While Newark major Cory Booker prepares to run for Senate in 2014, he addresses his battle with homophobia in an article he wrote for The Stanford Daily back in 1990.
“Allow me to be more direct, escaping the euphemisms of my past – I hated gays,” Booker continued. “The disgust and latent hostility I felt toward gays were subcategories of hatred, plain and simple.”
Booker wrote that he attempted to hide his feelings, but while in the presence of gays or lesbians, the thought couldn’t escape him.
“While hate is a four-letter word I never would have admitted to, the sentiment clandestinely pervaded my every interaction with homosexuals,” he said. “I sheepishly shook hands with gays or completely shielded away from physical contact. I still remember how my brow would often unconsciously furrow when I was with gays, as thoughts would flash in my mind, ‘What sinners I am amongst’ or ‘How unnatural these people are.’”
“It didn’t take me long to realize that the root of my hatred did not lie with gays but with myself. It was my problem. A problem I dealt with by ceasing to tolerate gays and instead seeking to embrace them.”
Interesting.
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Admitting self hatred is the first step towards true healing. Congrats Mr. booker!
Interesting, indeed. This seems like a lesson learned or his self hatred of self, SMH.
wow, that hatred was rather profound. Glad to know he was able to overcome it
he didnt overcome it. he just ‘tolerates’ it now.
usuallly with that kind of hate its self hatred meaning he’s gay. Dont be surprised when he comes out!
+1,000,000
I think might be battling his own sexuality and it would be AMAZING if he came out….but I’m not quite sure folks are ready for that. I’ve admired him since watching Brick City (on either Sundance or Ovation) and the Street Fight documentary. He’s definitely going places.
yeah this was a curious thing to say because he’s basically snitching on himself with no clear upside.
unless he’s getting ready to come out.
he is gay! end of discussion! you normally hate what you are!
some white people hate black people.
I hate broccoli.
I hate when I meet a bad bitch and she invites me over to smizzy and then I get there and she has three cats. because I hate cats.
lol!!
hey man you might be broccoli since according to anon1 you are what you hate. Not sure if that makes sense, if I hate you, do I become you…
I hate you, aww shit now im anonymous too.
@zerotosixty was that a question? because you forgot the ?….you know what i mean dont be a smart a@@!!!!! he is gay why would you have a serious issue with something that doesnt affect you? basically he is upset he cant live his life the way he wants! he envies the gays! the openly gays i should say!