Howard Stern Defends Gays. Again.

If you're a regular reader of this site, you've probably read the various opinion pieces I've written on why I think Howard Stern is one of the most openly pro-gay media figures on the planet. 

In my continued quest to convince Stern's non-listeners of this, I wanted to share a snippet from this morning's broadcast.  It was one of those many moments on the show where Howard inserts an insightful, positive opinion on gays -- completely out of nowhere.

He was reading his fan feedback email on the air and then went off topic, talking about how someone had just complained to him that the show had become "too gay." Here's the exchange between Howard and his co-hosts Robin Quivers and Artie Lange:

Howard:  I was talking to someone recently and they said, 'Oh you have so many gay guests lately, the show is getting too gay.'  

OK -- first of all, we don't have that many gay guests.  And my feeling about gay people is that we have a responsibility not only to make gay marriage acceptable and to make gays feel as accepted as heterosexuals, but that we have to hold gay people above all others. 

Robin:  What the hell does that mean?

Howard: In other words, gay people are downtrodden.  They're beaten and abused for their sexuality.  And it goes across race – it's in the white community and the black community.  Gay people are the bastards of the world.  And in order for things to change – because anyone of you could have gay children, gay relatives or gay friends –

Robin:  And in some countries, you can be put to death for being gay.

Howard:  Yes.  You know, it reminds [me] almost of the Jews in Europe.  In Poland, Warsaw was one of the great cities of Europe.  They had Jews and the Jews were very important to the culture of Poland, and elevated the society. And then when the Nazis came and cleaned them out, Poland became what is today – nothing.  It's really…not much.

Now, gay people in our society are responsible for some of the most creative arts, and creative science – and not just the Arts, because I don't want this to sound like a cliché.  What I'm saying is that they're contributors, they are people who want to thrive and they're artistic and they're free thinkers.

So I think we have a responsibility to make [gays] acceptable.  We have to get past all this bullshit, so that some gay kid going to high school doesn’t get the shit beat out of him just because he's gay.  And like, what is this hang up with gay marriage, you know? Who cares?!

I mean, we aired a clip yesterday where this guy was carrying on – he's petitioning, and he's devoting his whole life to making sure that gay marriage doesn't happen in his state.  And I'm thinking, 'Geez, this man must have the most empty fucking life.'  It's just such bullshit.  

If you want to believe in God, that's great.  But don’t buy into these religions that were created by man that have all these cockamamie rules that were created by some uptight douche bag. 

Artie Lange:  And God created gay people, so I don’t know what these religious nuts are even talking about.  Look, you can become a Nazi and you could be mad at them for doing that.  But you're not born a Nazi.  Every type of person was created by God,  so you love them and accept them.  Some people think it’s a choice, being gay, but I really don’t think so.  I mean, why would you choose to be downtrodden?

Robin:  Why would you choose to get the shit kicked out of you?

Howard: Right.

 That was it, and the dialogue was over.  And that's the beauty of the Howard Stern show -- that he seamlessly inserted this progressive opinion on gay acceptance in between ridiculing Paris Hilton's self-indulgent Twitter posts and berating a show employee for eating a dead cockroach for $5.00.  True, it's a strange setting to place these pearls of wisdom, but, oddly enough, that only makes the message that much more striking.

[Editor's note:  You can read the full "Howard Stern Pro-Gay" series by clicking here]

Comments

[Henry Picardo]

I am so glad someone wrote about this. I heard it in the car on the way to work this morning and was so touched I wanted to pull over.

I am an out and proud gay Stern fan. I wish everyone would get on board and realize his contributions to our community just by little things like this.

And these aren't "little things." His saying something like this to millions of straight listeners who many not know gay people is indeed powerful. Hats off to Howard. Great piece.

H.

[sylviainmichigan]

Bravo Mr. Stern. I am not a subscriber to Sirius but as a long time lesbian fan of the show, I am proud to say that after reading this, I just signed up.

Please keep up the good work, Howard, and I will hear your voice again in the morning for the first time in three years. You better be good!

We need you to continue these efforts and they are greatly appreciated.

