Dear Editor:
The magic show The Illusionists was in town recently. One of the performers was Jeff Hobson, known as "The Trickster." In the magic community, Hobson is a controversial figure. His persona on stage is a flamboyant gay man. ( You can catch him on YouTube. )
He may ask a man in the audience, "Are you happy? Are you gay?" He may flirt with a man he asks on stage. Hobson is heterosexual, and his persona is a gay stereotype.
He was on stage in a black sequined shirt. He said "I know what you're thinking. I'm not, but I was, and I might be again [while winking at a man in the audience]. You know, they say one in 10 people are, so if you don't know any gays, you're the one!"
Magicians have told him that this persona is really offensive. His response has been that he is making money, so he isn't worried.
I am part-time magician. This persona really upsets me because I saw gay men act like this as a child. In my teens, I thought I wasn't gay, since I didn't act like that. I looked for other reasons behind my feelings. I'm afraid other people may see this persona, and think this is how most gays act. If someone is struggling while coming out, this magic act will do more harm than good.
Wes Fowler Chicago