Todays topic is: More Liberals

I feel sorry for Simon Hughes, I really do. I think I would like him to become the first openly gay party leader in Britain. It might not be fun for him, but it would test the resolve of both the press and other politicians. Would they be able to resist outing themselves as homophobes? How long would it be before puns are drawn in both headlines and the chamber?

In fact Mr Hughes has, since he 'admitted' to batting for both teams , been criticised from all sides. Not only has he been slated by some for his sexual preferences, but his integrity has been called into question because he didn't come out earlier. In other words, he wasn't gay enough. Apparently, gay people, whatever their personality or circumstances are impelled to come out, loud and proud. If they don't then it is a betrayal. His ability to deceive was also cited as a reason he couldn't be trusted (And there was me thinking that ability to lie convincingly was pretty much a prerequisite for a politician). Yesterday, the not gay enough argument came from both gay campaigners and others (plenty of politicans and commentators starting their comments and answers with "I'm not gay myself, but...")

Simon Hughes is in his early fifties. This means that he was well into his teens until homosexuality was actually legal in this country. He was in his thirties when gay people were routinely being stung by the cops and hung out to dry by the press. He was about 30 when Bronski Beat released Smalltown Boy. At 50-whatever he is still in a society that is pretty laid back about sexuality compared to some places. Many people tolerate and even love 'pantomime poofs' like Graham Norton and Dale Winton, but are often profoundly uncomfortable when unheterosexuality appears in real world contexts.

Gay people surely are like other people, they encompass a range of experience. I know at least two gay men who waited to be open about it until their mothers died. One told me that he actually enjoyed having a 'normal' life with a wife and kids and an 'illicit' lifestyle of poppers, Liza Minelli albums and cottaging. I have read about people struggling with their sexuality, filled with self loathing about it, others who are flamboyantly out from an early age. I once spoke to a woman who was quite open about moving to and from hetero & lesbian relationships and experiences. I asked her if she was bisexual and her answer was that she didn't think she was definitely anything.

Simon Hughes should be allowed to stay in or come out as he pleases. He should be allowed to sidestep being labelled. He should even - heaven forbid - be allowed to be confused, embarrassed or even ashamed of his sexuality, allowed to worry what people might think and allowed to deflect press interest in who he gets jiggy with. If everyone was really as (liberal and) tolerant as they think they are, they would allow him to just be who he is sexually, and move on to talk about the weather or something.