Scene - Blogs - Not quite a gay ol time in Bedrock today

Not quite a gay ol' time in Bedrock today ...
Published: 8/5/2008 1:59 PM
Last Modified: 8/5/2008 1:59 PM

May I venti mocha non-fat latte my frustrations for a minute? Thanks.

So having put my foot in my mouth on MORE than one occasion, and then having dealt with the repercussions, my skin's a smidgen thicker since joining the Tulsa World.

But after 10 years (happy anniversary to me, by the way), it still unsettles me when folks call or email talking about "homos" (as was the case this morning) and how they're going to hell, blah, blah, blah. Considering that I am gay (and what an oxymoron I've ALWAYS thought that was), sure, it kinda stung a bit. But whatever, sticks and stones and all that jazz. Life's still a cabaret! Just don't ask me to dance.

Anyway, people are always, ALWAYS welcome to voice their opinions about things, as they have been all day. In fact, right before I started typing this sentence, a gentleman called -- calmly, bless his heart -- to say how shameful it was to run today's story on makeup tips from drag queens. He went on to compare "these men" to murderers and, my favorite, "illegal aliens." I just let him talk for a minute, then said, "Well, thanks for calling, sir" in my most pleasant, lower-ranged voice.

Wasn't as patient, however, with the gent who called this morning, going on and on about "homos" and how they choose their lifestyle. Seriously, who in their right or left mind would WANT to be gay? You either are or you're not, in my totally uneducated but somewhat life-experienced opinion. And, of course, there was talk about "queers" going to hell, homo this, homo that ... Enough already.

Again, let me reiterate that calls are welcome. And I'll sit there and listen to you for a little bit, even if you're the biggest bigot this side of Archie Bunker. But the quick expletive-filled hang-up calls and six-letter F bomb comments are unneccessary. And rarely clever.

Which is why I sincerely thank the following gentleman for not peppering his email with four-letter-ish stuff:

"How unfortunate that the only thing you can find news worthy or entertaining is a full page story on 'Drag Queens!' Do you really think this is worth reporting on and that there is an audience interested in this bizarre behavior? To me this once again demonstrates a descent to low level journalism! But I guess simple minded, sensational tabloid journalism feeds the perverse side of human nature! The Tulsa World once again disappoints in grand fashion!" To which I replied, "Thanks for writing, and have a wonderful day!" And I honestly hope he does.

But I bet he won't read next Tuesday's style story on transgender wedding dresses, huh? Kidding -- the focus is on bridesmaids.

Peace, love and ... Well, let's concentrate on those two today, kids ... xoxo

Reader Comments

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Natalie (5 years ago)

For what it's worth, I hope you know that your fans and friends far exceed those mean-spirited bores. Your cheering section is much bigger than those narrow-minded people. They just happen to have much bigger mouths.
And how gracious for you to still wish them peace and love. That's a lesson they just may learn by your example.

Ron (5 years ago)

I thought the article fascinating..... I've been going to The Village/ Station 4 since the early nineties and always go to the Rose Room while there... I had no idea that it required such an effort!!! Continue the wonderful work of bringing all vestiges of journalism to the Tulsa World ....that's all that matters.

Lenzy (5 years ago)

So a feature on drag queens is tabloid journalism? Yeah, I call shenanigans on the angry old man.

Amy (5 years ago)

Kris Kohl is a fantastic person to know and love. You did a wonderful article and a great service to each and every one of us by running that piece. My partner and I frequently attend shows at Renegades and absolutely LOVE all the "Girls"! What these ladies go through to put on a show is painstakingly difficult and I give them loads of money and applause each and every show. The drag queens of the Greater Tulsa Area are the best. Jason, sweety, you rock!!! Happy Aniversary to you!!! Peace, Love and Party On!!!

Amy (5 years ago)

elly willy (5 years ago)

I thought the article was wonderful
You remember that we live in Tulsa, the biggest hole in the Bible Belt.
Jason Ashley Wright is the BEST ,MOST CONSISTANTLY interesting writer on the staff of the World
Here's to writing the great Novel you have inside of you...........
3 cheers for Jason!!!

Jules (5 years ago)

Jason, my lovely, I hope you know and understand that the idiots that take the time to call and verbally bash you have NOTHING better to do with their day than to collect their unemployment checks and drink their Pig's Eye Beer. You are loved and admired more than you will probably ever know... Kudos to you and your individuality that I WISH the rest of the world had the guts to display!!! XOXO

Ron (5 years ago)

Jason,

Quit writing nice comments to yourself. ; )

Sage (5 years ago)

Two steps forward, one step back... age old problem. However, even at that, there is progress. Funny thing that I can't figure out is, in who's translation did Jesus tell his followers to go out and threaten lives and swear at "sinners"? BTW... did anyone ever let these well intentioned people (my biggest fear) that sin directly translated means "missing the mark"? Are there any of us who have never fallen short? Didn't think so. Welcome to the club fundamentalists. You're in good company.

Linny (5 years ago)

I agree that you are indeed---
"Jason Ashley Wright is the BEST ,MOST CONSISTANTLY interesting writer on the staff of the World
Here's to writing the great Novel you have inside of you...........
3 cheers for Jason!!!" as ELLY WILLY stated!! Your articles have made me laugh and smile-how many times can you do that in the bad news ridden paper? I think that people have a choice with the paper as they do TV: if it doesn't suit you don't read the article or watch TV. My goodness we do love you out here!!! KEEP ON BEING YOUR WITTY SELF ~JAW~!!!
Peace, love and well, more love XOXOXOXO

Beth Dutcher (5 years ago)

i am a 57 year old widow and i am totally straight but Kris Kohl is one of my best friends. people dont understand that being gay is not a choice but the way the good lord made you. thank you for sharing this great article with the public maybe someday these bigots will learn to accept these people

Marguerite (5 years ago)

What? You're gay?

