spotlight
that’s evolving. And for those who are living in fear of the
concept of gay people, it’s just a matter of illumination
and time before we all see there’s nothing to be afraid of.
I try my best not to get too angry or view with any hatred
those who are a little behind on that conversation; just
invite them to get to know us. Let God do the rest.
Rage: Since that debate, you’ve led an increasingly powerful ca-
reer in activism. What have you been up to lately in that arena?
CA: I just came back from the march in Washington
D.C. It was an awesome weekend. I was at the HRC (Hu-
man Rights Campaign) dinner where President Obama
spoke, I was leading a group of folks who marched…I’ve
been doing a lot of hands-on stuff that we all need to
be doing—making phone calls and participating at the
Chad Allen and Eric Debets in Hollywood, je t’aime
grassroots level.
I saw Judy Shepard quoted recently, whom I just love
and would do anything for. She had said the strongest
weapon we have in the fight for our civil rights is our
“It’s not enough to just get angry when we lose some-
voice. I think that’s so true—the willingness to live our
lives open, proud and being vocal about who we are.
thing. That anger has got to be funneled into some-
There are neighbors in my own community who still
wonder if there’s goodness in my relationship. They need
thing creative; otherwise it’s kind of useless.”
only see how we live our lives.
Rage: Do you predict any major breakthroughs on the activist
frontline?
CA: I expect that we’ll see some movement on the
“Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” issue. This year, Obama was very
forthright in his promise. He didn’t lay out a timeline but
it was an unwavering promise to get it done! We need to
hold him to fire on that one.
Rage: You’re right, we should be taking more of an active role.
But with our marriage losses in California and Maine, there’s so
much disillusion.
CA: But there’s also a lot of anger. That’s what needs to
be channeled. It’s not enough to just get angry when we
lose something. That anger has got to be funneled into
something creative; otherwise it’s kind of useless.
Rage: On your down-time…if any…how do you like spending
Chad Allen as Ross in Hollywood, je t’aime
your days?
CA: Actually, I’ve been doing an enormous amount of
scuba diving. I’ve been diving since I was 14 but now I’m
working toward my Divemaster certification. It’s such a
peaceful place for me to be. I can’t get enough of it. I’m
going to the Galápagos Islands next month.
Rage: Is there anyone currently sharing that down-time with
you?
CA: Oh yeah, my partner. We’ve been together for a
long time. I’m head-over-heels in love with him and I’m
trying to keep our lives together very private, but he does
mean everything to me.
Rage: I’m very happy for you. And as always, it has been enlight-
ening to speak with you.
CA: Thanks, man. Take care of yourself! We’ll talk again
soon, I’m sure.
Eric Debets as Jerome in Hollywood, je t’aime
38 RAGE monthly | December 2009
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