Steny Hoyer's daughter comes out as a lesbian

[UrbScotty]

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2012/06/06/exclusive-rep-steny-hoyers-daughter-comes-out-as-a-lesbian/

Stefany Hoyer Hemmer has two reasons to come out publicly as a lesbian: her father’s recent endorsement of marriage equality and the likely upcoming battle at the ballot in Maryland over same-sex marriage.

“My father, as you know, just came out in support of gay marriage,” Hemmer said. “The momentum in Maryland right now for the adoption of the gay marriage law is fast-paced. I’m 43 years of age, and I’ve been gay my whole life and I just figured this is a good time to lend my name to the cause.”

In an exclusive interview with the Washington Blade, Hemmer — one of three daughters of House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) — made for the first time a public statement that she’s a lesbian. She said a limited number of people — including family and some friends — knew she was gay, but she hadn’t yet made a public statement about her sexual orientation.

“This was not his idea at all,” Hemmer said. “It was mine completely, but he’s very supportive. I talked to him before I did this, and he’s on board. Obviously, it’s a little nerve-racking for me to do this, but there’s something inside of me that’s telling me I need to do it.”

[DURHAM D]

1. Very good article. Thanks for posting.

[GarroHorus]

2. Thanks for posting. n/t

[Wait Wut]

3. 43.

What a shame she felt she needed to wait so long. And, that she felt it was "nerve-racking" to do so.

Things are changing. But, this still makes me sad. Not sad...hopeful. Both.

[RKP5637]

4. Thanks for posting. n/t

[BlueIris]

5. Congratulations to Ms. Hemmer. nt

[MADem]

6. I know there are some people here who give Steny shit.

However, I had the pleasure of working with him briefly many years ago, well before his wife passed on, and all I can say is that he is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've ever encountered in my life. I give his daughter all the credit in the world for having the guts to submit herself to public scrutiny, but if my assessment of her father is even half way accurate, I feel very strongly that he's got her back and that's part of why she feels comfortable talking about her private life. That guy is, on a personal level, a very caring individual--kind, thoughtful, and generous, and certainly not full of himself at all-- and I got the sense that he cares a great deal about his family. I'm betting his kids are a lot like him.