Du Pont's demons. Paglia'shit list. RudyGalindo'sgay past

, THE NATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN NEWSMAGAZINE

EXCLUSIVE Barbara Jordan: Theother lie Howthe revered congresswoman kept her lesbianism a secret for almost two decades Issue 702 • March 5, 1996

News&Features Arts&Media

·'11 • Hide-and-seek How is it possible to go back Chemical imbalance 33in the closet after coming out Hemming and hawing It took only a second for as gay? You could ask figure-skating Ingrid Sischy uses her great 20 multimillionaire John du Pont champ Rudy Galindo-but he'd 54 fashion influence at Interview to go from village kook to accused probably say" 0 comment." and The New Yorker to provide murderer. But some say the crazy thoughtful discussions about the killer is also a closeted homosexual. relation between what's on the The dead zone runway and what's in the world. Right-to-die doctor Jack 46 Kevorkian reaches out to people with HIV, but most big Departments gay-rights and AIDS groups are still reluctant to enter the fray Letters 6 on his high-profile crusade. Agenda 11 Advocate Poll ...... •. 45 Campaign '96 Viewpoint: Del Martin : 53 Click M for murder Notes From a Blond: Bruce Vilanch .•..... 57 Going, going, gone The killing of a gay man in Reviews •...... •...•...... ••...•.•• 59 If you think the current exodus 49 New Jersey-purportedly by Last Word: Camille Paglia 80 29 of Republicans from Congress someone he met in a gay America is a good thing, guess again: On gay Online chat room-draws new rights issues next year's Congress attention to the dangers of On the cover: Barbara Jordan photographed may be the worst yet. Internet-assisted dating. by Corbis/Bettmann-UPI

...... MARCH 5, 1996 THE ADVOCATE 3

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Lesbianism was a secret the former congresswoman chose to take to her grave

Cover Story Those were parts of Jordan's profile that were public knowledge. But other aspects of By J. Jennings Moss her life were not, and she tried to keep them that way. It wasn't until after her death that o you really have to write people began openly discussing her lesbianism, this story?" asked an an- a topic she had never addressed during her life. guished friend of Barbara The silence was not broken until the Houston Jordan. "This is not what Chronicle included Nancy Earl whom it called a Barbara would have want- "longtime companion," among survivors in an " ed." What Jordan would obituary of the congresswoman. have preferred, say those Associates say Jordan was straightforward close to the trailblazing Texas congress- about her sexual orientation in private but did woman-who died of viral pneumonia January not think it should be fodder for public con- 17 at age 59-was to be remembered for her sumption. "She never denied who she was," devotion to the U.S. Constitution and for the said a friend who, like nearly everyone who lives she touched during her teaching career at knew her personally, asked not to be identified. the Universityof Texas at Austin. "It just was not the public's need to know." What she didn't want was to be pigeonholed. "I know I am not alone in feeling less respect "I really do not have much interest in being a for BarbaraJordan for not coming out in death." symbol" Jordan said in 1976 when her name wrote an Advocate reader to the magazine shortly popped up on Jimmy Carter's list of potential after Jordan's death. "But I am especially anx- vice presidential running mates. But for those ious for all those of every community who idol- inspired by her, she was a monument. She was ized Jordan to know she was a lesbian." the first black woman to be elected to the Austin American-Statesman reporter Juan R. Texas state senate, the first black Southern Palomo, who is gay, says he was bothered by woman to be elected to the House of Repre- Jordan's silence: "If anybody had the luxury to sentatives, and the first say, 'By golly, I'm a lesbian, and this is the Groundbreaker black woman to deliver woman I love,' it was Barbara Jordan. She Jordan took the lead in a keynote address to a could have done it, and her stature would not confronting political, if Democratic national have been diminished one bit." not sexual, issues. convention, in 1976. Many Texas gay rights activists declined to srnMANN-UPI

