SAD Charlie Wolfe Column... [Archive] - GayCork.com

admin

3rd August 2003, 12:27 PM

This is Charlie Wolf's column in last friday evening echo-

Read it for yourselves, I think he needs to be answered back

his email is mail@clickthewolf.com and you can also cc "info@redfm.ie" & "echo.ed@eecho.ie"

================================================== =============
Why march for your gay lifestyle?

WHAT is the real purpose of Gay Pride?

I can't see the need to march for rights in what is a lifestyle choice. The way the event is expressed, it really has nothing to do with serious issues that may revolve around 'gender politics.’

Maybe it is a sign that ultimately there really is no issue. It is really nothing more than an excuse for a party, at best, or to act perverted on the city streets dressed up like nuns, priests, or in other outrageous ways.

Every gay friend I speak to here in Cork finds these 'pride' marches an embarrassment. One doesn't have to be prudish to think that bedroom antics belong in the privacy of the bedroom. Love that is expressed in a relationship should be sacred enough not to flaunt and really, this isn't about loving relationships — though some gays have them — this is about a lifestyle.

It is time homosexuals learned that theirs is just that, a lifestyle choice. To say otherwise is defeatist and an admittance of a lack of free will. Gays , like everyone else, are already in a free country that allows free choice. Much has been accomplished over the last 10 years to allow people of all lifestyles and opinions to live life as they wish.

If this is just an excuse to get together and enjoy the right of association, then please let's just be honest with ourselves and get off the high morals of agenda politics that only creates a schism between "us" and "them."

There is a gay man I know here in Cork who constantly refers to the politics of it all, what "we gays " (speaking of their group, not myself) must do… and those straights…. It only alienates.

Speaking of self-forced alienation, America's first publicly-funded " gay high school" opens in New York City for gay , lesbian, and trans-gender pupils. The Harvey Milk School, named after a famous San Francisco gay city counsellor who was tragically gunned down on enactment of gay civil rights legislation.

"Everybody feels that it's a good idea because some of the kids who are gays and lesbians have been constantly harassed and beaten in other schools and this lets them get an education without having to worry," Mayor Michael Bloomberg told reporters.

The school's first principal says the school will not be "touchy feely" with a target of 95% college enrolment after graduation.

In an era when students with physical, mental and learning handicaps are being moved out of asylums and 'special schools' to integrate and be treated just like everyone else, perfectly normal students (and they are the first to claim 'normalcy' and a wish to be treated like everyone else) wish to be treated special.

If bullying is the problem, don't further ostracise them with their own school deal with the bullies.

Instead of letting children deal with the consequences of their actions and choices we give them an opt-out clause in the form of fame academy of the wrong sort.

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"a lifestyle choice" he says - what the heck does he know [X-(][X-(][X-(][X-(]

bo_selecta

3rd August 2003, 01:30 PM

This guy's attitudes on pretty much everything sucks - but be warned - he is just an attention seeking "media-personality", who just airs the un-p.c., controversial view for the sake of it. I've watched him do it over plenty of topics...indeed even on other (media related) web-boards, and what i have learned from his actions is, it's best to ignore him...All the guy is looking for is reaction to help further his own profile and career...just be careful, don't get caught up in his game - he has worded his article very carefully in order to provoke a very vocal reaction!

Slayer

3rd August 2003, 03:11 PM

I have no intention of replying.

The man is an idiot who airs unfounded opinions for a reaction.

He never has anything of value to say.

He's a fuckwit of the highest order who should fuck off back to America where he came from.

odyssey_scot

3rd August 2003, 03:50 PM

yup. i say we ignore him.

Tom RED

4th August 2003, 03:40 AM

Fuck Charlie Wolf he is a fucking ghoul!
woops!!!!!
excuse my language!

amnesiac

4th August 2003, 12:01 PM

Or what about a gay boycott of RED FM and the Evening Echo? Mightn't achieve much but I beleive in the principle of it. Of course these two media outlets are probably the only two in Cork desperate enoug to keep Wolfe on their books. Brain-dead populist with the annoying accent.

LeBaron

4th August 2003, 01:13 PM

I wonder ahat ****** at Red FM thinks of it all ?

amnesiac

4th August 2003, 03:18 PM

Isn't ****** Robin to Charlie's Batman? I remember listening to their Shock-Jock-Evening-Show once. Christ it was dire, even by Shock-Jock standards.

By the way, is it just me, or is the standard of writing in Mr. Wolfe's column incredibly poor, even by the Echo's own lax standards?

bo_selecta

4th August 2003, 07:43 PM

well ****** is probably the gay friend Charlie is refering to in the article !

