Gene Robinson + D.C. Gay Men’s Chorus Shoved into HBO's Closet

[bluedawg12]

http://www.boxturtlebulletin.com/
Gene Robinson + D.C. Gay Men’s Chorus Shoved into HBO's Closet
Jim Burroway
January 18th, 2009

When the Obama Inaugural committee announced that the Rt. Rev. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay Episcopal Bishop, would deliver the invocation at the “We Are The One” concert at the Lincoln Memorial, it was seen as an olive branch to the gay community, still seething over the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation for the Inauguration itself.

The announcement that Rick Warren was selected came just days after Warren compared gay relationships to incest, child rape and polygamy. But by pointing out that Rev. Robinson’s invocation would come at the start of the HBO-aired live concert in front of one of America’s best-loved memorials, this high-profile announcement was portrayed as a separate-but-almost-equal bookend to Warren’s invocation at the Capital steps.

Well, except it turned out not to be nearly so equal. In yet another deep insult to injury, HBO did not air Rev. Robinson’s invocation. The salve to the gay community meant to calm the outrage over Warren’s selection was for naught. Hundreds of millions around the world will hear Warren’s invocation on Tuesday. But today, the only ones to hear Rev. Robinson’s prayer were those thousands who were present at the mall. Robinson’s prayer wasn’t aired live, nor was it aired during the 7:00 p.m. rebroadcast.

And guess what else was shoved into the closet? The D.C. Gay Men’s Chorus singing with Josh Groban. Unlike every other performer, they came and went without being identified.

These snubs are inexcusable. Did HBO cave in the face of conservative outcries over Rev. Robinson’s selection for this event? Did the Inaugural committee rush Rev. Robinson onstage and off before the broadcast was slated to begin? Whatever the case may be, this is a cold slap. HBO has some serious explaining to do, as does the Inaugural committee.

Harvey Milk is screaming in his metaphorical grave right now.

You can call HBO at 212-512-1208 Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Eastern Time.

Update: Courtesy of Mike Tidmus, here are some additional contacts at HBO:

Quentin Schaffer
Executive Vice President
HBO Corporate Communications
Phone [phone]

Jeff Cusson
Senior Vice President
HBO Corporate Communications
Phone [phone]

[ecstatic]

1. The only choir that was identified was the Naval glee club nt

[Bluebear]

2. Yes, please don't comment about Robinson being pushed aside.

Just tell us about the Naval glee club, over and over.

[ecstatic]

3. Just saying the article is incorrect in saying the Gay Men's Chorus

was the only choir that wasn't identified. The choir behind Springstein wasn't identified... none of the others were... Just the Naval one, and yes, it's shameful that HBO didn't think to label them.

[qanda]

7. I didn't see the other choirs identified either

Although I would have liked to know who they were. The article should make its point without adding false claims to it.

[Bluebear]

9. Anything about Rev. Robinson being shoved aside? or just about the choir?

[qanda]

12. Huh?

[JerseygirlCT]

20. yes, I agree

I think it was terrible of them not to note ALL the choirs - people had undoubtedly worked very hard to be there - they should have gotten that recognition.

[MadBadger]

22. The only people to be introduced were the Navy Gleet Club and Speakers

I cant really think of any other singer who was introduced...maybe 1 or 2.

[JerseygirlCT]

24. Not introduced, but their names did run across the screen.

Not the case with the Choirs.

[MadBadger]

25. Their names were not always run across the screen.

[JerseygirlCT]

29. Can't swear it was the case every single time, but I saw it for

most every performer I can remember. It really only flashed, though - you had to be watching closely to see. I missed whoever was singing with Bon Jovi, for instance. Did they id her or did I just miss it? Don't know.

I did not see any of the choirs id'd, though.

[MadBadger]

33. I saw her name. I didnt see Bruce's name. I dont remember seeing the names in James Taylor's song.

[mantis49]

36. I wondered who the man was

to James Taylor's left. He had a great voice. He and the woman to his left were not identified.

[JerseygirlCT]

47. Arnold McCullough

is his name, apparently. Don't know him, but I agree - lovely voice!

[mantis49]

49. Thank you.

The name is not familiar.

[JerseygirlCT]

50. Nor to me. But the guy can SING! nt

[JerseygirlCT]

46. I did see those - or some of them -

I think the original two are his backup singers... don't remember seeing them "announced" on the screen.

I didn't know who the big name woman was who did have her name on the screen, but boy, she's got some pipes!

