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Elton John Talks LGBT Teen Suicides, Why he Played Rush Limbaugh’s Wedding

10/14/2010- by Natasia Langfelder

Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that the anti-gay animosity in this country has flared up, resulting in a rash of violence and death. Performer Elton John has long been outspoken on behalf of LGBT rights. He said of the recent violence:

 ”People were saying gays should be beaten up, we’re not part of God’s universe. What kind of mentality is this? When I first came here, it was such a loving country. It’s never been in a more horrible place. This is not the America I love.” “We’ve come so far, with a black president, it’s mystifying that this can still be going on. Jesus Christ taught tolerance. That’s the example we should follow. We should forgive, understand, be compassionate. We’re not all the same. Thank God! It would be so boring.”

 Strong words from someone who has long campaigned for his rights and those of the rest of the LGBT community. However, Elton John baffled his fans and aroused the anger of queer activists when he performed at hatemonger Rush Limbaugh’s fourth wedding. Word is Elton was paid one million dollars for his appearance. He has attempted to explain his performance there before and now, he tries again.

We talked a lot before I did it, and I was surprised how much I liked (him),” John says. “If I had done it just for the money, I could have seen 40 years of my reputation go down the tube. As a gay man, I felt it my duty to find out what this guy thought. I did that before I played there. I felt there was a real reason for me going.” At the reception in Palm Beach, Fla., John took the stage before 400 mostly Republican guests.

“I said, ‘I suppose you’re wondering what the (expletive) I’m doing here,’ and they collapsed in laughter. It took the heat off. I said, ‘I’m probably the most famous gay man in the world. I’m coming in peace. Please, let’s not say people are horrible because they’re different. That’s not acceptable in this day and age.’ It was a good audience.”

John and Limbaugh still communicate by e-mail.

“There’s much more of a person in there than the public knows,” John says. “I believe dialogue is a way forward. Come on, what era are we living in?” [Source]

Do you buy his explaination? I don’t. He wanted the money, he got his money, so he didn’t care about Rush’s views. Elton John made a huge judgement of error when he performed at the wedding, but that doesn’t negate all the work he has done in his life for the LGBT community. At least, in my opinion. What do you think?

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