In light of recent hateful rhetoric directed toward the gay community of Eureka Springs, forgive me if my writing this week is somewhat influenced by recent and disturbing events.Locals are well aware of the discrimination against Diversity event promoters who were refused ad placement in a right leaning (waaay right) newspaper. Also during Diversity weekend everyone who ventured into Basin Park was subjected to screaming, so called preaching aimed at rallying «Christian soldiers» against the homosexual community and Diversity participants. It was a shameless display of hate.

My question is whether these bigots realize the contributions gays/lesbians have made to society throughout history, particularly in the arts in fields ranging from literature to paintings?

Bigots please pay attention.

There would be no «David» had it not been for the deft hands of gay Michelangelo and no beautiful Sistine Chapel ceiling either. Wouldn't it have been a shame to not have John Singer Sargent's beautiful portraits? We would have missed the beautiful illuminated works of Caraveggio if that gay man had never lived.

And egad if not for Shakespeare we would have missed out on the best plays ever penned as well as his sonnets. And more recently we would have a void in the realm of literature if not for homosexuals Gertrude Stein, Truman Capote, James Baldwin, Christopher Isherwood, and MANY others.

If not for gays there would be countless holes left in the entertainment industry from music (KD Lang, Melissa Etheridge, Elton John, Freddie Mercury), to great actors like Montgomery Cliff, James Dean, Rock Hudson, and perhaps Barbara Stanwyck. I doubt if there would even be a Broadway if not for homosexuals!

Let us not forget dance and its' wonderful participants Rudolph Nureyev and Vaslav Nijinsky. If I named every gay man and woman who contributed to the arts throughout history, this article would go on for countless pages.

Take note bigots and realize that art created by homosexuals filters on down to the everyday from flower arrangement, interior design, fashion design, and god knows to hairdressing. You'd better be thanking your lucky stars, or perhaps your gods, for homosexuals. Your world would be duller without us.

Locally a goodly portion of the Eureka Springs' art community is comprised of gay men and women. I do not feel at liberty to name names but if you live here, I'm sure that many names will pop into your head. These gay men and women are a vital part of Eureka's art community and the community at large.

Art can build bridges. It can even build bridges way over there to the bigots. They need us whether they know it or will admit it. Even hateful folks need art, beauty, and entertainment in their lives.

Here's a bridge for ya Bud! Come on over or we will come over there and we are armed with paintbrushes, sheet music, ballet shoes, and literary works.

Can't stop us now.

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