Seriously, I'd like to apologize on behalf of those idiots who say hateful things. You know they're lurking out there but it takes reading comments to World stories and blogs to really drive the point home. And it's scary, almost as scary as Sally Kern.

Ron (5 years ago)

I'd like to apologize on the part of idiots the world over. Being an idiot is not a lifestyle choice; it's a function of bad public schools and water pollution in Oklahoma. So, on behalf of idiots the world over, I say "sory."

Kpye (5 years ago)

I totally agree with what the other people have posted. Jason, you are truly a great writer and we are lucky to be able to read your columns. Thanks for the great tips, the clever writing and always making us smile! You made reading the paper much less boring or depressing!

elly willy (5 years ago)

Congradulations on ten years of service to The Tulsa World
You have a large following that is grateful for your writing..........

People fail to note that this is a fundraiser for a non-profit group.
What have you done lately for your community?

Donna Carter (5 years ago)

The NERVE of some people!!! I don't know when the world is going to wake up and realize that being gay is not a condition or a sickness...you either are or you are not, just like you said Jason. I have read your colmn for about nine years and I love everything you have to say. You give really great tips, find fantastic buys, and you are such a funny, real person that I feel like I can relate to. You are awesome and you just keep being yourself!

Semper Fry Ho (5 years ago)

I "loyo" Slashley! Don't listen to those fools...even if you do go to the clubs that aren't normal...hehe. That's an inside joke between Jas and I. LOYO!!
Love,
The girl formally known as Al and Fry Ho...now officially named by JAW as Semper Fry Ho...and proud if it!

Abby (5 years ago)

Am running late on reading your columns, (which I try not to ever miss! ) You brighten so many days- keep up your good work and ignore the ignorant , bigoted , mean spirited people! I think you are really special!! No , this in not your grandmother, but I am old enough to be!! Have a good day!!

Your Tulsa Mom (5 years ago)

Jason, as I sat here trying to gather my thoughts about your column, I realized that there is absolutely nothing anyone can say that will excuse the ignorance or bigotry of the world we live in. There are very unhappy small minded people who have taken it upon themselves to spew venom and hatred. That is their right, but it is our right to disagree with them. Life can be very difficult and if a person, straight or gay, is lucky enough to find someone to love and stand with to get through the time we have here, then more power to them . You are an intelligent and beautiful young man with a heart is as big as all outdoors. I agree with everyone who as written here and with Natalie and Jules in particular when they say that you are truly loved by many more people than you will every know... especially me.

Your Tulsa Mom (5 years ago)

elly willy (5 years ago)

Say what you will...........
Drag Queen Bingo was a huge sucess
Lots of talent
Lots of "all kinds of people"
Kudos to Jason for taking the brunt by putting out the news for a non-profit organization that helps people

Shows what a great guy he is!

Chef (5 years ago)

To the person who questioned the need for a story on Female Impersonators, Tulsa is populated by more different types of people than some might know. There are all kinds of people here, big people, little people, smart people, not so smart people, ignorant people, world traveling people, people who have never left the city limits, straight people, gay people, boring people, fun people, interesting people, tall people, short people, inbetween people, pretty people, not so pretty people, rich people, poor people, and LOTS of us inbetween those two, Native American people, Native Tulsa people, immigrant people, foreign people, and yes, there are some people who dress as female impersonators. That mix is what makes Tulsa such a great place to live. The Drag Queens are a part of our society and deserve to have a story written about them that isn't negative or derogatory. They pay taxes just like you do.

I was at the Drag Queen Bingo and it was the best party in town on Friday. There were people of all stripes in attendence. The ladies who performed for us did a great job, you should of seen the dress made from Crown Royal bags. The entertainer from Louisiana did a great rendition of Patti LaBelle, you should of seen her.

And Our House II was the benefactor, they directly help persons with hiv/aids, no matter their sex, age, race, or what part of town they live in. My hope is that this party can happen once a month or so. Great bingo prizes by the way.

You mean to tell me you have never ever been to a Female Impersonators show? Not even when you where out of town on business? You should check it out sometime, it could be you are missing something.

Ashley (5 years ago)

Good article. Happy Anniversary to you for 10 years of service.

Larry (5 years ago)

Thanks for a wonderful article the benifit. Thanks for being thick skinned towards the ignorance of our society. And thanks for having the courage to write about it! Keep up the good work and congrats on 10 years.

Little Queenie (5 years ago)

Hey Jason,

I do enjoy your articles and you do seem to know your fashion when it comes to writing about it. But buddy, I think you crossed the line when you had to talk to us about your sexual preference. Many people in our population are straight and I being one of them, don't feel the need to announce it, print it, or speak of it to anyone. After reading your columns for many years, I guess you had probably had enough and wanted to speak out. I have never been against gays. That is your right and your preference....I just don't see a need to discuss with thousands of folks.
Good luck with your work and continue to do the good job you are doing.

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Living Wright

While other kids were watching "The Smurfs," Scene Writer Jason Ashley Wright was tuned in to "Style with Elsa Klensch." By fourth grade, he knew he wanted to write, and spent almost three years publishing a weekly teen-oriented magazine, Teen-Zine -- circulation: 2. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, he became the medical reporter and teen board coordinator for the Hattiesburg (Miss.) American, a Gannett newspaper. Eight months later, with visions of Elsa dancing in his head, he applied for the fashion writer position at the Tulsa World, where he began working on Aug. 3, 1998. He is now a general assignment reporter for Scene.

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