Dumbledore not quite the man we thought he was?

[Insane_Monky]

Found this on a website that I loathe. Oh, well. Just wanted to put this out there, to see what people will say.

http://www.queersighted.com/2007/10/22/chamber-of-secrets-now-open-wide/

P.S. No offense to any homosexuals or bi-sexuals, but I'm am pro-straight marriage and realtionships.

[Lairënuriel]

I actually think it makes no difference whether Dumbledore is (was) gay or straight, just a brilliant man doing a brilliant job.  The thing I worry about is that now that Rowling outed him there will be that many more people condemning the HP books for kids.  Harry and Dumbledore have a very close relationship, and I can just hear everyone now!

I am pro tolerance.  I have a lot of gay friends (my sister is a dancer and a fashion designer) and have always been part of a very accepting group of friends.  I was shocked and very upset after having my children that a lot of the parents that I have met are so closed minded and backward thinking.  It's like being in high school all over again, if you don't 'fit in' your kids are not going to be invited to any playdates or birthday parties.

The scary thing is that parents condone garbage like High School Musical and balk at the though of anything a little different.  My children already love Harry Potter and I will continue to nurture their love of great stories that inspire imagination.

Sorry - just reread this - it really babbles. 

[Andúnië]

I don't see how this really affects the character. The media and people in general are making more out of this "developement" than necessary.

[Beren One-Hand]

The news surprised me too.  I don't see the purpose of declaring that he is gay, because in the books there is no mention of it or real indication of it either.  Of course this is her perogative as the author, but serves no real purpose of reasoning in my opinion.  If we knew him as a gay character in the books - explicitly, then I guess there would be no announcement.  Maybe if there was some implication that he might be, then the announcement might serve to silence any potential debate.  But as far as I know, this was not the case in the books. 

[Insane_Monky]

Agreed. I don't know what this adds to any of it. Basically pointless in my opinion. Oh well, it's her creation, with which she can choose what to do.

[Pulsifer]

Well, the gold chain in his beard had already convinced me

Actually, the statemant was given to answer a question about whether or not Dumbledore ever fell in love. Which he did; with Grindewald. It does give some texture to Dumbledore's life, as you read it, and I can see it after rereading books five through seven. There are hints, but nothing more. (We can be glad she refrained from making it a combat topic in her books, though)

[HeruMorna]

This isn't much of a surprise. Why else would he hire someone like Lockhart otherwise?

*cue rapturous laughter*

[Lairënuriel]

This isn't much of a surprise. Why else would he hire someone like Lockhart otherwise?

*cue rapturous laughter*

 

[Insane_Monky]

This isn't much of a surprise. Why else would he hire someone like Lockhart otherwise?

*cue rapturous laughter*

Haha, nicely said Heru. Oh by the way, long time no see. Where've you been friend?

[HeruMorna]

Haha, nicely said Heru. Oh by the way, long time no see. Where've you been friend?

Around. Mired in academics for the most part.

[Bombadil_Ulmo]

People just make this into a bigger deal than it is. 
I just feel sorry for the kids who are banned from the books because of this new information.

[Insane_Monky]

Around. Mired in academics for the most part.

Haha. Aren't we all?

People just make this into a bigger deal than it is. 
I just feel sorry for the kids who are banned from the books because of this new information.

Alot of parents weren't very Pro-Harry in the first place (*cough*mine*cough*). But yeah, I do pity the kids who are having not only Harry, but other Fantasy books too taken away for reasons untold by their parents.

[Lairënuriel]

Alot of parents weren't very Pro-Harry in the first place (*cough*mine*cough*). But yeah, I do pity the kids who are having not only Harry, but other Fantasy books too taken away for reasons untold by their parents.

That's so sad!  I am a parent and I HOPE my kids continue to love fantasy!!!

[Gliowien]

This isn't much of a surprise. Why else would he hire someone like Lockhart otherwise?

*cue rapturous laughter*

 

Yes, this has definitely been made a much bigger deal than it is. I saw the interview with Rowling. It wasn't a big deal at all. She was asked if he'd ever found love. She just expressed that she always  thought of him as gay. She didn't make it any issue at all. I don't think it's something she put a ton of thought into. It's not like she sat down and said "Okay, I'm going to make Dumbledore gay". It just kind of occurred to her at some point that he was. Kind of like most non-openly gay people you meet.