LeBaron

4th August 2003, 08:24 PM

Sad to think that ****** may be Charlies friend,,,, ****** is a really nice guy

TheExile

4th August 2003, 08:56 PM

It's always the way with these people - they qualify their shite with the words - 'gay friend' or if they're knocking blacks, Irish or whoever it will be black friend etc.
I reckon the arsewipe hasn't got a friend in the world. I also reckon he's dead shite in the bedroom department seeing as he seems to be so ashamed of what he does in there. Or doesn't, as is probably the case.
Initially I was going to write to him, but having read the above posts, especially Bo_Selecta, I think I'll give it a miss. I'm still getting irate emails after my letter to the Avondhu...
I wonder does the 'lifestyle choice' come without the bricks and homophobic abuse package?

amnesiac

5th August 2003, 10:34 AM

I wouldn't bother with the twat himself Exile but I'm e-mailing the Echo and RED FM to find out how his employers stand on his views.

goalpost

5th August 2003, 10:48 AM

Charlie has just found this tread and has been talking about it on air, answering some of the questions answered above.

bo_selecta

5th August 2003, 10:52 AM

what did he say Goalpost ?

Proud Mary 1980

5th August 2003, 01:50 PM

I am sorry this article shall be replied the question is should we reply to it collectily or individulally

solice

5th August 2003, 02:00 PM

ever since that biggotted right wing facist prick hung up on me on Cork Talks Back i have completely ignored him and have never listened to him or his show again.
i was winning the argument and he knew it and he hung up on me, bastard. i cant read the article because i hate him that much, sorry

redbulljunkie

5th August 2003, 02:38 PM

Christ what a wanker. You should have followed up on that. He probably thought "it's okay, i've gay friend who doesn't mind me hanging up on him" [p]

Disco_Kev

6th August 2003, 01:00 PM

there was a user by the name of Charlie Wolfe browsing this topic this morning...(yeah I know, too much time on my hands)

damien

6th August 2003, 02:26 PM

Originally posted by solice
ever since that biggotted right wing facist prick hung up on me on Cork Talks Back i have completely ignored him and have never listened to him or his show again.
i was winning the argument and he knew it and he hung up on me, bastard. i cant read the article because i hate him that much, sorry

How can you HATE a radio persona ? He is a troll, a not very good one as he isn't subtle enough but at least he is generating hype and by him replying to what was said on this website he is keeping the momentum going and the spotlight on himself. Gonzo journalism at work. Fair Play Charlie.

If we cannot counter most of his arguments in that article he wrote then we are pretty sad and doomed. We can ignore him or we can intelligently reply. Theres no need to call him a wanker or insult his accent. This man can be defeated with a few brain cells and without making a show of ourselves with pathetic name calling and personal insults.

Like everyone else Charlie has a use in this society. He is trolling and starting debates and dragging these issues into the mainstream. It doesn't matter if he is on one side or the other. If he is a fair journalist he will allow people to argue for their beliefs. So are you Charlie ?

solice

6th August 2003, 02:57 PM

yes u are right, hate is such a strong word and i dont hate him, i just dislike him.

i read his article, it makes for interesting reading but one thing i do notice in it is that he starts out condeming pride, a celebration. but soons waffles on to the gay high school in new york. it comes across as if he doesnt have a valid or reasonable argument in which to express his opinion on pride and in a desperate attempt to fill space he starts giving out about the school.

it does bring to light the fact that the only reason he is doing this is to be a troll, get attention and boost his ratings. he obviously copped on that the gay market is worth looking into.

damien

6th August 2003, 04:36 PM

Is that Gay show still on RedFM ? They should discuss this and bring Charlie on.

goalpost

9th August 2003, 03:03 PM

Yeah Red still do the gay show Pink on Red . On Charlie Wolf, you'll find it's a wind up like with everything he does. I've meet him he's an ok guy. I contacted him about the artical in The Echo and he was surprised it got the feed back it did. Yes he has registered and was to place a reply to everyone but i don't see it yet. Maybe it's the way to take it forward, let him post and answer for his actions and we can post too and try understand where he's coming from.

TheExile

12th August 2003, 05:13 PM

My main problem with Charlie's view is that he describes being gay as a lifestyle choice. As we all know it's not. Given the choice I wouldn't have chosen to loose my friends, family, house and job. It's taken me over ten years to rebuild what I lost and I know others who've never got over being disowned by their families.
I've sat round the deathbeds in the AIDS wards and watched young men, barely in their early twenties perish while their catholic parents disowned them. I know of young men who've had their skulls caved open by homophobic louts who've kicked, stabbed and beaten them.
One of my friends hung himself from a tree because he couldn't accept who he was - You think given the choice he would have chosen that end? The sad thing is that this isn't an isolated case. I needn't remind you that Ireland is amongst the european leaders when it comes to young male suicide rate.

So if you're listening Being gay isn't a lifestyle choice. It's who we are, and those who've come through this battle are proud of who we are and our achievements. We're very much here to stay, Charlie. We're in politics, in business, in the police forces, in goverment, in journalism and in every walk of life you know.

We're no longer going be pushed back into our closets. And if you'd don't like or agree with our Pride celebrations then by all means feel entitled to make your comments, fill your column inches - but don't, don't ever assume that gay people have made lifestyle choices. And the next time to justify your biggoted, homophobic views with the words "I have a gay friends'. Don't. Don't bother Charlie. It doesn't fool us.

