Say it Ain't So Lindsay

people.com

Lindsay Lohan has dodged another jail bullet.  On March 18th, she pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges, relating to a June 2012 car crash, the  Los Angeles Times reports.  She has been sentenced to 90 days in rehab and 18 months of psychotherapy, along with 30 days of community service.  So what's new? Her arrest record is thicker than "War and Peace".  *Signal patriotic music*.  Well I'm an American,  and as an American I love to champion the underdog.  And my God if Lindsay Lohan isn't a hairless poodle in a dog show.   Now I know that a lot of  her troubles she's brought on herself.   But at the end of the drunken, drug induced, vehicular assault, mug shot day, I hope every time she enters rehab, she will emerge with a fresh perspective on life and a since of purpose for her career.  A few weeks ago, I was discussing Lohan with  some co-workers and had a serious“leave Lindsay alone” moment.  Everyone was like, “ dude why do you even like her?”  It took me a second, but I did come up with a few answers.  

Reason #1:  The girl can act.  She can be in a drug induced coma and still act circles around many of the actresses in Hollywood.  Check her stats.  These are a few of my adolescent faves.

Is she Elizabeth Taylor, no.  But she could be if she would only, “Just Say No”. 

 

Lohan and Samantha Ronson 

Reason #2: She came out before it was trending.  Lohan came out before Wanda Sykes, Ricky Martin, Jodie Foster and the wonderful Chely Wright.  She didn't do it on a stage, on the cover of "People" or have a coming out coach.  All she had was a few pics, a long term relationship and a statement.  

What I loved about her “outing” was that she was unapologetic about her sexuality. That took bravery.  And even though her girlfriend was criticized for being too old and too butch, she celebrated them in public.  That took class. 

Reason #3: We could all use more red heads in our lives.

Chickswelike.com

Its funny when queer folk hope, beg, demand for celebrities to come out of the closet and they emerge as a train wreck.  Now what do we do with them?  Do we only want/support them when they lead  good, wholesome queer lives?  Hell, can we afford for them not to?  I do believe that there is a pressure for queer celebrities to rise above the behaviors of their straight peers, although some may not want to recognize it.  Every public persona that represents a minority, whether they want to or not, carries that burden.  And the only way to ease that burden is for more representatives to step forward. A whole slue of celebrities have come out since Lohan, and perhaps one day fear of losing one's career because of sexual orientation will be no more.  Until we reach that point, I will continue to root for that freckled 90s kid with so much promise.  Because we're worth it.