"And The Truth Shall Set You Free...?"

 

THIS ANTI-GAY MARRIAGE GOP CANDIDATE WAS A FORMER DRAG QUEEN

Adrian Garcia

May 5, 2014

Steve Wiles, a Republican state Senate candidate who supports North Carolina’s constitutional amendment against same-sex marriage, has been accused of performing as drag queen Miss Mona Sinclair at a Winston-Salem gay nightclub in 2001 and 2002, according to a co-owner of the nightclub and a former employee.

While in his early 20s, Wiles worked at the now-defunct nightclub, Club Odyssey, according to co-owner Randy Duggins and former employee Gray Tomlinson.

“He is Mona Sinclair,” Duggins said, referring to Wiles’ female persona.

Duggins told Winston-Salem Journal he broke his silence because he wants voters to know that Wiles is, he believes, a ‘hypocrite’ and ‘liar’.

Wiles responded “no” when asked whether he was gay.

‘For me, from a religious standpoint, just for my life, for me, it just was not something that I wanted to continue,’ the fledgling politician told Business Insider about being a drag queen.

‘Of course it was an embarrassment, but you know, you move on. You live life, and you change, and you make yourself what you want yourself to be. And that’s where I am now.’


Wiles took to his own defense with this Facebook post on Saturday:

I’m sure many of you saw my glowing recommendation in the Winston Salem Journal – I’d like to apologize to everyone because, unlike the currently appointed NC Senator in District 31, I made mistakes. My job was embarrassing – I had to have a job! Nobody died, leaving me a millionaire capable of living in North Carolina’s most expensive neighborhood. One thing I will say, I learned from my mistakes – the Republican party, under the leadership of Scott Cumbie who threatened me with my past if I ran against an incumbent Republican, seem intent to fight within the party and join in the fight with every bigot and racist they can find. I understand the gay community does not share my support for the Marriage Amendment – I RESPECT THAT and am very happy to discuss my views with any of my friends in the Democrat party and gay community. Meanwhile, I regret the fact that something so trivial would cloud an otherwise decent campaign….What more could be expected though? When policy fails, attacks begin.

He again defended himself on Sunday with this Facebook post:

since I’m already getting vulgar calls from both sides (The “christian” community AND the gay community) let me explain my views – I am for (and have fought for) equality for every American…with that being said, equality doesn’t mean infringing on someone else’s rights. Marriage is a religious institute; plain and simple. WITH THAT BEING SAID – I also think state control of the institution of marriage is unconstitutional and a reach.

I’m impressed by the way this story was used to present me to the conservative right as a gay advocate while at the same time presenting me as anti-gay to the gay community. THAT…is talent! I am a Christian…I try to live a life that reflects my beliefs…I rarely, if ever, hit that mark! Meanwhile, I’ve maintained life-long friendships with a few people from the “club” days. One person springs to mind, although I will not call names, who is a former Miss Gay America, NC USofA and has performed successfully all of his adult life – he is one of the most loving men I’ve EVER known…Loving and accepting of everyone around him. He would do ANYTHING for his friends….I respect that in a person. He knows (and always has known) of my conservative stand on issues like gay marriage; he accepts that although he doesn’t agree with me.

To some, I’ll be known as a hard worker or a loving son…to some, I’ll be known as someone who has always stood up for what I thought was right at the time – even if it was wrong! To some, I’ll be known as a person who will ALWAYS admit my short-comings and my faults. To some, I’ll be thought of as anti-gay…and to a select few, I’ll just be a “fag.” Know that no matter which group YOU fall into – I have no hard feelings toward you and respect, not only your opinion, but your right to have that opinion.

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You just can't make this stuff up... This is what happens to people who are forced to live two lives and deny the truth of their hearts.  The thirst for acceptance in the face of hatred makes you insanely irrational and destroys your soul.  Although he may not yet realize it, this all coming to light is the best thing that could happen to him.  The truth will set him free...

"Fear Eats the Soul"