Sylvia Levine

[onyourniis]

Howard rocks! I've always agreed with the posts on here about how HS is a huge asset to the gay community - and to the betterment of mankind! Just b/c he's a little crass or whatever, critics dismiss him without even listening. Seriously, who else out there right now, especially a straight white male,, has ever said anything close to this remark??? Even Artie, for god's sake. Sometimes it feels like Stern is doing more for the rights and "normalization" of gays than gays themselves. Rock on Howard! And thanks!

[radiopole]

I am a devoted Sirius subscriber and heard Howard's comments live. The transcription here doesn't get the sentiment across. Stern was very sincere and forthright in his comments. Howard is often bashed for being crude and coarse...which he is. But he also has many intelligent thoughts and is genuinely entertaining.

By the way, Sirius has an all-Gay channel too. Out-Q has lots of news, talk, and information even straight people would enjoy.

[Dan]

Kudos to Howard Stern for what he said. I respect him a WHOLE LOT MORE now than I ever have.

[LAinNY08]

Thank you to the author of this for continuing to push us in believing Howard is a huge ally for our community.

It's about time people started praising Howard for the being the ulimate advocate for us.

What he said here today made me misty eyed. Fuck the economy. i am getting sirius today. this little rant of Howard's made me feel more...validated as a gay person than I have since all of this Prop on 8 stuff started.

Howard, I'm getting you back in my life. Thank you for speaking out for all of us.

[Scotti In SF]

I've always loved Stern's show and glad to hear he keeps going to bat for us!

[r86an]

I am very happy that u posted this. Never knew Howard felt that way. And I am sure glad we have him in our corner!

[G]

as much of a crude ludmouth ass that howard stern is in my opinion and a cold day in hell before i ever listen to him.....

i have respect for him....

[Brian-n-Omaha]

Thank God for Howard Stern!

[Chris]

I have listened to howard for years. This is nothing new. Nice to see it being broadcast because he is probably the most influential person as far as pro-gay rights from a straight mind. He reaches many people with his show. I'm a fan of the show not just because of his views on gay rights, but because it is insanely entertaining.. almost like a dysfunctional soap opera. But anyone who listens will realize how Howard could be our best voice... certainly better than Perez Hilton who does nothing but make people cringe.

[Trueblue]

Keeping it simple: thank you, Howard Stern.

[Chris]

I love Howard Stern, and I DO agree he is very pro-gay. BUT...I haven't listened to him since his move to satellite radio, but around 5 or 6 years ago he was saying that he thought people were gay because there was something psychologically wrong with them (he was talking about his OCD at the time.) Like he felt it was OK to be gay, but that you were gay for a reason....like something happened when you were a kid.

Other than that (which is a view he may not hold anymore) he is GREAT and I LOVE his show....when I had long commute I listened every day....and I thought I was the only gay who did!

[Danny]

Thanks, I appreciate Howard for who he is. He's an intelligent, articulate business man who knows what his audience wants, but doesn't sell out his principles and ideals. Awesome. Fucking right.

[JR]

I miss Howard on the radio. He is a smart and radically misunderstood performer. He should have Perez Hilton on now and they can chit chat about Miss California. LOL

[Briane7]

I used to HATE Howard Stern until I listened to him once! I always thought he was just about big tits and bimbos, but the fact is, he continually supports and promotes the gay community, especially to the demographic that listens to him for bit tits and bimbos! One of his favorite guests is George Takai, (Sulo from Star Trek). George is incredibly gay on the show, yet he has always receives a huge positive response from Howard's audience. I love Howard Stern. He's the most enlightened radio personality out there. God bless him.

[dieseldog74]

I'd rather have Howard speaking for us than Perez Hilton. LOL

I used to roll my eyes whenever my straight roommate would watch him on the television, or tune into his show. I actually became more impressed with him the more I listened.

GO HOWARD!

-Joseph

[Richard]

The only problem with this article is the guy ate a roach for $7 not $5.

Otherwise, good article.

[The_Reluctant_Hero]

He's certainly a lot better than Perez Hilton...

[the_real_sweedie]

Thanks Howard and your crew! Beautifully said!

[Rain City Blues]

Wow. I've never listened to Howard Stern before, but I guess I will now

[Jared4everx]

Well congrats, you've converted me. I have to admit, I never had a very good opinion of Howard Stern before. But then I didn't really know him that well. My bad! Thanks!! :)

[DOG]

Thanks Howard! I have not listened to him since the move to satelite. People are right, he can be loud, crass, and obnoxious. But he can also be forthright and intelligent. And unlike so many others on the morning radio shows, he stands behind what he says. I also have to agree that he does more to cast our community in a positive light than Perez Hilton.

