In a New York Times Magazine interview over the weekend Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano fielded a few questions about the lesbian rumors that have followed her and other women in politics.

Men don’t know what to make of women who choose to be single. Rumors of lesbianism have dogged women in politics like you,Condoleezza Rice and Ann Richards.
Right. I think the more people get to know a person, the less that becomes an issue. It’s interesting. In Arizona when I first ran for public office, that’s when the rumors were going around, and of course I’m sure they go around now.

In 2002, during your gubernatorial campaign, you publicly denied rumors that you were a lesbian.
I just happen not to be married.

Are you seeing anybody now?
Yes, my staff.

Some food for thought…

Back in 2006, Napolitano was asked why she opposed Prop 107, an amendment which would have banned same-sex marriage in Arizona. The governor responded “Marriage is between a man and a woman. That is the law, and I believe that’s our tradition. I think Prop 107 goes way beyond that.”

When asked if her view was hypocritical because most people believed she was a closeted lesbian.

“No. No, and I’m offended by that question.”

Gen Silent is a new documentary film by director Stu Maddox which explores the lives of LGBT seniors who after years of fighting for equality, are forced back into the closet in fear of the rampant discrimination in our healthcare/long-term care system. In the film a group called the LGBT Aging Project hopes to change that, because when LGBT seniors hide their sexuality, they become afraid to ask for help, and die before their time. Trailer for the film below:

LGBT seniors are one the most overlooked and neglected segments of our community. Hopefully this film will make some progress in changing that. To find out more or get involved with the project visit: http://GenSilent.com/

The filmmakers of Outrage, a documentary which outs closeted politicians, released the clip below which asks the question “Who has better sex? Democrats or Republicans?”

On Tuesday closeted Florida Governor Charlie Crist will announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate.

From Politico:

Crist’s decision puts Republicans in strong position to hold onto the seat held by retiring Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) Crist holds high approval ratings among both Republicans and Democrats, according to statewide polling, and has forged a moderate governing style that has won him widespread support. His decision to run came as little surprise to political observers, with the governor and his allies hinting of his interest in running for Congress over the last several months. Crist starts out as the frontrunner to succeed Martinez. But he will first be facing a primary against an up-and-coming conservative challenger, former state House Speaker Marco Rubio. Many Florida conservatives have begun to rally around Rubio over dissatisfaction with Crist’s moderate positions, particularly his vigorous advocacy of President Barack Obama’s stimulus package.

The timing is curious, as Crist is also in the news as one of the primary subjects of the new film Outrage, which  exposes closeted politicians and their anti-gay policies.