Faith

Gay Congressman Barney Frank Details His ‘Coming Out’ to Colleagues & the Public

Barney Frank’s three-decades-long congressional career is coming to a close. As the liberal, 72-year-old politico prepares for retirement, he is speaking out about his sexuality and his “coming out” to colleagues. In an interview with The Washington Post, Frank detailed the process, while giving advice to other gay officials who may still be “in the closet.”

While Frank has, at times, been the pit of jokes (in 1990, he was officially reprimanded by his House colleagues for improperly providing assistance to a male prostitute), the politician has also served as a prominent voice in the gay rights movement. In an interview with Washington Post’s 2chambers, Frank shared his reasons for waiting until 1987 to announce his sexuality. Overall, he wanted to avoid being typecast and labeled for life.

Barney Frank Details His Coming Out to Colleagues & the Public

U.S. Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) speaks on stage during the final day of the Democratic National Convention at Time Warner Cable Arena on September 6, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Credit: Getty Images

“When I decided to run, I said either you come out and become an activist and have a major role there or I run for Congress” he said. “There was no way I could have been out and won. In the end I almost lost on suspicion.”

Once he was in Congress, Frank recalls a conversation with Rep. Mike Synar (D-Okla.), who later died in 1996. The Post explains how the dialogue, during which Frank admitted his sexuality, unfolded after Synar asked Frank if he had a girlfriend:

“No,” Frank told Synar.

“Are you gay?” Synar asked Frank.

“Well, yeah,” Frank said.

That was it. They moved on.

Frank recalled telling others about his homosexuality as well. Perhaps the more comical and fascinating exchange, though, came when Frank told his mentor, House Speaker Tip O’Neil (D-Mass.). At the time, Rep. Bob Bauman (R-Md.) was about to publish a book that was set to imply that Frank was, indeed, gay. So, out of fear over what the publication would do to his image, Frank consulted O’Neil.

At first the House speaker dismissed the information as a bad rumor, but when Frank admitted that it was true, O’Neil’s reaction was noteworthy. The Post continues, noting the comical response:

“But I said, ‘Well, in this case it’s true,’” Frank recalled, adding that O’Neil responded with some sadness and told him: “I thought you might be the first Jewish speaker.”

O’Neil then alerted his press secretary, future talk show host Chris Matthews, that Frank soon “may be coming out of the room.” Aides had to explain to O’Neil that in fact Frank was coming out of the closet.

During the interview, Frank also encouraged other gay politicians to come out and, if they feel strongly, not to worry about the political consequences. He said that these individuals should not waste time on people who are prejudiced against them simply because of their sexuality.

Watch the interview, below:

In CONTROL, Glenn Beck presents a passionate, fact-based case for guns that reveals why gun control isn’t really about controlling guns at all; it’s about controlling us. Find out more HERE.

Comments (122)

  • RaydocX
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:02pm

    i hope Barney has found happiness with his special someone.
    his sexual preferrence means precisely nothing to me.

    but his suggestion that he ‘almost lost because of suspicion’ is gross hyperbole… His consittuents just put Warren into the Senate, despite obvious lies and an utter lack of plans beyond mouthing talking points of her party.

    Barney could have worn a coat of baby kitten pelts and taken the mike with his hand still covered in their blood and the sheeple of Massachusetts would have elected him… and reelected him… and rereelected him. that state is more out of control than California, if you look at the fine print.

    Report this comment

    RaydocX  
    • jwt
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:18pm

      Isaiah 3 – 9

      Report this comment

      jwt  
    • AmericanFightingMan1
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:42pm

      Any connection between moral degeneracy and our nation’s fall?

      I think so.

      You don’t. Ok. Watch.

      Report this comment

      AmericanFightingMan1  
    • sillyfreshness
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:08pm

      The “chosen people” controlled Marxist Media wants all Americans to worship gays. They are now pushing “same sex” marriage to the masses. The Republicans and Democrats are now fighting each other to see who can be more gay loving. Obey the “chosen people” support all gays and their degenerate lifestyle.

      Also, the “chosen people” have ran in the media about illegal aliens “they do the work that no Americans will do” rather than “they do the work that no Americans will do for $3 per hour.” Judens want American overran by illegal aliens from South America. Obey the “chosen people” support amnesty for all illegal aliens…..for diversity’s sake. Obey your handlers, obey the “chosen people.”

