Rep. Aaron Schock (R-IL): Still Not Gay

From Huffington Post:

...Schock had in fact stated to Details magazine in 2009 that he is not gay, in a lengthy piece which noted that he is unmarried and had been the subject of rumors as far back as 2004, when he was asked the question by a Chicago newspaper

The rumors, however, have only surfaced again and again since 2009, such as when Schock wore a flamboyant outfit -- which included white jeans, a hot pink gingham shirt and a teal belt -- to the White House picnic in June of 2010, immediately reigniting widespread Internet speculation and discussion about his sexual orientation. (After the online frenzy, Schock tweeted that he had “burned the belt.”)

The rumors blew up again when Schock posed shirtless on the cover of Men’s Health in May of 2011, showing off his well-defined abs, as well as being photographed in various poses inside the magazine, promoting health and fitness. And it didn’t help quell the rumors when, last week in Tampa, Fla., while he was attending the Republican National Convention, TMZ descended upon Schock as he was walking through the gay neighborhood of the city, complete with rainbow flags in the background as well as stores selling skimpy men’s underwear and what some have said is a local gay bathhouse. 

TMZ.com reported that Schock was exiting a Chuck Todd-sponsored event for youth when its interviewer caught up with Schock to ask if he had fashion advice for fit and trim Paul Ryan, who has been criticized by style experts for wearing suits that are too baggy. “I think Paul's in great shape,” Schock told TMZ. “I think a little bit of leaner attire to help accentuate that physique he works so hard to, you know, maintain....”

 

For the record, I personally don't know if Rep. Schock is gay...and I hope he isn't. I have already seen far too many people who have homophobic voting records end up being outed as LGBT. Every time it happens (I'm looking at you former Senator Larry Craig), I feel betrayed, like I was thrown under a bus just so some self-hater could get some power. I would rather not have such a one in the LGBT ranks. The fewer Benedict Arnolds we have, the better.

If he ends up actually being gay, he will be a pariah on both sides. Social conservatives and many Republicans along with pro-gay people would see him as an untrustworthy liar and a traitor. I'm not sure he could live that down.