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 05:40 PM

Maybe it would help if people actually read my words, and not used their own prejudices to colour my words. Granted, I do have 'gay friends', but what I refered to was that my opinion was not only held by myself but by those with a different perspective than even my own -- those people whom are gay. The fact is, the majority of those that I have spoken to that have chosen to be gay --some I know as friends, others acquaintences-- share the view expressed. (You can refer back to the original posting.)

From reading the majority of these posts (with one admirable exception) I am trying to figure how on the one hand 'gays' want equality, etc., then when someone makes a comment they disagree with they all rant from some 'special place' above everyone else.

"Oh he's a right wing biggot... He is a fascist... He is a whatever..." Can you imagine if I dismissed the above simply as the "queeny rantings of just a bunch of queers..."

No one is pushing anyone back into any closets. But we do make choices in life and respond to situations in certain ways; we are free to do so and with that freedom comes responsibility for one's actions positive and negative even 'pride', if you will, for one's actions.

There are only two sexes Male and Female. There are lifestyle choices inlcuding camp, straight, straight acting (now you can't tell me that is not a choice); there are choices in how we use our sexuality gay sex, straight sex, celebacy, self-sex (masturabtion), S&M, etc.

Once we realise that we have some choice in the matter than we are not some feckless slaves to life.

Charlie Wolf

Pipe Dreams

13th August 2003, 06:02 PM

The fact is, the majority of those that I have spoken to that have chosen to be gay -- some I know as friends, others acquaintences-- share the view expressed.

I did not choose to be gay, in fact I spent enough years of my life denying it, and I've yet to meet a person who has said or claims that they "have chosen to be gay".

I am quite content with my life and have simply accepted the fact I am gay and have no choice in that matter, I just get on with it.

I did try not to be gay - but alas it did not work and I was unhappy with life, and I know of plenty others who did the same as me.

I think you really need to get out and meet more gay people, and not just base your views on a few "friends or acquaintences", which to me indicates that they have some unresolved issues with being gay in the first place.

Finally, I think its pretty obvious (at this stage) you raised this subject just because you knew you get a reaction to it, and hence more publicity for you...

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 06:09 PM

I comment on things for a living, that is my job. I comment on many things, and yes, it helps to cover subjects that are on people's minds. That said, I don't make up my opinions just to get a rise.

And... how many 'gay friends' does one have to have before their -or my own- opinion counts? Is there a ruling on this????

redbulljunkie

13th August 2003, 06:16 PM

Did you choose to be a heterosexual?

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 06:22 PM

Well, considering that like most, I started life crapping my diapers with no control.... then my parents trained me and I have control over my bodily funtions.

There are those that do not have control over their sexual urges (be they towards those of the other sex, or the same). The term is sexual incontinence. Call it the equivlant of sexually pissing your pants.

Some have a degree of control, others don't. Ultimately we decide when and where we put our sexual organs - that is choice.

That is not to say that people may not -for whatever reasons- have urges. The question is how they control them.

redbulljunkie

13th August 2003, 06:25 PM

Okay granted we can choose whether to be sexual promiscuous or to restrict sex to loving monagamous relationships etc. , or in extreme cases celibacy as in the case of ordained persons etc.

What's confusing me and I'm sure other members here, is it sounds like you're implying BEING straight or gay is a choice. Can you clarify your views on this?

Pipe Dreams

13th August 2003, 06:26 PM

Charlie,

How very childish of you calling me "a tit" (the moderator has since removed that comment).

It amazing that that was your first reaction to my comments..

You may comment on things for a living, but now you have also resorted to name calling as well.

Least now we are seeing you for what you truly are......

and as for how many 'gay friends' - its obvious one needs more that the few you have

KTS

13th August 2003, 06:35 PM

Charlie Wolf is a mediocre columnist writing for a small-town rag ... that's all I have to say, apart from this Maybe The Echo should publish this topic to give a balanced viewpoint, or at the very least show readers what gay people's reaction to the article was like. I doubt it will happen tho...