      Report this comment

      sillyfreshness  
    • gosutag
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:21pm

      @AMERICANFIGHTINGMAN1:

      I know I do. I see people like you all the time making yourself seem better to others than you really are. You’re not better than anyone because you read a certain book.

      Report this comment

      gosutag  
    • savagenatn
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:13pm

      no kidding…if any of you clowns are from the people’s republic of Mass I sure hope you’re proud of this joke. The pole smoking pos is/was a disaster, thanks for screwing the American people Bawney as well as several hundred rear ends you’ve undoubtedly nailed in your pathetic life.

      Report this comment

      savagenatn  
    • Beck_Art_-_Obama_In_Pee-Pee
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:42pm

      http://www.theblaze.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/600×3871.jpg

      Woah, TheBlaze!
      ****-erotic sodomy pictures of Bwany Fwag going face-to-face with another man! What next? Hillary lesbian-gang-raped by fat communist-Chinese guards snapshots?

      Report this comment

      Beck_Art_-_Obama_In_Pee-Pee  
    • OlderCowGirl
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 12:38am

      Has anyone ever seen Barney Frank’s teeth???
      I was beginning to wonder if he had any teeth…
      Perhaps he had them pulled for some reason?

      Report this comment

      OlderCowGirl  
    • December4
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 5:51am

      Who cares about Barney’s Frank. Read fresh political commentary at: http://smallcraftadvisorychronicles.blogspot.com/

      Report this comment

      December4  
    • SoNick
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 9:21am

      Hey sillyfreshness, are you able to post anything without injecting antisemitic rants in your discourse? Silly you are. Fresh, not so much.

      Report this comment

      SoNick  
  • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:02pm

    Can we label this story as a “Fairy Tale”???

    Report this comment

    GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
    • athiest-infedel
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:07pm

      Yes, like the bible.

      Report this comment

      athiest-infedel  
    • Eastinfection
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:12pm

      lol…

      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcYppAs6ZdI

      Report this comment

      Eastinfection  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:15pm

      Why do you care what I believe? I don’t care what you believe. You can bark to the moon if you like, and I wouldn’t mind…you are way more fanatic than those whom you attack, and while you’re doing it, you pretend that being atheist is not the same than a being part of any religion….pfff!!!

      Report this comment

      GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
    • Chuck Stein
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:53pm

      Actually, I was WONDERING how this story was posted under the “Faith” heading. Is anything involving anti-Biblical conduct automatically a “Faith” story?
      @ GBTVFAN
      You first post was not a particularly good joke/pun (but I’m guilty of that sort of quip all too often). Your SECOND post, however, is very good. If self-described “atheists” are so confident in their position, why are they so aggressive? As Milton said “Let Truth and Error battle on the field of ideas. Who ever knew Truth to lose in a free and open exchange?” So many (not all by any means) atheists remind me of Moslems: other faiths are so fearsome that their members must be ruthlessly attacked and vilified. Why not just rely on your own arguments? Are the arguments really that weak?

      Report this comment

      Chuck Stein  
    • Eastinfection
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 6:59am

      i think GBTV was purposely making a bad pun.. that’s why it was funny.

      Report this comment

      Eastinfection  
    • GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:47am

      You are giving me too much credit. I admit it, it was bad pun, but somehow it sounded great in my mind….: ) (Besides, I laugh when they use “fairy” in movies for gay things: “Man up!, You are dancing like a fairy!!!”)

      Report this comment

      GBTVFan_Non_American_Overseas  
  • Steve28
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:58pm

    Barney your lisp always gave you away. We all knew!

    Report this comment

    Steve28  
    • pavepaws
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:10pm

      Buh-bye.

      Report this comment

      pavepaws  
    • MDECKER
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:43pm

      Now, Barney has been “typecast” and “labeled” for life. One who finds it so easy to lie to oneself, can surely lie to others just as well.

      Report this comment

      MDECKER  
  • Locked
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:50pm

    Frank’s corrupt actions while in Congress are infinitely more disgusting than his sexual orientation.

