An honest, but perhaps, dumb question. Assuming * is gay,

[harrison]

and he has spent his life in the closet, would that be a contributing factor to his alcoholism? In other words, denying your true sexual orientation would create issues for you that perhaps you would like to forget under the umbrella of alchohol?

I am sure that there is an expert on this one on DU.

[MikeG]

1. I think this needs to be discussed thoroughly.

Just in case its true.

[wildeyed]

2. The inability to face difficult truths

about oneself could definitely be a factor in alcholism. No doubt.

[He loved Big Brother]

3. I've always said in-the-closets...

...were the most miserable of political "figures"...look at Joseph McCarthy, J Edgar Hoover, and Ann Coulter.

I have real-life examples as well, I know an in-the-closet Republican house DJ here in Seattle who has pure VENOM flowing through his veins when debating politics. He was raised by very conservative parents in Utah.

Imagine having to hide who you really want to love for 30+ years because of fear of rejection. I'd be pretty crabby too.

Then again, I wouldn't back down in the face of adversity when it comes to my civil rights.

I've thought about doing my thesis on this very subject. ;)

[kayell]

4. It could be a contributing factor if true, but

from all acounts * has plenty of other known contributing factors, starting with his parents and grandparents.

(if * is gay, I don't want to know. The thought of him being on my "team" is more that I can bear. *shudder* )

[gollygee]

5. I suppose it could lead to alcoholism (m)

of course so could coming from an incredibly dysfunctional family.