...... MARCH 5, 1996 THE ADVDCATE 39 discuss Jordan's sexual orientation Jordan's interest in politics was even after her death. "She never an- piqued during the 1960 presidential nounced that she was a lesbian, and I campaign, when she volunteered to go by the rule that if I wasn't in the work for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket bed or under the bed, then I don't in Texas. Two years later she made know," says Pat Gandy, president of her first stab at elected office when the Houston Gay and Lesbian Politi- she ran for the Texas house of repre- cal Caucus. Adds Dianne Hardy-Gar- sentatives. She lost, ran for the same cia, executive director of the Austin- seat two years later, and was again de- based Lesbian/Gay Rights Lobby of feated. But in 1966 she ran for a state Texas: "Her sexuality was not some- senate seat and won. thing that was discussed." Still, she Concern about how Jordan's les- acknowledges that the topic fueled "a bianism might affect her political ca- great deal of speculation." reer surfaced during those early races, A friend of Jordan's says that Jor- according to one of her political ad- dan's attitude about discussion of her visers. The adviser, who has request- sexual orientation paralleled her atti- ed anonymity, says Jordan had a fe- tude about talking about her health. male companion in the early '60s who Jordan long suffered first from multi- had joined her on the campaign trail. just met but we were singing and ple sclerosis and then from leu- At one point, either shortly before the drinking and having a swell time .... I kemia-the pneumonia that felled her 1964 house election or as Jordan pre- had had a great time and enjoyed my- was a complication of the leukemia- pared to run for the state senate, a self very much. I remember I thought: but she often denied she was having small group of advisers warned Jor- This is something I would like to re- health problems. In Congress, for ex- dan that the image of two women peat. I'd like to have another party ample, she complained of a bum knee being so close could damage her po- like that. Nancy Earl is a fun person when in fact. multiple sclerosis was litical aspirations. Jordan listened and, to be with. We all did have other par- forcing her to walk with a cane. "For without putting up a fight, agreed to ties. There were many other occasions years she would refuse to tell people impose a public distance between where I could relax and enjoy my- what she had," the friend says. "She herself and the companion. The ad- self. .. I liked to be part of those par- was not defined by her physical con- viser could not remember the ties. I had discovered I could relax at ditions, her sexual orientation, or the woman's name but said the relation- parties like that where I was safe." color of her skin. If you were to ship did not last long after that. In 1972 Jordan ran for Congress in define her by any of those areas, After Jordan arrived in Austin to a new House district that state law- Barbara Jordan would roar." begin her legislative career, she .met makers created especially for her. And A Baptist minister's daughter, Jor- the woman who would be her close for the next six years Jordan left an dan was born February 21, 1936, in friend and companion for the rest of indelible mark on Washington. She Houston, the youngest of three sis- her life. Jordan first encountered Earl served on the House Judiciary Com- ters. As a young adult she joined the while on a camping trip with a group mittee, which adopted articles of im- National Association for the Advance- of women friends. The encounter is peachment against President Richard ment of Colored People and decided described in Jordan's 1979 autobiog- Nixon, and she made sure her deep, to become a lawyer, earning an un- raphy, Barbara Jordan: A Se!fPortrait: resonant voice was heard. dergraduate degree from the all-black "At some point in the evening Nancy "My faith in the Constitution is Texas Southern University and a law Earl arrived, and that was the first whole, it is complete, it is total," she degree from Boston University before time we'd met face to face. Nancy and said during nationally televised im- returning to Houston. I sat there playing the guitar; we had peachment hearings. "I am not going The life and times of Barbara Jordan __ omor.__ GII._tmIII_U~~__ Barbara As a young Jordan runs for Jordan again Political Jordan wins Jordan meets Jordan is Jordan In a Jordan IS attorney, a seat in the runs forthe advisers a seat in the Nancy Earl, elected to the becomes a Cosmopolitan born In a Jordan volun- state house state house warn Jordan Texasstate her lifetime U.S.Houseof media sensa- magazine ~~~~~t~~~d teers for John of representa- and again is f~s~~~rs~ senate; she:s companion, Represen- tion during survey, 700 hood in F. Kennedy's tlves and IS defeated. . the body's first on a camping tatees. televised political Houston. presidential defeated. black woman trip. coverage of opinion lead- campaign. member. the House ers place Judiciary Jordan at the Committee's top of the list debate over of women impeaching they'd like to President see become Nixon. president.