    Report this comment

    Locked  
  • paulppp2008
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:50pm

    Maaan!! I have nothing against homesexuals; they are people too; but what a freakin’ mess this country is dealing with in regards to sexuality. The family is the unit of society and without it we will surely fall – there is no other way around. A country where most of its people are confused about their sexuality will not make it…dang it!! what a mess!!

    Report this comment

    paulppp2008  
  • TheBurningTruth
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:47pm

    Funny how we’re not supposed to care about a person’s “sexual orientation” yet it’s OK for those same people “come out of the closet” for political or financial gain. If GLBT people really believed what they say about just wanting to live their lives, then we wouldn’t subjected them publicly declaring their “orientation”.

    Of course, they usually “come out” when there’s an advantage to it. I think of CNN’s Andersen Cooper here. He didn’t “come out” until his ratings tanked. Was he trying to implicitly blame straights for his ratings drop or tying to guilt them into watching is liberal reporting?

    Report this comment

    TheBurningTruth  
    • FISH_BONE
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:26pm

      Agreed. If you’re gay, who the hell cares? I certainly don’t care so stop telling me.

      The hypocrisy is overwhelming: “I’m gay! I’m gay!” “Don’t think of me differently because I’m gay.” “By the way, did you know I’m gay?” “I hate being treated differently because I’m gay.” “Hey, did you know I’m gay?” “I’m gay!” “I’m gay!” “Don’t judge me because I’m gay.” “I’m gay!” “I’m gay.” “Its so hard being gay.” “Guess what – I’m gay!!!”

      The moral of the story: If you’re gay, I don’t care. Shut the hell up.

      Report this comment

      FISH_BONE  
    • Pantloadian
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 8:39pm

      FIAH BONE . . . Agreed. If you’re Christian, who the hell cares? I certainly don’t care so stop telling me.

      “I’m Christian! I’m Christian!” “Don’t think of me differently because I’m Christian.” “By the way, did you know I’m Christian?” “I hate being treated differently because I’m Christian.” “Hey, did you know I’m Christian?” “I’m Christian!” “I’m Christian!” “Don’t judge me because I’m Christian.” “I’m Christian!” “I’m Christian.” “Its so hard being Christian.” “Guess what – I’m Christian!!!”

      The moral of the story: If you’re hristian, I don’t care. Shut the hell up.

      Report this comment

      Pantloadian  
    • The-Monk
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 9:15pm

      Hey FISH_BONE,

      Don’t pay any attention to Wango with dirty yellow diapers.

      He gets his diapers second hand from Barney Fwrank…… LOL

      Report this comment

      The-Monk  
    • Pantloadian
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 8:31am

      Actually. I get them from David Vitter. He’s the conservative family values Republican senator from Louisiana who frequented the working girls of Bourbon Street. Seems he had a liking for getting diapered. Yeah, what are the chances, eh? He used to make his appointments on his cell phone while on the floor of the Senate. Yep, YOUR cell phone, the one you paid for. Makes that Obama phone hysteria pale in comparison. Yes, yes, diapers. And family values. That’s the conservative way.

      Report this comment

      Pantloadian  
    • 9-12er
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 10:06am

      FISH_BONE, I agree with you on how gay people flaunt their sexuality. It gets so obnoxious and annoying! I say if you gay.. then keep it to yourself. I don’t care if you’re gay at all, just stop making it public!!

      Report this comment

      9-12er  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:44pm

    “Overall, he wanted to avoid being typecast and labeled for life.”
    ======================================
    Too late. HHHWWAALLLLLAAAAHHHHHHUUUURRRGGG!!! Barney, I don’t think ANYONE, but over-sensitive, twinkies want to hear how you “came out.”

    Report this comment

    Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:00pm

      “Overall, he wanted to avoid being typecast and labeled for life.”

      Which is why he made sure he was photographed checking into a hotel with a belt (or was it a dog collar?) around his neck during the Democrat National convention.

      Plus he made a scene at the Ferry to Fire Island to get publicity. He went to the notorious Fire Island which is Ground Zero for HIV infection in the United States. This after he is in a civil union with his one & only & he is basically going to brothel.

      He typecast himself.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:12pm

      “Frank resides in a studio apartment complex in Newton, Massachusetts. His husband, Jim Ready, is a surfing enthusiast whom Frank met during a gay political fundraiser in Maine, where Ready still lives”
      - wiki

      So why was Barney at the Fleshpot of Fire Island?

