Former Massachusetts Congressman Barney
Frank on Monday lauded Maine Rep. Mike Michaud's coming out gay.
In an editorial running in newspapers
throughout Maine, Michaud, a Democrat, responded to rumors he might
be gay by saying, “Yes I am. But why should it matter?”
The 58-year-old Michaud is hoping to
unseat Maine Governor Paul LePage, a Republican, next year.
Frank, who has the distinction of being
the first openly gay member of Congress and the first to enter a
marriage with a member of the same sex, said that his sexuality “had
no negative effect with my colleagues” and predicted a similar
experience for Michaud.
“It will not detract at all from his
ability” as a congressman, Frank
said.
“What Mike did today is very
important for the gay teenager in northern Maine where he is best
known and where he is so well-respected and admired.”
Colorado Rep. Jared Polis, who is also
openly gay, tweeted his support: “Congratulations to my colleague
@RepMikeMichaud on coming out, living honestly; he becomes 7th
openly #lgbt Representative in House.”