KRT BETIMANN-UPI BETIMANN-UPI

.. . . 42 THE ADVOCATE MARCH 5, 1996 RICHARD CARSON/REUTER viding such a picturesque setting for our celebration of the nation's birth- day and our friendship." On December 10, 1977, Jordan virgin vacations" shocked the nation by announcing she would not run for reelection. Her "internal compass," she said, told her to "divert my energy to something Vacations different and to move away from de- mands which are all-consuming." But Jordan had also been diagnosed with Worth multiple sclerosis, which forced her to walk around the Capitol with a cane. At the time, though, she adamantly ComIDg denied that she had a chronic health problem or that the ailment was part- ly responsible for her departure. Out For. A month after Jordan said 1978 to sit here and be an idle spectator to would be her last year in Congress, For those with discriminating the diminution, the subversion, the Earl went to work in Jordan's office tastes,Virgin Vacationshas designed destruction of the Constitution." in Washington, D.C. Congressional packagesexclusivelyfor gay and Earl, who has a master's degree in records show that Earl had the title lesbian travelers.Thesetours combine educational psychology, remained "special assistant" and was the sec- spontaneity and excitementwith a close to Jordan during the lawmaker's ond-highest-paid person in Jordan's relaxed and friendly atmosphere. years in Washington, D.C., though she office. Another staffer at the time re- Currently,we're offering two very livedin Texas and, for a short time, in called that Earl wrote speeches for specialescortedtours,whereyou'll be upstate New York. Jordan's autobiog- Jordan and occasionally dealt with re- accompaniedby Judy Nelson(author raphy described her as "tanned and porters. Upon her retirement from ofLove Match,Nelsonvs. NavratiJova) tow-haired, she wanted to pick water- Congress, Jordan and Earl returned and Paristour guide and wine expert cress in the shade of cypress trees, to Austin, where Jordan taught at the KayPfaltz.Thesetours includea plant grass on the back slopes, be out- University of Texas's Lyndon B. number of mealsand a wine tasting. doors when she was not in the profes- Johnson School of Public Affairs. In sional situation of her job." 1994, however, she briefly reentered In 1976 she and Jordan began public life to chair a presidential task building a home together on five force on immigration. Gay Paris ~!122; acres of land near Austin. The couple In private life Jordan rarely granted This 7 night!8 day trip includes threw a bash to celebrate the Bicen- interviews. Earl remained largely in Virgin Atlantic air travel to London, tennial, with friends and family taking the background-with one notable ex- the Eurostar Channel Tunnel train part. After the fireworks ended and ception. In 1988 Jordan nearly to Paris, First Classaccommodations Jordan's two sisters returned home, drowned in her backyard swimming and guidedwalkingtoursof St Germain they sent Earl a letter: "Dearest pool while performing physical thera- and the Luxembourg Gardens,the Nancy, Barbara is our most precious py. Earl, who had left Jordan alone Maraisand more. possession: our sister, our congress- briefly, returned to find her floating woman, and our friend. We shall be and jumped into the pool to revive Gay Paris and eternally grateful to you for your pro- her. Media accounts at the time iden- the French $1899* Chateau Country Apr. 19-27, 1996

This 7 night!8 day trip includes VirginAtlantic air travel to London, hotel accommodationsand the Eurostar J Channel Tunnel train to Paris, where . Jordandeliversa Jordan An erroneous you'll enjoy guided walking tours keynoteaddress announces but widely and a 2-day motorcoach tour of five atthe Democrat- she will leave disseminated chateaus in the LoireValley. icNationalCon- Congress after media report For information and reservations ventionand is her term says that oneof 14people expires in Jordan is on these and other gay and lesbian JimmyCarter 1978. She dying of a VirginVacations,callyour travel agent considersforthe lands a teach- bone disease. or 800-364-6466. vicepresidential ing job at the Jordan vehe- nomination. University of mently denies Jordanbuilds a Texas at that she has housewith Earl Austin. a chronic virginatlantic. inAustin. illness. "Based on New York departures. Other restrictions apply. KRT Ask about other gateways.

REUTER

MARCH 5. 1996 tified Earl as Jordan's "housemate." Reached at her home for this article, Earl declined to discuss her life with Jordan in much depth. Asked about Bille th being labeled Jordan's longtime com- panion by the Houston Chronicle, Earl said, "I was her good friend. I was there morning and night to help her get up and get showered and get dressed and go to work. She had lots of companions. People can say whatev- er they want She was a friend of mine. You can write what you want" Join us for a bike tour of France's most elegant chateaux and historic sites. Enjoy great food AilvocatePOLL ana wine, quiet riverside. What is your reaction to the dis- rolds, ~d majestic views. closure that Barbara Jordan was Just $995 00 air not a closeted lesbian who chose not -" included to come out during her lifetime? ...... Call now for free details about our active vacations for ~~ ..I.~~~ ..~~.r.II'!.~.~C)~.... #2 I understand why she chose not gay men and lesbians. to come out and still respect her #3' 'it''mii'kes' no' (i'mereiice to' 'me" ...... ALYSON 1b participate in this smvey,call ADVENTURES INC. (900) 773-POLL 1-800-825-9766 or visit our Internet Website: http://www.advocate.com Call (900) 773-7655 or visit our Internet Web site on or before March 4 to cast your vote. The results of this surveywill appear in the April 2 issue, on sale March 19. And be sure to look for a new Advocate Poll question in every issue of The Advocate. Callers are charged 99 cents a minute for this service. The aver- age call length for this service is one minute. The Advocate Poll ©1996 by liberation Publications Inc.

But if people in Texas did not know the exact nature of Jordan's relation- ship with Earl, its depth was well- understood. On January 20, during Jordan's funeral at the church where her father had preached former Texas governor Ann Richards began her eu- logy by speaking directly to Earl. 'Well, Nancy,"Richards drawled, "I al- ways thought Barbara would preach at 1l1:!J funeral." Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, who now represents Jordan's old dis- trict, also mentioned Earl by name. Before the funeral Jordan's sisters turned to Earl, who was sitting behind them, and hugged her. Later, during Jordan's burial at the Texas State Every Coach Seat! Cemetery in Austin, they motioned for Earl to sit with them in the front row, Every Flight! under the cedar tree that would forev- er shade Jordan's grave. Earl shook her head and pointed to a back row. Every Day! That was where the friends sat. •