lil mizz pyx

13th August 2003, 06:42 PM

Yes, we can choose where we put our sexual organs. However, if that was all there was to being gay, then there woudl be no big deal. We wouldn't find it a big deal, because all it would be would be sex.
I'm not gay because I have sex with a girl. It's far more than that. It's because my attraction- which is something people don't have control of- is towards girls. It's because some girls give me that crazy feeling where my tummy does a somersault every time I see them. Because I can form romantic attachments to girls- something which means a hell of a lot more than just a regular fuck. It's because when I think of me, in 50, 60 years time, the picture of there being another old woman beside me seems just right.
It's not a choice, or a lack of control. If I had no control over my sexual desire, I'd be jumping several people every day. In fact, by now, I'd probably have gotten through half the city. I'd probably have lost my job, because of that cute girl I met at the photocopier.
But ya know something? I have every bit as much self-control as you do. I can't decide who I'm attracted to, no. I can't make myself be attracted to people I'm not, or not be attracted to- or, *gasp*, fall in love with- people I do. If that was possible, it would save queer people one hell of a lot of hassle. Imagine, we wouldn't have to put ourselves ar a much higher risk of verbal, physical, even sexual abuse (think how many straight guys think all a dyke needs is a good f*ck to turn her straight?). We wouldn't have to worry about what our families and friends would think, about whether they'd still see us the same way, want us as friends, want us living under their roof. We wouldn't have to be the scapegoats of a seriously messed-up religious institution. Do you think we want that? Do you think one of us would choose that?
What do you think could be worth that? A casual f*ck? Yeah, right. It's worth that because sexuality is something so basic, so intrinsic to who you are.. because there's nothing better in life, nothing that makes life worth it, more than being who you are, and sharing it with who you love.
So fuck yeah I have a right to be proud. Every one of us has a right to be proud, because every single day, every single time I walk down a street on my own or with my girlfriend, I have to keep one ear listening to what's going on around me, because it's never, ever safe. I have a right to be proud, because every time I'm at work and I mention having been somewhere with my girlfriend, I risk my boss deciding that she doesn't want one of "them" working for her, and finding some stupid excuse to get rid of me. I have a right to be proud, because of every stupid question and wierd look, every time I get yelled at on the street, every time I came out to someone and they decided they wanted to hang around with someone else instead, every time an almost-stranger decided to lecture me on how I live my life and who I live it with.
Yeah, I've made a decision as to how I control my life. Unfortunately it's not the easy one. But I- and everyone else here- does that, every single day. And, ya, that's something to be proud of.

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 06:50 PM

<snips from previous posts>

He's a fuckwit of the highest order...

...should fuck off back to America where he came from.

Fuck Charlie Wolf he is a fucking ghoul!
woops!!!!!
excuse my language!

...the arsewipe hasn't got a friend in the world...

...also reckon he's dead shite in the bedroom department seeing as he seems to be so ashamed of what he does in there.

...with the twat himself ...

...that biggotted right wing facist prick ...

what a wanker...

<snip>

You may comment on things for a living, but now you have also resorted to name calling as well.

Least now we are seeing you for what you truly are......

===========

So, I call someone a 'tit' and it gets edited and there is all sort of oprobrium. Then how, pray tell, does one explain the above, unedited comments directed at me?

One thing I have learned from being a top flight talk show/phone in presenter is that when people sling abuse they are generally treating one'self as a mirror- the comments are more reflected at themsleves.

So, 'tit' is expunged, the other stuff isn't. Is it 'cause "I is straight?"

lil mizz pyx

13th August 2003, 06:52 PM

You'll find, that when people are attacked, they don't tend to be very nice to the attacker.

NuMarvel

13th August 2003, 06:57 PM

Hi lil miss

Just wanna say thanks for your ealier post today. U hit the nail on the head in so many ways!

Charlie - how do u respond to what Lil Miss has to say? (i.e. her post at 17.42)

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 06:58 PM

Ahh... but I didn't attack anyone. Sorry, the excuse is a lame one.

lil mizz pyx

13th August 2003, 07:01 PM

Didn't you? so belittling us, calling homosexuality a 'choice' and saying that we just don't have control over our sexual urges, isn't attacking us?
Sorry, that sounds blatantly insulting to me.

And I really would like it you could dignify what I said earlier with a reply. Or... could it be that you can't?

redbulljunkie

13th August 2003, 07:23 PM

Normally I don't edit stuff because I want people to be totally free to express opinions. I edited the "tit" comment in this case because I was afraid it would cause things to descend into a bitchfest (like it just did in this case and in many previous cases). If I had wanted to make a big deal of your comment, I would have sent you a private message with a warning.

And by the way, you did attack everyone here by insulting the pride festival which people put a lot of work into and which provided an outlet for people who've otherwise felt repressed in their lives (see lil miss pyxx's post above which sums this part up beautifully). You also missed the point about dealing with the bullies in the schools. The purpose of these "special schools" is as a last resort in cases where it is just not possible to deal with the bullying in the existing schools (probably because the bullies make up the majority of the school population). And in regards to "keeping it to the bedroom" - I'm not exactly sure of your marital status, but if you had a wife, would you like to keep your relationship hidden from the world, would you not like to drag her everywhere with you, bring her to journalist events etc. in order to acknowledge your union? What exactly you do with her in the bedroom is your private business, but love isn't something that needs to be kept hidden.

Charlie Wolf

13th August 2003, 09:38 PM

Originally posted by Killing the Shadows
Charlie Wolf is a mediocre columnist writing for a small-town rag ... that's all I have to say, apart from this Maybe The Echo should publish this topic to give a balanced viewpoint, or at the very least show readers what gay people's reaction to the article was like. I doubt it will happen tho...

No, Charlie Wolf is the host of a hugely succesful breakfast show, writes a column for an award winning regional newspaper and hosts a nationally heard talkshow in the UK.