[MadBadger]

4. Jim Burroway is a Liar

Most of the artists were not introduced. All of the speakers were, but I know for a fact that most of the singers were not. Mr. Burroway could get more support if he dint lie.

[Bluebear]

10. lol

[firedupdem]

16. His valid argument will get thrown aside with that additional complaint..

the other choirs and some of the singers were not identified.

[Balderdash]

23. Did you watch?

The only singer/performer that wasn't introduced (at some point)
was Bruce Springsteen but he's the Boss and doesn't need an
introduction.

[MadBadger]

31. That narrator woman only introduced the speakers,

[Balderdash]

40. On the screen of the Jumbotrons and the tv

it showed the names of the performers.

[MadBadger]

44. It did not show them all. I still dont know some of the people singing with James Taylor

I think Herbie Hancock was on the piano, but I cant recognize his face,so I assume it was him.

[MadBadger]

5. Did you watch today bluedawg?

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

6. None of the other choirs (which were many)

were introduced either.

[Bluebear]

8. besides, they only sang one song!!1

I love how everyone is focusing on the choir in this article, and not boo about Robinson being relegated to a "pre-show" by the Inauguration committee

[Occam Bandage]

37. LOL. Turnabout is fair play.

Anyway, yes, Robinson's "pre-show" status is very disappointing.

[Lord Helmet]

28. just a minor point I guess in the middle of a snit in progress

[countmyvote4real]

11. Don't blame HBO for what was sold to them.

Consider the source. HBO is not a homophobic programmer.

[Name removed]

13. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[firedupdem]

14. what the hell is that link? n/t

[Starry Messenger]

15. I wouldn't click. Poster is TS. n/t

[SunsetDreams]

17. I'm hungry

Man these Cheez-its are good

[firedupdem]

18. Thanks!! I almost did and then caught myself! Phew! n/t

[Starry Messenger]

19. :)

Good. I'm sure it's nasty. Mods will clean it up soon!

[Cha]

21. Good, it has contact numbers

for HBO. Who the hell knows what happened..need to ask.

I know Obama talked about "Gays and Straights" in his speech yesterday as part of a United America.

Anyone else catch that?

[Balderdash]

26. I caught it and he gave us top billing too, but

I still want to know why Reverend Gene wasn't part of the
televised show.

[Cha]

32. We all want to know..but

I believe Obama team when they said they intended to have Gene Robinson's Invocation broadcast.

And, at least they're trying to get it out now.

[Ichingcarpenter]

27. What was the name of the kids choir that sang backup to Garth?

Don't remember them being named.

[onefreespiritedchick]

30. An absolute lie

With the exception of the Navy choir, the other choirs were NOT identified either. And, yes I've watched more than once and have recorded on DVR, also.

[Phx_Dem]

34. The gay community has outdone themselves with this ridiculous

faux outrage. People get "cut" from TV all the time. How many of the speeches were "cut" from the TV coverage of the Democratic Convention? TV always edits and cuts things from coverage. Yet we're supposed to be outraged because a fucking prayer was cut from a concert event? Really?

This event was in ABSOLUTELY NO WAY about Rev. Warren. It was about America, a celebration of its history. The prayer got cut from the alloted 2-hour event. Big fucking deal.

This is without a doubt the dumbest made-up outrage EVER.

[Hanse]

35. Don't accuse the gay community.

It's just a few nuts, many of whom aren't gay.

[Balderdash]

41. You really are offensive.

I'm a lesbian, have been my whole life, born that way
actually. You just post whatever lame shit that comes
into your head. Gay people are upset over this, it
clearly means jack to you but it means something to
this gay person.

Fucking ass!

[Hanse]

43. Some gay people are upset over this.

Some gay people are not upset over this.

People who are inventing conspiracy theories are just plain nuts, regardless of orientation.

[Bluebear]

48. /ignore at long last

[Zhade]

38. Time to boycott HBO.

NT!

[Connie_Corleone]

39. If you're going to be outraged, at least get the facts straight.

I watched the concert twice and the only choir that was identified was that Navy Glee Club.

Do you really think HBO gave a damn that Robinson was giving the invocation? They don't care if Robinson is gay or straight. All they cared about was the concert.

Not everything is designed to be a slap in the face to the gay community.

[Balderdash]

42. You're so hot when you're being a bitch...

:loveya:

[Bluebear]

45. HBO said it was the transition committee's decision, incidentally