[Mark]

I just love Howard Stern, Robin and Artie. They appreciate all kinds of people because they understand that human beings can't choose or control their sexuality!!!!!

[Joel Payne]

Thanks you Howard And your whole crew, A whole lot better than that Hilton Asshole......

[Drayke]

Kudos to Howard! I'm not really a fan of his show (nothing personal, it's just not my cup of tea,) but I really appreciate him looking out for the gay community. Gays fighting for gay rights is important, but it's when people from outside our community back us up that we really see progress made in our society.

[bubsboogie]

Never been much of a Howard Stern fan, just listened to him occasionally. But hearing his thoughts and sharing it publicly reminds me of why I have a great deal of respect for him. Thank you Howard Stern & company!

[Nikko]

I think he is kind of weird. I watched his show on tv one time and he was making fun of Anna Nichole Smith....and he put a weigher under her chair so he could weigh her with out her knowing ....lol and i just never could stand listening to him...But after what I read, I might have to listen to his show someday....Maybe...I feel that us gay people are almost treated like the blacks where back in the day. I remember when I came out and told my mother, she freaked out....and started crying.....holding her hands over her heart and like breathing all heavy......she acted like it was the end of the world.....but now she understands and she has even stuck up for me, one day when she was at work....she was so mad you would of thought they were talking about her. But its just now she understands that its not a choice. I remember this guy one day when i was walking in to this one store and he was screaming with a bible in his hand saying gay people are going to hell and all this other stuff. And i felt like telling him, if he was so in to god he would do his preaching in a way to bring people to god and not push them the other way. My pastor of the church I used to go to told me....he didn't care if i was gay........But he would be upset if I was not at church sunday. lol I remember telling him i don't feel like i can become str8 and i told him i prayed for god to make me str8 and its not working....and he told me....it don't matter if i was gay. He said....be who you are and just love god.

[butterflyboy1974]

Thank you, Howard! It encourages me so much to hear straight people commenting on what total douchebags these anti-gay people are.

[Samuel]

I have to be honest, I never really listened to Howard Stern After he Left Radio. I also never really knew just how much he has helped The LGBT until I read these comments. I am all for someone who is not afraid to state their mind. More people in the world should do this. I am so touched by this article that words can not describe how I am feeling at this moment. Thank you Howard Stern For all that you have done! And Thank You for posting this artical. It may very well have changed my whole outlook on the Equal Rights Campaigne! Thank You Thank You!!!!

[splerk]

Well I guess I am somewhat of a Howard Stern fan now.
I appreciate people who speak there mind & tell it like it is even if I don't agree with it all the time.
I was born out of wedlock myself and I can't say that is the reason why I am gay.
And my mother died at an early age too.
There are some advantages of being a bastard.
I sometimes had to learn about life the hard way at an earlier age then most.
And I admit that I learned this lessons well as in true in meaning that can only be told to most.
And I learned quickly.
I used to come out with all kinds of tall tails to cover my bastardization making me one hell of an Oscar Winning Bull Shiiter for a bit, but now I have a who new respect for myself & others as I tell it str8 forward like it is in a sense like Howard Stern.

[OutNProud]

Kudos to Howard as my norm. Now if we the LGBT community could be so supportive of each other as a straight white man is. We might get out of this ditch society has put us in.
Sorry but know too many gays n lesbians, who do jackshyt to support their own minority group; let alone be are our own self rightgeous critics of other gays, lesbians, bi's n transgenders to the MTF or mere crossdressor.

Maybe if we can get over our own insecurities and unite as one group. Hetero-America will listen.. not just rely on great guys like Howard to the great gay n lesbian celebrities to do all the work.

How many of you readers have truly supported your local n state LGBT communities?? Have been an activist?? Have marched for our rights during pride weekends??

Enuff said.. n thnx as always Howard n the many other celebrities supporting a group with millions who dont even support themselves.

[Stephen Banks]

God Bless Howard Stern. At least someone cool is sticking up for us.