You, my friend, post your "thoughts" and "opinion" --ad homonym bitches-- on a web page forum.

Do the math.

solice

13th August 2003, 09:41 PM

but could you please reply to lil miss pyx because she made some very interesting points. you have been asked to comment on them already but have not done so as of yet

odyssey_scot

13th August 2003, 11:27 PM

Charlie,

- as regards Pride. I can march, and I will. Just like how people in the street can insult me, hassle me, make my life difficult, and they do. As soon as people stop looking at me as a second class citizen, and stop insulting my sexuality, then I'll not see any reason to march.
I march because I'm proud, and the only way to make people see that is to go out en masse and show that we ARE here, and we ARE queer, even if people have heard it before. Its time that people accept that being gay is NOT wrong, we're not "sexually incontinent" (I just love how you like to stir things up with half-baked ideas Charlie. It amuses me greatly).
I will continue to publically celebrate my queerness in marches. Because until people get used to it, they will continue to hassle both myself and my gf when we merely walk in the street hand in hand.
If you and your wife (or gf, or whatever. am obviously not aware what your private life is) were to walk in the street hand in hand, you'd expect NOT to have random strangers coming up and verbally abusing you.

- and secondly choice? where did ya come up with that? you do realise that homosexuality occurs right across the spectrum of species in the world, dont you? Its not just humans that are queer.
lol....man, you do amuse me sometimes. This idea of choice that you have...
sure some people might choose, like your mates apparently. But, my god man, that doesnt mean we ALL do.
Some of us (most of us, I would guess) feel that we are naturally gay, and see no reason why we should have to change to suit what someone else tells us to do. I'm pretty damn sure that my body has its sexuality programmed right into the very essence of it. Just like yours does.

Pipe Dreams

14th August 2003, 11:16 AM

Charlie,

I did not resort to name calling at all, yet you did to me.

Others may have said those things about you, but yet you attacked me
(and yet you say "Ahh... but I didn't attack anyone")

lil mizz pyx has made quite a lot of valid points (as I have too), and you have yet to even attempt to answer them, instead you boast about your career...

One thing I have learned from being a top flight talk show/phone in presenter is that when people sling abuse they are generally treating one'self as a mirror- the comments are more reflected at themsleves.

Please apply your above quote to yourself...

Gay Health Project

14th August 2003, 12:49 PM

Here we are, yet again reading one of Mr. Wolfe’s tirades against humanity and in this case, Homosexuality in particular.

One has to wonder is this yet another attempt at the attention seeking Mr. Wolfe is noted for, as his comments in this case are so absurd and irrelevant. Besides his constant attempts at creating controversy one needs to beware of dime-store psychology handed out as an informed opinion.

He seems to miss the obvious point ……being Gay in Ireland is difficult. This is not like choosing a hobby, your clothes, where you live or work. These are lifestyle choices. Being Gay potentially exposes an individual to prejudice, judgement, lack of equality and in some cases, violence. This is not a lifestyle choice anymore than being heterosexual is. There are, of course, many Gay and Bisexual men who “choose” to live as heterosexuals. This is rarely maintained and usually ends in pain for the individual and the people they are involved with. This is a choice!!!! Often these individuals lash out at the Gay community as a means of denying their own sexuality. This is understandable when we see the difficulties than can exist being gay in Ireland.

The Gay men Mr. Wolfe seems to be quoting are indeed a rarity to have “chosen” to be Gay. Out of the hundreds of Gay men we have seen in the Southern Gay Men’s Health project we have yet to meet a man who chose to be Gay.

What we also have difficulty in understanding is why Mr. Wolfe seems to constantly want to be discussing the Gay community. It is unusual for a heterosexual man to put so much energy into the Gay community. We of course appreciate all the opportunities for media exposure this has given us, but still wonder what Mr. Wolfe’s motivation is.

Whether or not individuals have “chosen” to be Gay is irrelevant. For those Gay and Bisexual men living happy and healthy lifestyles it is even more irrelevant. The real issues we should be discussing are equality and Homophobia. For the many isolated and desperate Gay men, many teenagers struggling with their sexuality, Mr. Wolfe’s article is misleading and dangerous.

If anyone needs to contact us for support around these issues please do so at the details below.

101333

14th August 2003, 01:05 PM

The article referred to is just one, suspiciously straight, man’s uneducated opinion on a topic he obviously holds very close to his heart - homosexuality.

On numerous occasions, Charlie Wolfe has talked on the subject of homosexuality in a negative light. This exercise is an obvious butch attempt at flexing his muscles, by writing and making such comments – confirming his uncertain and apparently unhappy ‘lifestyle’ choice as being a heterosexual. But one must speculate why he must continue to do so in such a homophobic nature.

From reading his comments here on the FOURM and in his article, it begs to wonder the type of homosexuals he claims to be his friends. The vast majority of gay and bisexual men I’ve met have no choice in the matter – they are who they are and there is no explaining of it, just like there is no explaining the implausible heterosexual state of this closeted journalist.

