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So in case you didn't know, Rush Limbaugh honored the sanctity of marriage by having his fourth wedding on June 5, 2010. The conservative radio host who has a large, right-wring Christian fan base was married by an "anti-gay activist" pastor Ken Hutcherson and had a wedding reception performance by...wait...did I hear that correctly!?
Elton John!?
Yes, the man who some people jokingly claim 'invented' homosexuality played a set at Rush Limbaugh's wedding reception to the tune of one million dollars.
When I first heard this news I was livid. Homophobic rhetoric has not played a huge role in the ignorance-spewing outlet that is the Rush Limbaugh. However, I was still surprised that Elton John would play at a wedding for a man seen as a hero by many Americans who do not support civil rights for LGBTQ folks. I'm not the only person who felt this way, as the criticism of Elton John ballooned in the liberal blogosphere shortly following news of his performance.
I felt that John was a sell-out.
However, as the week has progressed I've wondered if I have any right to be mad at Elton. If he declined to provide a service to Limbaugh because of their different views wouldn't that make those of us who support this civil rights movement hypocrites? (FYI, their views aren't that different). In this link from CNN, it was reported that Elton was surprised at his invitation to the Limbaugh wedding, and saw it as an opportunity to change peoples' perspectives and build bridges.
But...how does this change people's perspectives of the GLBTQ community for the better? To me, all this says is we're willing to put our opinions about civil rights aside for the right price. Ugh. I know it's unfair to place every action of GLBTQ celebrities within the context of their sexuality, but it's Elton Freaking John!
I may not have the right to be mad at Elton, but it still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I still feel as if he accepted dirty money. It would be a different story if he donated some of it to a good cause.
What do you guys think? It's a free country, but are Elton's actions a bit disappointing? Was it just business? Or is it a slap in the face from those who have supported and looked up to him as an icon for the GLBTQ community--some for their entire lifetimes?
What does the reaction of GLBTQ supporters to Elton John in this instance say about our movement? Are we just as intolerant as the right?
I have no freakin idea why Rush and his fiance asked Elton to play at their wedding. That, honestly, is the bigger question for me.