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
  • theotherberean
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:39pm

    This is in the “Faith” section because…?

    Report this comment

    theotherberean  
  • dovndce
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:38pm

    Why give any publicity to this lisping, prancing, and limpwristed degenerate Bwarney Fwank?

    Report this comment

    dovndce  
    • Pork_Anvil
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:46pm

      Welcome, 5th grader!

      Report this comment

      Pork_Anvil  
    • dovndce
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:58pm

      The Blaze shouldn’t be giving a child-raper like Bwarney Fwank any publicity PERIOD. Despite what Democrats claim Gays like the lisping knobgobbler Mass Rep. Bwarney Fwank and Sesame Street Elmo puppeteer Kevin “Tickle My Privates” Cash are dangerous predators who seek out underage boys for deviant sexual encounters.

      Report this comment

      dovndce  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:37pm

    Super aids meet Barney Frank,oh what am I saying I don’t mean that you should have been introduced before you went to congress and did all your damage.

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  
  • elosogrande
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:34pm

    Barney,

    I doubt if anyone wants to know who’s doing what to whom in your bedroom. How about “coming out” on how you and your cohorts destroyed the American housing market and the economy, throughout your corrupt and incompetent years in Congress.

    The People really want to konw, Barney. We don’t like it getting stuck to us.

    Report this comment

    elosogrande  
  • TROLLMONGER
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:34pm

    Good for you Mr Frank and your partner!!! Just ignore the hate speech from the primitive right wing tea baggers. They are irrelevant.

    Report this comment

    TROLLMONGER  
    • progressiveslayer
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:55pm

      That’s the spirit congratulate the pole puffer for destroying the housing market you simpleton.

      Report this comment

      progressiveslayer  
    • Joe_The_Patriot
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:23pm

      It kills me how the party who wants to tell you what you can put in your mouth has no problem with what you stick in your @$$…… You liberals make me sick

      Report this comment

      Joe_The_Patriot  
    • OldSurfRat
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:25pm

      Progressive

      I could care less if he is gay but “Pole Puffer” never heard that one before. Like it!!!

      Report this comment

      OldSurfRat  
    • tootsie roll
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:43pm

      right right kissy kissy you must bew the same since you use the word TEA BAGGERS IT GOES WITH YOU ILK

      Report this comment

      tootsie roll  
    • Wisdom7
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 11:22pm

      @Troll

      This story was your Christmas present.

      Report this comment

      Wisdom7  
  • jackact
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:34pm

    I guess that is better than explaining why he felt the need to pressure American banks into offering home mortgages to unqualified minority buyers……and destroying the formerly prosperous housing market in the process.
    Barney, thank you personally for the depreciation of 40% of the value of my home during the past 5 years.
    And I never missed a mortgage payment.
    Sincerely,
    ‘Whitey,the Responsible Homeowner’

    Report this comment

    jackact  
  • dj_bonneromics1982
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:31pm

    Right-wing juvenility on display in the comments section. Geebus, when you are folks ever going to get over the fact that gay peeps aren’t all “those weirdo people OVER THERE” but that they’re as everyday as the cashiers and mailmen and family attorney?

    Report this comment

    dj_bonneromics1982  
    • fdraiden
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:41pm

      Sure!

      Report this comment

      fdraiden  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:50pm

      When will we get over it.
      For one, when gay parades become G rated & are not censored by presstitutes.
      For another when gays have the same infection rates & transmission rates of disease as normal people.
      And other is when gays don’t advocate open marriages.
      The list can be quite long.

      Report this comment

      Walkabout  
    • pugczar
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 5:12pm

      I’m with WalkAbout. We’ll get over it when gays stop advocating homosexuality as an ‘option’ to our kids. I have nothing against a bona fide homosexual. What I do not like are the “weirdos over there” who claim to be gay but are just confused, or mental, or trying it on to be in vogue, and are so dang flambouyant about it. In short..be gay, just don’t be fake.

