Brewster Speaks!

This is hopefully (but probably not) the final word on the allegations against Kevin Jennings. Read about the charges leading up to this evening here, here, and here.

Media Matters has followed up their driver license proof of Brewster’s age with an exclusive statement from “Brewster” himself. Assuming that MM is correct that this is actually Brewster, which I do assume, this should put the controversy to rest:

Since I was of legal consent at the time, the fifteen-minute conversation I had with Mr. Jennings twenty-one years ago is of nobody’s concern but his and mine. However, since the Republican noise machine is so concerned about my “well-being” and that of America’s students, they’ll be relieved to know that I was not “inducted” into homosexuality, assaulted, raped, or sold into sexual slavery.

In 1988, I had taken a bus home for the weekend, and on the return trip met someone who was also gay. The next day, I had a conversation with Mr. Jennings about it. I had no sexual contact with anybody at the time, though I was entirely legally free to do so. I was a sixteen year-old going through something most of us have experienced: adolescence. I find it regrettable that the people who have the compassion and integrity to protect our nation’s students are themselves in need of protection from homophobic smear attacks. Were it not for Mr. Jennings’ courage and concern for my well-being at that time in my life, I doubt I’d be the proud gay man that I am today.

- Brewster

I thought it was a bit gauche to say it earlier, but I’ve been hoping that Brewster would surface to deliver the smack down on the Religious Right. I’m so glad he did. I’m also glad that he so succinctly laid out how ridiculous this media storm is.

You know what would be great? If he were invited to speak at the National Equality March next Sunday. Maybe the two of them together. It’s asking too much, I know, but still…wouldn’t that be a great moment to get on the news? A moment to point out to the nation that LGBT kids go through adolescence too, and thanks to Kevin Jennings our teachers are getting the tools to address it just like they do with the straight kids. This is a good thing, not something to be alarmed about.

Either way, thank you “Brewster” for speaking up for Sec. Jennings.