fact. C'mon, she's The Divine Miss M and we are all lucky to have her around! Love you Bette!

This woman owes her entire career and fortune to gay men, period. Without us, she'd be an ugly Jewish housewife living in Joisey. I had the misfortune of running into this woman at a restaurant in West Hollywood several years ago. When a member or our party went up and asked for her autograph, she threw a tantrum that was so vocal the kitchen crew came out to see what was going on. It always amazes me that people whose careers have done just fine without gay men (Judith Light and Elizabeth Taylor come to mind) are at the forefront of GLBT issues and Bette squirms when questioned about her opinions regarding marriage equality. A true piece of work.

She seems to have enjoyed launching her career in a Gay Bath House but can't bring herself to be a proponent of Gay Marriage Equality. She sees us as silly boys who run around fcuking but incapable of loving relationships that deserve Federal Marriage Recognition. Her career is long left in the past of the rear-view mirror. She should stick to planting trees and hosting lavish Halloween parties for the bedroom community of Manhattan that killed Gay Nightlife. Even her Vegas act should have been her last act as her temper tantrums make her a very lonely person with the exception of equally tempestuous Hizzoner Bloomberg. Go quietly into the night, Ms Midler, you are no friend of the Gays!

She should be regretful about making the movie "Jinxed".