Update: McCain Returns Manhunt.net Founder Donation

[Mark Daniel Snyder]

Update: McCain has returned the donation from Manhunt co-founder. Oil company $ good. Gay $ bad.

The republican founder of Manhunt.net stepped down as chairman of the Board yesterday amidst outrage from the queer community that he had donated $2300 to the McCain campaign. The other founder, Larry Basile has issued a statement assuring all users of the gay sex site that he is a proud democrat. Jonathan Crutchly, the republican in question, is likely still making lots of $$ from the site - we'll keep you updated.

Via Towerload:

***STATEMENT from LARRY BASILE

"There has been a depiction this week of MANHUNT being Republican. All my life, I have never voted to the right, and have always been generous to 20th Century Democrats, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders, HRC, and the NGLTF.

"I was arrested at the Supreme Court and FDA in Act-Up actions, and was the founder of the Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, which over the years has raised more than $800K. I was the Treasurer of Out Week magazine, which was a powerful force in its time. I began giving Obama donations in March 2007, and I have sent several checks that have yet to be reported. The hat and t-shirt I wear say 'Obama for President', as does the sign in front of my house. I refuse to live in a country that is so marred by war and hate. To me, Barak (sic) is by far the best candidate, probably better than we deserve.

"It should be known that Jonathan Crutchley's donation to McCain left the entire Board in disbelief. I am disappointed that we have lost some customers, and I understand the anger. It is too bad for the web site if we lose customers, but PLEASE never refer to me as a Republican. I consider it an offense.

"Earlier today, at the request of the Board, Jonathan has stepped down as Chairman. Sincerely, Larry Basile."

***END***

Well Basile, we're glad you've set the record straight - but from now on just give to NGLTF instead of HRC!

[Becca D'Bus]

Umm, get the facts right on this. This is the second reference to this story that I have seen today that has fudged the details. One of the owners, Jonathan Crutchley is the donor to McSame. No word on Larry Basile and what he supports. I could make a guess having met the guy, but I won't.

[Kasey]

Either way, it's good to know that some of our gayest dollars are indirectly funding that idiot. If I was on Manhunt, I would un-join, but I'm too cheap to pay for internet "dating" in the first place...so CraigsLUST will have to do for any "casual encounters" I might seek out.

[Nelson G.]

I don't know why anyone would be feigning surprise or outrage.

After all, we do have among us the ex-gays, a community of individuals who say they've prayed away the gay and endear themselves to anti-gay interest groups.

And we have, of course, the Log Cabin Republicans, a group of individuals who support candidates who want to deny them equality.

So we have now a gay content provider donating to a man who represents a party and a process that want to make what his business criminal.

Makes sense to me....

I'll be willing to bet that upon closer examination of every gay XXX content provider there is, someone won't like they'll find.

[Brian]

I agree with Nelson G: that gay men are "shocked" (shocked, I tell you!) is amusing. There is plenty of selfish, self-centered politics in the gay and lesbian community and this is just another example. In reality, many in the gay bourgeoisie have always engaged in this kind of shady behavior.

Sadly, after all this, we won't examine how someone could come to this point in the first place. The real lesson will get lost in the McCain v. Obama partisanship.

I suspect that at least some of the revulsion at Crutchly is due to the fact that many of us see ourselves in him. There is a certain logic to gay Republicanism and it's only a hop, skip and jump away from politics as usual in the gay community. When you have a political culture that is just about "getting yours" and does not tie in other issues of social justice, don't dare be appalled when someone takes these sentiments to their logical conclusion.

[Tom Lang]

I was a Gay Republican...

and then I grew up.