Is the Gay Community Turning On Itself?

Los Angeles, CA -- March 23, 2000 -- As California voters recoup from the battle of Proposition 22, a new, startling voice is starting to cause grumblings on the web. Across newsgroups around the web, most notably on the Advocates web Idea Exchange, an outcry has began against a controversial new book criticized for being anti-gay-a book written by a gay author. My Clothes are Overcoming Me, by Dale William (www.iUniverse.com), not even slated for release until April speaks out with a new voice from the gay community, one that says it doesnt want the government, or the gay-rights movement, in its bedroom. A voice rarely heard from the gay community, and activists arent welcoming it with open arms.
The books release comes at a time when gay-rights have been a prominent, fiery issue in California. Proposition 22, argued by its opponents, was designed to ban same-sex marriages in California-an issue that has brought the gay community to its feet in an outpouring of opposition. My Clothes are Overcoming Me presents a different approach to these types of issues. One of many issues that doesnt bring William to his feet but sits him down and bores him. Not something the gay community expects from one of its own.
It...seems to me the author feels there is no need for 'gay rights, because we are not 'oppressed. Well, I don't know what planet he's living on," one message read. Another took a different approach Is it really anti-gay or simply a gay person expressing a view different then the "queer right" brigade?"
William says the book is meant to portray a satirical view of gay life in Montana, where most of the Los Angeles-based authors book takes place. Its an alternate opinion, thats all" he says. It just my way of saying how ridiculous this whole battle is."
But as one angry messenger posted 'with friends like you, who needs enemies?...We already have plenty of those, right?" William says, Im not trying to cause a split in the gay community, but I cant stop one either."
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