Word reaches me that IDS has become something of a gay icon. Presumably this has more to do with his percieved physical attributes - bald, in good shape for his age, nice smile etc - than any love he might have for show tunes and suffering in mink, Judy-style.
But is it amongst gay men on the centre-right that he has this following? There are certainly enough of them. I've often pondered this question, and remain unconvinced by the worthy explanations that conservatism is the natural state for gay men wishing to express their individualism and preference for personal liberty (and low taxes). No, I think that, traditionally at least, gay men have been drawn to the Tory party for its theatricality, its upholding and love of ceremony and the pageant. In other words, it's the aesthetics, stupid. The same goes for the church; and as we all know, Harrods would become self-service if all the gays left (as would Buckingham Palace).
The aesthetic of socialism was resolutely grim. In fact the harder left you go, the straighter things become (trust me, I've done research on this). The modern Tory party would do well not to modernise all the scarlet and gold brading away; and we all love a man in uniform, don't we?
Recent Comments