Posted 04 April 2012 - 01:18 PM
Did I read correctly that someone stated there are no openly gay politicians in America? If so, you are vastly mis-informed (although I don't really expect heterosexuals to care to be educated on this matter unless it's something covered by mainstream media)
Now, if we are referring to simply the large governmental bodies (House of Reps, Senate, etc) there are obviously fewer than if we cover local / state governmental bodies as well.
Barney Frank (Probably the most notable)
Gerry Studes
Steve Gunderson (First openly gay Republican elected to the US House of Representatives. Outed by a fellow Republican because of his opposition to DOMA in the 90s)
Tammy Baldwin (First lesbian elected to US House of Reps 1998)
Jared Polis (First openly gay man elected to the US Congress 2008)
There are many others, but these are simply the "firsts"
Currently Serving openly gay members of the US House of Reps;
Barney Frank, David Cicilline, Jared Polis and Tammy Baldwin
There are no openly gay members of the US Senate and approximately 20 states have no openly gay members of their state legislature.
Kentucky had it's first openly gay member of state legislature, if I remember correctly, about 8-10 years ago. Ernesto Scorsone, who is now a Judge.
I also have to disagree that in Western culture, Homosexuality isn't as controversial as it used to be. Maybe not in Canada or certain parts of the "United" States but I wouldn't go so far to say it's not controversial.
There are still politicians, talking heads, religious leaders who vastly and proudly spread lies and false information about homosexuality, to the point of attempting to dehumanize us and characterize the LGBT Community as animals.
There was even a youtube video a few years ago of a General in the US Army (maybe higher rank than that, I don't remember) stating how he believed all homosexual males eat feces and drink urine as a sexual high.
Maybe I just am more prone to realize the ignorance of the world because I live in a very conservative, southern, redneck state. (Kentucky) But with organizations like NOM (National Organization for Marriage) who have strong supporters like Mitt Romney, the Mormon Church, etc. and with goals to pit black and latinos against gays and lesbians, I think Homosexuality is as controversial as ever. It may be more supported that previous decades, but I believe we are far more "oppressed" than people realize.