[chris]

i want to be on this showwwww

[Frankly]

Always a Stern fan. And the one thing about Howard, he treats us good and most importantly, he treats us better than everyone else.

And with Howard, if he doesn't tease you he doesn't like you.

[Jim Kellogg]

Bravo, Mr. Stern!

[Open-mind]

Yep, God made us-gay, straight, bi
and transexual-whatever! All these
religious right wingers think that
they have all the answers and they
are nothing but haters and bigots.
These so-called "Christians" profess
to love God, what I say to them
what is the greatest commandment"
Your answer should be.......
"Love of God and love of Neighbor"
regardless of race, color, sex,creed
or sexual orientation." These
religious nuts need to focus on their
own lives and take the plank out of
their eyes before condemning others.
Take a good look at yourselves first
before throwing stones at your
neighbors!" Otherwise, you have just
like the Pharisee's.

[KHinVail]

Stern Rocks! BABA BOOEY!

[Laun]

Openmind. ditto

[jeff]

I haven't listened to stern in yrs. I had dismissed him as a crude ass who didn't give a crap about no one but himself. My apologies Mr. Stern. I will be listening from now on. you rock

[Jeton]

I love The Howard Stern Show and have listened for over 20 years, and very much appreciated his comments yesterday. However, while his stance toward the gay community has evolved over the years, it's more complex than his speech indicates:

he still uses "gay" as an insult and descriptor of all things bad or stupid.

during his confrontation with Crazy Cabbie (a bisexual ex-con former radio dj and former friend of the Show) the entire room was screaming "f----t" "c--------r" and every other gay-insult at Cabbie, yet when Cabbie called one of his insulters (Shuli) "j--boy", the needle skipped off the record and Howard went into pc-outrage mode.

during one of George Takei's weeklong stints, a caller asked Howard to elaborate on his feelings about homosexuality, and he briefly detoured into "you know, i think there's psychological issues arising from childhood relationship with their fathers" before interrupting himself to state that the nature of homosexuality shouldn't impact the movement for gay civil rights.

Howard's close friend Ralph Cirella has on multiple occasions on-air called for violence against gay people who aren't sufficiently masculine..."they need a good punch in the face, seriously" etc etc. he has never been called-out for his comments.

Howard and co. have always been a fascinating ball of contradictions, and the reason he's the most popular radio personality of all time is because his mic is an open faucet spilling his inner thoughts freely.

Howard's definitely a friend of the LGBT community, but with a definite asterisk next to the word "friend".

still the best radio show on Earth, especially now that he's uncensored.

[mickolas]

Thank you for sharing this. All I can say is, wow!

[J D]

GREAT JOB HOWARD !!!!!!!!

[NYCGayCop]

I've been listening to Stern for a long time while I was on patrol and I think he is great. I was disappointed to see him go off the air but just recently signed up to Sirius Online and been listening to Howard on my Iphone. Once again I get to enjoy his show. Even though he can be a bit Raunchy at times ... he is a great supporter to the LGBT community. Two thumbs up!

[bertsmark]

Right of center talk show host Neal Boortz is another "who woulda known" guy in our corner in respect to gay marriage and has beaten up many of his shows callers for thier anti-gay, anti-gay-marriage stance....he rocks too.

[terry]

I used to think Howard was a shock jock. After listening to him by accident a few times, I then realized he's the conservative movement's worst nightmare realized. Howard could single-handedly kick down the gay marriage ban door. All gay people should support him, as he's supporting us.

[Jason]

Howard Stern has been a strong advocate of gay rights for years. He has always supported our community and our quest for equal rights. Yes, he shall be hailed as a hero as his show is broadcast to a wide audience mostly made up of straight men who may feel uncomfortable talking about "gay issues" I love you Howard. Thanks for all of your support...

[Julie]

I'm a lesbian. But Howard Sterns words kindof makes me want to do him.

[morris]

its not about human sexual activities, its about what each hearth body and minds wants, to be gay its not just a color, its more than because justice, law, human codes in all categories are similar to everyones does since many years ago, people make respect each other and put on his card faces like human with woman or men on bed, steal a human

[riffraf002]

I have been a fan of Howard stern before he came to satillite radio and I listen to him every morning on my way to work ,I am a supporter of his veiws we need to support him as gay people he is a freind to the gay comunity. He has Mr. Sulu and others on his show.