Obama’s win represents ‘historic milestone’ for gays. Plus: McCain won 27 percent of the gay vote.
LGBT leaders criticized for being ‘very timid and soft.’
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By JACK E. JETT
Monday, December 04, 2006
On Nov. 3, all-American family man Ted Haggard was forced out as leader of the 30-million strong National Association of Evangelicals after a male prostitute named Mike Jones went public as the preacher’s former lover and crystal meth dealer. Haggard led the 14,000 member New Life Church in Colorado and supported an anti-gay marriage amendment up for vote. After Jones’ accusations, Haggard admitted that he was "guilty of sexual immorality" and is now receiving treatment for his "issues" (H.B. London, a senior official from Focus on the Family has joined the team overseeing Haggad’s counseling. London replaced Focus founder James Dobson, who withdrew). Jack E. Jett, host of Mania TV’s The Queer Edge, recently spoke with Jones.
You attended the opening in New York of "The Little Dog Laughed," the Broadway comedy about closeted celebrities and the hustlers who love them. What did you think of the show?
I saw my life on stage. Not only the plot but, way too many similarities with my own situation. It was very funny but kind of emotional for me. But the bottom line is the same: Be honest with yourself or you will never be happy.
How does it feel to be thrust into the limelight?
Everything is a blur to me right now. It is just overwhelming. You know, I made the decision to do it on my own because that’s the kind of guy I am. It’s hard for me to ask for help.
Did you have any idea that you would be national news?
I didn’t know it would be nationwide and so incredibly explosive. I guess I was a little naive.
You’ve said that you came forward because Haggard supported an amendment on the Colorado ballot banning same-sex marriage. The amendment passed, and a separate amendment for domestic partnerships failed. What did you accomplish?
It opened people’s eyes, and I wanted to expose this hypocrite.
How much support have you received from gay political organizations?
Zero. I can tell you that I am disappointed—and hurt. I put my life, my body on the line to expose this guy, and I expected some support from these organizations. At the very least some concern or contact.
Has anyone from the Haggard’s New Life Church thanked you for rescuing Haggard from crystal meth?
Oh, absolutely. In fact, when I was checking into the hotel in Colorado Springs, the desk clerk, he goes, "Are you the Mike Jones of…" I answered, "Maybe." And he said, "I want you to know that I am from the New Life Church." And he extended his hand and said, "Thank you. You did us a service for Ted and our church so he can get the help he needs."
What has changed most about your life recently?
Well, I don’t have a job. What is blowing me away is when I walk down the street, people come up to me, hugging me and shaking my hand, and they are not just all gay people. I didn’t do it to be a "hero," which some people are calling me. I’m uneasy with that word, but it’s been humbling.
Do you think Haggard was doing meth before you met him?
I don’t know. All I can tell you is that once we were a year into the relationship, so to speak, he usually did it every time he saw me. You know what’s interesting? He acted stupid when he first got it, like, "How should I do it?" I would fall into the trap and show him, like he was this innocent guy who was curious. But he’s not a stupid man, he just screwed up.
Did Haggard ever kiss you or act affectionately, or did he restrict his visits to sex?
No, we kissed.
Did his personality change after you had sex?
I think sometimes there was some guilt, and he would get very quiet. Usually he’d just throw his clothes on and leave.
Anything else of note?
He loved to have sex in the dark. We would have one little candle going.
What did you think of Haggard’s apology letter?
The problem with his apology letter is that he gives so little specifics. It’s all generalities and all to tug the heart strings of his followers. I don’t even know what he is talking about with his demons and dark side and dirt. When they were reading his apology letter, all the reporters that were there came back to me and said, "You know what, Mike? It’s really strange. All the guys that were up on stage were young, good-looking men."
JACK E JETT is the host of Mania TV’s The Queer Edge. Go to www.jackejett.com for more information.
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