It is shown throughout the world that a very high percentage of homophobes are actually repressed homosexuals. If this is the case for Mr. Wolfe’s, it would explain the constant tirade of homophobia and we as a caring homosexual community should see this a huge cry for help.

lil mizz pyx

14th August 2003, 01:56 PM

Okay can I just be nitpicky for one minute here? Gayirish and gay health project have both brought up really good points.. but all you've mentioned are gay and bi men. I know you're not trying to be bitchy, but this is something that happens all the time.. it seems to me that the majority of anything written about 'gays' is actually just about gay/bi guys. and um. half of us are neither.

okay,
/nitpick

odyssey_scot

14th August 2003, 02:14 PM

lads, is there anyway we can make sure that this user is actually Charlie Wolfe?
any ideas?

admin

14th August 2003, 02:23 PM

For confirmation purposes-

* I checked the internet adress (aka the ip) they accessed this site from and it was red fm ip adress.

* The email also indicates it is the said person.

101333

14th August 2003, 03:57 PM

In response to the 'gay' term. I dont use it exclusively for men. However, I will be more vigilant - as words do mean something.

Pipe Dreams

14th August 2003, 04:49 PM

Charlie

please take some time to read this article

http://www.sbpost.ie/web/Home/Document%20View%20Life/did-759154547-pageUrl--2FLife-2FLifestyles-2FFeatures.asp

KTS

14th August 2003, 09:53 PM

Originally posted by Charlie Wolf
Originally posted by Killing the Shadows
Charlie Wolf is a mediocre columnist writing for a small-town rag ... that's all I have to say, apart from this Maybe The Echo should publish this topic to give a balanced viewpoint, or at the very least show readers what gay people's reaction to the article was like. I doubt it will happen tho...

No, Charlie Wolf is the host of a hugely succesful breakfast show, writes a column for an award winning regional newspaper and hosts a nationally heard talkshow in the UK.

You, my friend, post your "thoughts" and "opinion" --ad homonym bitches-- on a web page forum.

Do the math.

Who you trying to convince there Charlie, you or me?

What kind of journalist writes an article, then cannot take critcism so registers and logs onto a gay website for the sole purpose of defending himself and attacking/fighting with practically every member of the website? Who refers to himself in the third person, who assumes he knows anything about me or my career, and who defends himself by listing his bibliography?

I'll tell you what kind of journalist - an ignorant one, whose ideas belong more than a decade ago, in an Ireland that once welcomed them.

Mr Wolf, this is our site - do us a favour and leave. Good day, sir.

Charlie Wolf

14th August 2003, 10:07 PM

Originally posted by gayirish22
From reading his comments here on the FOURM and in his article, it begs to wonder the type of homosexuals he claims to be his friends. The vast majority of gay and bisexual men I’ve met have no choice in the matter – they are who they are and there is no explaining of it, just like there is no explaining the implausible heterosexual state of this closeted journalist.

It is shown throughout the world that a very high percentage of homophobes are actually repressed homosexuals. If this is the case for Mr. Wolfe’s, it would explain the constant tirade of homophobia and we as a caring homosexual community should see this a huge cry for help.

AGAIN... Please read what I actually wrote before any of you comment rather than 'camping up hyperbole like there's no tomorrow'.

The comments from gay men had nothing to do with the 'choice' issue. The column was about Pride and that's what they commented on.

Secondly, I find it a bit rich to receive a slagging over the 'some of my best friends line' - again, never actually written in the column, but why let that get in the way of YOUR prejudices and insecurities...

And then we get the, 'oh he talks about it so much he must be gay, in the closet, repressed, whatever.' Now you tell me who is resorting to playground tactics.

It is a shame that most of the people here won't talk about the issues at hand.... sort of like dressing up as priests and fairies and having a parade instead of a serious discussion. Don't ya think.

KTS

14th August 2003, 10:08 PM

Charlie, shooh ... please go away and stop replying to and defending yourself against ever post on this topic ... god man, let it drop, if you're really as top-notch as you believe, don't you have better things to be doing?

damien

14th August 2003, 10:09 PM

This thread is ,to put it in my own blunt way fucked. Its unprofessional and its pointless arguing the whole idea of sexuality as a choice and arguing with charlie wolfe since this has turned into a slagging match between all sides.

And nobody is innocent. (To quote the sex pistols )

Charlie, if you want to argue this is a proper manner may I suggest we start a new thread. You put your arguments across and we put our point across and we both agree NOT to get personal or bitchy. It makes everyone look bad.

Oh and one more thing, EVERYONE TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND SMILE

(yeah it sounds like pop-psychology but it works)

Edit Forgot to edit this bit.

I don't give a shit what sexuality Charlie is but its very low and Highly unprofessional to try and do some bullshit Outing of him. If Charlie were gay (and I take his word that he isn't) its very wrong to out him. We all know what it was like to ahve a fear of being outed when we didn't want to be.