      Report this comment

      pugczar  
    • jackact
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 6:28pm

      ‘Gay Peeps’?
      How about ‘Gay Perps’?…
      Male prostitution ring ran out of his DC townhouse (caught & busted) No criminal punishment.
      Current boyfriend is cultivating a cannabis farm in the basement of their shared home in Maine (caught & busted) No criminal punishment.
      Personally responsible for the housing market crash (caught & opted to not run for re-election to avoid future legal prosecution).
      Republican hate-mongering, not.
      Gay hubris, for sure.

      Report this comment

      jackact  
  • ArmedAndReallyPissed
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:30pm

    Oh thank heavens. I’ve been having so many dreadful sleepless nights waiting for this detailed information to come out. This is just so super awesome.I’m so excited i think i just moistened my panties.
    This makes me SICK.

    Report this comment

    ArmedAndReallyPissed  
  • Slick Willie
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:27pm

    Barf…..what a pervert….on a rocket-sled straight to he||

    Report this comment

    Slick Willie  
  • athiest-infedel
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:26pm

    Lets see, I “choose”to be gay and then hide it out of fear of the vitrol from the religious right…really?
    I would fear to come out because of that very reason. And if you want to quote the bible,don’t because I’m sure your wife/girlfriend has smoked your pole which is a sin before your god(sodomy)
    Why would anyone choose to have so much crap heaped on them many CHOOSE SUICIDE instead of being straight. I could no more smoke a pole than be a houseplant because I’m not gay and I was born that way.

    Report this comment

    athiest-infedel  
    • fdraiden
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:43pm

      And your point is? Me think you protest too much. You can come out the closet now, it’s ok!

      Report this comment

      fdraiden  
  • scootervanneuter
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:26pm

    Hey Barney (and every other gay person on the planet), we DON’T FREAKING CARE.
    Nothing you can possibly say will make us think you’re not abnormal, so just shut the hell up.
    Now leave us alone -

    Report this comment

    scootervanneuter  
  • The-Monk
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:23pm

    Young Barney in England…..

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZa26_esLBE

    Report this comment

    The-Monk  
    • TEARS FOR AMERICA
      Posted on December 4, 2012 at 8:14am

      So why does Barney Frank, and other men like him, get special privileges for their perverted sexual lifestyle, which is anal sex, Atheist Infedel? Why are they given rights a heterosexual person is not? Why do men like Sandusky at Penn State become obsessed with harming boys all for his selfish gratification and Muslim men in Muslim countries use boys all the while proclaiming they are not sodomites? It is perversion, period, and to placate a part of society for that is terribly wrong- it is just wrong. God cries.

      Report this comment

      TEARS FOR AMERICA  
  • progressiveslayer
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:22pm

    The old packer’s packin it in huh? Should’ve done that before you inflicted yourself on congress years ago you worthless POS progressive pustule. The queen killed the housing market single handedly.

    Report this comment

    progressiveslayer  
    • FISH_BONE
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 7:28pm

      The worst of Bawney Fwank is not the fact that he plays the skin flute, its his politics. This is something the left will never understand.

      Report this comment

      FISH_BONE  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on December 3, 2012 at 10:18pm

      I Just hope whoever gets his chair tosses it and replaces it with a fresh one.

      Report this comment

      Smokey_Bojangles  
  • INTOODEEP
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:20pm

    What a discusting pig he is !!! He fits right in with Bathhouse Barry’s putrid administration….TRASH !

    Report this comment

    INTOODEEP  
  • RightUnite
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:19pm

    Aaaack!! Nasty old stinking pervert! Toothless freaking wonder…. How’s that old fecal matter working out for ya??

    Report this comment

    RightUnite  
  • neverending
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:17pm

    Just the headline sent me to the porcelain throne!

    Report this comment

    neverending  
  • TSUNAMI_22
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:12pm

    I can just imagine the announcement:

    Hi, my name is Bawney Fwank. I’m what the love child of Buddy Hacket and Earnest Borgnine would look like if they formed a “union”. I smoke poles, and do the fondue bugaloo…..and I approve this message.

    ….and by some unknown reason, most people will find my description of Barney Frank’s lifestyle more offensive that the actual lifestyle CHOICE Frank has made. Go figure.

    Report this comment

    TSUNAMI_22  
  • oldguy49
    Posted on December 3, 2012 at 4:11pm

    and i shoud care …..why

    Report this comment

    oldguy49  

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