Last thing One of Charlies posts was edited when other posts with worse content were left be. Thats not on. Hope that doesn't happen again.

Charlie Wolf

14th August 2003, 10:12 PM

Originally posted by Killing the Shadows
Originally posted by Charlie Wolf
Originally posted by Killing the Shadows
Charlie Wolf is a mediocre columnist writing for a small-town rag ... that's all I have to say, apart from this Maybe The Echo should publish this topic to give a balanced viewpoint, or at the very least show readers what gay people's reaction to the article was like. I doubt it will happen tho...

No, Charlie Wolf is the host of a hugely succesful breakfast show, writes a column for an award winning regional newspaper and hosts a nationally heard talkshow in the UK.

You, my friend, post your "thoughts" and "opinion" --ad homonym bitches-- on a web page forum.

Do the math.

Who you trying to convince there Charlie, you or me?

What kind of journalist writes an article, then cannot take critcism so registers and logs onto a gay website for the sole purpose of defending himself and attacking/fighting with practically every member of the website? Who refers to himself in the third person, who assumes he knows anything about me or my career, and who defends himself by listing his bibliography?

I'll tell you what kind of journalist - an ignorant one, whose ideas belong more than a decade ago, in an Ireland that once welcomed them.

Mr Wolf, this is our site - do us a favour and leave. Good day, sir.

Well, seeing as I am the topic of discussion (not you) that shows (a) who seems to have a bit bigger voice and a bit more power and (b) gives me every right to post here. I only came here after friends mentioned your comments on my article. I didn't even know this site existed. I really don't have to defend my comments, but thought I would give you the courtesy of trying to enter into conversation.

Instead, I have some stereotypical commentary that belongs in a hackneyed Graham Norton monologue.

I would suggest most of you grow up, live your lives however you wish instead of talking about how you want to live them and how concerned you are with others' perceptions of your lives.

I have a life unlike much demonstrated here - but I'll see you in tomorrow's Evening Echo. Hope you'll give it a read.

Ta...

Charlie Wolf

14th August 2003, 10:15 PM

Originally posted by damien
This thread is ,to put it in my own blunt way fucked. Its unprofessional and its pointless arguing the whole idea of sexuality as a choice and arguing with charlie wolfe since this has turned into a slagging match between all sides.

And nobody is innocent. (To quote the sex pistols )

Charlie, if you want to argue this is a proper manner may I suggest we start a new thread. You put your arguments across and we put our point across and we both agree NOT to get personal or bitchy. It makes everyone look bad.

Oh and one more thing, EVERYONE TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND SMILE

(yeah it sounds like pop-psychology but it works)

Edit Forgot to edit this bit.

I don't give a shit what sexuality Charlie is but its very low and Highly unprofessional to try and do some bullshit Outing of him. If Charlie were gay (and I take his word that he isn't) its very wrong to out him. We all know what it was like to ahve a fear of being outed when we didn't want to be.

Last thing One of Charlies posts was edited when other posts with worse content were left be. Thats not on. Hope that doesn't happen again.

I appreciate your comments, Damien. I really don't want to get into a discussion, don't have the time, I do actually have a very busy life. You all feel free to talk amongst yourselves.

All I do here is make observations. That's what I do for a living.

Thanks

KTS

14th August 2003, 10:16 PM

Originally posted by damien
This thread is ,to put it in my own blunt way fucked. Its unprofessional and its pointless arguing the whole idea of sexuality as a choice and arguing with charlie wolfe since this has turned into a slagging match between all sides.

And nobody is innocent. (To quote the sex pistols )

Charlie, if you want to argue this is a proper manner may I suggest we start a new thread. You put your arguments across and we put our point across and we both agree NOT to get personal or bitchy. It makes everyone look bad.

Oh and one more thing, EVERYONE TAKE A DEEP BREATH AND SMILE

(yeah it sounds like pop-psychology but it works)

Edit Forgot to edit this bit.

I don't give a shit what sexuality Charlie is but its very low and Highly unprofessional to try and do some bullshit Outing of him. If Charlie were gay (and I take his word that he isn't) its very wrong to out him. We all know what it was like to ahve a fear of being outed when we didn't want to be.

Last thing One of Charlies posts was edited when other posts with worse content were left be. Thats not on. Hope that doesn't happen again.

Hooray, Damien! I completely agree with you on this one. Now, can this topic please be put to bed?

odyssey_scot

15th August 2003, 01:44 AM

Charlie, as a user on a forum, is entitled to his opinion, as we are entitled to ignore it.
Charlie as a name on a (dare I say it, pretty awful by international standards) radio station cannot be allowed to say what he is saying, without the equivalent voice of the gay people to argue their point too.
As Charlie sees it, we're this lil group of people on a little website, talking about his silly little article (which has so little substance to it, its a pity its had this affect). He forgets of course, that we are a good percentage of the population.

Charlie, we have lives, jsut like you.
and we would just LOVE to let things go. we really would.
it just happens that people like YOU make it difficult for us to live.
Let me see, how many insults thrown by strangers has there been this week, I dont know, I'VE LOST COUNT. its unbelieveable, the stupid shite that I and my gf have to put up with every day, and people like you, Charlie, stirring the shite, it just makes things worse.

Tis time we made our voice heard. Apparently people a la Charlie Wolfe havent quite grasped the idea of Pride..

Pipe Dreams

15th August 2003, 03:36 AM

You still have not adressed my points or those raised by Lil miz pix

The time has come to just ignore you and your inane rantings on your red fm radio show and echo newpaper column...

[xx(]

lil mizz pyx

15th August 2003, 10:42 AM

I was thinking that... he actually asn't bother to adress any points made by people who weren't insulting him. And as far as I can see most o fthe insulting happened before he actually showed up, which I consider to be a different matter completely.

101333

15th August 2003, 11:02 AM

Charlie,
I take offense to the 'playground tactics' comment. When I said about the research done on homophobes and represssed homosexuality, I was talking with some authority (A degree in psychology) - unlike some, I give informed opinions!

In relation to PRIDE and marching. Lesbians, gays and bisexuals march because we can - now!!! In the, not too distant past, we couldn't march! So we march because we can now.

And in relation to dressing up as priests etc. What are your views on St. PAtricks Day Parades? Fr. Ted? You have to take into account that 10% of the global population are LGB - that includes gay priests, nuns and even DJ's

bo_selecta

15th August 2003, 06:52 PM

See page 10 of today's Echo.
As i warned...he came on here and "fanned the flames" and he got himself a nice article out of the responses gaycork.com gave!

Charlie by the way is now the vitim of "queers bashing" and was subjected to "abuse" on the gaycork.com website....

told you to ignore him!

(edited to correct typo's)

NuMarvel

15th August 2003, 09:18 PM

"It is a shame that most of the people here won't talk about the issues at hand.... sort of like dressing up as priests and fairies and having a parade instead of a serious discussion. Don't ya think."

Hi Charlie - This is taken from one of your earlier posts. However Lil Miss IS trying to have a serious discussion. I think she very much hammered your agruement about gay/straight/bi people etc being so by choice (which you reiterated in your Evening Echo article this afternoon). However, I'm shocked to dicover you have yet to actualy respond to her comments (posted on 13/08/03 - 17.42).

If you are committed to having a serious discussion, can you PLEASE respond to them? Hell even if you think she's right and you've seen the error of your ways then you can post that here as well. I promise I won't gloat.

If you won't respond, then can you drop it and move on? either way it would be nice to know.... you know, just for peace of mind.

Ta very much.

Pipe Dreams

16th August 2003, 02:30 PM

forget him.....

He is not going to answer, as the guy has got all the publicity he has wanted.

This was all a cleverly planned trap from day one, purely designed to get a reaction from us.

KTS

16th August 2003, 06:32 PM

Originally posted by Pipe Dreams
forget him.....

He is not going to answer, as the guy has got all the publicity he has wanted.

This was all a cleverly planned trap from day one, purely designed to get a reaction from us.

The more I think about it, I agree. I'm surprised I didn't consider this before. Maybe a complaint should be written to the Echo? Do you guys have that kind of time on your hands, like me? [p]

LeBaron

17th August 2003, 07:55 PM

I can do that, I dont think such intolerance of other peoples
beliefs and freedoms should go unchallanged

Who else is on ?

Pipe Dreams

19th August 2003, 03:05 AM

The echo had this letter today regards mr wolfs article...

WE ARE responding to Charlie Wolf’s column of August 1.

As one of the city’s main gay organisations, we feel the need to express our disgust at the ignorance he displayed. He was profoundly wrong in describing homosexuality as a lifestyle choice. We, as the country’s next generation, would like to see society move away from the type of attitude which he displayed in his article. This homophobia perpetuates institutionalised discrimination in schools, workplaces and the media.

Even the Catholic Church recognises that homosexuals are born so. The World Health Organisation recognises this fact. Mr Wolf is perpetuating a mistruth.

In relation to the concept of Pride, we believe that Mr Wolf’s description of it as an excuse for a party “at best” and for perverted activities has no basis in reality. The purpose of Pride is to allow the lesbian, gay and bisexual community to celebrate their individuality in a safe environment.

In relation to the Cork Pride, Mr Wolf’s description was in no way accurate. At no stage did any member of the society witness behaviour which could be misconstrued as perverted, even by Mr Wolf’s narrow definitions.

In relation to the gay high school that opened in New York given that gay men are seven times more likely to attempt suicide than straight counterparts, we find it worrying that Mr Wolf would disregard the effect bullying has on gay students and would point out that these students only wish to be treated with respect and equality.

As surveys of the Irish education system have shown, 100% of students have been subjected to homophobic abuse. Mr Wolf is not dealing seriously with this issue.

Elizabeth Quirke,
UCC Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual
Society, Box 60,
Accommodations Officer, UCC

well done guys & gals! [B-)]